African Union Internship Program 2026 Now Open for Applications

The African Union Internship Program 2026 is now accepting applications from young professionals and final-year students across all AU Member States. Gain hands-on experience at the AU Commission in Addis Ababa. Open to candidates aged 22–32. Apply via the AU Careers Portal.

Overview: African Union Internship Program 2026

The African Union (AU) has officially opened applications for its 2026 Internship Program, a full-time professional development opportunity designed for young Africans seeking hands-on experience within the AU Commission. This competitive program provides early-career individuals with structured exposure to continental governance, diplomacy, development, and international public service.

Interns work directly inside AU Directorates, Departments and Units, supporting real institutional processes while strengthening their professional capabilities. The AU Internship Program serves as a key platform for developing Africa’s next generation of leaders.

The program welcomes applicants from diverse academic backgrounds who are motivated, committed, and passionate about contributing to Africa’s development agenda.

Purpose of the AU Internship Program

The AU Internship Program was established to:

• Provide early-career professionals with practical experience in continental governance.
• Improve participants’ personal and professional skills in a multicultural environment.
• Expose interns to the daily operations of the African Union and its specialized bodies.
• Create a pool of young talent who may contribute to Africa’s future leadership and development.
• Support AU Departments and Directorates by bringing in skilled young professionals.

What Interns Will Gain

Interns selected for the program will:

• Work directly with AU staff and technical experts.
• Gain experience in continental policy development and program implementation.
• Build international professional networks.
• Strengthen research, communication, administrative and analytical skills.
• Learn AU protocols, systems, procedures and operational structures.

The internship is full-time, Monday to Friday (08:00–17:00), and all work is carried out at AU duty stations.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Citizenship

• Must be a national of an African Union Member State.

2. Academic Requirements

• Must be:
  • A full-time student in the final year of an undergraduate programme, or
  • A postgraduate student (Master’s or PhD), or
  • A recent graduate of a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree from a recognized institution.

3. Language

• Fluency in at least one AU working language:
  • English
  • French
  • Arabic
  • Portuguese
  • Kiswahili

4. Age

• Must be between 22 and 32 years old at the time of application.

5. Additional Requirements

• Must meet any specific requirements outlined in the Terms of Reference of the internship position.
• Must demonstrate strong interest in AU activities, multicultural engagement and continental development.

Key Information About the Internship

Duration

• Minimum of 3 months
• May be extended for an additional 3 months, depending on performance and departmental needs.

Financial Support

• The African Union does not provide:
  • Salaries
  • Stipends
  • Per diem
  • Travel reimbursement
  • Accommodation

Interns must cover their own living and travel costs throughout the internship.

Working Hours

• Full-time: Monday–Friday
• 08:00 to 17:00

Leave

• Leave is not automatically granted.
• Exceptional requests may be approved by the supervisor.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must upload the following through the AU Careers Portal:

1. Motivation letter explaining expectations from the internship
2. Copy of a valid passport or national ID
3. Certified copies of academic certificates
4. Updated CV
5. Recommendation letter from the applicant’s academic institution

All documents must be in PDF format.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted online via the African Union Careers Portal:

1. Visit https://careers.au.int
2. Create a personal profile
3. Upload all required documents
4. Complete and submit your internship application

Upon submission, applicants will receive an email confirming that the application was received.

Frequently Asked Questions (Summary)

• How do I know my application was submitted?
  You will receive an official confirmation email.
• Is the internship paid?
  No, the AU does not provide financial support.
• Can I check my application status?
  Status can be viewed on the AU Careers Portal.
• Can I follow up by phone?
  No. Due to high application volume, telephone inquiries are not accepted.
• What tasks will I perform?
  Duties depend on the host Department or Unit.

For additional concerns, email: Internship@africa-union.org.

Summary Table

Conclusion

The African Union Internship Program 2026 is a major opportunity for young Africans looking to build careers in governance, diplomacy, regional integration, development, and international public service. While the program is unpaid, it offers unmatched access to continental institutions, high-level policy environments, and practical experience that strengthens long-term career prospects.

If you want to contribute to Africa’s development agenda and gain professional exposure within one of the continent’s most influential institutions, this is a valuable opportunity to pursue.

For more opportunities like these, be sure to follow us on Facebook, join our WhatsApp Group and Channel, and connect with us on LinkedIn, and Follow our Twitter Page.

Related Opportunities on Reign Gigs

• UNDP 100% Remote Volunteer Assignments 2026 – Paid & Fully Funded
• Mercy Corps Global Fellowship 2026 – Fully Funded Training + Monthly Stipend
• UNICEF Remote Internship 2026 – Paid International Opportunities
• Global Fellowships & Skills Training Programs 2025