African Union Internship Program 2026 | Apply Online

The African Union Internship Program 2026 is now open to citizens of AU Member States. Gain professional exposure at AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa. Apply online.

The African Union (AU) has officially opened applications for its 2026 Internship Program, offering young Africans the opportunity to gain professional exposure within the AU Commission.

The internship is a full-time engagement based primarily at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and is open to citizens of AU Member States.

About the African Union

The African Union is a Pan-African continental body tasked with promoting:

Unity and solidarity among African States
Sustainable development
Economic integration
Peace and security
Good governance

The AU Internship Programme supports the development of young African professionals while strengthening the institution’s capacity to deliver its mandate.

Purpose of the Internship

The programme is designed to:

Provide practical, hands-on professional experience
Strengthen personal and professional skills
Expose participants to the AU’s operations
Promote intercultural collaboration
Serve as a grooming platform for future African leaders

Interns contribute to administrative and technical support across AU departments.

Focus Areas / Departments

Interns may be placed in various AU departments and offices, including:

Cabinet of the Chairperson
Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS)
Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI)
Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Mining (ETIM)
Infrastructure and Energy
Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development
Human Resources Management
Legal Counsel
Women, Gender and Youth
NEPAD
Peace Fund Secretariat
Information and Communication

Placements depend on academic background and institutional needs.

Eligibility Requirements for African Union Internship Program 2026

Applicants must:

Be citizens of an AU Member State
Be enrolled in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree OR
Have completed a Bachelor’s or Postgraduate (Master’s) degree
Be no older than 32 years at the time of selection
Be fluent in at least one AU working language (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese)
Possess strong moral conduct and integrity
Have no serious criminal record
Prior work experience is not required

Internship Duration

Initial duration: 3 months
Renewable once (maximum total of 6 months)

The internship is authorized only once per candidate.

Financial Conditions

Important to note:

The AU does not provide financial compensation
Interns are responsible for travel, accommodation, and living expenses
No travel reimbursement is provided
Interns must arrange personal medical insurance
The AU may assist with visa processes where possible

Required Skills

Applicants should demonstrate:

Computer proficiency (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Email and internet proficiency
Strong communication skills (written and oral)
Ability to work in a multicultural environment
Professional integrity and commitment

Knowledge of additional AU languages (Spanish, Kiswahili) is an advantage.

Core Competencies

Clear and effective communication
Strong writing skills
Teamwork
Professionalism
Ethical conduct

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

Motivation letter
Copy of passport or national ID
Certified academic certificates
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Recommendation letter from current institution

Applications must be submitted through the AU’s official online application portal.

Successful applicants will receive email confirmation upon submission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the AU Internship paid?

No. The internship is unpaid.

Where is the internship based?

Primarily at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

What is the maximum age limit?

32 years at the time of selection.

Can recent graduates apply?

Yes. Both final-year students and graduates are eligible.

Is prior work experience required?

No prior work experience is required.

Conclusion

The African Union Internship Program 2026 provides a valuable opportunity for young Africans to gain institutional exposure and contribute to continental development initiatives.

Although unpaid, the programme offers strong professional development and networking benefits within one of Africa’s most influential institutions.