Applications for the Chatham House Internship 2026 offer aspiring professionals an opportunity to gain practical experience at one of the world’s leading international affairs think tanks. The programme provides a six-month placement where interns work alongside renowned policy experts, researchers, and international affairs specialists while developing valuable professional skills.

Designed for individuals passionate about global issues, diplomacy, public policy, and international relations, the internship combines meaningful project work with structured learning, mentoring, and networking opportunities that help participants launch careers in government, international organizations, academia, NGOs, and policy institutes.

About Chatham House

Chatham House, formally known as the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is a globally respected independent policy institute dedicated to addressing international challenges and geopolitical issues. Through research, dialogue, and policy analysis, the organization contributes to informed decision-making on global affairs, international security, sustainable development, governance, and economic policy.

The institution is also known worldwide for the Chatham House Rule, which encourages open and confidential discussions on sensitive issues.

Internship Overview

The internship programme lasts six months and offers participants the opportunity to contribute directly to projects across multiple departments while receiving structured professional development.

Each year Chatham House offers between eight and twelve internship opportunities, with six internships typically running from September through March.

Interns become integrated members of their host teams while contributing to research, operations, events, communications, and policy engagement.

What Interns Will Do

During the internship, participants may contribute to a variety of activities, including:

Supporting international policy research.
Assisting with project coordination.
Helping organize conferences, seminars, and public events.
Supporting communications and social media activities.
Working with operational teams.
Participating in policy discussions.
Collaborating with researchers and subject matter experts.

Interns also receive dedicated development time to strengthen professional competencies.

Professional Development Opportunities

One of the strongest features of the Chatham House Internship is its structured learning programme.

Participants benefit from:

Individual mentoring.
Career guidance.
Professional development planning.
Public speaking training.
Event chairing experience.
Networking with international policymakers.
Exposure to leading policy experts.

Each intern is assigned a mentor who provides guidance throughout the placement and helps identify learning opportunities aligned with the intern’s career goals.

Internship Benefits

Successful interns receive a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

Payment at the London Living Wage.
A tailored learning and development programme.
Networking opportunities with international experts and policymakers.
Access to the Chatham House eLibrary, containing more than 2,000 journals.
Complimentary access to Chatham House events, both online and in person.
Complimentary Chatham House membership (subject to performance evaluation).

These benefits help interns develop both professionally and academically while expanding their international networks.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Be 18 years of age or older.
Be residing in the United Kingdom.
Have the legal right to work in the UK before the internship begins.
Be able to commit to a six-month internship on either a part-time or full-time basis.

Chatham House does not sponsor visas for internship participants.

Educational Requirements

The programme is open to applicants from a wide variety of educational backgrounds.

Eligible applicants include:

School leavers.
Current university students.
Recent graduates.

Importantly, applicants do not need to hold a university degree to be considered.

Instead, Chatham House places significant emphasis on:

Passion for international affairs.
Demonstrated skills.
Motivation.
Future potential.

Diversity and Inclusion

Chatham House actively encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and is committed to building inclusive teams that bring different perspectives and ideas to international policy discussions.

Applicants from all communities are encouraged to apply.

Career Opportunities After the Internship

According to Chatham House, former interns have gone on to build successful careers in:

National governments.
International organizations.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Academic institutions.
Public policy organizations.
Global think tanks.

The programme serves as an important entry point for careers in international affairs and public policy.

Application Process

When applications open, internship vacancies are advertised through the Chatham House careers portal.

Applicants should note:

Applications must be submitted online.
Applications by email are not accepted.
Speculative applications are not considered.
Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews.
Applicants are notified of outcomes via email.

Recruitment decisions may take up to six weeks after the application deadline.

Important Notes

Prospective applicants should remember that:

Internships are offered annually.
Applications for the current intake have closed.
Future application dates will be announced on the official Chatham House careers page.
Individuals requiring reasonable accommodations due to disability can contact the Human Resources team during the recruitment process.

Why Apply?

The Chatham House Internship offers a unique opportunity to:

Gain real-world policy experience.
Work with internationally recognized experts.
Develop research and analytical skills.
Build professional confidence.
Expand international networks.
Learn directly from global policy discussions.
Enhance career prospects in international affairs.

The programme combines practical work experience with structured mentorship and training, making it an excellent opportunity for individuals pursuing careers in diplomacy, development, governance, international relations, public policy, and research.

Final Thoughts

The Chatham House Internship 2026 provides an outstanding opportunity for aspiring policy professionals, students, and graduates to gain paid experience within one of the world’s most respected international affairs institutes. Through six months of meaningful work, mentoring, networking, and professional development, participants develop practical skills and valuable connections that can support long-term careers across government, international organizations, academia, and the non-profit sector.

Interested candidates should monitor the official Chatham House careers page for the next application cycle and prepare their applications well in advance of the opening date.

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Chatham House Internship 2026: Fully Paid UK Policy Internship for Students and Graduates