Applications are open for two six-month internship positions at the Danish Embassy in Kigali, offering students an opportunity to gain practical experience in diplomacy, development cooperation, political affairs and international relations.

The internships provide an opportunity to work as part of the Danish Foreign Service while gaining first-hand experience in an international environment. Successful interns will work closely with embassy teams, receive guidance from supervisors and contribute to real assignments involving political analysis, development cooperation, communications and diplomatic engagement.

Two positions are available: Development Intern (UDV-1) and Political Intern (POL-1).

About the Internship

An internship with the Danish Foreign Service allows students to experience how diplomatic missions operate and how Denmark engages with international partners.

Interns become part of their assigned team and receive ongoing guidance and feedback from a designated supervisor. The specific responsibilities depend on the department, but both positions offer opportunities to contribute to substantive embassy work.

The internships run for six months and are offered twice each year.

Internship periods

• Spring semester: February 1 – July 31
• Fall semester: August 1 – January 31

For the upcoming Spring 2027 intake, applications are open from August 10 to September 10, 2026.

1. Development Intern – Ref. No. UDV-1

The Development Intern will support the Embassy's work on Denmark-Rwanda development cooperation.

The position is particularly relevant to students interested in climate and environment, migration and refugees, good governance, human rights and international development.

Students studying political science, international politics, development studies or Africa-related subjects may have an advantage, although these areas are not mandatory.

Key responsibilities

The intern may be involved in:

• Contributing to political analysis and reporting for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Preparing reports, briefings, background notes, speeches and presentations
• Supporting high-level visits and official meetings
• Monitoring and supporting Denmark's development cooperation activities
• Participating in field visits and results-management activities
• Attending meetings with development partners
• Supporting cultural events, workshops and professional arrangements
• Drafting correspondence and responding to inquiries
• Preparing meeting reports
• Updating systems and maintaining archives
• Supporting the Embassy's communication platforms, particularly social media

The role provides practical exposure to how development cooperation connects with Denmark's broader foreign policy objectives.

2. Political Intern – Ref. No. POL-1

The Political Intern will work with the Embassy's political team to strengthen diplomatic and political relations between Denmark and Rwanda.

The team works on issues including human rights, democratic governance, gender equality, the green transition, EU relations, youth participation, peace and security.

The position is particularly suited to students with an interest in regional politics, especially peace and security.

Key responsibilities

The Political Intern may:

• Monitor political and economic developments in Rwanda and the region
• Contribute to reports on elections, legislation and geopolitical developments
• Analyse Rwanda's economic policies, including the national budget and economic sectors
• Support research and political reporting
• Organise and participate in meetings, workshops and events
• Assist with preparations for high-level visits
• Update internal systems and archives
• Support the Embassy's communication platforms and social media
• Work independently as well as collaboratively with the political team

The internship offers practical exposure to diplomatic relations, political reporting and regional affairs.

Qualifications

The Danish Embassy is looking for students who demonstrate:

• Strong analytical abilities
• High motivation and commitment
• Curiosity and openness
• A positive approach to problem-solving
• Good Danish and English language skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Academic or professional experience in political science, international politics, development studies, Africa-related studies or related fields can be beneficial, depending on the position.

Working Hours and Leave

Interns work an average of 37 hours per week, including the lunch break.

Interns earn 2.08 vacation days per month, equivalent to approximately 12.5 days during the six-month internship.

Students whose academic programme requires an assignment connected to the internship may receive between 3 and 10 days off to work on the assignment.

Financial Arrangements

The internship is unpaid. Interns are generally responsible for their own expenses, including:

• Accommodation
• Insurance
• Transportation
• Visa costs
• Vaccinations
• Other expenses associated with the internship

However, interns may receive DKK 5,000 per month as compensation for certain documented expenses.

Most interns may also be able to include their SU, subject to the applicable rules and their own eligibility.

Housing and Insurance

Interns are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.

They are required to have travel insurance that covers repatriation in cases of illness or death, as well as liability insurance covering activities outside working hours. Accident insurance is recommended but not mandatory.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted electronically through the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs HR Manager Portal.

Apply through the MFA HR Manager Portal

The application portal is open from August 10 to September 10, 2026.

Applicants should indicate their preferred internship position using the relevant reference number:

• UDV-1 – Development Intern
• POL-1 – Political Intern

Applicants can apply to internships at multiple Danish representations, with a maximum of 10 applications. Applications to other representations must be submitted separately through the relevant embassy or representation's application system.

Internship Details

Host: Danish Embassy in Kigali
Country: Rwanda
Positions: Development Intern and Political Intern
Reference numbers: UDV-1 and POL-1
Duration: 6 months
Spring period: February 1 – July 31
Application period: August 10 – September 10, 2026
Working hours: 37 hours per week
Compensation: Unpaid, with potential DKK 5,000 monthly reimbursement for certain documented expenses
Level: Bachelor's or Master's students

The deadline to apply for the Danish Embassy in Kigali Internship is September 10, 2026.