The International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) is accepting applications for its internship programme, offering students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain professional experience in an international environment at the IACA campus in Laxenburg, Austria.
Unlike many internship programmes that have fixed annual deadlines, IACA internship applications are open throughout the year. However, the Academy accepts only a limited number of interns, making early applications advisable.
The programme is designed for students enrolled in Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD programmes, as well as university graduates who completed their studies no more than one year before applying.
IACA Internship Programme 2026
The IACA Internship Programme is designed to help emerging professionals develop practical skills and gain experience working in a multicultural international organization focused on anti-corruption education, research and capacity building.
Internships are offered across several functional areas, allowing applicants from different academic backgrounds to explore professional opportunities related to international development, governance and organizational work.
Potential internship areas include:
- External relations and strategic partnerships
- Marketing and communications
- Law
- Capacity-building and educational activities
- Information technology
- Finance
- Human resources
The programme can therefore be particularly relevant to students studying law, political science, international relations, economics, finance, communications, journalism, marketing, IT and business administration.
Internship Location and Duration
Successful interns will undertake their placements at the IACA campus in Laxenburg, Austria.
Internships are normally offered on a full-time basis for three to six months. In exceptional circumstances, the Academy may consider internships lasting less than three months.
Applicants should therefore be prepared to commit to a substantial period of full-time work and should indicate their availability as part of the application.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The IACA internship programme is primarily targeted at students and recent graduates seeking to build professional experience in an international setting.
Applicants must meet several eligibility requirements.
Candidates must currently be enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD programme, or an equivalent university programme, at a recognized university.
Recent graduates can also apply provided they graduated no more than one year before submitting their internship application.
Applicants must also demonstrate strong English-language skills, particularly in oral communication and professional writing. Knowledge of additional languages is desirable.
The Academy is also looking for candidates who can adapt effectively to a multicultural environment and work both independently and as part of a team.
Personal qualities including discretion, reliability, precision, honesty and integrity are also considered important.
What Fields of Study Are Relevant?
IACA welcomes applications from candidates representing a range of academic disciplines.
Relevant fields may include:
- Social and political sciences
- Law
- Economics
- Finance
- Journalism
- Marketing
- Information technology
- Business administration
- International relations
The Academy notes that the list is not exhaustive, meaning candidates from other relevant fields may also be considered.
Importantly, previous practical work experience is not a prerequisite for applying. Academic experience and relevant non-academic activities can therefore form an important part of an applicant’s profile.
What Does the Internship Offer?
The internship provides an opportunity to develop professional skills while working in an international and multicultural environment.
Depending on the assigned area, interns may gain exposure to activities involving communications, partnerships, legal work, education and training, technology, finance or human resources.
The experience can help students and recent graduates understand how an international organization operates while allowing them to apply knowledge gained through university studies to practical professional tasks.
The programme may be particularly valuable for individuals considering future careers in anti-corruption, governance, international organizations, public policy, development, law or international affairs.
Is the IACA Internship Paid?
One of the most important points applicants should consider is that the IACA Internship Programme is not remunerated.
Interns are responsible for covering their own:
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation
- Living expenses
- Mandatory health insurance
- Visa-related costs where applicable
However, IACA provides interns with a monthly lump-sum compensation toward local transportation costs.
Applicants should therefore carefully consider the financial requirements of living in Austria before accepting an internship.
The Academy also makes clear that completing an internship does not create a commitment to future employment with IACA. Former or current interns can, however, apply for IACA vacancies as external candidates during or after their internship.
Visa and Residency Requirements
International applicants should pay particular attention to immigration requirements.
Interns are personally responsible for obtaining any visa required to undertake their internship in Austria.
They must also comply with applicable Austrian laws, including requirements relating to residency registration.
Candidates should investigate these requirements early in the application process, particularly if they will be travelling to Austria from outside the European Union.
How to Apply for the IACA Internship
Applications are submitted through the Academy’s online internship application form.
Applicants should prepare several documents and pieces of information before beginning the application.
The application requires an up-to-date CV outlining the candidate’s academic background, skills and relevant experience.
Applicants must also submit a cover letter of no more than 400 words.
The cover letter should explain:
- Why the applicant is interested in the IACA Internship Programme
- Relevant academic and non-academic experience
- How the internship would benefit the applicant’s professional development
Candidates must additionally provide the names and contact details of two people familiar with their qualifications.
Applicants are also required to indicate their availability for the internship.
Applications Are Open Throughout the Year
A major advantage of the IACA opportunity is that internship applications are accepted throughout the year rather than being restricted to one annual deadline.
Nevertheless, IACA states that it accepts only a limited number of interns each year. Prospective applicants should therefore avoid waiting until the last minute and submit a strong application when they are ready.
Because there is no single annual closing date stated for the programme, candidates should also ensure that their preferred internship period aligns with IACA’s availability and selection process.
Why Consider an IACA Internship?
For students and recent graduates interested in international careers, the programme offers exposure to an institution working at the intersection of anti-corruption, governance, education, law and international cooperation.
The opportunity may be especially relevant to candidates seeking experience before applying for graduate jobs, fellowships, scholarships or other international organization positions.
The absence of a remuneration package means applicants need to plan their finances carefully. However, the international working environment and opportunity to develop professional skills can make the placement valuable for candidates whose career goals align with IACA’s areas of work.
Key Details at a Glance
Organization: International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA)
Opportunity: Internship Programme
Location: Laxenburg, Austria
Duration: 3–6 months
Work basis: Full-time
Application deadline: Open throughout the year
Eligible applicants: Current Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD students and recent graduates
Recent graduate requirement: Graduated no more than one year before applying
Funding: Unpaid; monthly lump sum toward local transportation costs
Experience required: Practical experience is not mandatory
Application: Online application form
Cover letter: Maximum 400 words
Final Note for Prospective Applicants
The IACA Internship Programme provides students and recent graduates with an opportunity to gain experience in an international environment while developing professional skills across areas including law, communications, finance, IT, human resources and capacity building.
Candidates interested in applying should ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements, prepare a focused CV and concise cover letter, identify two suitable referees and clearly state their availability.
Since applications are open year-round and places are limited, candidates interested in the programme should consider applying early rather than waiting for a specific annual deadline.
