The Embassy of Denmark in Kigali is inviting applications for its 2027 Danish Foreign Service Internship Programme, offering students a unique opportunity to gain practical diplomatic experience in Rwanda. The six-month internship provides hands-on exposure to international development, political affairs, diplomacy, public policy, and Danish foreign relations while working within one of Denmark’s overseas missions.
The Embassy is recruiting two interns for the Spring 2027 semester, with placements beginning on 1 February 2027 and ending on 31 July 2027. Applications must be submitted through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HR Manager Portal by 10 September 2026.
About the Danish Foreign Service Internship
An internship at the Danish Embassy in Kigali offers students the opportunity to become an integral member of the embassy team while gaining valuable insight into diplomacy and international cooperation. Rather than observing from the sidelines, interns contribute directly to political reporting, development programming, research, event coordination, communication, and administrative operations.
Each intern is assigned a dedicated supervisor who provides continuous guidance, feedback, and professional mentorship throughout the placement. The internship is designed to strengthen both academic learning and practical workplace experience in an international diplomatic environment.
Available Internship Positions
The Embassy is offering two internship opportunities for the Spring 2027 intake.
1. Development Intern (Ref. No. UDV-1)
The Development Intern will support Denmark’s development cooperation with Rwanda, particularly within the areas of climate and environment, migration and refugees, good governance, and human rights. The role combines policy analysis with practical programme implementation, allowing interns to contribute to field monitoring, reporting, and coordination with development partners.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Preparing political analyses, reports, and background briefs.
- Supporting Denmark’s development cooperation programmes.
- Participating in field visits, monitoring, and results reporting.
- Assisting with meetings, workshops, and cultural events.
- Producing communication content for the Embassy’s social media platforms.
- Contributing to high-level visit preparations and diplomatic correspondence.
Students with interests in development studies, political science, international relations, or African studies are encouraged to apply, although these fields are not mandatory.
2. Political Intern (Ref. No. POL-1)
The Political Intern will join the Embassy’s political team and contribute to strengthening diplomatic relations between Denmark and Rwanda. The position focuses on political and economic analysis, regional affairs, governance, peace and security, gender equality, youth participation, and the green transition.
Key responsibilities include:
- Monitoring political and economic developments in Rwanda and the region.
- Producing analyses on elections, legislation, and geopolitical trends.
- Researching Rwanda’s economic policies and national budget.
- Organising diplomatic events, meetings, and workshops.
- Supporting preparations for official Danish delegations and high-level visits.
- Developing communication materials for public diplomacy initiatives.
The position is ideal for students interested in diplomacy, international politics, peacebuilding, and regional governance.
Eligibility Requirements
The internship has specific eligibility criteria established by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Applicants must be:
- Danish nationals enrolled at a Danish or foreign higher education institution, or
- Foreign nationals enrolled at a Danish higher education institution who have lived in Denmark for at least three years and hold permanent residence.
In addition, applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme throughout the internship period.
- Not have previously completed an internship with the Danish Foreign Service.
- Be eligible to obtain and maintain Danish security clearance.
- Demonstrate strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Possess good proficiency in both Danish and English.
- Have solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Working Conditions and Financial Support
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for covering accommodation, transport, visas, vaccinations, insurance, and other personal expenses associated with living in Kigali.
However, eligible interns may receive DKK 5,000 per month as reimbursement for certain documented internship-related expenses. Many Danish students may also be able to retain their SU (State Educational Grant) during the internship, subject to the rules of their educational institution.
Additional benefits include:
- 37-hour working week
- 12.5 vacation days over the six-month internship
- 3–10 study leave days if required for an academic internship assignment
- Continuous supervision and professional mentorship within the Embassy
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HR Manager Portal between 10 August and 10 September 2026.
Applicants must upload:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- One-page motivation letter
- Academic transcript and diploma or current grades
- Any additional supporting documents considered relevant
The motivation letter should explain why the applicant is interested in the internship, what they hope to gain from the experience, and how their academic background, professional experience, and language skills align with the selected internship position.
Applicants may apply to multiple Danish diplomatic missions, with a maximum of 10 applications, but each application must be submitted separately using the relevant reference number.
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Portal Opens | 10 August 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 10 September 2026 |
| Internship Period | 1 February – 31 July 2027 |
| Duration | 6 Months |
Why Apply?
The Embassy of Denmark in Rwanda Internship Programme offers a rare opportunity to experience international diplomacy from within a foreign mission while contributing to development cooperation, political analysis, and public diplomacy. For students interested in careers in international relations, development, governance, or foreign policy, the programme provides invaluable practical experience and professional mentorship in one of East Africa’s most dynamic diplomatic environments.
