The posting
About the Australian Embassy in Brussels
The Australian Embassy in Brussels is responsible for advancing Australia's interests by engaging with Belgium, Luxembourg, the European Union and NATO. The Embassy provides Australians in Belgium and Luxembourg with timely consular and passport services.
Internship opportunity at the Australian Embassy in Brussels
The Embassy of Australia in Brussels is providing several internship opportunities across different teams to university students in Belgium over the academic year. The start dates are flexible, beginning from late 2026, but must align with applicants’ university semester dates. The successful applicant/s may be eligible for any internships arising within the Embassy over the next 18 months.
The interns will advance Australia’s interests in the EU, NATO, Belgium and Luxembourg by supporting their assigned team with open-source research, administration and Embassy events. The successful applicants will be working under general supervision and have opportunities to learn and ask questions.
Please be advised that the Australian Embassy, Brussels does not assist with relocation. Any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.
About the Internship
This is a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into the operations of an Embassy and gain exposure to a particular diplomatic function, developing skills such as research, analysis, reporting and relationship-building. The successful applicant will be mentored and there will be opportunities to participate in a range of meetings, visits and events.
Internship opportunities may be available within the following business functions:
- Foreign Policy
- Press and Public Diplomacy
- Agricultural Policy
Potential tasks that you may participate in will vary depending on your assigned team, but may include:
- Professional Development: Participate in meetings, conferences and other professional development activities to gain insight into the work of the Australian Embassy.
- Research Support: Assist with conducting research on issues relevant to Australia's interests in Belgium, Luxembourg, the EU and NATO, and contribute to briefing materials.
- Reporting: Support the preparation of reports, summaries and presentations.
- Public Diplomacy: Assist with the planning, organisation and execution of public diplomacy events, including cultural programs and panel discussions.
- Media monitoring: Assist with monitoring and reporting on developments with an impact on Australian interests in Belgium, Luxembourg, the EU and NATO.
- Communications Support: Assist in the development and dissemination of engaging content for social media, the Embassy website and other communication platforms.
- Projects and Special Initiatives: Contribute to ad hoc projects and activities across the Embassy as required.
Internship Details
This internship opportunity will span over a maximum of 60 days within a three-month period, up to full-time hours (37 hours and 30 minutes per week).
The hours and length of the internship may be negotiated based on individual circumstances and study requirements.
This internship opportunity will be unpaid; however, the successful intern will be offered a reimbursement of transportation costs as well as a small meal allowance in line with standard embassy policy.
Eligibility
- Candidates must be currently enrolled in a higher education institution in Belgium.
- Candidates must be able to provide the Embassy with an internship agreement from their higher education institution/ university.
- Candidates who are completing studies in International Relations, political science, agriculture, business, economics, communications or similar subjects are encouraged to apply.
- Working knowledge of English is required, and working knowledge of other EU languages is highly regarded.
- Please be advised that the Embassy does not provide assistance or sponsorship for visas. Non-Belgian applicants are expected to obtain and maintain a valid work permit during the internship.
Selection Criteria
Interested applicants must provide written statements with relevant high-level examples to support their claims against the role. The word limit is strictly 250 words per response. The panel will not assess responses which exceed the word limit. Applicants should nominate one preferred internship stream (Foreign Policy, Press and Public Diplomacy, Agricultural Policy) and tailor all written responses to that stream.
A. Briefly explain your interest in diplomatic relations, outlining your understanding of the Australian Embassy’s work in the region and the team/s you are most interested in working with.
B. Demonstrate your capacity to contribute to the Embassy’s work across your preferred stream/s, and your ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in written form.
C. Demonstrate your ability to work effectively as part of a team and with a wide range of stakeholders, demonstrating your initiative and adaptability.
D. Demonstrate your planning and organisational skills and your ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and competing priorities.
E. Demonstrate your understanding of core administrative processes by showcasing your ability to manage tasks effectively, including accurate data entry, contact records, and timely follow-up on events.
F. Please include your preferred start/end date and preferred working hours per week.
The Human Resources Section based in the Australian High Commission, London is responsible for managing all recruitment processes for Australian Embassies across the region. To apply, please use the 'Apply' button below. Please direct any other queries to [email protected]
We are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are valued. We appreciate the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals. We actively encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds who share our values.
