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NATO Internship Programme

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is  the NATO Internship Programme?
  2. What are typicle tasks of interns?
  3. When can I do an internship?
  4. Who is eligible to apply?
  5. Can I apply if my country is not a  NATO Member State?
  6. Are there any additional requirements?
  7. How can I apply?
  8. Can I join the Internship Programme if I hold a scholarship or grant?
  9. Are there any specific security requirements?
  10. Are NATO internships paid?
  11. What are my chances of employment at NATO after the internship?
  12. What are my obligations and responsibilities?
  1. What is  the NATO Internship Programme?

    The NATO Internship Programme was introduced in 2004. It has four main objectives:
    • To provide interns with an opportunity to learn from the NATO community and get a thorough understanding and balanced view of the Organisation.
    • To provide the Organisation with access to the latest theoretical and technical knowledge that the intern can apply through practical work assignments, as well as with additional staff resources.
    • To expand the understanding of NATO in Alliance countries.
    • To contribute to creating a more diverse workforce.

    Internships are offered in the following NATO Divisions:

  2. What are typical tasks of interns?

    Tasks will depend on your background, the Division to which you are assigned, and the period during which you will do your internship. In the past, interns have been assigned the following duties:
    • Assistance in drafting and preparing official documents.
    • Attending and summarising council and committee meetings or conferences.
    • Research.
    • Supporting public relations.
    • Media analysis.
    • Supporting technical and administrative services.

  3. When can I do an internship?

    There is only one call for applications per year: from April until July for the following year.  Dates are always available under the Applications Section of the Internship Programme webpage.

    Once a Call for Applications has been closed, the selection process starts usually in July. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be notified by e-mail. 

    Internships start in March and September and last in principle 6 months. Exceptions will only be granted in case of urgent Divisional requirements and for candidates holding a grant or a scholarship. Even then, internships should last at least three months.

  4. Who is eligible to apply?

    You can apply to the Internship Programme if you are currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate degree programme or recently graduated (1 year) and comply with the following criteria:
    • Age: For insurance purposes, candidates must be at least 21 to apply for the programme at the time of starting their internship.
    • Nationality: Application is limited to nationals of NATO member states.
    • Qualification: Candidates must have completed at least two years of university studies or equivalent experience. However, depending on the job description, a specific degree may be requried.
    • Languages: Proficiency in one of the two official NATO languages (English/French) is essential and working knowledge of the other is desirable.

  5. Can I apply if my country is not a  NATO Member State?

    No, only nationals/citizens of NATO Member States can apply to the NATO Internship Programme.

    Nationals of NATO Partner Countries (PfP/EAPC) who would like to do an internship at NATO through a parallel programme, should contact their delegations at NATO HQ directly for information on options for internships.

  6. Are there any additional requirements?

    • Insurance: Interns are responsible for their own health and accident insurance. They may, however, be covered at their request and their expense by accident insurance for occupational risks (invalidity/death) during the period of internship.
    • Administrative Formalities with Belgian Authorities: Interns will be responsible for fulfilling all administrative formalities required by the host nation. In December 2006, the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs decided to introduce a special ID card for all temporary staff, consultants and interns. Thus, you do not need a visa for your internship but if you are from a non-EU country you will need a tourist visa to enter Belgium.

  7. How can I apply?

    You can find more information about the NATO Internship Programme and application procedures on the NATO Internship Programme main page.

    In order to apply, you are asked to submit
    • the completed Application Form
    • a CV
    • a Letter of Motivation (500 words) indicating why you want to participate in the Internship Programme and why you chose a specific Division

    by e-mail to: intern.applications@hq.nato.int.

    Please note that we will only consider electronically submitted applications and that we cannot deal with phone, mail or fax enquires. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Due to the high number of applications we will not be able to get back to you in case information is missing. Applications arriving after the deadline will not be considered.

  8. Can I join the Internship Programme if I hold a scholarship or grant?

    Yes. If you hold a grant or scholarship for your internship at NATO HQ or you join through a National Programme, you are not bound by the specific application and onboarding deadlines. All regulations except rules concerning payment or related to payment, do apply to these interns as well.

    You can simply send us a completed Application Form, your CV and a letter of motivation (500 words). Please take into account the Security Clearance Process that depends on your national authorities and might take from eight weeks to 18 months.

  9. Are there any specific security requirements?

    Depending on the type of work to be performed, participation in the Internship Programme will normally be subject to receipt of an appropriate security clearance from your national authorities. The required time to receive the Security Clearance depends on the national rules of NATO Member States and may take from eight weeks to 18 months.

    The clearance process starts once you have been selected. You will receive a “Pink Form” to fill in and to return by mail to NATO HQ in Brussels. Your national delegation will contact you with regard to your national procedures.

    Thus, you are strongly recommended to return all documents required as soon as possible and not to make any travel arrangements before having received your clearance.

  10. Are NATO internships paid?

    Interns receive a lump sum of € 600 per month. The salary is not exempt from taxation. Interns that join us with a grant or scholarship will not be paid.

  11. What are my chances of employment at NATO after the internship?

    Internships are not directly linked to recruitment. However, interns may be recruited after completing their internship as long as the conditions and rules established for employment in the category of staff in which he/she will be recruited have been fully respected and applied.

  12. What are my obligations and responsibilities?

    Interns are required to exercise the utmost discretion regarding facts and information that comes to their knowledge during their internship. They remain covered by this obligation after the internship. The Organisation reserves the right to terminate the internship and take action against an intern who does not respect this obligation.

    Interns are not permitted to draw files from registries. The Head of Division/Office will assess the need for access to classified information in both paper and electronic form.