About the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
The role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally. This involves strengthening Australia's security, enhancing Australia's prosperity, delivering an effective and high-quality overseas aid program, and helping Australian travellers and Australians overseas.
The department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government. DFAT also works with other Australian government agencies to drive coordination of Australia's pursuit of global, regional and bilateral interests.
About the Australian Embassy, Brussels
The Australian Embassy, Brussels is responsible for advancing Australia's interests by engaging with Belgium, Luxembourg, the European Union (EU) and NATO. The Embassy provides Australians in Belgium and Luxembourg with timely consular and passport services.
Internship opportunity at the Australian Embassy, Brussels
The Australian Embassy, Brussels is providing internship opportunities to university students in Belgium over the academic year. The start dates are flexible, beginning from February 2026, but must align with applicants' university semester dates. As part of our Press & Public Diplomacy team, the successful applicants will advance Australia's interests in the EU, NATO, Belgium and Luxembourg by helping with open-source research, media monitoring and supporting Embassy events. The successful applicants will be working under the supervision of the Public Affairs Manager.
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 develop skills in public diplomacy and digital communications. The successful applicant will be mentored and there will be opportunities to participate in a range of external meetings, visits and events.
Potential tasks that you may participate in include, but are not limited to:
* Public Diplomacy: Assist with the planning, organisation and execution of public diplomacy events, including cultural programs and panel discussions.
* Media monitoring: Assist by monitoring and reporting on developments with an impact on Australian interests in Belgium, Luxembourg, the EU and NATO.
* Content creation: Assist in the development and dissemination of engaging content for social media, the Embassy website and other communication platforms.
* Administrative support and data entry: Assist with general administrative duties to ensure the smooth functioning of the Public Diplomacy team.
Internship Details
This internship opportunity will span over a maximum of 60 days within a three-month period, up to full-time hours (37.5 hours 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.
* Candidates who are completing studies in International Relations, Political Science, Business, Economics, Communications or similar subjects are encouraged to apply.
* Candidates with exposure to communication strategy development, advocacy, event management or social media analysis would be highly regarded.
* 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
In your written statements, you must include relevant high-level examples from your experience that support your claims against the role. The word limit is strictly 250 words per response. The panel will not assess responses which exceed the word limit.
A. Briefly explain your interest in international relations, foreign policy and/or communications, and outline your understanding of the Australian Embassy's work in the region.
B. Demonstrate your capacity to contribute to the Embassy's strategic communications across social media, media and events, 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, highlighting your initiative and adaptability.
D. Demonstrate your planning and organisational skills and your ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and competing priorities.
E. Demonstrated interest in core business processes, including accurate data entry, maintaining contact records, and other administrative tasks as relevant.
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 across the European region. To apply, please use the 'Apply' button below. Please direct any other queries to
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.
The Australian Embassy, Brussels is providing internship opportunities to university students in Belgium over the academic year.