The Aga Khan University (AKU) is inviting applications for its Virtual Internship Programme (AKU-VIP) Fall 2026 cycle, offering students an opportunity to gain international professional experience remotely while working with organisations within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The programme is designed for students seeking practical experience, international exposure and professional mentorship without the need to travel, obtain a visa or relocate to another country. With placements connected to organisations across multiple regions, AKU-VIP provides an opportunity for students to work on real-world projects while developing skills that can strengthen their academic and professional profiles. Opportunity Overview Programme: Aga Khan University Virtual Internship Programme (AKU-VIP)Cycle: Fall 2026Duration: 12 weeksWork arrangement: Fully remoteTime commitment: At least 15 hours per weekEligibility: Undergraduate and graduate studentsNationality: Open globallyDeadline: August 30, 2026Host network: Aga Khan Development Network What Is the AKU Virtual Internship Programme? The AKU-VIP is a structured virtual internship programme that connects students with host institutions within the Aga Khan Development Network. Rather than requiring students to move to another country, the programme allows interns to participate remotely while contributing to project-based assignments. According to Aga Khan University, the programme is designed to help students gain professional experience, develop global perspectives and strengthen cross-cultural skills. The 12-week programme requires a commitment of at least 15 hours per week, while maintaining flexibility to accommodate students’ academic and personal schedules. This makes the programme particularly relevant for students who want to gain professional experience alongside their studies. What Does the Programme Offer? Participants can expect a structured internship experience involving practical work, professional mentorship and exposure to international organisations. Key benefits include: A 12-week virtual internship Flexible participation of at least 15 hours per week Project-based professional experience Mentorship from industry professionals Exposure to international workplaces Opportunities to develop cross-cultural skills A global professional network Experience working with organisations within the Aga Khan Development Network The programme can be particularly valuable for students looking to build evidence of practical experience before graduation or prepare for careers in international development, healthcare, education, communications and other professional fields. Internship Streams The AKU-VIP offers opportunities across several professional and academic areas. These include: Communications, Media and Marketing Students interested in communications can gain experience in areas such as research, communications strategy, media and marketing. For Fall 2026, one available opportunity is a Communications Research Intern placement with Aga Khan Schools in Geneva, Switzerland. Health Sciences Students interested in healthcare and public health can explore placements connected to health sciences and community health. The Fall 2026 cycle includes a Research Intern opportunity at Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan, within Community Health Sciences. There are also opportunities connected to women’s and child health and medical education. Education The programme includes opportunities for students interested in education and school development. For the Fall 2026 cycle, positions include a School Improvement Programme Intern with Aga Khan Schools in London and an Education Intern associated with the Centre for Innovation in Medical Education in Nairobi. Partnerships and Research Students interested in research, partnerships and international development can also find relevant placements. The Fall 2026 programme includes a Partnerships and Research Intern opportunity associated with the Centre of Excellence for Women and Child Health in East Africa, based in Nairobi. These placements demonstrate the variety of professional areas available through the virtual programme. Who Can Apply? The programme is designed for undergraduate and graduate students. Students from different academic backgrounds can apply, depending on the requirements of individual internship placements. Because placements have specific terms of reference and requirements, applicants should carefully review the description of each position before applying. The programme is particularly suitable for students who want to combine academic study with practical professional experience and international exposure. How Does the Application Process Work? The AKU-VIP application process consists of four main stages. Step 1: Online Application Students begin by reviewing the available internship placements and submitting an online application for a position that matches their interests, skills and academic background. Applicants should carefully read the terms of reference for their preferred placement before applying. Step 2: Virtual Interview Applicants who progress through the selection process will participate in a virtual interview. This stage gives the host organisation an opportunity to assess the candidate’s suitability for the internship and discuss their interests and experience. Step 3: Acceptance and Payment Successful candidates proceed to the acceptance stage and complete the required payment process. Prospective applicants should therefore review the programme’s official information concerning fees and payment requirements before committing to the programme. Step 4: Internship Start Once the process is completed, successful participants begin their 12-week virtual internship with their selected host institution. Interns contribute to project-based work while receiving support throughout the placement. Fall 2026 Placements The Fall 2026 cycle currently features several internship opportunities, including: Communications Research Intern – Aga Khan Schools, Geneva, Switzerland Research Intern – Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan School Improvement Programme Intern – Aga Khan Schools, London, UK Partnerships and Research Intern – Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya Education Intern – Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya Applicants should note that placement availability depends on the specific internship stream and host institution. Why Apply? For students looking to develop an internationally oriented career, the AKU Virtual Internship Programme offers a practical way to gain experience without the financial and logistical challenges associated with international relocation. Participants can work with institutions connected to the Aga Khan Development Network while developing professional skills in areas relevant to their future careers. The programme also provides exposure to cross-cultural collaboration, which can be particularly valuable for students planning careers in international organisations, development agencies, NGOs, healthcare institutions, education, research or global business. The flexibility of the programme allows students to gain this experience while continuing to manage their academic commitments. Application Deadline Applications for the Fall 2026 Virtual Internship Programme are currently open, with the deadline set for August 30, 2026. Interested students should review the available placements carefully and select opportunities that match their academic background, career interests and skills. Because individual placements may have different requirements, applicants should read the relevant terms of reference before submitting their applications. Deadline: August 30, 2026Duration: 12 weeksTime commitment: 15+ hours per weekFormat: Remote/virtualEligibility: Undergraduate and graduate studentsCycle: Fall 2026 Students interested in gaining international work experience, developing professional skills and building connections across the Aga Khan Development Network are encouraged to explore the available placements and apply before the deadline. 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