Applications are now open for the Salzburg Global Internship Program 2027, offering young professionals and university students the opportunity to spend up to three months working with an international nonprofit organization at the historic Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg, Austria.

For the 2027 cohort, Salzburg Global currently has five internship tracks open for applications:

1. Communications Internship – Cohort 2027
2. Development Internship – Cohort 2027
3. Hong Kong Universities Internship – 2027 Cohort
4. Library Internship – Cohort 2027
5. Program Internship – 2027 Cohort

All five opportunities are currently listed on Salzburg Global’s official recruitment platform.

The internships are full-time and on-site in Salzburg, Austria, for a maximum duration of approximately three months. Although the Salzburg-based internships are unpaid, successful candidates receive significant in-kind support, including board and lodging at Schloss Leopoldskron, a return ticket from their country of origin, insurance coverage, visa-processing assistance, and opportunities to engage with international participants in Salzburg Global programs. Visa fees themselves remain the responsibility of the intern.

Importantly, applicants do not need to speak German. English is Salzburg Global’s working language.

About Salzburg Global

Salzburg Global is an independent international nonprofit organization that creates spaces for leaders from different backgrounds, countries, professions, and viewpoints to address major global challenges.

Its history dates to 1947, when its first session brought together young Europeans and Americans in the aftermath of World War II at Schloss Leopoldskron in Austria. Today, Salzburg Global reports having convened more than 40,000 Fellows from 173 countries through more than 1,100 sessions.

Its programming is organized around major thematic pillars including:

• Peace and Justice
• Education
• Culture
• Health
• Finance and Governance

Salzburg Global’s internship program allows early-career professionals to contribute directly to the organization’s work while interacting with colleagues, Fellows, partners, donors, researchers, policymakers, and other international stakeholders.

Salzburg Global Internships 2027: Five Opportunities Currently Open

One of the most important aspects of the 2027 recruitment cycle is that applicants can choose from five different internship tracks based on their academic background, technical skills, and professional interests.

Below is a detailed explanation of each opportunity.

1. Communications Internship – Cohort 2027

The Communications Internship is designed for candidates interested in journalism, communications, storytelling, public relations, digital marketing, multimedia, social media, and international affairs.

Communications interns work across Salzburg Global’s programs and help communicate the organization’s activities and impact through digital, print, and external media channels.

What Communications Interns Will Do

The intern joins Salzburg Global’s Communications team and may be involved in a wide variety of editorial and media activities.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Writing short-turnaround and longer-form interviews and feature articles
• Producing material for Salzburg Global’s website
• Contributing to program reports
• Preparing content for external media partners
• Conducting interviews with Salzburg Global Fellows and donors
• Conducting both in-person and online interviews
• Supporting multimedia content creation
• Producing or assisting with content for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and other digital channels
• Researching former Salzburg Global Fellows and following their subsequent work
• Maintaining digital-asset and publication libraries
• Supporting international mailing distribution
• Providing general administrative support to the Communications team

Because the Communications team works across Salzburg Global programs, interns may gain exposure to experts and discussions covering many international policy and social issues.

Communications Internship Eligibility

Applicants should generally have recently completed or be in the process of completing a bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related discipline, such as:

• Communications
• Public relations
• Digital marketing

Candidates with other academic backgrounds can also be considered where they possess substantial journalism, writing, or content-production experience outside their formal degree program.

Examples could include experience with:

• University newspapers
• Media organizations
• Communications agencies
• Journalism internships
• Digital publications
• Multimedia production

Applicants are expected to demonstrate experience producing written and multimedia content and should understand international affairs relevant to Salzburg Global’s programs.

Technical Skills for Communications Applicants

Candidates should possess:

• Excellent English writing and communication skills
• Strong editing abilities
• Microsoft Office proficiency
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign and Photoshop

Experience with web content-management systems and multimedia editing is also considered highly desirable.

Communications Internship 2027 Start Periods

Current 2027 recruitment information identifies Communications Internship start periods around:

• Mid-January
• End of March
• Early May
• Early July
• Late September

Exact dates are communicated to successful candidates after an internship offer is made. Salzburg Global states that it generally cannot accommodate alternative periods because internship timing depends on program schedules and accommodation availability.

2. Development Internship – Cohort 2027

The Development Internship is particularly relevant to applicants interested in nonprofit management, fundraising, donor relations, partnership development, grant writing, institutional development, research, and international programs.

The Development Intern works across Salzburg Global teams and supports the organization in identifying funding opportunities and developing relationships with prospective institutional and individual partners.

What Development Interns Will Do

Responsibilities include conducting research into existing and prospective partners and donors and contributing to fundraising-related documents.

Typical duties include:

• Researching potential institutional donors
• Researching individual donors and supporters
• Summarizing donor and partner research
• Recommending possible follow-up actions
• Supporting Salzburg Global programs
• Helping organize and implement international programs
• Assisting in documenting program activities
• Working with Salzburg Global’s Raiser’s Edge database
• Researching historical information about institutional and individual partners
• Drafting program concept notes
• Supporting the preparation of funding proposals
• Preparing reports for institutional supporters and partners
• Reviewing and editing concept papers
• Editing grant proposals for clarity
• Preparing briefing documents for executives
• Supporting preparation for external meetings and calls
• Coordinating annual endowment reports for institutional partners

This makes the Development Internship potentially valuable for someone interested in understanding how an international nonprofit raises funds, maintains partnerships, prepares proposals, and develops internationally focused programs.

Development Internship Eligibility

Applicants should have recently completed or be in the process of completing a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate interest in Salzburg Global’s program areas.

Candidates with academic experience in:

• Nonprofit management
• Fundraising
• Development
• International affairs
• Related areas

may also be particularly relevant.

Experience using databases is expected.

Experience with the following tools is preferred but not mandatory:

• Qualtrics
• Power BI
• MAXQDA

Applicants should also demonstrate strong spoken and written English, editing ability, Microsoft Office proficiency, initiative, flexibility, and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Development Internship 2027 Start Period

For the current 2027 cohort, the official vacancy identifies the available Development Internship start period as:

Late September 2027

Exact dates will be given to candidates who receive an offer.

3. Hong Kong Universities Internship – 2027 Cohort

The Hong Kong Universities Internship differs significantly from the other four internship tracks because it has a specific university-location eligibility requirement.

It is designed for students who are currently enrolled at or have recently graduated from a university in Hong Kong. The opportunity has been made possible through donor support.

Selected participants join Salzburg Global’s Program team and contribute to the planning, preparation, and implementation of international programs.

What Hong Kong Universities Interns Will Do

Responsibilities can include:

• Researching program topics
• Researching potential partners
• Researching program participants
• Compiling participant biographies
• Updating internal documents
• Preparing and printing program materials
• Supporting administrative logistics
• Helping deliver events and sessions
• Recording lectures where required
• Supporting sound and microphone systems
• Helping manage presentation visuals
• Taking notes during online meetings and programs
• Supporting databases
• Assisting participants
• Helping create positive group dynamics during programs

The intern can also gain exposure to Salzburg Global’s thematic work across Health, Education, Culture, Peace and Justice, and Finance and Governance.

Hong Kong Universities Internship Eligibility

Candidates must:

• Be currently enrolled at or recently graduated from a university in Hong Kong
• Have recently completed or be completing a bachelor’s degree
• Demonstrate interest in one or more Salzburg Global program areas
• Have strong spoken and written English
• Possess editing abilities
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office
• Be proactive and comfortable with hands-on work
• Be willing to work flexible hours
• Be comfortable working in culturally diverse environments

German is not required.

Hong Kong Universities Internship 2027 Start Periods

Available start periods include approximately:

• Mid-January
• End of March
• Early May
• Early July
• Late September

Exact internship dates are determined by Salzburg Global.

4. Library Internship – Cohort 2027

The Library Internship is a specialized opportunity for students and recent graduates in Library and Information Science or a closely related discipline.

The placement combines archive management, library operations, digital records, cataloguing, and participation in Salzburg Global programs.

What Library Interns Will Do

The Library Intern serves as a point of contact for Salzburg Global’s private collection and works on both archival and library-management activities.

A particularly interesting aspect of the internship involves Salzburg Global’s institutional archives.

In 2018, the organization transferred its print records to Harvard University Archives. Salzburg Global has subsequently focused on organizing and systematizing its digital institutional records, giving interns practical exposure to the challenges involved in converting large collections of digital material into a usable archive.

Archival Responsibilities

Library interns may:

• Support development of filing systems
• Help establish naming structures
• Review digital program records
• Curate archives according to database policies
• Identify historically significant institutional documents
• Support organization of digital archives

Library Responsibilities

Interns may also:

• Catalogue newly acquired material
• Catalogue existing library holdings
• Use Dublin Core metadata
• Work with the OpenBiblio integrated library system
• Work with LibraryThing
• Assign Dewey Decimal classification call numbers
• Re-shelve materials
• Shift misplaced books
• Prepare gift plates and thank-you notes
• Maintain periodical subscriptions
• Monitor subscription renewals

Program Support

Library interns may additionally help Salzburg Global programs through research, administrative work, technical session support, note-taking, databases, and participant assistance.

Library Internship Eligibility

Applicants should have recently completed or currently be completing postgraduate studies in Library Information Science or a related area.

Their studies should include at least one cataloguing course.

Applicants should also have:

• Strong spoken and written English
• Editing ability
• Microsoft Office skills
• Interest in Salzburg Global’s mission
• Initiative
• Willingness to perform hands-on duties
• Flexibility regarding working hours
• Ability to operate within an international and multicultural environment

German is not required.

Library Internship 2027 Start Periods

Current 2027 start opportunities are available around:

• Mid-January
• Early July
• Late September

Exact dates will be confirmed for selected candidates.

5. Program Internship – 2027 Cohort

The Program Internship provides direct exposure to the organization and delivery of Salzburg Global’s international programs.

It is particularly suitable for students and recent graduates interested in international affairs, public policy, program management, event coordination, research, nonprofit organizations, and global dialogue.

Program interns work closely with Salzburg Global teams responsible for preparing and implementing sessions.

What Program Interns Will Do

Typical responsibilities include:

• Researching topics relevant to Salzburg Global programs
• Researching partners
• Researching prospective participants
• Compiling participant biographies
• Updating organizational and program documents
• Preparing program materials
• Supporting printing, copying, and mailing
• Providing operational assistance
• Supporting event management
• Providing basic technical support during sessions
• Helping record lectures
• Managing microphones and sound systems where required
• Supporting presentation visuals
• Taking notes during online meetings and programs
• Providing database support
• Assisting participants
• Helping facilitate effective and positive group interaction

Project assignments are determined according to both organizational needs and individual strengths, with Salzburg Global stating that it tries, where feasible, to match work to interns’ interests and development objectives.

Program Internship Eligibility

Applicants should have recently completed or currently be completing a bachelor’s degree and have a demonstrable interest in at least one Salzburg Global program area.

Candidates should possess:

• Strong spoken and written English
• Editing abilities
• Microsoft Office proficiency
• Interest in Salzburg Global’s mission
• Initiative
• A willingness to perform hands-on tasks
• Flexibility regarding working hours
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural settings

No German-language ability is required.

Program Internship 2027 Start Periods

Available periods currently include approximately:

• Mid-January
• End of March
• Early May
• Early July
• Late September

Exact dates are communicated following selection.

What Salzburg Global Provides to Interns

Salzburg Global’s Salzburg internships are not salaried positions.

However, selected candidates receive substantial logistical and in-kind support.

Accommodation

Interns receive board and lodging at Schloss Leopoldskron.

The general internship FAQ explains that interns are housed in the Meierhof, located on the Schloss Leopoldskron premises.

There is no lodging fee, although interns are required to provide a €100 security deposit, which is returned after the internship where no accommodation damage has occurred.

International Travel

Salzburg Global provides successful interns with a return ticket from their country of origin.

This is particularly significant for international applicants who might otherwise face substantial travel costs.

Board

Board is also provided during the internship period.

Insurance

The internship FAQ states that Salzburg interns are covered by an accident and health insurance policy purchased by Salzburg Global for the internship period.

However, the policy does not cover:

• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Dental costs
• Replacement of eyeglasses

Personal possessions such as laptops and cameras should be covered by the intern’s own travel insurance.

Visa Assistance

International applicants who require visas receive assistance with the visa-processing procedure.

EU citizens generally do not need a visa to undertake the Salzburg internship, while non-EU nationals may require one depending on their nationality.

Salzburg Global indicates that it will provide guidance to successful applicants who require visas.

However, visa costs are paid by the intern, not by Salzburg Global.

International Networking

Interns may interact with international participants involved in Salzburg Global programs, providing exposure to professionals, specialists, thought leaders, policymakers, and changemakers from different sectors and countries.

Internship Duration

The Salzburg-based internships are:

Full-time for a maximum of three months.

Salzburg Global explains that Austrian labor and visa rules limit the internship duration to a maximum of approximately 90 days, so extensions are not normally available.

This is important for applicants who may be hoping to extend the placement into a six-month or year-long internship.

Typical Working Schedule

The exact schedule varies according to the internship and the programs taking place during the placement.

However, Salzburg Global states that a typical working day generally begins around:

09:00

and finishes around:

17:00

with approximately one hour for lunch.

Candidates must also be willing to work flexible hours where program requirements make this necessary.

Is German Required?

No.

German is not required for Salzburg Global internships.

English is the working language of the organization, and each of the 2027 internship vacancies emphasizes English communication ability rather than German.

Candidates who already speak German may naturally have opportunities to use it while living in Austria, but German-language proficiency is not listed as a selection requirement.

Age Requirement

Salzburg Global describes its internship program as being designed for young professionals.

Its general FAQ states that applicants should be:

18 years of age or older.

The current 2027 job advertisements add further context: applicants under 18 are advised to wait before applying, while people over 30 are encouraged to share the opportunity with younger peers and consider Salzburg Global’s other programs instead.

The official FAQ does not state a formal maximum age in the same way that it states the 18-year minimum, but the wording of the individual 2027 vacancies clearly shows that the internship program is targeted primarily toward younger early-career professionals.

Can Undergraduate Students Apply?

Yes, but eligibility depends on the internship.

For the Program Internship and Development Internship, students who are still completing their bachelor’s degree may apply where they meet the other eligibility conditions.

The Communications Internship is targeted toward those completing or recently completing relevant bachelor’s studies and can also consider applicants from other academic backgrounds who possess significant journalism and content-production experience.

The Library Internship has more specialized academic requirements, normally requiring completed or ongoing postgraduate-level study in Library Information Science or a related discipline, including a cataloguing course.

The Hong Kong Universities Internship requires applicants to be enrolled at or recently graduated from a university in Hong Kong.

Can Applicants Apply for More Than One Internship?

Yes.

Salzburg Global allows candidates to apply to more than one internship.

However, the organization explicitly recommends considering this decision carefully because its internship program is highly competitive and demonstrating focus may strengthen an application.

Applicants should therefore avoid applying indiscriminately to every position.

A candidate with strong journalism and multimedia credentials, for example, may be better served by a focused Communications Internship application than by submitting generic applications across unrelated internship tracks.

What Documents Are Required?

Applications are accepted through Salzburg Global’s online recruitment platform.

For the currently advertised 2027 internships, a complete application includes:

• CV or résumé
• Cover letter

Depending on the internship or recruitment stage, additional assignments may also be requested.

Candidates selected for further consideration will be invited to an interview call.

Salzburg Global states that all applicants will ultimately be informed whether their application has been successful or unsuccessful.

Applications Must Be Submitted Through the Official Platform

Salzburg Global does not accept spontaneous internship applications outside an open recruitment call.

Applicants must:

1. Apply while the relevant call is open.
2. Register through the official online recruitment platform.
3. Submit a complete application.
4. Include all requested documents.
5. Complete an interview if shortlisted.

The five 2027 internships are presently listed as open positions on Salzburg Global’s recruitment portal.

View Salzburg Global’s current internship openings and apply

Application Deadline for Salzburg Global Internships 2027

As of September 18, 2026, Salzburg Global confirms that the 2027 internship application call is open, and all five internship positions are active on its official recruitment portal.

However, the current official internship page and individual 2027 vacancy pages do not publish a specific closing date for these five applications.

Therefore, applicants should not rely on an unofficial deadline. The safest approach is to apply as early as possible while the relevant position remains listed as open.

Salzburg Global states that its Salzburg internship recruitment cycle normally takes place during the last quarter of each year.

Comparison of the Five Salzburg Global Internships 2027

What Makes the Salzburg Global Internship Program Different?

The experience combines professional work with living in an international institutional environment.

Interns are not simply observing Salzburg Global’s work. Depending on their placement, they may contribute to editorial content, donor research, institutional archives, international-program administration, multimedia production, participant support, or event delivery.

The internship can therefore offer practical exposure to how an international nonprofit organization operates.

Interns may also engage with Salzburg Global Fellows and program participants from different sectors and countries, adding a networking and cross-cultural dimension to the placement.

Recent internship testimonials published by Salzburg Global describe participants coming from countries including Pakistan and South Africa, among others, reflecting the program’s international reach.

Important Points to Consider Before Applying

Candidates should carefully consider several factors.

First, these Salzburg internships are unpaid. Accommodation, board, return travel, insurance, and visa-processing assistance reduce many of the costs, but candidates should not describe the opportunity as a salaried internship.

Second, applicants requiring visas must personally cover the relevant visa fees.

Third, internships are fixed around Salzburg Global’s program schedule. Successful applicants cannot normally select arbitrary dates outside the available periods.

Fourth, working hours may occasionally need to change according to program activities.

Finally, applicants should choose the internship that genuinely matches their academic and professional profile rather than applying broadly without a clear fit.

How to Apply for Salzburg Global Internships 2027

Applicants should visit the official Salzburg Global internship and recruitment pages, identify the most appropriate internship, and submit their application through the online system.

Official Salzburg Global Internship Program page

Official Salzburg Global recruitment portal with the five 2027 internships

Candidates should prepare a strong CV and internship-specific cover letter highlighting:

• Relevant education
• Applicable work or volunteer experience
• Interest in Salzburg Global’s mission
• International or cross-cultural experience
• Relevant technical skills
• English-language competence
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Interest in the specific internship track

The application should be tailored to the selected role instead of using the same generic cover letter for all five opportunities.

Conclusion

The Salzburg Global Internships 2027 in Austria provide five distinct pathways for students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals seeking hands-on international experience.

The current opportunities are the Communications Internship, Development Internship, Hong Kong Universities Internship, Library Internship, and Program Internship, all hosted on-site in Salzburg, Austria.

While the internships are unpaid, Salzburg Global provides significant support including accommodation and board at Schloss Leopoldskron, return travel from the intern’s country of origin, insurance, visa-processing assistance, and international networking opportunities.

Applicants do not need German-language skills, and international candidates can be considered for the general Salzburg internships subject to satisfying the individual academic and professional requirements and obtaining any required Austrian visa. The exception requiring particular attention is the Hong Kong Universities Internship, which is specifically reserved for students currently enrolled at or recently graduated from a university in Hong Kong.

The 2027 application cycle is currently open, but Salzburg Global does not presently publish a specific closing date on the official internship or individual vacancy pages. Applicants should therefore submit their applications early while their preferred internship remains available.

For more global opportunities, click HERE.