Al Qasimi Foundation Internship 2026: Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

The Al Qasimi Foundation Internship offers undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to gain practical experience while working on projects related to public policy, research, education, development, communications, and other areas relevant to the Foundation’s work in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.

The program lasts up to three months and is offered twice a year through Summer and Winter intakes. The Foundation states that interns receive furnished shared accommodation, local transportation, and a modest living stipend, while travel to and from the UAE is the responsibility of the intern.

For the Winter intake, the current application deadline is October 31. The next Summer intake deadline is April 30.

Opportunity Overview

Detail	Information
Program	Al Qasimi Foundation Internship
Host Organization	Al Qasimi Foundation
Location	Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Study Level	Undergraduate and graduate students
Recent Graduates	Graduates within the previous two years may apply
Duration	Up to 3 months
Intakes	Summer and Winter
Main Areas	Public policy and related fields
English Requirement	IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 85 when English is not the applicant’s first language
Accommodation	Furnished shared accommodation
Stipend	Modest living stipend
Local Transportation	Provided according to the Foundation’s Jobs & Internships page
Travel to UAE	Not covered; responsibility of the intern
Summer Deadline	April 30
Winter Deadline	October 31
Application	Online application form

The Foundation’s current internship page confirms that the program is intended for students who want practical experience and may be particularly useful for people considering graduate school, research careers, or professional work in public policy and related areas.

What Is the Al Qasimi Foundation Internship?

The Al Qasimi Foundation Internship is a practical learning program based in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Instead of being limited to classroom learning, interns work with researchers and practitioners on real projects connected to the Foundation’s activities.

Depending on project needs and the intern’s background, activities can include:

• Literature reviews
• Fieldwork
• Qualitative research
• Quantitative analysis
• Data-related work
• Policy writing
• Communications support
• Multimedia projects
• Research and community-related activities

The Foundation says that interns are matched with projects according to their academic background and career goals. This means applicants should think carefully about how their education, skills, and interests could contribute to the Foundation’s work.

The program also includes professional development, mentorship, cultural activities, and a final project. Interns are expected to produce a tangible output such as a policy brief, research report, or creative project that may be published or presented.

Al Qasimi Foundation Internship Benefits

The internship provides several forms of support. However, applicants should understand that it is not advertised as a fully funded international internship, because travel to and from the UAE is not covered.

1. Furnished Shared Accommodation

The Foundation provides furnished shared accommodation for interns.

This can significantly reduce one of the major costs associated with completing an internship away from home.

2. Living Stipend

Interns receive a modest stipend to help with living expenses.

The Foundation does not state the exact stipend amount on the current internship page, so applicants should not assume a specific monthly figure.

Stipend amount: Not specified on the official source.

3. Local Transportation

The Foundation’s Jobs & Internships page currently states that local transportation is provided in addition to accommodation and a modest living stipend.

4. Mentorship

Interns work with Foundation staff and receive guidance through the program.

The internship structure includes a staff supervisor and mentor who help interns with their projects and professional development.

5. Professional Development

Interns participate in workshops and learning activities covering subjects such as:

• Policy writing
• Nonprofit operations
• Development issues in the Gulf
• Professional skills
• Research-related activities

6. Final Project and Publication Opportunity

One important feature is the final project.

Interns complete a substantial piece of work, which can include a policy brief, research report, or creative media project. The Foundation states that the work may be published or presented.

7. Certificate and Alumni Opportunities

The Foundation states that interns receive certificates of completion and may become eligible for alumni engagement opportunities.

What Is Not Covered?

Applicants should budget for expenses that the program does not cover.

The Foundation specifically states that airfare and personal expenses are the responsibility of the intern.

The current Jobs & Internships page also states that interns are responsible for travel to and from the UAE.

Who Can Apply?

According to the Foundation’s current eligibility criteria, applicants should meet the following requirements:

Undergraduate or Graduate Student

Applicants must be current undergraduate or graduate students in good academic standing at an accredited university.

Recent Graduates

Recent graduates can also apply if they graduated within the previous two years.

Relevant Academic Background

The Foundation identifies several areas that may be relevant to internship projects, including:

• Education
• Public health
• Urban planning and development
• Economic development
• Food access
• Public policy
• Public relations
• Multimedia
• Translation

The Foundation notes that consideration can depend on current project needs. Therefore, having a degree in one of these areas does not automatically guarantee selection.

Interest in the UAE and Gulf Region

Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE, and the Gulf region.

This is particularly important for applicants writing their cover letter because they should explain why the regional context is relevant to their academic or professional goals.

English Language Requirement

Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the Foundation’s stated English requirement:

• IELTS: 6.5 or higher, or
• TOEFL iBT: 85 or higher

Applicants should check the official application instructions for any additional language-document requirements before submitting their application.

Can International Students Apply?

The program is designed for students and recent graduates, and the Foundation describes its internship environment as multicultural and international.

However, the current official internship page does not publish a specific list of eligible nationalities or countries. Therefore, applicants should not assume that every nationality is automatically eligible.

Eligible countries/nationalities: Not specified on the official source.

Students from outside the UAE should also consider travel, immigration, and other entry requirements separately from the internship’s academic eligibility.

Can Afghan Students Apply?

The Foundation’s current internship page does not specifically list Afghanistan among eligible or ineligible countries.

Therefore, Afghan applicants should not be told that they are automatically eligible or ineligible based only on nationality.

If you are an Afghan student, the safest approach is to review the official application form and, if necessary, contact the Foundation at:

internships@alqasimifoundation.rak.ae

Ask whether applicants holding Afghan nationality and currently studying at an accredited university outside the UAE can be considered for the internship.

What Fields of Study Are Suitable?

The Foundation does not restrict the internship to a single academic major.

Potentially relevant backgrounds include:

Public Policy

Students interested in government, policy analysis, governance, development, and research may find the program particularly relevant.

Education

Education students may be suitable for projects related to education policy, learning, schools, or community development.

Public Health

Public health students may be considered where projects involve health, community development, food access, or related issues.

Urban Planning and Development

Students studying urban planning, development, cities, or community development may be relevant to certain projects.

Economic Development

Economics and development students may be considered depending on current Foundation projects.

Communications and Multimedia

Applicants with skills in public relations, multimedia, communications, or creative media may also be considered when their skills match project requirements.

Translation

The Foundation also identifies translation as an area that may be relevant depending on project needs.

Important: These fields should be treated as areas identified by the Foundation, not as a guarantee that a particular major will have an available internship position in every intake.

Program Structure

The internship is designed as more than a short-term work placement.

Orientation and Onboarding

Interns receive an introduction to the Foundation’s mission, projects, research ethics, and cultural awareness.

Mentorship

Each intern is paired with a staff supervisor and mentor.

Workshops

The program includes professional development sessions covering areas such as policy writing, nonprofit work, and development issues in the Gulf.

Capstone Project

Interns complete a major final project.

Possible outputs include:

• Policy brief
• Research report
• Creative media project

Cultural Immersion

The program includes activities designed to help interns understand Ras Al Khaimah’s culture, community, and heritage.

Showcase

The Foundation states that each intake concludes with a presentation session where interns can share their work with Foundation staff, partners, and the community.

Selection Criteria

The internship is competitive.

The Foundation says selection considers several factors:

• Academic achievement
• Strength of coursework
• GPA and honors
• Quality of the application
• Cover letter
• Resume
• Writing sample
• Alignment with current Foundation projects
• Relevant skills and experience
• Motivation and career goals

Preference is given to applicants who are planning graduate studies or seeking practical research experience in education, public policy, or closely related fields. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee consisting of Foundation program managers and the Executive Director.

Practical Advice

Official requirement: The Foundation evaluates academic achievement, application quality, project fit, motivation, and goals.

Practical advice: Your application should clearly connect three things:

1. What you have studied or experienced.
2. What you can contribute to the Foundation.
3. What you hope to learn from the internship.

Avoid submitting a generic cover letter that could be sent to any organization.

Required Documents

The current Foundation internship page asks applicants to submit the following:

• Online internship application form
• Cover letter
• Resume/CV
• One-minute introductory video

The cover letter should explain your:

• Motivation
• Relevant experience
• Relevant skills
• Expected contribution
• Preferred internship dates

The CV should include information such as:

• Education
• Research experience
• Work experience
• Honors and awards
• Co-curricular activities

The application materials should be submitted in English, except that recommendation letters may be in Arabic.

Document Preparation Checklist

Before applying, prepare:

☐ Updated CV
☐ Clear cover letter
☐ One-minute introduction video
☐ Academic information
☐ Relevant research or work experience
☐ Preferred internship dates
☐ English-language test information, if applicable

How to Apply for the Al Qasimi Foundation Internship

Applicants should apply through the Foundation’s online application system.

Step 1: Review the Official Internship Information

Read the official internship page carefully and check the current eligibility requirements, benefits, deadlines, and application instructions.

Step 2: Prepare Your CV

Create a concise CV highlighting education, research, work experience, relevant skills, awards, and extracurricular activities.

For a research or policy internship, emphasize analytical, writing, research, communication, and project experience where relevant.

Step 3: Write Your Cover Letter

Explain why you want to join the Al Qasimi Foundation and how your background relates to its work.

Your letter should also identify your preferred internship dates and explain what you could contribute.

Step 4: Record the One-Minute Video

The application requires a one-minute introductory video.

Use the short video to introduce yourself clearly and professionally. Avoid reading a long prepared speech.

Step 5: Complete the Online Form

Enter your information carefully and upload the required materials.

Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline

For the current schedule:

• Summer Intake: April 30
• Winter Intake: October 31

The Foundation advises applicants to indicate their availability according to their academic calendar and program needs.

Official application form:
Al Qasimi Foundation Internship Application Form

Application Deadlines

The Al Qasimi Foundation currently offers two internship intakes each year.

Intake	Application Deadline
Summer	April 30
Winter	October 31

The internship can last up to three months. Exact scheduling is adapted to the Foundation’s needs and the intern’s academic calendar. Applicants should state their availability in the application.

Important for Applicants in 2026

Because the current date is September 2026, the Winter Intake deadline of October 31 is the next published deadline on the Foundation’s internship page.

Applicants should still verify the official page immediately before submitting because internship schedules and application procedures can change.

Is the Al Qasimi Foundation Internship Fully Funded?

No, it should not be described as fully funded.

The Foundation provides:

• Furnished shared accommodation
• Local transportation
• A modest living stipend
• Mentorship and professional development
• Other program benefits

However, the Foundation states that interns are responsible for travel to and from the UAE and personal expenses.

The exact amount of the stipend is not specified on the current official internship page.

Is IELTS Required?

If English is not your first language, the Foundation requires:

• IELTS 6.5, or
• TOEFL iBT 85

This requirement is listed on the official internship page.

Applicants should make sure their test score meets the Foundation’s current requirements before applying.

How Competitive Is the Internship?

The Foundation describes admission as highly competitive.

Selection is not based only on academic grades. The Foundation also considers the quality of the application, fit with its projects, relevant skills, motivation, and long-term goals.

A strong applicant should therefore avoid focusing only on GPA.

A better application demonstrates a clear connection between the applicant’s:

Academic background → relevant experience → Foundation’s work → future goals.

Tips for a Strong Application

1. Research the Foundation

Before writing your cover letter, learn about the Foundation’s work in Ras Al Khaimah and its research and community activities.

2. Explain Your Motivation Clearly

Do not simply write that you want “international experience.”

Explain why the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah, public policy, research, education, development, or another relevant area matters to your goals.

3. Show Evidence of Your Skills

Instead of saying that you are a good researcher, give a short example of a research project, university assignment, internship, volunteer activity, or other relevant experience.

4. Connect Your Background to the Program

If you study economics, for example, explain how your analytical or research skills could support relevant projects.

If you study public health, explain how your academic knowledge connects with community or development issues.

5. Prepare the Video Carefully

The one-minute video is short. Practice before recording and make sure your voice and image are clear.

6. Apply Early

Do not wait until the final day.

Preparing your CV, cover letter, video, and other information early gives you time to correct mistakes before submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Al Qasimi Foundation Internship fully funded?

No. It should not be described as fully funded. The Foundation provides furnished shared accommodation, local transportation, and a modest living stipend, but interns are responsible for travel to and from the UAE and personal expenses.

Who can apply for the internship?

Current undergraduate and graduate students in good academic standing at accredited universities can apply. Recent graduates who graduated within two years may also apply.

Can international students apply?

The program is open to students and recent graduates, but the current official internship page does not publish a specific nationality or country list. Applicants from outside the UAE should confirm their situation with the Foundation if they are unsure.

Can Afghan students apply?

The official page does not specifically state whether Afghan nationals are eligible or ineligible. Afghan applicants should contact the Foundation directly if they need confirmation before applying.

What is the internship duration?

The internship lasts up to three months.

What is the application deadline?

The published deadlines are April 30 for the Summer Intake and October 31 for the Winter Intake.

Is IELTS required?

If English is not your first language, the Foundation requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL iBT score of 85.

What documents are required?

The current application information lists an online application form, cover letter, CV/resume, and a one-minute introductory video. The application materials should be in English, except recommendation letters, which may be in Arabic.

Does the program pay for airfare?

No. The Foundation states that interns are responsible for travel to and from the UAE.

Final Thoughts

The Al Qasimi Foundation Internship can be a valuable opportunity for students and recent graduates who want practical experience in research, public policy, education, development, communications, or related areas.

The program combines hands-on project work with mentorship, professional development, cultural activities, accommodation, local transportation, and a modest living stipend. However, applicants should remember that it is not a fully funded travel program, because travel to and from the UAE and personal expenses are not covered.

The next published deadline after September 2026 is the Winter Intake deadline of October 31. Applicants should review the official page and application form before submitting their materials.

Official Application

Apply for the Al Qasimi Foundation Internship

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