WISE Internship 2026 in Western Balkans | Fully Funded

The WISE Internship 2026 in the Western Balkans is a fully funded three-month program for young professionals aged 20-30 from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. It offers hands-on experience in top businesses and NGOs, combined with structured mentoring, training, and networking opportunities to boost employability and regional cooperation.

The Western Balkans Young Professionals Internship Scheme for Empowerment (WISE) is implemented by the Young Professionals Network (YPN) with the support of the German Foreign Office. It addresses challenges like unemployment, skills gaps, and limited workforce mobility, aligning with the Common Regional Market, the Berlin Process, and EU integration goals.

Benefits of WISE Internship 2026

• Gain hands-on experience by working in leading businesses and NGOs in fields like technology, sustainability, and civic engagement.
• Boost your soft skills by receiving a 4-day training in leadership, workplace ethics, and intercultural communication, which will take place in Albania prior to the internships.
• Live and work in a new country, gaining regional experience and adaptability.
• Build a strong network, boost employability, and earn a professional certification.
• Fully supported internships: All costs related to internships including monthly stipends and travel, are covered.
• Fellows will receive a monthly stipend ranging from 600 EUR to 750 EUR, determined based on the average between the minimum and average wages of the host country.
• A travel allowance will also be provided to support fellows’ travel to and from the host country.

Eligibility Criteria for the WISE Internship 2026

• Be between 20 and 30 years old.
• Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred). Final-year Bachelor’s students or recent graduates pending official diploma issuance are also eligible, provided they submit an official document confirming completion or expected completion of their studies.
• Being a citizen of one of the six countries of the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia).
• Have a minimum of two years of professional experience or relevant achievements in internships, community engagement, or leadership initiatives.
• Fluent in English. All the internships selection procedure and internships will take place in English.
• Have a strong character with honesty, motivation, and the ability to manage yourself and work on your own.
• Provide a strong personal statement that aligns with WISE’s goals and demonstrates openness to learning about the region.

How to Apply for WISE Internship 2026?

• Submit your application online, including a CV, recommendation letter, academic credentials, and a personal statement.
• The process includes three rounds: Screening (May 5th – May 10th), Interviews (May 11th – May 13th), and Matching (May 2026).
• Notification of results will be sent after the pair with host entity in May.
• Using AI tools like ChatGPT is prohibited. All answers must be original, and plagiarism or fraud will lead to disqualification. Applicants must confirm compliance in the application form.
• If you have a specific entity in mind within the region where you would like to complete your internship, please feel free to suggest it in your application.
• Click the ‘Apply as Young Professional’ button on the official website to start your application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the WISE Internship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.