Aga Khan University’s ​​Virtual Internship Programme (AKU-VIP) - Summer 2025

The Aga Khan University’s International Internship Programme (AKU-IIP) has been successfully running its programme since 2008 and has offered unique and meaningful internship opportunities in 8 countries within East Africa, Central, and South Asia. These students have been placed at 7 agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network namely – Aga Khan University (AKU), Aga Khan Education Services (AKES), University of Central Asia (UCA), Aga Khan Foundation (AKF)​, Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)​, Serena​, Industrial Promotion Services (IPS).

The programme aims to provide a critical learning opportunity that goes beyond simple work experience and instead focuses on thinking outside of the box, developing strong leadership skills, being critically reflexive, and learning new ways of doing things in new environments.​

The Aga Khan University (AKU) is one of 10 agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). It is a leader in research, teacher education, medical care, and community health systems, with campuses and programmes in South Asia, Central Asia, Europe, and Africa. At AKU, students flourish in a supportive environment that embraces diversity, demands excellence, and encourages leadership and direct engagement with real-world challenges​.

The Aga Khan University – International Internship Programme works closely with programme mentors, the local community, University partners and interns. A key strategy for sustaining results is the participatory and inclusive approach of the program​me through strong internship planning, implementation, and on-going development. 

We are known for:

• Flexible duration
• On-site and remote placements with mentors at AKU Campuses in Pakistan, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and the UK.
• Wide variety of internship areas 
• Clear project deliverables and outcomes
• Strong risk management procedures
• Continued monitoring and evaluation of the programme
• Opportunities for leadership, skill development, and innovation
• Opportunities for research and academic development

​Why Our Programme?

​Our programme provides a quality experience for students that will give them an edge in their professional and personal skills but also in the job market. We challenge our students to apply their academic learning and experiences to real-world issues while aiming to make a positive impact with their host departments.

AKU-VIP is designed in a way that will give students structure, support, and flexibility throughout their internship. Internships are 12-weeks long, with an expected time commitment of at least 15 hours per week, where students contribute through project-based work to their chosen host departments. 

Student interns will have a well-rounded experience that consists of:​

• Professional Internships 
• Mentor and Team Support
• Integrated Learning and Work Culture
• ​Academic Credit / Completion Certificate

Programme Features 

• AKU-VIP is designed in a way that will give students structure, support, and flexibility throughout their internship. Internships include:
• 12-week duration, with an expected time commitment of at least 15 hours per week
• Project-based work with their chosen host departments
• 60+ hours of professional development training which includes:
• ​One-on-one mentorship with a group of professionals and experts in their career fields
• ​Webinars, workshops, and short courses with AKDN-wide master trainers
• ​Organized cultural immersion opportunities
• ​​Social engagement opportunities with global interns and students
• Continuous programme monitoring and evaluation to ensure quality through facilitated reflection, mid and end-term evaluation, and regular check-ins
• Reference letters and a certificate of completion
• Membership to the larger AKDN community and an extensive alumni network on LinkedIn.

Duration and Time Commitment 

This remote placement spans 12 weeks (3 months), requiring a commitment of just 15 hours per week. This flexible structure allows you to balance other priorities while gaining valuable professional experience.

The programme’s tailored schedule ensures you can work on impactful projects, develop essential skills, and receive personalized mentorship—all while maintaining control over your time.

​​2025 Cycle Dates 

Below are the timelines for the upcoming cycles:​

SPRING 2025

• Application Period: December 13, 2024 to February 2, 2025
• Assessment, Interview and Onboarding: February 3, 2025 to March 07, 2025
• Commencement: March 10, 2025 to May 30, 2025

SUMMER 2025

• Application Period: February 17 , 2025 to April 20, 2025
• Assessment, Interview and Onboarding: April ​​​21, 2025 to June 06, 2025
• Commencement: June 09, 2025 to August 29, 2025​

FALL 2025

• Application Period: May 16, 2025 to July 27, 2025
• Assessment, Interview and Onboarding: July ​​​28, 2025 to September 05, 2025
• Commencement: September 08, 2025 to November 28, 2025