Starting date: Monday, 18 May 2026 (but flexible)
Application deadline: Thursday 30 April 2026 at 23:59
Location: The Hague (on-site)
Compensation: €675 per month
The Datalab of The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies offers an exciting internship for aspiring data scientists. Our funders include major corporations, key government ministries, and security providers, both domestic and international. The HCSS data internship offers invaluable experience working on some of the most significant global issues of our time.
Candidates should have either a strong quantitative background or a demonstrated affinity for quantitative methods. They should possess transferable programming skills and a keen interest in the topics covered by HCSS policy research.
To learn more about the experience of HCSS Datalab interns, please consult the HCSS Internship Blog entries written by current interns.
Requirements
- Affinity with computer science, statistics, mathematics, physics, engineering, econometrics, or a related field
- Fluency in Python
- Very good written and verbal communication skills in English
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
- Strong work ethic and willingness to learn
- Affinity for policy research
- Structured working style and the ability to document your work clearly
Preferred Qualifications (Assets)
- Experience with statistical and machine learning techniques (e.g., regression analysis, classification)
- Experience with data visualization, dashboarding, or web development (e.g., Streamlit, React)
- Experience working with Generative AI tools (e.g., LLM APIs, Claude Code)
- Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git, GitHub)
- Experience with containerization and databases (e.g., Docker, PostgreSQL)
- Experience with data management and/or systems engineering (e.g., ETL pipelines, data architecture design)
- Proficiency in relevant languages (e.g., Dutch, Russian)
Prospective tasks
- Conduct quantitative research in support of policy analysis
- Collect, clean, analyze, and visualize structured and unstructured data
- Develop interactive platforms and analytical tools
- Build and evaluate statistical, machine learning, or generative models
- Design automated data-cleaning and AI-driven pipelines
- Contribute to policy reports and evidence-based recommendations
Eligibility
- Must be enrolled as a university student for the entire internship period
- Internship duration: preferably 6 months (minimum 5 months)
- Full-time commitment (40 hours per week)
- Must already be in possession of the necessary documentation to study or work in the Netherlands before applying to the internship.
- Successful candidates must provide a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG)
You are not eligible for an HCSS internship if:
- You are not registered as a student for the entire duration of the internship
- You require a work permit to work in the Netherlands
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply if I am no longer a student (recently graduated)?
HCSS internships are only available to enrolled students. Without proof of enrolment valid for the entire duration of the internship, you are not eligible. Your application will not be considered.
Is it possible to do a part-time internship?
HCSS does not offer part-time data internships.
Can non-EU citizens apply to the internship?
Non-EU citizens can apply for internships at HCSS. However, you must already be in possession of the necessary documentation to study or work in the Netherlands before applying to the internship. We are unfortunately unable to provide assistance with obtaining a visa. In order to check your eligibility, please refer to this government website: “Intern or apprentice in the Netherlands”.
Application Procedure
To apply, send the following documents to internship@hcss.nl, using ‘Data Internship/2026’ as the subject line:
- Resume (including at least two references with contact details)
- Cover letter explaining how your data skills can be applied to data-intensive policy research and stating your availability
- Proof of university enrollment (valid for the entire internship period)
- Official academic transcript
- Portfolio of previous data projects, including code or a GitHub link
Notes
- Applications must be complete upon submission. References are mandatory and will not be requested at a later stage.
- The entire application, including CV, must be written in English.
- Please apply only if you are available for the stated start date. HCSS recruits interns on a bi-annual basis; later start dates will be announced in due course.
Practical Information
The HCSS internship provides a monthly compensation of €675. The internship takes place in person at the HCSS offices in The Hague.
HCSS prioritises qualifications and skills when making hiring decisions and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation.
Only candidates who submit a complete application and meet all eligibility requirements will be considered. Successful applicants will be invited for an interview.
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