One year. One country. One project and you!
Ready to kickstart your international career? The Prince Albert Fund offers you the chance to lead a one-year business development project for a Belgian company outside Europe. A unique experience that boosts both your business skills and intercultural mindset. The perfect launchpad for a global career.
What is it?
A 12-month business development assignment outside Europe, for a Belgian company of your choice.
You’ll receive a tax-free grant of €27,500 from the Prince Albert Fund. The host company covers your housing, flights, and mission-related expenses.
This is not a traineeship. We are enabling you to develop your own fully-fledged international project. You don’t need a project to apply – the first thing we consider is the quality of your application as an individual.
Once selected, you’ll take part in several training and coaching sessions. At that stage, you will be able to choose your assignment and destination, either from projects proposed by our partner companies, or your own network.
From then on, it’s one year, one country, one project – and it’s up to you to make it a success. Deliver strong results, and you’ll become a Prince Albert Fund Laureate: a recognition that carries real weight in the world of Belgian international business. A Prince Albert Fund Grant is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Selection criteria
Each year, the Prince Albert Fund grants are awarded to only about 30 carefully chosen candidates. The Fund relies on the expertise of a special selection committee composed of leaders in international business, HR specialists, and PAF alumni.
The jury’s decision is based not just on academic or professional achievements, but on qualities that define true global leaders:
A proven track record of excellence, drive and resilience
Overall presence: the ability to convince and inspire
Social attitude: open minded, flexible, team player
Maturity and cultural adaptability
Strong motivation and vision for the impact of PAF on their career
Potential to contribute to society at large
After reviewing all applications, the committee invites the best 75 candidates for interviews in Brussels before awarding the final 30 grants.
Want to hear more from our candidates abroad?
Info sessions
The Prince Albert Fund runs info sessions for potential candidates once a year. If you’re interested in finding out more and meeting Fund alumni, register here (as of October) for the next session.
Mission milestones
Training: Before departure, you’ll join a 3-day bootcamp designed to prepare you for our journey.
Departure: Start your project on time, with up to 1 month at the host company in Belgium and at least 11 months abroad.
Evaluation: At the end, submit your project report, which will be reviewed together with feedback from your host company.
Feedback: Share your learnings during a debrief session back in Belgium.
Laureate title: The Steering Committee decides whether you earn the distinction of Prince Albert Fund Laureate, based on the report, feedback from the company, respect of all deadlines and obligations.
Ceremony: Each year, Laureates receive their official degree at a special ceremony in Brussels, in the presence of HRH Princess Astrid.
Who can apply?
We’re looking for talented, highly motivated young professionals ready to take on an international challenge. To apply, you must:
Be Belgian, or have been domiciled in Belgium for at least 5 of the last 10 years
Hold a master’s degree and have a strong interest for working in a business environment (a business degree is not required)
Be fluent in English (other languages beyond the mother tongue are a plus)
Have at least 2 years of professional experience (internships of 3+ months count)
Be 30 or younger (born on or after 1/1/1995)
Be open-minded, entrepreneurial, and eager to learn and discover new cultures
“At the Prince Albert Fund, we aim to reflect society as a whole. Selection is based solely on your qualities and skills, regardless of gender, ethnicity, background, orientation, abilities, or beliefs.”
Info sessions
Want to learn more about the Fund and hear directly from alumni? Join our annual info session!
Next session: 3 november 2025 at the VBO-FEB in Brussels
Next session: 3 november 2025 at the VBO-FEB in Brussels
“What I love about PAF is how it fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, pushing us to pursue projects that match our passions.”
Valentine Boone (Cohort: 2023-2025, Project Country: United States)
How to apply?
Applications open once a year through the King Baudouin Foundation’s online platform. For this year, the period to apply is between November 6, 2025 and January 5, 2026.
Don’t want to miss the deadline? Subscribe to our newsletter and get a reminder when applications open.
You’ll find the selection schedule below. Please note that no changes can be made to the dates. So if you cannot make it for the Jury in March in Brussels or join us for the training in April and May, do not apply this year.
November 3 2025
Info session for applicants at 7pm.
November 6, 2025
Applications open.
January 5, 2026
Applications close Monday at 23h59.
February 26, 2026
Applicants are informed whether they are invited to the interview. No feedback can be provided at tis stage.
March 20, 2026
Live jury interview and business case exercise for the invited applicants in Brussels.The exact location will be shared after February 26, 2026.
April 3-4, May 8, 2026
2.5 days of training, followed by a half-day “speed dating” with company presentations for the candidates.
To submit a valid application, please complete the following steps:
Written application KBF platform:
1. Register on the KBF platform and start your application (link available when the call opens).
2. Complete your written application (see sample questions here).
3. Complete and upload your CV using the official PAF template you find here
4. You can save your progress on the KBF platform and return to it later, but don’t forget to click “Submit” when finished
After submission:
5.You will receive a confirmation email with a PDF copy of your written application.
6. Please save this document as you will have to upload it onto the video assessment platform.
7. Within a maximum of two working days, you will receive a personal link to the video assessment (Kira Talent) platform.
Video Assessment Kira Platform
8. Sign up via the personal registration link you receive from Kira Talent.
- Enter your applicant file number (you can find this on top of your written application).
- Upload your written application (PDF) that you received via email.
- Upload your PAF CV (PDF).
9. Practice with sample video questions on the platform.
10. Record your video assessment answers.
Submitted Application
Your application will only be considered valid once all three elements are submitted on Kira Talent:
- PAF CV (PDF, template)
- Written application (PDF)
- Video answers
Reminder: Start on time - Submit your complete application before January 5, 2026, 23:59 CET.
Need help?
If you encounter any technical issues:
- For the KBS platform:
Contact the KBF helpdesk at +32 (0)2 500 45 55 or fundpaf@kbs-frb.be
- For the Kira video assessment:
Contact support@kiratalent.com
If you encounter any technical issues:
- For the KBS platform:
Contact the KBF helpdesk at +32 (0)2 500 45 55 or fundpaf@kbs-frb.be
- For the Kira video assessment:
Contact support@kiratalent.com
FAQ
Do I need to have a business degree?
A master’s degree is required to apply, though it doesn’t have to be in business. What matters most is a demonstrable interest in the business world. Prince Albert Fund alumni hold degrees in a wide range of fields, including Business, Commercial Engineering, Law, Engineering, Philology, Architecture, Languages, Sciences, and more.
I’m over 30, can I still apply?
Unfortunately, no.
Do I need to have any professional experience?
Yes. In addition to your master’s degree you need a minimum of 2 to 3 years professional experience.
Do I need to be fluent in English?
Absolutely! English is the primary language of international business. You should also be ready to learn the local language of your project.
Do I need to present a project when I apply?
No. The Prince Albert Fund offers a selection of projects proposed by companies expanding abroad that you can choose from. Alternatively, you are welcome to propose a project based on your own contacts and interests. Either option is fine, we value professionals with the enthusiasm and maturity to initiate a project for a company of their choice.
Can the host company be the company I am currently working for?
No. The point of the Prince Albert Fund is to give you a new opportunity in a new environment.
When do I start working for the project and company I select?
Once you have been selected, you can begin identifying the company and project you wish to pursue. After the Prince Albert Fund validates your project, contracts will be established both between the company and the Fund, and between you and the Fund. You will then need to organize your stay abroad, including housing, travel, and visa arrangements. Be sure to allow enough time to wrap up any previous employment, if applicable. Before departing for your mission, you will also complete the leadership training.
Note: The deadline to depart for your project abroad is in January following your selection year.