Cover letter or email: what should I send?

Both formats are acceptable. If you send an email, keep it brief (a few lines and the subject of your request) and attach your letter and CV as a PDF, unless the listing asks for something else.

When should I send an internship application?

Two to six months before the internship starts. For second-semester internships, many companies choose their interns as early as October or November.

Should I mention the internship agreement in my letter?

Yes, in one sentence: this lets the company know the internship is supervised by your school and that a document will need to be signed. Details are arranged later with your internship coordinator.

What language should I write my internship application in?

In the language of the listing or company. In Flanders, this is called "stageaanvraag"; a letter in correct Dutch is an asset, even if your internship takes place partly in French.

Internship application letter: Belgian template and tips

Updated on November 5, 2026

A well-written internship request fits on one page and answers three questions: who are you, what exactly are you looking for, and why this company. In Belgium, it must also provide the practical information the company expects from an intern: your school, the dates set by your programme and the framework of the internship agreement. Here's a simple method and a template to adapt.

Table of contents

Before writing: gather the practical information

A company receiving an internship request needs to know immediately if it can meet it. Before drafting, note the following elements: you'll include them in the first paragraph.

Your school or university, your programme and your year (for example: 3rd year bachelor's in marketing).
The exact dates of the internship and its duration in weeks or hours, as planned by your programme.
The framework: mandatory internship with an agreement signed by the school, or voluntary internship.
The name of your internship coordinator, in case the company has questions.
If the internship is linked to your final thesis, the proposed topic.

The four-paragraph structure

The request: your education, the type of internship, the dates. In one or two sentences, the company knows what it's about.
Why this company: a project, a product, a value or specific news. This is the paragraph that proves your letter wasn't sent to fifty addresses.
What you bring: two or three concrete skills, each illustrated by an example (class project, student job, volunteer work).
The conclusion: your availability for an interview, your contact details, and a simple closing formula.

One page maximum. If the company asks for a CV, the letter doesn't repeat it: it complements it.

Tone and language

In Belgium, the application letter remains formal: "Dear Sir or Madam" if you don't know the recipient's name, formal address, and a standard closing formula ("I remain at your disposal" or similar respectful ending).

Write in the language of the listing. If the company works in Dutch or English, a letter in that language demonstrates your level better than a "bilingual" mention on your CV. In Brussels, specifying your languages (French, Dutch, English) is often decisive.

Internship application letter template

Replace the elements in brackets. Don't copy the template as-is: the second paragraph must be written specifically for each company.

[First Name Last Name] — [email address] — [phone number]

[City], [date]

Subject: internship application in [field] from [start date] to [end date]

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am a student in [year and programme] at [school name], and I am looking for a [duration]-week internship in [field], from [start date] to [end date]. This internship is part of my curriculum and will be supervised by an internship agreement signed by my school.

I would like to complete this internship at [company] because [specific reason: a project, a product, an approach that appeals to you]. I would particularly like to contribute to [type of assignment].

During my studies, I have [skill 1, illustrated by a project]. My [student job / volunteering] taught me [skill 2]. I speak [languages].

I would be happy to discuss my motivation with you at an interview. You will find my CV attached, and my internship coordinator, [name], is available to answer any questions about the agreement.

Yours sincerely,

[First Name Last Name]

Mistakes that cost you the opportunity

A generic letter with nothing specific about the company.
Missing or vague dates: the company can't plan accordingly.
A list of qualities without evidence ("dynamic, motivated, thorough").
Spelling mistakes in the company name or recipient's name.
An empty email subject line or a letter sent without a CV when the listing requests one.
An application sent too late: for second-semester internships, many companies make their decisions as early as autumn.

Send, follow up, and track

Send your application as a PDF with a clear name ("LastName-FirstName-internship-application.pdf"). If you don't get a response after a week to ten days, a short and polite follow-up is appropriate. Keep track of each submission: company, date, contact, response.

On COLLABme, you apply to internship listings in one click with your profile, and track all your applications in one place. You can also post your internship search with your dates and field: interested companies will make you an offer.

This guide is informational. Internship terms (duration, agreement, insurance) are set by each institution: check them with your internship coordinator before sending your application.