For young graduates who dream of working in international development, diplomacy, humanitarian action, peacebuilding, global security, and sustainable development, the United Nations Internship Programme is one of the most prestigious and impactful opportunities available. Each year, the UN welcomes thousands of interns across its agencies, departments, and global offices, from New York to Nairobi, Geneva to Bangkok, Addis Ababa to Santiago.
The UN Internship Programme is designed for students and recent graduates who want real, hands-on exposure to global issues and international policy-making. This internship offers a rare chance to support high-level work in areas such as human rights, public information, climate action, economic development, public health, emergency response, and governance.
For anyone hoping to build a career at the UN or in the international development sector, this internship is one of the strongest entry points.
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Why the UN Internship Stands Out
Unlike many internships that offer limited exposure, the UN places interns directly within operational teams. Interns contribute to actual projects, attend internal meetings, assist with research, help draft reports, support communications, and engage with UN staff from all over the world.
You’re not making coffee. You’re making impact.
UN internships allow you to:
• Work on global priority areas like climate change, peace and security, humanitarian aid, and gender equality.
• Gain access to UN documents, experts, conferences, and internal knowledge.
• Build networks with professionals from dozens of countries.
• Understand how global governance actually operates behind the scenes.
• Strengthen your CV for future international opportunities such as UN Young Professionals Programme (YPP), UN Volunteer (UNV), UN Fellowships, and staff recruitment.
Whether on-site or remote, the experience exposes you to real work that shapes communities and countries.
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Who Can Apply?
The UN Internship Programme is open to a wide range of applicants. Minimum requirements include:
- Education Background
Applicants must be:
• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD program
OR
• Graduated within the last two years.
This makes the internship extremely accessible to emerging professionals.
- Fields of Study
The UN accepts students from almost any academic field, including:
• International Relations
• Political Science
• Communications
• Law
• Economics
• Business
• Environmental Studies
• Public Health
• Data Science & ICT
• Social Sciences
• Engineering
• Development Studies
• Human Rights
• Journalism
• Public Policy
- Skills
Strong analytical skills, communication abilities, research competency, and basic computer literacy are major advantages. Multiple languages (especially English + French or Spanish) are a huge plus.
- Nationality
Applicants from all countries can apply; there are no nationality restrictions.
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Is the UN Internship Paid?
Most UN Secretariat internships are unpaid, but specific UN agencies do offer stipends, such as:
• UNICEF
• UNDP
• UNHCR
• IOM
• UNESCO
• WFP
Stipend amounts vary by location and agency. However, even unpaid internships remain highly competitive because of their prestige and career impact.
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Where You Can Work
The UN has dozens of duty stations worldwide, including:
• New York
• Geneva
• Vienna
• Nairobi
• Bangkok
• Addis Ababa
• Beirut
• Santiago
• Copenhagen
• Abuja
• Johannesburg
• Istanbul
• Amman
• Kabul
• Suva
• Cairo
There are also remote internship opportunities for applicants who cannot travel.
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What You Will Do (Typical Duties)
Your tasks depend on the department you join, but common responsibilities include:
• Conducting research for reports and policy documents
• Supporting humanitarian and development programs
• Drafting briefs, presentations, or communication materials
• Monitoring global events and preparing summaries
• Assisting in organizing conferences or workshops
• Data entry, analysis, and visualization
• Working on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) projects
• Attending internal UN meetings
• Supporting social media and outreach
• Managing documents and databases
UN interns often work closely with professionals from governments, NGOs, embassies, think-tanks, and international organizations: which builds valuable networks.
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How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the UN Careers Portal
- Create Your UN Inspira Account
You’ll use this account to apply for positions, track applications, and update your profile.
- Search for “Internship” Vacancies
Filter by:
• Duty station
• Field of expertise
• Organization
• Deadline
• Remote options
- Prepare Your Documents
Usually required:
• CV (UN format recommended)
• Cover letter
• Academic transcripts
• University enrollment letter (or proof of graduation)
• Writing samples (in some departments)
- Submit Before the Deadline
UN vacancies usually stay open between 1–3 months.
- Wait for Shortlisting
If selected, you may be invited for an interview or written test.
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Tips to Strengthen Your UN Internship Application
• Use strong keywords from the UN job description.
• Show your knowledge of global issues: SDGs, climate, governance, humanitarian systems.
• Highlight any volunteer work or NGO experience.
• Tailor your cover letter to the specific department you’re applying to.
• Show your passion for development, public service, and international cooperation.
• Add language skills, even if you’re still learning.
• Demonstrate teamwork, cultural sensitivity, and communication skills.
A well-written application stands out immediately.
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Why This Internship Matters
The UN Internship Programme is more than a CV booster, it’s a gateway. Many former interns go on to become UN Volunteers, consultants, researchers, fellows, and even full-time UN staff.
It’s an opportunity to gain the kind of global exposure and experience that can change your entire career direction.
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