UN Internships, Stipend Available : Open Internships/Online application portal

The United Nations (UN) offers one of the most prestigious internship programs in the world—an opportunity many students and young professionals dream of experiencing. Designed to introduce emerging talent to the organization’s work, the program provides hands-on exposure to international development, diplomacy, humanitarian action, policy research, and countless other areas that shape global affairs. For anyone aspiring to work in international organizations or NGOs, a UN internship is often seen as a transformative starting point.

Purpose and Benefits of UN Internships

UN internships serve a dual purpose. First, they allow students and recent graduates to immerse themselves in the UN’s day-to-day operations, building a practical understanding of how international cooperation works. Second, they provide UN offices with the support of motivated, knowledgeable interns who bring fresh perspectives and academic skills to ongoing projects.

Interns often find themselves contributing to meaningful tasks such as drafting reports, conducting research, assisting with event coordination, supporting communications work, or joining meetings that touch on major global issues. This hands-on experience helps strengthen professional skills while offering valuable insights into the workings of the UN system.

Beyond the practical experience, internships offer unmatched networking opportunities. Interns interact with professionals from around the world, gain mentors, and build relationships that may help shape their future careers. While an internship does not guarantee a permanent position within the UN, it undeniably enhances a candidate’s competitiveness in the international development and humanitarian job market.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a UN internship, candidates must meet certain academic requirements. Applicants should:

• Be enrolled in the final year of a bachelor’s program,
• OR be pursuing a graduate degree (master’s or higher),
• OR have graduated within the past year.

Strong proficiency in English or French is required, though depending on the duty station, additional languages may be an asset. Applicants must also not be the child or sibling of a UN Secretariat staff member in order to avoid conflicts of interest.

UN interns come from diverse academic backgrounds, but common fields include:

• International relations
• Law and human rights
• Political science
• Development studies
• Communications
• Information technology
• Economics and social sciences

This diversity reflects the wide range of functions within the United Nations system.

Where to Find UN Internship Opportunities

Most UN internship opportunities are listed on the United Nations Careers Portal, specifically in the Internship section. However, it’s important to note that each UN entity has its own recruitment system. For example:

• UNICEF,
• UNOPS,
• UNDP,
• UNU (United Nations University),
• And various specialized agencies

…all advertise internships directly through their own platforms.

Because listings change frequently, applicants should regularly monitor official portals to avoid missing deadlines.

How to Apply

The application process is fully online and begins with creating a Personal History Profile (PHP) on the UN Careers Portal. This profile includes personal information, academic history, skills, and any work or volunteer experience.

A well-written cover letter is critical. This is your chance to explain why you want the internship, what skills you bring, and how you connect with the office’s mission. Tailoring the application to the specific internship greatly increases the chances of being short-listed.

Applicants may also need to upload:

• Proof of current enrollment, or
• A recent diploma (if applying within one year of graduation)

Once applications are submitted, the selection process begins. This may involve:

• Pre-recorded video interviews
• Written assessments
• Competency-based interviews

Because positions receive thousands of applications, the process can be lengthy, and only shortlisted candidates are usually contacted.

Duration and Costs

UN internships generally last from two to six months, depending on the needs of the office and the intern’s availability. While Many agencies have begun offering modest stipends, Some UN internships remain unpaid.

Interns must cover:

• Travel costs
• Visa fees
• Health insurance
• Accommodation
• Daily living expenses

Cities like New York, Geneva, or Vienna can be expensive, so financial planning is crucial for anyone hoping to take advantage of the opportunity.

Although demanding and often costly, a United Nations internship can be a life-changing experience. It exposes young professionals to global challenges, teaches them how international institutions operate from the inside, and opens doors to future roles within the UN or other global organizations.

For students and graduates passionate about international cooperation, diplomacy, or development, the UN internship program remains one of the most valuable and respected avenues toward building a meaningful career on the world stage.