The United Nations (UN) is one of the most influential global organisations, playing a vital role in peacekeeping, international cooperation, sustainable development, and the protection of human rights. For students and recent graduates aspiring to make a difference in the world, securing an internship with the UN provides an extraordinary opportunity to gain professional experience while contributing to meaningful global initiatives. Applications for the United Nations Internships 2025–2026 are currently open, offering a pathway to work directly with UN offices across the world.
This article provides a detailed overview of the UN Internship Programme, including its benefits, eligibility requirements, and the step-by-step application process. It also highlights why interning with the UN is considered a transformative experience for students and early-career professionals.
Why the United Nations Internship Programme Matters
The United Nations has over 40,000 staff working in more than 190 countries, addressing challenges such as poverty reduction, conflict prevention, humanitarian crises, climate change, and gender equality (UN, 2023). The scope and scale of the organisation make it one of the most dynamic workplaces globally. For interns, this environment offers exposure to international policymaking, cross-cultural collaboration, and problem-solving on a global scale.
Internships at the UN are designed to nurture young talent and equip participants with professional skills that go beyond academic learning. The programme supports the development of competencies such as communication, teamwork, planning, and technological awareness, which are essential for international careers (Guevara et al., 2022). By working alongside experienced professionals, interns gain insight into the inner workings of the UN system, its values, and its approach to addressing complex issues.
Internship Overview
The United Nations Internship Programme 2025–2026 is open to applicants from all countries. Internships typically last between two and six months, depending on the department and specific project. Opportunities are available in various UN offices around the world, including headquarters in New York, Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi, as well as regional and field offices.
At the end of the programme, interns receive a certificate of completion, which recognises their contribution. More importantly, participants leave with practical experience in international affairs, research, communications, human rights advocacy, or sustainable development, depending on their placement (UN Careers, 2024).
Key Benefits of the Programme
Although UN internships are unpaid, they offer several benefits that make them highly valuable for students and young professionals:
Professional Development: Interns gain hands-on experience in policy research, data analysis, drafting communications, project planning, and more. These skills are transferable to careers in government, academia, NGOs, and international organisations (Abbot, 2021).
Networking Opportunities: Interns work with experts and professionals from different cultural and academic backgrounds. This exposure allows participants to build global networks that can benefit their careers long after the internship ends (Schaefer, 2023).
Cross-Cultural Experience: With English and French as the working languages, interns often work in multilingual and multicultural environments, fostering adaptability and cultural intelligence.
Personal Growth: Living and working in new countries or cities broadens interns’ perspectives, encouraging them to become more open-minded, tolerant, and globally aware (Taylor, 2022).
Career Advancement: Although an internship does not guarantee employment, it significantly strengthens a CV and demonstrates commitment to international service. Many former interns move on to careers in diplomacy, development agencies, and the UN itself.
Eligibility Criteria
The UN Internship Programme has specific requirements to ensure that candidates are prepared for the responsibilities involved:
Languages: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language—Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish—is considered an advantage (UN Careers, 2024).
Education: Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate programme, in the final year of an undergraduate degree, or have graduated within the last year. Relevant fields include international relations, communications, sociology, human development, human rights, and psychology.
Technical Skills: Candidates must be computer literate, familiar with tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and basic office equipment.
Commitment to UN Values: Applicants must show interest in the UN’s work and demonstrate respect for diversity, inclusivity, and cross-cultural collaboration (Guevara et al., 2022).
Additionally, applicants are expected to demonstrate core competencies, including professionalism, effective communication, organisational skills, and technological awareness.
The Application Process
Applying for a UN internship requires preparation and attention to detail. The process is managed through the official United Nations Careers Portal. Below is a step-by-step guide:
Create an Account
Register on the UN’s recruitment platform by creating a personal account. This allows you to save applications, track progress, and receive notifications.
Complete Your Profile
Provide accurate information about your educational background, work experience, technical skills, and language proficiency. Ensure your profile is complete, as incomplete profiles are not considered.
Search for Internships
Use the portal’s search function to find internships aligned with your interests. You can filter opportunities by duty station, field of work, or department.
Prepare Application Documents
A typical application requires:
Cover Letter: This should outline your degree programme, graduation date, reasons for applying, and relevant skills (e.g., research, communications, data analysis, or social media management).
Personal History Profile (PHP): Include details of past work, academic achievements, software proficiency, and references.
Submit Application
Submit your completed application through the portal. Only complete applications are reviewed.
Wait for Notification
Due to the high number of applications, only shortlisted candidates are contacted. If successful, you will receive instructions on the next steps.
Challenges and Considerations
While UN internships are prestigious, applicants should be aware of certain challenges. Firstly, the internships are generally unpaid, which may create financial barriers for students from lower-income backgrounds (ILO, 2021). However, some UN agencies and external organisations may offer stipends or funding support. Secondly, the selection process is competitive, as thousands of students worldwide apply for limited positions. Thus, tailoring applications to highlight relevant skills and motivation is essential.
Another consideration is the potential cultural adjustment. Working in international offices requires adaptability to new environments and the ability to collaborate with colleagues from diverse cultures (Taylor, 2022). Nevertheless, these challenges often become opportunities for personal growth and resilience.
Why Choose a UN Internship?
For many students, the UN Internship Programme is more than just work experience. It represents an opportunity to contribute to global causes such as climate action, humanitarian assistance, and peacebuilding. Interns often leave with a deeper understanding of global governance and a stronger commitment to international service (Schaefer, 2023).
Moreover, recent studies highlight that internships with global organisations significantly improve employability. Employers value candidates who have demonstrated international experience, cultural awareness, and problem-solving skills in complex environments (Jackson & Bridgstock, 2021).
Conclusion
The United Nations Internship Programme 2025–2026 offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students and young graduates to gain hands-on experience at the heart of international cooperation. While unpaid, the programme provides invaluable professional, cultural, and personal benefits. Interns learn to navigate global challenges, build professional networks, and strengthen their career prospects.
For those passionate about making a difference, the UN Internship Programme is a gateway to contributing to meaningful change on a global scale. By joining this programme, interns not only advance their own careers but also support the mission of building peace, equality, and sustainable development worldwide.
Reviewed by GEO BETA
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September 11, 2025
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