The United Nations Internship Programme 2026 encompasses internship opportunities available across the United Nations Secretariat and affiliated UN agencies, funds, and programmes. Through the official UN Careers portal, students and recent graduates can apply to internship openings in departments including programme support, communications, research, policy analysis, human rights, humanitarian affairs, and information technology.
It is important to clarify that internships under the United Nations Secretariat (e.g., roles directly through careers.un.org with “Intern” category postings) are generally unofficially listed as unpaid positions, meaning interns are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, visas, and living expenses. However, many UN agencies within the UN system (such as UNDP, UNICEF, WFP, FAO, ILO, etc.) do offer paid internships with monthly stipends; these must be applied for separately through each agency’s application portal.
This post explains how the UN Secretariat internship works, highlights paid internship opportunities through UN agencies, and outlines procedural application details for 2026 internship openings.
Location
- Global United Nations duty stations: Many internship vacancies listed on the UN Careers portal are located in major UN hubs such as New York (USA), Geneva (Switzerland), Vienna (Austria), Nairobi (Kenya), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Bangkok (Thailand), Santiago (Chile), Cairo (Egypt), and other regional offices.
- Agency-specific locations: Paid internships with UN agencies may also be based at agency headquarters or field offices around the world.
- Hybrid or remote formats: Some agency internships—which pay stipends—may allow hybrid or remote work, though unpaid Secretariat internships are traditionally on‑site.
Positions / Study Fields
Internship positions vary by department or agency. Common fields where internships are offered through the UN Careers portal include:
- Programme and Policy Support
- Public Information and Communications
- Research, Data Analysis & Economic Affairs
- Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs
- Information Systems & Technology
- Administration and Project Coordination
Examples of active UN Secretariat internship postings include roles such as “Intern – Journal of the United Nations” and various internship opportunities under the “Internship (I‑1)” category with different departments, duty stations, and deadline dates.
Benefits
Internships directly under the UN Secretariat are not paid. Participants must cover their own costs related to living expenses, travel, visas, accommodation, and insurance. This was confirmed by the United Nations Internship FAQ, which states that interns or their sponsoring institution bear all such expenses.
Paid internships exist within the UN system through agencies such as:
- UNDP: Monthly stipend provided (varies by duty station).
- UNICEF: Monthly stipend and possible travel/visa support.
- WFP, FAO, ILO: Many offer paid internships with varying stipend ranges.
Paid internships with agencies typically include professional work responsibilities, mentoring, and organizational exposure but interns still must plan for travel and accommodation unless the agency explicitly offers additional support.
Compensation / Funding
- UN Secretariat Internships: Unpaid. Costs borne by intern.
- Agency Internships (UNDP, UNICEF, etc.): Monthly stipends; amounts vary by agency and duty station (approximate ranges: USD 800–2,000+ per month depending on agency and location).
- Travel and relocation allowances may be available for certain agency internships; specifics are listed in the individual agency vacancy announcements.
Eligibility
- Academic Status: Applicants must be enrolled in a Bachelor’s (final year), Master’s, or Ph.D. programme, or be recent graduates (typically within 12 months).
- Language Proficiency: Strong command of English or French is required; knowledge of additional UN languages (Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, Russian) is advantageous.
- Conflict Restrictions: Applicants cannot be the child or sibling of United Nations staff.
- Internship Duration: Internships run from a minimum of 2 months up to 6 months. Interns must begin before or within one year after graduation.
- Agency Criteria: Paid internships with UN agencies may have additional requirements such as specific fields of study, region preferences, or language needs.
Who Should Apply
- Undergraduate or graduate students seeking international development, diplomacy, research, or policy experience.
- Recent graduates within the last 12 months.
- Applicants proficient in English (and other UN languages as relevant).
- Candidates prepared to manage their own travel and living arrangements for Secretariat internships.
- Those seeking financial support should explore agency internships that provide stipends.
Required Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Research and analytical abilities relevant to the internship role.
- Teamwork and adaptability in multicultural environments.
- Proficiency with standard office software and data tools as needed.
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé.
- Cover letter or statement of motivation tailored to the specific vacancy.
- Academic transcripts or proof of enrolment.
- Language proficiency evidence, if required.
- Any additional documents requested in individual agency internships.
How to Apply
- Visit the UN Careers portal.
- Select “Internship” in the category filter to view Secretariat internship openings.
- Review vacancies and click “Apply Now” for positions matching your eligibility.
- Create an Inspira profile if required and complete the application form.
- Attach all required documents and submit before the deadline.
- For paid internships with UN agencies, visit each agency’s official careers portal (e.g., UNDP, UNICEF) and follow their application process.
Deadline
Internship deadlines vary by posting. Many Secretariat internship vacancies have deadlines around early 2026 (e.g., 27 February 2026 for specific Intern postings on the UN Careers portal). Agency internships (e.g., UNDP, UNICEF) publish their own deadlines on respective portals — applicants should verify each listing for exact dates.
Apply Here
Click here to view and apply to United Nations internship opportunities for 2026
Tips & Common Mistakes
Tips:
- Check the UN Careers portal regularly as internships are posted frequently.
- Prepare motivation letters specific to each internship role.
- Confirm eligibility and required languages before applying.
- Apply early — some agency internships have rolling selections.
Common Mistakes:
- Applying without meeting academic criteria.
- Submitting incomplete applications.
- Missing specific agency deadlines when applying across multiple portals.
- Not tracking multiple applications if applying to several agency internships.
FAQ
Are United Nations Secretariat internships paid? Internships directly under the UN Secretariat are generally unpaid — interns bear their own costs.
Can international students apply? Yes. Students and recent graduates of all nationalities are eligible provided they meet the criteria and are not closely related to a UN staff member.
Are internships available year‑round? Yes. Internship vacancies are published throughout the year on the UN Careers portal and on agency-specific portals.