The United Nations Internship Program at the UN gives students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience in an international working environment. Interns can work alongside UN professionals, learn about the organization’s activities, and contribute to the work of different departments and offices.
Internship opportunities can cover fields such as international relations, communications, economics, law, human rights, information technology, administration, data analysis, public information, and other professional areas.
The United Nations Secretariat advertises internship openings throughout the year. Each position has its own deadline, location, responsibilities, and academic requirements.
For students interested in international organizations and global issues, a UN internship can provide valuable exposure to the day-to-day work of the United Nations.
Students looking for similar programs can explore our latest international internships for more opportunities with global organizations and leading companies.
UN Internship Program Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | United Nations |
| Program Type | Internship |
| Category | Internships |
| Eligible Applicants | Final-year bachelor’s students, graduate students and eligible recent graduates |
| Professional Experience | Generally not required |
| Internship Fields | Vary by department and position |
| Locations | Various UN duty stations |
| Duration | Depends on the internship |
| Financial Support | UN Secretariat internships are generally unpaid |
| Application | Online |
| Main Application System | UN Careers / Inspira |
| Deadline | Varies by internship |
| Nationality | International applicants can apply subject to individual requirements |
What Is the United Nations Internship Program?
The United Nations Internship Program is designed to give eligible students and recent graduates practical exposure to the work of the UN.
Interns can gain first-hand experience in an international organization while applying knowledge developed through their academic studies.
At the same time, UN offices benefit from the knowledge and skills that interns bring from different academic and cultural backgrounds.
Internships are available across different departments and professional areas. This means there is no single type of “UN internship.”
A student studying law may find a very different opportunity from someone studying economics, communications, computer science, political science, or another discipline.
Who Can Apply for a UN Internship Program?
For internships with the United Nations Secretariat, applicants generally need to satisfy one of the specified academic conditions.
Depending on the particular vacancy and applicable rules, applicants typically need to be:
- Enrolled in or have completed a graduate-level program, such as a master’s or PhD; or
- Enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree at bachelor’s level or equivalent.
Some official UN materials and individual openings also specify conditions for recent graduates, including requirements concerning how soon after graduation an internship must begin.
For this reason, applicants should always follow the eligibility wording in the individual internship announcement.
Academic eligibility alone does not guarantee selection.
The internship may also require particular fields of study, languages, technical abilities, or other skills.
Do You Need Work Experience?
One of the advantages of the United Nations Internship Program is that professional work experience is generally not required for Secretariat internships.
Official UN internship announcements state that an applicant’s education, training, advanced coursework, or skills should benefit the United Nations during the internship.
This makes the program particularly relevant to students and people at the beginning of their professional careers.
However, relevant experience can still strengthen an application.
University projects, research, volunteering, student societies, technical projects, writing experience, and other activities can demonstrate useful skills even when you have not held a full-time professional position.
Fields Available for UN Internships
The United Nations works across many professional areas.
Depending on current openings, internships may relate to fields such as:
- International relations
- Political affairs
- Human rights
- International law
- Economics
- Sustainable development
- Public information
- Communications
- Journalism and media
- Data analysis
- Information technology
- Statistics
- Administration
- Programme management
- Research
- Environment and climate
- Social affairs
- Humanitarian issues
- Conference management
- Language services
- Finance
- Sustainable finance
- Public administration
Available fields change according to the needs of individual UN offices.
Applicants should therefore search current openings rather than assume that a particular field will always have an internship available.
Students interested in education, science, culture, communication, and international cooperation can explore our detailed guide to UNESCO Internships. UNESCO runs its own internship programme for eligible students and recent graduates across several professional fields.
Students interested in global health can also explore the WHO Internship in Geneva, a current opportunity with the World Health Organization focused on health promotion, prevention, research, and data-related work.
Where Are UN Internships Available?
United Nations offices operate in different parts of the world.
Internship locations can therefore vary according to the department advertising the opportunity.
Major UN duty stations and offices include locations such as New York, Geneva, Vienna and Nairobi, while other UN offices operate across many countries.
However, an applicant should not assume that every location offers internships at all times.
The official vacancy announcement provides the authoritative duty station for each opportunity.
Are UN Internships Available to International Students?
Many United Nations internship opportunities are open to applicants from different national backgrounds, subject to the requirements of the individual opening.
This international character is one of the attractions of the program.
Applicants should still check each internship carefully because education, language, location, visa, and other conditions can vary.
International candidates should also consider the financial implications of relocating for an unpaid internship.
Never assume that an internship includes travel, accommodation, or visa expenses unless the specific organization or announcement explicitly says so.
Are United Nations Internships Paid?
This is one of the most important points for applicants to understand.
United Nations Secretariat internships are generally unpaid.
Official UN internship announcements state that interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs connected with travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are normally the responsibility of the intern or a sponsoring institution.
Therefore, students should consider the financial requirements before accepting an onsite internship.
This rule should not automatically be applied to every organization in the wider United Nations system. UN agencies, funds, and programmes can operate their own internship schemes and financial arrangements.
For that reason, Pathfinderly recommends checking the conditions of the specific organization and internship before applying.
How Long Does a UN Internship Program Last?
Internship duration varies according to the department and opportunity.
Some specialized internships can be relatively short. For example, UN language-service internships may normally last around two months.
Other Secretariat internship advertisements can offer longer assignments.
Applicants should therefore check the dates and duration shown in the individual vacancy rather than relying on one general figure.
Your availability may also form part of the application.
Are UN Internships Full-Time?
Many United Nations Secretariat internship opportunities are full-time.
Some official internship announcements specify a schedule of five days per week, often around 35 hours.
However, working arrangements can differ between opportunities.
Flexible or other arrangements may sometimes be possible depending on the office and internship announcement.
Always check the individual vacancy for working hours and attendance requirements.
Remote UN Internships
Remote arrangements have appeared in United Nations internship advertisements, particularly as working practices changed during and after the COVID-19 period.
However, applicants should not assume that every UN internship is available remotely.
The individual internship announcement should clearly indicate its duty station and working arrangements.
If an opportunity allows remote or flexible participation, follow the conditions stated in that particular vacancy.
Language Requirements
Language requirements depend on the internship.
English and French are working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Many internship advertisements require fluency in English, while knowledge of another official UN language can be an advantage.
The six official languages of the United Nations are:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- English
- French
- Russian
- Spanish
Some internships may require a particular language because of their location or responsibilities.
For example, a position may require English and Spanish, while another may consider an additional UN language an advantage.
Candidates should report their language abilities accurately.
Skills That Can Strengthen Your Application
There is no universal skills checklist for every UN internship.
Still, several abilities can be useful across many positions.
These include:
- Written communication
- Research
- Analytical skills
- Computer literacy
- Teamwork
- Intercultural communication
- Organization
- Time management
- Data handling
- Report writing
- Presentation skills
Technical internships may require additional knowledge.
For example, a data-related position might value Excel, Python, R, SQL, or other analytical tools. Communications positions may instead focus on writing, digital media, content production, or social media skills.
The job description should guide how you present your strengths.
Required Documents
Requirements vary between internship openings.
A United Nations Secretariat application commonly involves completing an online application through the UN recruitment system.
Applicants may need to provide information covering:
- Academic qualifications
- Degree program
- Expected or completed graduation date
- Work or other relevant experience
- IT skills
- Languages
- Areas of interest
- References
- Motivation for applying
- Relevant skills
Some internship openings also require official proof of enrolment or graduation.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Read the application instructions carefully before submitting anything.
The UN Internship Cover Note
The cover note deserves particular attention.
Official UN internship announcements commonly ask applicants to explain their academic background, skills, availability, interest in the United Nations, and suitability for the particular internship.
Avoid writing a completely generic statement.
Instead, connect your education and skills to the responsibilities described in the internship announcement.
For example, an applicant for a communications internship might emphasize writing, research, media, or digital communication experience.
Someone applying for a data-focused internship should highlight relevant analytical coursework, software knowledge, and projects.
The purpose is not simply to say that you want to work for the United Nations. Explain what you can contribute to that particular assignment.
How to Apply for United Nations Internships
Applications for United Nations Secretariat internships are generally submitted online.
Step 1: Visit the Official UN Careers Website
Start with the official United Nations Careers portal.
Search current opportunities rather than relying only on vacancies reproduced by third-party websites.
Step 2: Search for Internship Openings
Use the job search system and look for positions categorized as internships.
Review opportunities that match your academic background and interests.
Step 3: Read the Entire Announcement
Check the internship’s:
- Department or office
- Duty station
- Responsibilities
- Academic requirements
- Language requirements
- Duration
- Working arrangement
- Deadline
- Required skills
Do not apply based only on the title.
Step 4: Create or Update Your Applicant Profile
Complete the information required through the UN application system.
Make sure your education, skills, languages, and experience are accurate and up to date.
Step 5: Prepare Your Cover Note
Tailor it to the particular internship.
Explain why your academic background and skills make you relevant to the assignment.
Step 6: Attach Required Evidence
If the announcement requests proof of enrolment, graduation, or another document, include it in the required format.
Step 7: Review and Submit
Check the entire application before submitting it.
Missing information can weaken an otherwise strong application.
UN Internship Program Selection Process
Selection procedures can vary between offices.
After applications close, the hiring office reviews candidates against the requirements of the internship.
Qualified applicants may be contacted for further assessment.
Depending on the position, this could include an assessment exercise, interview, or another evaluation method.
Some UN internship announcements specifically mention competency-based interviews.
Because offices can receive many applications, only shortlisted or successful candidates may be contacted.
Applicants should therefore not interpret the absence of immediate communication as a guarantee of either selection or rejection until the relevant process has concluded.
How Competitive Are UN Internships?
United Nations internships can attract applicants from many countries.
Some UN departments explicitly describe their internship selection as highly competitive.
A strong application should therefore demonstrate a clear connection between the applicant’s academic background and the work of the position.
Applying for every available UN internship regardless of relevance is unlikely to be the most effective strategy.
Instead, identify positions where your education, technical abilities, language skills, research interests, or previous experience align naturally with the advertised responsibilities.
UN Internship Application Deadline
There is no single annual deadline for the United Nations Internship Program.
Internships are advertised according to the requirements of individual departments and offices.
Every opening has its own application deadline.
This makes the UN Careers portal particularly important for applicants.
Check current opportunities regularly and prepare your application materials before suitable vacancies appear.
UN Internship Program vs United Nations Volunteers
Students may come across both the United Nations Internship Program and United Nations Volunteers (UNV) while searching for international opportunities.
They are different programs.
A UN internship primarily provides students and eligible recent graduates with practical exposure to the work of the organization. Professional work experience is generally not required for Secretariat internships.
UNV, by contrast, mobilizes volunteers for development, humanitarian, peace, and community-related assignments. Volunteer categories have their own experience requirements and Conditions of Service.
Formal UN Volunteer assignments may include a living allowance and other applicable entitlements. United Nations Secretariat internships, however, are generally unpaid.
If volunteering suits your goals better, read our complete guide to United Nations Volunteers (UNV) to learn about national, international, and online volunteer opportunities.
Can Pakistani Students Apply?
Pakistani students who meet the requirements of an individual United Nations internship can apply for internationally advertised opportunities unless the vacancy states a restriction that makes them ineligible.
The key issue is not simply nationality.
Applicants should check their academic status, field of study, language requirements, internship location, visa considerations, and the financial cost of participating.
Because Secretariat internships are generally unpaid, students considering an onsite opportunity abroad should calculate travel and living costs carefully before accepting an offer.
Tips for a Strong UN Internship Application
Start by choosing internships that genuinely match your studies.
Read the responsibilities before writing your cover note. Then connect your coursework, projects, research, technical abilities, or other experience directly to those responsibilities.
Use specific examples rather than broad claims.
For instance, instead of simply saying that you have “good research skills,” mention a university research project, dissertation, data analysis assignment, published work, or another relevant example.
Language abilities should also be stated accurately.
Finally, submit your application before the deadline. Waiting until the last moment can create unnecessary problems if documents or technical issues arise.
Students exploring different career paths can also compare opportunities through our guides to GitHub Internships, Google Summer Internship, OECD Internship Programme, and Microsoft Summer Internship. Each program has different eligibility requirements, locations, and recruitment processes.
Postgraduate students and recent graduates interested in research, administration and international organizations can also explore the UNU Junior Fellows Internship, which offers a six-month professional placement at United Nations University in Japan.
Important Points to Remember
A United Nations internship can provide valuable international exposure, but applicants should approach it with realistic expectations.
Keep these points in mind:
- Professional experience is generally not required for Secretariat internships.
- Academic eligibility requirements still apply.
- Individual internships can require specific fields of study.
- Language requirements vary.
- UN Secretariat internships are generally unpaid.
- Travel and living costs are normally the intern’s responsibility.
- Internship duration varies.
- Not every internship is remote.
- Each vacancy has its own deadline.
- Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
Most importantly, use the official internship announcement as your primary source of information.
Official Application Links
Current United Nations Secretariat internships can be searched through the official UN Careers system.
United Nations Careers:
https://careers.un.org/
UN Inspira Applicant System:
https://inspira.un.org/
Applicants should verify the eligibility requirements, deadline, location, duration, and working arrangements in the individual internship announcement before applying.
Graduates interested in a professional career with the United Nations can also explore the United Nations Young Professionals Programme, a competitive recruitment examination that may lead to paid entry-level positions in the UN Secretariat.
Students and recent graduates interested in humanitarian work can also explore the UNICEF Internship Programme, which offers paid placements in education, health, child protection, communication and other professional fields.
Students and recent graduates interested in humanitarian careers can also explore the UNHCR Internship Program, which offers practical experience at UN Refugee Agency offices around the world.
Final Thoughts for UN Internship Program
The United Nations Internship Program can provide students and recent graduates with first-hand exposure to the work of an international organization.
Internships cover different academic and professional areas, from international relations and human rights to communications, economics, technology, data, law, and administration.
Another advantage is that professional experience is generally not required for Secretariat internships. Your education, training, coursework, and skills can instead demonstrate your suitability.
However, applicants should carefully consider the financial side. United Nations Secretariat internships are generally unpaid, and interns are normally responsible for their travel, accommodation, visa, and living expenses.
Rather than applying randomly, focus on internships that closely match your academic background and abilities. Prepare a strong applicant profile, tailor your cover note, and monitor the official UN Careers portal for new opportunities.
Last verified: September 2026
Pathfinderly shares internship information for educational purposes. Internship eligibility, working arrangements, locations, deadlines, and other conditions can change. Always verify the current details through the official United Nations Careers portal and the individual internship announcement before applying.