The United Nations Internships 2027 offer students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience within one of the world’s largest international organizations.
UN internships can be particularly valuable for students interested in international relations, diplomacy, human rights, public policy, communications, economics, development, environmental issues and other areas connected to the work of the United Nations.
Interns work alongside experienced professionals and may contribute to research, data analysis, drafting documents, policy work, conferences, meetings and other activities depending on the position.
The United Nations recruits interns for different offices and departments, with opportunities available at duty stations around the world. Some positions may also offer remote work arrangements, depending on the specific vacancy.
One important point applicants should understand is that United Nations Secretariat internships are unpaid. Interns are generally responsible for their own travel, accommodation, visa, medical insurance and living expenses. Some other UN agencies, funds and programmes may have different arrangements, so applicants should always check the specific internship announcement.
United Nations Internships 2027 Overview
| Details | Information |
| Organization | United Nations |
| Opportunity | United Nations Internship Programme |
| Study Level | Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD |
| Eligible Applicants | Current students and recent graduates |
| Duration | 2 to 6 months |
| Location | Various UN duty stations worldwide; some vacancies may permit remote work |
| Payment | UN Secretariat internships are generally unpaid |
| Application Fee | None |
| Application Platform | UN Careers / Inspira |
| Application Period | Opportunities are advertised throughout the year |
| Work Areas | Varies by internship |
| Visa | Required where applicable and generally arranged at the intern’s expense |
What Are United Nations Internships?
The United Nations Internship Programme is designed to give students and recent graduates practical exposure to the work of the Organization.
Depending on the department, an intern may assist with research, prepare reports and documents, analyse information and data, support meetings and conferences, contribute to communications activities or provide other professional and administrative support.
The experience can help applicants understand how an international organization operates while developing professional skills that may be useful for future employment or further study.
The UN has internship opportunities across a wide range of fields, so applicants should not assume that internships are limited to international relations or political science.
Who Can Apply for United Nations Internships?
The eligibility requirements can vary slightly depending on the specific vacancy, but the UN Secretariat generally allows applicants who meet one of the following academic conditions:
- They are enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme, normally at bachelor’s level or equivalent.
- They are enrolled in a graduate programme such as a master’s or PhD.
- They have completed a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD programme and can begin the internship within one year of graduation.
- They have strong command of English or French, depending on the requirements of the position.
- They are not the child or sibling of a United Nations Secretariat staff member.
Applicants should always read the individual vacancy carefully because a particular internship may require a specific academic background, language ability, technical skill or other qualification.
Academic Requirements
You do not necessarily need to have completed a master’s degree to apply.
Final-year bachelor’s students can be eligible, while students enrolled in master’s and PhD programmes may also apply.
Recent graduates can also qualify if they meet the applicable requirement concerning when the internship must begin after graduation.
The most important thing is to check the education requirements listed in the specific internship announcement before submitting your application.
Fields of Study
United Nations internships cover many different professional areas.
Depending on the vacancies available, opportunities may be relevant to students studying fields such as:
- International relations
- Political science
- Law
- Economics
- Development studies
- Environmental studies
- Communications
- Journalism
- Public policy
- Social sciences
- Statistics and data
- Information technology
- Human rights
- Public administration
- Business and management
- Languages
- International development
There are many other areas as well. Your eligibility ultimately depends on the requirements of the particular internship.
Benefits of a United Nations Internship
Although the UN Secretariat internship programme is generally unpaid, the professional experience can be valuable.
International work experience
Interns gain exposure to the work of an international organization and may collaborate with professionals from different countries and backgrounds.
Practical professional skills
Depending on the position, interns may develop experience in research, writing, data analysis, communications, policy support, event coordination and other professional activities.
Exposure to global issues
Internships can provide firsthand experience with issues such as sustainable development, humanitarian affairs, human rights, international trade, environmental policy and global governance.
Professional networking
Interns can work alongside UN personnel and other professionals, creating opportunities to develop professional relationships.
Potential academic credit
Some universities may allow students to receive academic credit for an internship, subject to their own academic policies.
Is the United Nations Internship Paid?
For the United Nations Secretariat, internships are unpaid.
Applicants should therefore not assume that the UN will pay for flights, accommodation, food, visa expenses or other living costs.
The UN states that interns or their sponsoring institutions are responsible for travel, accommodation, medical insurance and living expenses. Interns may also need to obtain and finance the appropriate visa for the location of their internship.
However, the wider UN system includes agencies, funds and programmes that may have different internship policies, including some opportunities that provide financial support.
If you are applying to an organization such as UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR, UNEP or another UN entity, check that organization’s own internship announcement for the exact conditions.
Is There an Application Fee?
No.
The United Nations does not charge applicants a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
This includes the application, interview, processing and recruitment stages.
If someone contacts you claiming to represent the United Nations and asks you to pay money to obtain an internship, treat it as a potential scam. The UN has specifically warned applicants about fraudulent internship offers.
Never send money simply because someone claims they can secure a UN internship for you.
Documents to Prepare
Before applying, it is useful to have your application materials ready.
Depending on the vacancy, you may need:
- An updated CV or Personal History Profile
- Academic information and proof of enrollment or graduation
- A cover letter or cover note
- Information about your work or volunteer experience
- Language information
- Details of your technical and computer skills
- References where requested
- Other documents specifically mentioned in the vacancy announcement
Do not submit the same generic cover letter to every internship. Your application should clearly explain why your academic background, skills and interests are relevant to the particular position.
How to Apply for United Nations Internships 2027
Applications for UN Secretariat internships are submitted online through the official UN Careers system.
Step 1: Visit the UN Careers website
Go to the official United Nations Careers portal and search for available internship positions.
Official United Nations Careers Portal
Step 2: Search for internship vacancies
Use the internship category or search tools to find current opportunities.
You can search based on areas such as job family, location or other available filters.
Step 3: Read the vacancy carefully
Before applying, check:
- Job title
- Job Opening ID
- Duty station
- Academic requirements
- Language requirements
- Skills and competencies
- Internship duration
- Application deadline
- Work arrangement
- Any position-specific requirements
Do not apply simply because the position has “United Nations” in the title. Make sure you meet the requirements.
Step 4: Create an Inspira profile
UN Secretariat applications use the Inspira recruitment system.
Complete your profile carefully and provide accurate information about your education, work experience, languages and skills.
Your profile can be used when applying for other UN opportunities as well, so keeping it updated is important.
Step 5: Prepare a tailored cover letter
Your cover letter should be written specifically for the internship.
Mention the position you are applying for and explain:
- Your current academic status
- Your relevant education
- Relevant work, volunteer or project experience
- Your technical or professional skills
- Why you are interested in the specific department
- How your background can contribute to the internship
The UN advises applicants to tailor their applications to the specific internship and include the Job ID in the cover letter.
Step 6: Submit the application
Review every section before submitting.
Check your contact details, education history, experience, languages and supporting information for errors.
Submit the application before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.
Step 7: Monitor your application
After submission, your application enters the relevant selection process.
Because the UN receives a large number of applications, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
Only candidates who progress in the recruitment process may be contacted.
How to Improve Your Chances of Selection
Competition for UN internships can be strong, so submitting a basic application may not be enough.
Here are some practical ways to strengthen your application.
Tailor your CV
Highlight experiences that directly relate to the internship instead of listing everything you have ever done.
If the position involves research, emphasize research projects, analytical work and relevant coursework.
If it involves communications, highlight writing, social media, public relations, journalism, campaigns or communications projects.
Customize your cover letter
Avoid copying the same cover letter for multiple applications.
Show that you understand what the department does and explain why your background makes you a suitable candidate.
Highlight measurable achievements
Instead of simply writing that you “managed social media,” explain what you achieved, such as growing an audience, increasing engagement or managing a campaign.
Do not ignore volunteer experience
Volunteer work, student organizations, research projects and community activities can be useful, particularly when they demonstrate skills relevant to the internship.
Keep your Inspira profile complete
Make sure your education, experience, languages and skills are properly entered before applying.
Apply for relevant positions
You may apply for more than one suitable internship. However, focus on positions for which your academic background and skills genuinely match the requirements.
United Nations Internship Locations
UN internships can be available at different locations around the world.
Major UN locations can include cities such as:
- New York
- Geneva
- Vienna
- Nairobi
- Addis Ababa
- Bangkok
- Beirut
- Santiago
The exact locations available depend on the internship vacancies being advertised at the time.
For applicants in Africa, Nairobi can be particularly interesting because the United Nations has major operations in Kenya, including the United Nations Office at Nairobi.
How Long Do UN Internships Last?
United Nations Secretariat internships generally last between two and six months.
The exact duration is stated in the individual vacancy announcement.
Applicants should also make sure they can commit to the required internship period before applying.
When Is the Deadline?
There is no single application deadline for all United Nations internships.
Internship vacancies are posted at different times throughout the year, and each position has its own application deadline.
For this reason, applicants should regularly check the official UN Careers portal rather than waiting for one annual deadline.
Check Current United Nations Internship Vacancies
Important Warning About UN Internship Scams
Be careful with websites, social media accounts and individuals claiming to guarantee a United Nations internship in exchange for money.
The United Nations states that it does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process.
You should also be cautious if someone asks for your bank account information or requests payment for an application, interview, training or recruitment service while claiming to represent the UN.
Always verify an internship through the official UN Careers platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are United Nations internships paid?
United Nations Secretariat internships are unpaid. Interns are generally responsible for their travel, accommodation, visa, insurance and living expenses. Other UN agencies may have different arrangements.
Can undergraduate students apply?
Yes. Students in the final academic year of a first university degree can be eligible, provided they meet the other requirements of the internship.
Can recent graduates apply?
Yes. Graduates can generally be eligible if they meet the requirement to begin the internship within one year of graduation.
Is there an age limit?
The UN’s general internship eligibility is primarily based on academic status and recent graduation rather than a stated general maximum age. Always check the requirements of the specific vacancy.
How long does a UN internship last?
United Nations Secretariat internships normally last between two and six months.
Do I need to speak French or English?
Strong command of English or French is generally required for the UN Secretariat internship programme, depending on the specific position. Other official UN languages may be an advantage or may be required for certain roles.
Do I need a visa?
If the internship is in a country where you do not already have the appropriate immigration status, you may need a visa or other authorization. The UN states that interns are responsible for obtaining and financing the necessary visa.
Does the UN pay for accommodation and flights?
For UN Secretariat internships, interns or their sponsoring institutions are responsible for travel, accommodation and living expenses.
Is there an application fee?
No. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process.
Where can I apply?
You can search and apply for UN Secretariat internship vacancies through the official UN Careers portal.
Apply through the Official UN Careers Portal
Final Advice for Applicants
A United Nations internship can be a valuable addition to your CV, particularly if you want to build a career in international development, diplomacy, public policy, communications, human rights or other areas connected to global affairs.
However, applicants should understand that these opportunities can be highly competitive and that meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.
Start by identifying internships that closely match your academic background and skills. Then prepare a focused CV, write a customized cover letter and submit your application through the official UN recruitment system.
Most importantly, never pay anyone who claims they can guarantee you a UN internship. Applications to the UN Secretariat are free.
For current vacancies and official requirements, always check the United Nations Careers website before applying.
