United Nations Internships ( August 2025) : Explore Open Internships/Online application portal

The United Nations (UN) offers a highly sought-after internship program designed to provide students and recent graduates with exposure to the organization’s work and to gain practical experience in various professional fields . These internships are a valuable stepping stone for those interested in international relations, development, humanitarian law, and a career within the UN system or related non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

Purpose and Benefits of UN Internships

The UN internship program serves a dual purpose: to provide students with exposure to the UN’s work and to offer UN offices the assistance of qualified students . Interns gain valuable hands-on experience, develop new skills, and contribute to the UN’s mission . While an internship does not guarantee a job within the UN, it provides significant experience and networking opportunities that can be beneficial for future career prospects in international organizations or related fields . Interns often engage in diverse tasks, from administrative work and report compilation to attending meetings and assisting with specific projects

Eligibility for UN Internships

To be eligible for a UN internship, applicants must meet specific academic criteria. Generally, candidates must be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent), or enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) . Alternatively, if an applicant has already graduated, they must commence their internship within one year of their graduation date . Beyond academic qualifications, excellent command of English or French is typically required. It’s also important to note that applicants should not be a child or sibling of a United Nations Secretariat staff member . While academic backgrounds vary widely among interns, common fields include international relations, law, development, communications, and IT .

Open Internship Opportunities

Open internship opportunities at the United Nations can be found on the United Nations Careers Portal/Internship section . Additionally, various UN funds and programs, such as UNICEF and UNOPS, have their own direct internship application portals . The United Nations University (UNU) also recruits interns through competitive application processes via specific vacancy announcements . It is advisable to regularly check  official platforms for the most up-to-date listings.

Application Process for UN Internships

The application process for UN internships is primarily conducted through the United Nations Careers Portal .All internship vacancies are posted on this portal, and applicants are required to create a “personal history profile” with their details, skills, education, and work history . A cover letter is also a crucial component of the application, allowing candidates to highlight their motivations and relevant qualifications for the specific position . It is highly recommended to tailor the online application and cover letter to the specific internship being applied for, emphasizing skills that align with the job posting and the organization’s mission . Applicants should be prepared to upload proof of enrollment or a certified copy of their degree, ensuring it’s on official letterhead or has an official seal

The selection process is competitive, with thousands of applications received for each session . After initial screening, short-listed candidates may be invited for assessments, which can include pre-recorded video interviews, written tests, and competency-based interviews . These assessments aim to evaluate motivation, technical competencies, language skills, and behavioral attributes . Patience is key, as the recruitment process can take several weeks or even months, and only short-listed candidates are typically contacted

Duration and Costs of UN Internships

UN internships typically last for a minimum of two months and a maximum of six months . While some UN agencies may offer small stipends, it’s crucial to understand that most UN internships are unpaid . Interns are generally responsible for all costs related to travel, insurance, accommodation, living expenses, and obtaining necessary visas . Living in cities where UN offices are located, such as New York, can be very costly, and prospective interns should budget accordingly