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InternshipUnpaid (some duty stations offer stipend)

United Nations Internship Programme (Global)

Last verified 25 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The UN Internship Programme places students from around the world – including African nationals – at UN headquarters and field offices for 2–6 month assignments in policy, communications, research, human rights, and sustainable development.

Provider
United Nations
Host country
Multiple
Deadline
Rolling (multiple intakes per year)
Region
Global

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply
Open to students currently enrolled in a graduate-school programme (Master's or PhD) or in the final year of a first-level university degree (Bachelor's). Applicants must be fluent in at least one of the UN working languages (English, French or Spanish). African nationals are eligible.
Funding
Unpaid (some duty stations offer stipend)
Study level
Internship
Deadline
Rolling (multiple intakes per year)

Key eligibility criteria

  • Open to students currently enrolled in a graduate-school programme (Master's or PhD) or in the final year of a first-level university degree (Bachelor's). Applicants must be fluent in at least one of the UN working languages (English, French or Spanish). African nationals are eligible.

Recorded funding information

  • Unpaid (some duty stations offer stipend)

About the United Nations Internship Programme (Global) (2026)

## About the United Nations Internship Programme The United Nations Internship Programme is the UN Secretariat's entry-level talent pipeline. It places students from around the world – including African nationals – at UN Headquarters in New York and at duty stations in Geneva, Vienna, Nairobi, Addis Ababa and field missions across the continent. ## Duration & areas of work - 2 to 6 months, full-time - Policy analysis, sustainable development, human rights, peace & security, communications, legal affairs, statistics, IT, administration ## What is offered - Direct work experience inside the UN system - Mentorship from senior UN staff - Access to UN training, seminars and networks - A formal certificate of completion Interns are NOT paid a salary by the UN; some duty stations offer a small stipend through partner programmes (e.g. Mandela Washington Fellowship). Interns are responsible for travel, visa, accommodation and living costs. ## Eligibility - Enrolled in a graduate programme, or in the final year of a Bachelor's, or graduated within the past year - Fluency in English, French or Spanish - Strong academic record and demonstrated interest in the UN mission ## How to apply Applications are submitted on the UN Careers Portal (careers.un.org). Search "Internship" under Job Network and apply to specific opening calls, which are posted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

  • Unpaid (some duty stations offer stipend)

United Nations Internship Programme (Global) eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

  • Open to students currently enrolled in a graduate-school programme (Master's or PhD) or in the final year of a first-level university degree (Bachelor's). Applicants must be fluent in at least one of the UN working languages (English, French or Spanish). African nationals are eligible.

United Nations Internship Programme (Global) document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

    How to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme (Global) 2026

    Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

    1. 1
      Check the provider's process

      Consult https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/0?language=en to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.

    2. 2
      Check eligibility and any requested materials

      Listed eligibility: Open to students currently enrolled in a graduate-school programme (Master's or PhD) or in the final year of a first-level university degree (Bachelor's). Applicants must be fluent in at least one of the UN working languages (English, French or Spanish). African nationals are eligible.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.

    3. 3
      Check dates and next steps

      Listed deadline information: Rolling (multiple intakes per year). Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

    United Nations Internship Programme (Global) deadline & application timeline

    Provider deadline information: Rolling (multiple intakes per year). This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

    1. Planning suggestion: 12 months out

      Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.

    2. Planning suggestion: 6 months out

      If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.

    3. Planning suggestion: 3 months out

      If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.

    4. Planning suggestion: 1 month out

      If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.

    5. Provider deadline
      Rolling (multiple intakes per year)

      Provider deadline information: Rolling (multiple intakes per year). Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

    Ready to apply?

    Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

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    Editorial verification note

    Approved after editorial review; official URL and program details cross-checked with provider website.
    Last checked 5/25/2026

    Frequently asked questions

    Who can apply for the United Nations Internship Programme (Global)?+

    Open to students currently enrolled in a graduate-school programme (Master's or PhD) or in the final year of a first-level university degree (Bachelor's). Applicants must be fluent in at least one of the UN working languages (English, French or Spanish). African nationals are eligible.

    What funding does the United Nations Internship Programme (Global) offer?+

    Listed funding: Unpaid (some duty stations offer stipend). Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

    When is the application deadline?+

    Provider deadline information: Rolling (multiple intakes per year). Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

    What documents do I need to apply?+

    No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

    How do I check the application process?+

    Consult https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/0?language=en to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Open to students currently enrolled in a graduate-school programme (Master's or PhD) or in the final year of a first-level university degree (Bachelor's). Applicants must be fluent in at least one of the UN working languages (English, French or Spanish). African nationals are eligible.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Rolling (multiple intakes per year). Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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