Paid UN Internships 2026 – Earn While You Learn

Apply now for Paid UN Internships 2026 and gain hands-on experience working with the United Nations. Open to students and recent graduates worldwide. Earn while you learn and build a global career in development, diplomacy, or humanitarian work.

Kickstart Your Global Career with the United Nations

If you’re a student or recent graduate looking to gain real-world experience while contributing to global change, the United Nations Internship Programme 2026 is your gateway to an international career.

Internships with the UN system offer unparalleled opportunities to learn, earn, and make a difference — whether you’re working in international diplomacy, humanitarian affairs, climate action, communication, or sustainable development.

For the 2026 intake, multiple UN agencies and programmes are opening paid internship positions, allowing young professionals to gain hands-on experience while receiving stipends and financial support.

Why Apply for a UN Internship?

An internship at the United Nations is not just an opportunity — it’s a career-defining experience.

Whether you’re assisting with field projects, preparing research briefs, organizing global events, or supporting communications campaigns, you’ll be contributing to missions that shape global policies and improve lives around the world.

As a UN Intern, You Will:

Gain practical work experience in international cooperation and global governance.
Learn directly from world-class experts and policymakers.
Contribute to real projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Develop cross-cultural communication and teamwork skills.
Build a professional network with UN staff, diplomats, and global partners.

From drafting official documents to analyzing global data, interns at the UN are trusted with meaningful responsibilities that help drive international progress.

Who Can Apply for the UN Internship Programme 2026

The United Nations Internship Programme is open to students and graduates from any country.

You can apply for any internship opportunity worldwide, as long as you meet the following eligibility criteria:

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you must be:

Enrolled in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree programme, or
Currently enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. programme, or
Recently graduated (within the last 12 months) from an accredited university.

There are no nationality restrictions, and the programme welcomes applicants from all regions — including Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the Pacific.

Preferred Academic Backgrounds

Candidates with studies related to the UN’s mandate are highly encouraged to apply, including:

International Relations, Political Science, Law
Economics, Development Studies, Environmental Science
Public Policy, Gender Studies, Communication, Journalism, or Data Analytics

Internship Duration and Schedule

The UN Internship Programme 2026 is flexible, offering full-time and part-time opportunities across various departments and locations.

Duration: Minimum 2 months, maximum 6 months
Availability: Open throughout the year based on project needs and applicant availability
Schedule: Typically 35–40 hours per week (with remote and hybrid options available in some roles)

Many UN agencies, such as UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR, and UNESCO, now also offer remote internship options, allowing candidates to work online while engaging in global development projects.

Will I Get Paid? Understanding UN Internship Compensation

The UN Secretariat currently does not provide financial compensation to interns. However, several UN agencies and funds have introduced stipend-supported internships or paid internship programmes that allow interns to “earn while they learn.”

Agencies That Offer Paid Internships

UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) – Monthly stipend depending on location
UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) – Paid internships across country offices and headquarters
WHO (World Health Organization) – Financial support and travel assistance for select internships
UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency) – Stipends for interns based on duty station
UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) – Monthly financial support for eligible interns
ILO (International Labour Organization) – Paid internship placements in Geneva and global field offices

These agencies determine stipends based on duty station, cost of living, and available funding.

Tip: When browsing the UN Careers Portal, always check the “Compensation” or “Benefits” section in each listing to see whether the position offers a stipend or travel allowance.

Benefits of a UN Internship

Even beyond financial compensation, a UN internship offers several professional advantages that can boost your long-term career prospects.

Key Benefits

Professional growth: Develop critical skills in research, diplomacy, and project management.
Global exposure: Work on international challenges like climate change, peacebuilding, and human rights.
Networking: Connect with global leaders, diplomats, and professionals across the UN system.
Academic credit: Many universities offer academic credits for UN internships.
Career pathway: Build a strong foundation for applying to future UN jobs, fellowships, or consultancies.

While internships do not guarantee full-time employment, the skills and experience gained often position interns for success in future General Service, consultancy, or Professional-level positions.

How to Apply for UN Internships 2026

Step 1: Explore Current Opportunities

Visit the official UN Careers Portal at https://careers.un.org or the websites of specific agencies (UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR, etc.) to find internship openings.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application

Have the following documents ready:

Updated CV or résumé
Motivation letter outlining your goals and interest
Proof of enrollment or recent degree certificate
Language proficiency evidence (if applicable)

Step 3: Submit Your Application Online

Create an account on Inspira (the UN online recruitment system).
Apply directly for the internship opportunity of your choice.
You can apply to multiple internships at once, across agencies and locations.

Step 4: Wait for Selection

If shortlisted, you’ll be contacted for further assessments or interviews. Successful candidates are typically notified via email.

Join Our WhatsApp Group

Join Our WhatsApp Channel

Follow Our Facebook Page

Can a UN Internship Lead to a Job?

A UN internship does not automatically result in employment, but it provides a valuable entry point into the UN system.

Interns who perform well and demonstrate strong competencies often progress to:

Junior Professional Officer (JPO) programmes
UN Volunteer assignments
Short-term consultancies
Professional-level positions (P1–P3) after gaining required experience

To apply for UN staff roles, former interns must wait at least six months after their internship ends.

Tips for a Successful Application

Tailor your motivation letter to reflect the UN’s values and goals.
Highlight relevant coursework, volunteer work, or field experience.
Showcase multilingual abilities — especially in English, French, Spanish, or Arabic.
Demonstrate a clear interest in international cooperation or humanitarian work.
Apply early — internships are competitive and rolling throughout the year.

Meta Description

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) For Paid UN Internships 2026

1. Are UN internships paid?
Some are. While the UN Secretariat internships are unpaid, many agencies like UNDP, UNICEF, WHO, UNHCR, and ILO offer stipends or allowances.

2. Who can apply for the 2026 UN Internship Programme?
Students in their final undergraduate year, postgraduate students, or recent graduates from accredited universities.

3. What is the duration of UN internships?
Between 2 to 6 months, depending on project needs and availability.

4. Can I apply for multiple UN internships?
Yes. You can apply for multiple openings across UN agencies, provided you meet their specific eligibility criteria.

5. Can I get academic credit for my internship?
Yes. Most universities allow students to earn academic credit for their UN internship, depending on their internal policies.

6. Do UN internships lead to full-time jobs?
Not directly, but they often pave the way for consultancies, fellowships, or professional positions within the UN.

7. Is nationality a restriction?
No. The UN welcomes applicants from all nationalities, promoting global diversity and inclusion.

8. How can I find current openings?
Visit the UN Careers Portal or the internship pages of specific agencies for updated listings.

Keywords

Paid UN Internships 2026, United Nations internship programme, UNDP paid internships, UNICEF internship 2026, fully funded UN internships, international organization internships, UNHCR internship opportunities, WHO internships for students, UN careers for graduates, UN entry-level programmes, global development internships, remote UN internships 2026, humanitarian internships for students, UN paid trainee positions, UN online internships, career in the United Nations, United Nations student programmes, apply for UN internship 2026, work with the United Nations, earn while you learn UN internships

Paid UN Internships 2026 – Earn While You Learn

Kickstart Your Global Career with the United Nations