UN Internships: How to Apply, Eligibility, and What to Expect

Working at the United Nations — even as an intern — is one of the most professionally transformative experiences available to a student or recent graduate. The UN system is the world's most complex multilateral institution, operating across 193 member states with a mandate that spans peace and security, human rights, sustainable development, health, climate, and humanitarian response. To work inside that system, even for a few months, is to gain perspective, skills, and professional connections that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else.

UN internships are also among the most competitive opportunities in the global development sector. This guide breaks down exactly how the system works, who is eligible, how to apply strategically, and what to expect once you arrive.

The UN System: Understanding Which Agency to Target

The "United Nations" is not a single organization — it is a system of 44 specialized agencies, programs, funds, and related bodies, each with its own mandate, culture, and internship program. Before you apply, you need to understand which part of the UN system aligns with your field and goals.

UN Secretariat — The central administrative body based in New York, with offices in Geneva, Vienna, Nairobi, and other cities. Covers political affairs, peacekeeping, legal, communications, management, and more.

UNDP (UN Development Programme) — Focuses on sustainable development, poverty reduction, democratic governance, and climate resilience. Offices in 170 countries.

UNICEF (UN Children's Fund) — Works on child welfare, education, health, nutrition, and protection. One of the most active internship recruiters in the UN system.

UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency) — Focuses on refugee protection and humanitarian response. Strong internship programs at headquarters and field offices.

WHO (World Health Organization) — Global public health, disease prevention, health policy, and emergency response.

ILO (International Labour Organization) — Labor rights, employment, social protection, and workplace standards.

UNESCO — Education, science, culture, and communication.

UN Women — Gender equality and women's empowerment.

FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) — Food security, agriculture, and rural development.

Each of these agencies recruits interns independently. Research the one most aligned with your academic background and career goals before you begin your application.

Eligibility requirements vary slightly across UN agencies, but the following criteria apply broadly to the UN Secretariat and most major programs:

Enrollment or recent graduation: You must be enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program at the time of application, OR you must have graduated within the last 12 months. Some agencies require graduate-level enrollment specifically.

Age: Most UN internship programs do not set an explicit age limit, but competitive candidates are typically between 22 and 30 years old.

Language proficiency: Fluency in at least one of the six official UN languages (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Chinese) is required. Many positions require English or French. Additional language skills significantly strengthen your application.

Field of study: Must be relevant to the position. Law, economics, political science, international relations, public health, communications, finance, social science, IT, and environmental science are among the most common fields.

Nationality: UN internships are open to nationals of all UN member states. There is no nationality restriction, though some positions may preference candidates from underrepresented countries in the UN system.

Step 1: Create a Profile on the UN Careers Portal

Go to careers.un.org and create a candidate account. Complete your profile thoroughly — this is your first impression. Upload a professional CV formatted to UN standards (clear, chronological, free of photos).

Step 2: Search for Open Internship Positions

Use the job search tool to filter by "Internship" position level. You can filter by duty station (New York, Geneva, Nairobi, etc.), department, and field. New internship positions are posted regularly — check the portal at least twice a week.

Step 3: Read the Position Description Carefully

Each internship posting includes a detailed description of duties, required skills, and educational requirements. Read this carefully before applying. Your cover letter and application must directly address what the position requires.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Applications are submitted directly through the portal. You will upload your CV, a cover letter, and any required supporting documents. Some positions also ask for a writing sample or academic transcript.

Step 5: Interview

Shortlisted candidates are contacted for an interview — typically conducted by video call. Interviews usually include competency-based questions and may ask about your knowledge of the UN's work in the relevant area.

Stipend: Are UN Internships Paid?

Historically, UN internships were entirely unpaid, which created significant access barriers for candidates from lower-income backgrounds. The United Nations General Assembly approved a landmark resolution in 2022 establishing a paid internship policy, implemented progressively from 2023.

Under the current policy, UN Secretariat interns receive a stipend of USD 1,000 per month at New York and Geneva duty stations, and equivalent local rates at other offices. This represents a major policy shift and has significantly increased the accessibility of UN internships for candidates from developing countries.

Individual UN agencies — UNICEF, UNDP, WHO, etc. — have their own stipend policies, which vary. Check the specific agency's internship page for current stipend information before applying.

What to Expect as a UN Intern

Professional Culture

The UN workplace is multinational, multilingual, and highly structured. You will work alongside colleagues from dozens of countries, navigating formal hierarchies and interagency dynamics that have no equivalent in most national organizations.

The Work

UN interns are assigned meaningful, substantive tasks — not just administrative work. Depending on your department, you may contribute to research reports, policy briefs, communications campaigns, data analysis, program implementation, or event coordination. The quality and visibility of your work depends heavily on your supervisor and department.

Networking

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of a UN internship is the professional network you build. Take every opportunity to attend department meetings, UN-hosted events, and interagency briefings. Many UN staff members began as interns — and they remember it. The connections you build during a UN internship can open doors for years.

Living Abroad

If your internship is at an international duty station — New York, Geneva, Nairobi, Vienna — you will need to arrange housing and cover living expenses. Research affordable housing options early. The stipend, while a significant improvement over unpaid arrangements, should be supplemented if possible, particularly in high-cost cities like Geneva or New York.

Tailor every application. Do not submit the same cover letter to multiple positions. Each application should reference the specific department, mandate, and work described in the position posting.

Demonstrate UN system knowledge. Show in your cover letter that you understand the UN's mandate, the sustainable development goals (SDGs), and the specific agency's priorities. Committees value candidates who are genuinely invested in the UN's work, not just its prestige.

Highlight multilingualism. If you speak more than one UN language — even at an intermediate level — make this prominent in your CV and cover letter.

Apply to multiple positions and agencies. Given the volume of applications and the specificity of selection, applying to five to ten relevant positions across multiple agencies is a sound strategy.

Build a relevant profile before applying. Research experience, community work, and academic publications in relevant fields significantly strengthen applications for competitive UN positions.

A UN internship is not simply a line on your CV. It is a formative professional experience that exposes you to the most complex, consequential work being done in the world today — and to the people doing it. For students serious about international careers in development, policy, law, health, or diplomacy, the UN system offers an unmatched entry point.

The process is competitive, the standards are high, and the preparation is substantial. But for motivated students who invest in understanding the system and building a compelling application, the opportunity is real.

Apply early. Apply specifically. And be ready to do exceptional work from your first week.