United Nations Internship Programme 2027 – Global
Offered by United Nations
Rolling — no deadline
Open to Master’s, PhD and final‑year Bachelor students or recent graduates. Most placements are unpaid, but some entities (e.g., UNU Junior Fellows in Tokyo) provide a monthly stipend.
Overview
The United Nations runs a wide‑range of internship opportunities each year, giving students and recent graduates practical experience in diplomacy, policy development, research and programme management. Internships typically last between two and six months and are advertised on the UN Careers (Inspira) portal for duty stations worldwide, including New York, Geneva, Vienna, Nairobi, Bangkok and others.
Who can apply
- Enrolled in a Master’s or PhD programme, or in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree.
- Within one year after graduating from a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD programme.
- Must have an excellent command of English or French.
- Cannot be a child or sibling of a United Nations Secretariat staff member.
Paid opportunities
While the core UN Secretariat internship is unpaid, certain UN entities offer stipends. A clear example for 2027 is the United Nations University (UNU) Junior Fellows Internship in Tokyo, Japan – a six‑month paid placement (approximately 1 March – 27 August 2027) with a monthly stipend covering basic living costs.
Application process
All vacancies are posted on the UN Careers portal. Each announcement states whether the position is paid, the exact duration, start date and any additional benefits. Applicants must read each notice carefully and submit a complete online application before the listed deadline.
Benefits
- Hands‑on experience in an international organisation.
- Opportunity to work alongside senior professionals and contribute to real projects.
- For paid placements, a stipend to help with living expenses and local transport.
- Valuable networking for future careers in diplomacy, development, human rights or NGOs.
How to apply
- Create or update your profile on the UN Careers (Inspira) platform.
- Search for “Internship” and filter by duty station, department or job family.
- Read each vacancy announcement to confirm eligibility, duration, start date and remuneration.
- Prepare a tailored cover letter and an up‑to‑date Personal History Profile (PHP) that highlights your academic background, skills and motivation.
- Submit the complete application online before the deadline indicated in the vacancy.
What you will need
- CV or résumé
- Cover letter
- Personal statement
Eligibility notes
Applicants must be enrolled in or have recently completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD programme, possess strong English or French skills, and must not be a child or sibling of UN Secretariat staff.
Details can change without notice. Confirm everything on the organisation's own page before you apply — see our disclaimer. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
