How to Apply for UN Internships: A Practical Guide

Overview of UN Internship Programs

The United Nations offers internship programs across its agencies, including UNICEF, UNDP, WHO, and UN headquarters. These programs typically run for 2–6 months and are open to graduate students and recent graduates. The majority of these internships are unpaid, though some agencies may offer a stipend, which can range from $500 to $1,500 per month, depending on the agency and location.

Eligibility Basics

Requirements for UN internships vary by agency, but generally, applicants must:

• Be enrolled in or have recently completed a graduate degree program
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have strong written English skills (and often French)
• Have a relevant academic background to the division they are applying to

For example, an applicant to the UNICEF child protection division should have a background in social work, law, or a related field, and be familiar with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Where to Find Openings

To find available UN internship openings, applicants can:

• Use Oppora's internships section, which aggregates UN and other international program listings
• Visit inspira.un.org, the main UN careers portal, and filter by "Internship" in job type
• Check individual agency websites, such as UNICEF, UNDP, and WHO, each of which have separate portals

Applicants can also set up alerts or check these portals regularly, as most UN internship cycles open 3–4 months before the start date and applications close quickly for popular divisions.

The Application Package

A strong UN internship application includes:

• Cover letter, specific to the division and the work it does
• CV/Resume, academic achievements, relevant coursework, any prior fieldwork or research
• Academic transcript, often required as part of the online portal submission
• Reference, one or two contacts from academic or professional settings

For example, a cover letter for a UNICEF child protection internship might reference the applicant's experience working with vulnerable children, their knowledge of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and their skills in program management and community outreach.

What Evaluators Look For

UN hiring teams are looking for evidence that applicants understand the agency's mandate and have relevant skills and experience. A candidate applying to a UNICEF child protection internship who can reference relevant fieldwork, coursework, or research on child rights will stand out over a candidate with a generic application. Applicants should research the specific division, read their recent reports, such as the UNICEF Annual Report or the WHO World Health Report, and mention something specific in their cover letter.

Timeline

Most UN internship cycles open 3–4 months before the start date, and applications close quickly for popular divisions. Applicants should set up alerts or check portals regularly to stay informed about available openings. The processing time for UN internship applications can take several weeks to several months, depending on the agency and the time of year. Applicants should plan ahead and apply early to increase their chances of being selected.

Practical Considerations

Many UN internships, particularly at headquarters (New York, Geneva), are unpaid. Applicants should plan their finances accordingly and consider applying for funding grants to support their internship. Some national governments and universities offer funding grants to support UN interns, so applicants should check with their institution's international office to see what options are available. For example, the UNICEF Internship Programme offers a monthly stipend of $1,200 to interns, while the WHO Internship Programme offers a monthly stipend of $1,500. Applicants should research the specific agency and program they are applying to, to understand the financial support available to them.

Oppora lists current, verified opportunities related to UN internships and is worth checking back on regularly for new ones.