Interning with the United Nations (UN) is an exciting way to contribute to global development, human rights, and humanitarian causes. However, the UN has been criticized in the past for its unpaid internship policies, which often leave students and early-career professionals from low-income backgrounds unable to participate. Fortunately, in recent years, the landscape has begun to change, with several UN agencies offering paid internships to help cover living costs. One notable change was UNICEF’s decision to switch to a paid internship model, a move that has encouraged other UN agencies to follow suit.
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If you’re looking for a paid internship at the UN in 2025-26, here’s a breakdown of the top 5 paid internship opportunities that you can apply for:
1. UNICEF Paid Internships
Location: Worldwide
Compensation: Varies (e.g., USD 1,500 per month at UNICEF Headquarters in Geneva)
Duration: 6-26 weeks (with the possibility of extension)
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the vacancy
UNICEF, the UN’s agency focused on children’s rights and humanitarian aid, has made significant strides in offering paid internships. These internships are available in various departments, including Operations, Program and Policy, and External Relations. Interns can expect to participate in research projects, database management, communications, and more.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be enrolled in a university program or have graduated within the past two years.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have fluency in English, French, or Spanish (knowledge of additional languages is a plus).
- Have no immediate relatives working within UNICEF.
While a UNICEF internship does not guarantee future employment, it offers an invaluable experience in international development and humanitarian work.
Official Link: UNICEF Internship Opportunities
2. United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) Internships
Location: Turin, Italy or Bonn, Germany
Compensation: EUR 450/month
Duration: 3-6 months
Application Deadline: Varies
The UNSSC, a UN-founded institution focused on leadership and management, sustainable development, and peace, offers internships to students and recent graduates. These internships aim to complement academic knowledge with practical experience, while also familiarizing interns with the operations of the UN. Interns can assist with research, administrative duties, and training activities.
Eligibility Requirements:
- A university degree (or enrollment in the final year of a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD program).
- Fluency in English; knowledge of other UN languages is desirable.
Although the stipend is relatively modest (EUR 450/month), this internship provides an excellent opportunity to work with one of the UN’s top educational bodies and gain insights into global governance.
Official Link: UNSSC Internship Program
3. United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Internships
Location: Worldwide
Compensation: Possible monthly stipend + USD 500 for travel
Duration: Up to 6 months (with possibility of extension)
Application Deadline: Varies
UNOPS is a key player in providing project management, procurement, and humanitarian development solutions. Interns working at UNOPS will engage in projects that help improve the cost-effectiveness and quality of work in more than 80 countries, often in challenging environments.
Eligibility Requirements:
- A university degree (enrolled or graduated within the past three years).
- Fluency in at least one UN working language.
UNOPS provides interns with a monthly stipend and a travel allowance of up to USD 500. However, applicants should be aware that they are responsible for their own accommodation and health insurance. The recruitment process can take between 1 to 3 months, so early applications are advised.
Official Link: UNOPS Internship Program
4. United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Internships
Location: New York, USA
Compensation: Possible monthly stipend (if not otherwise sponsored)
Duration: Up to 6 months (with the possibility of extension)
Application Deadline: Varies
The UNAOC, established by the UN to foster cultural understanding and reduce tensions between communities, offers internships for students and recent graduates. UNAOC focuses on promoting initiatives around education, youth, migration, and media.
Eligibility Requirements:
- A recent undergraduate or graduate degree (obtained within 3 years before the start of the internship).
- Fluency in English and another UN language (e.g., French, Spanish).
Interns may work on communications, community engagement, or educational outreach. While UNAOC provides a stipend, it is conditional on the intern not being sponsored by any other institution. UNAOC does not cover visa, travel, or accommodation expenses.
Official Link: UNAOC Internship Program
5. UK Mission to the United Nations (Geneva)
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Compensation: CHF 1,250/month
Duration: Up to 6 months
Application Deadline: Varies
The UK Mission to the UN in Geneva offers an exciting opportunity for students and graduates interested in international relations, trade, human rights, and health. The UK Mission works on a variety of global issues, including disarmament, humanitarian affairs, and trade. Interns will work with diplomats and policy experts on high-level discussions and negotiations.
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Eligibility Requirements:
- A degree in a relevant field (e.g., international relations, law, economics).
- Strong academic background and interest in international diplomacy.
Interns receive a training allowance of CHF 1,250/month, which helps cover their living costs. However, applicants should be prepared to manage their own travel and accommodation expenses.
Internships are posted regularly on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s job board, and the application process involves submitting a CV and cover letter.
Official Link: UK Mission to the UN Internship Program
ALSO APPLY FOR OTHER INTERNSHIP
- FAO is Hiring x7 Internship Jobs from Various Locations – Apply Now for 2025
- UNICEF is Hiring Internship Programme with a Monthly Stipend for 2025. Apply Now
- Aradel 2025/2026 Internship Programme: A Golden Opportunity for Undergraduates & Fresh Graduates. Apply Now
- GIZ is Hiring Internship Job, Access to Climate Finance with “Partnering for Readiness” with Monthly Stipend of €2,205.04 (gross). Apply Now for 2025
- UNIDO is Hiring Internship Programme with Monthly Stipend. Apply Now for 2025
Conclusion
Securing a paid internship at the United Nations or its affiliated agencies can be an excellent stepping stone for your career, especially if you are passionate about contributing to global development, peace, and humanitarian work. Each of these top five internships offers competitive stipends and valuable work experience in dynamic, impactful environments. Whether you’re interested in human rights, international development, or diplomacy, these positions provide you with a unique opportunity to learn from the best while contributing to global change.
To explore available internships, visit the respective UN agency job boards and follow their application processes carefully.
Related Links:
- UNICEF Internship Opportunities
- UNSSC Internship Program
- UNOPS Internship Program
- UNAOC Internship Program
- UK Mission to the UN Internship Program
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