UN Internship 2025 | U.S. International Affairs Roles

Landing an internship at the United Nations is like stepping into one of the most influential global organizations that actually shape international policies and help solve real-world issues. Whether someone is passionate about human rights, diplomacy, sustainability, or humanitarian aid, a UN internship is the perfect way to gain real-world experience in global development and policy-making. Unlike ordinary internships, this one isn’t just about filing paperwork or taking notes in meetings. UN interns work on real projects, attend global conferences, and contribute to research, policy recommendations, and international negotiations that make a tangible difference.

Interning at the UN is a huge game-changer for students and graduates. It’s not just a fancy name on a resume. It’s an opportunity to network with diplomats, government officials, and international leaders, which can open doors to careers in government, NGOs, international organizations, and even the private sector. With internship opportunities in multiple UN agencies across different countries and even remote internships, students from all backgrounds have a chance to get involved. The application process is competitive, but those who get selected gain invaluable experience in global affairs that can set them apart in the job market.

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UN Internships for Undergraduates | Summer Programs

About United Nations 

The United Nations (UN) is one of the most powerful international organizations, bringing together 193 member countries to promote peace, security, human rights, and sustainable development. Established in 1945, right after World War II, the UN was created to prevent global conflicts and promote cooperation among nations. Since then, it has grown into a massive multinational force tackling some of the world’s most critical issues. The UN operates across multiple sectors, working with governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to create solutions that benefit people worldwide.

The organization is headquartered in New York City, but it also has major offices in Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi, along with regional and country offices worldwide. Through its various agencies and programs, such as UNICEF, UNDP, WHO, and UNHCR, the UN works on projects related to poverty reduction, gender equality, health, education, and humanitarian relief. Each of these agencies has its own specialized role, making the UN one of the most diverse and impactful organizations in the world.

How the UN Makes an Impact on Global Affairs?

The UN is not just about hosting big conferences and passing resolutions. It plays a direct role in global peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development. One of its most important contributions is peacekeeping missions, where UN forces are deployed to conflict zones to protect civilians and ensure stability. The UN also works on climate change policies, bringing countries together to set goals for reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices. Organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) lead efforts to combat deforestation, pollution, and global warming.

Another key area of focus is human rights. The UN Human Rights Council investigates violations and works on policies to promote equality, freedom, and justice worldwide. Programs like UNICEF focus on protecting children’s rights, ensuring access to education, healthcare, and emergency assistance for kids in vulnerable situations. Meanwhile, agencies like UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) provide support and protection for millions of displaced people around the world. Whether it’s crisis response, policy-making, or research, the UN is actively involved in shaping a better future for the planet and its people.

Why Summer Internships at the UN are a Big Deal?

If someone is looking for an exciting summer experience that actually adds value to their resume, then UN Summer Internships might be the perfect choice. Every year, the United Nations and its various agencies open up summer internship programs for undergraduates and graduates, giving students a chance to work on real-world projects in diplomacy, policy-making, and humanitarian work. Unlike typical office internships, this program connects interns with professionals working on major global issues, from climate change policies to refugee assistance and gender equality programs. Some of the most popular summer internships include:

• United Nations Internships Summer Program (General internships across different UN agencies)
• UNICEF Internship (Focused on children’s rights, education, and emergency aid)
• UNDP Summer Internship (for students interested in sustainable development and global policy)
• UN Women Internships (for those passionate about gender equality and women’s rights)
• UNHCR Internships (Focused on humanitarian aid and refugee protection)

When to Apply & Key Deadlines

Applying for a UN summer internship requires some planning since the application process is highly competitive. Most internships open between September and February, depending on the department and agency. Since thousands of students apply each year, it’s important to check the listings early, prepare a strong application, and submit everything before the deadline. Here’s a general timeline for the UN Summer Internship Program:

• September – November: Internship applications start opening. This is the best time to start researching opportunities on the official UN websites.
• December – February: Peak application period. Most summer internships close applications in February, so submitting early is key.
• March – April: Shortlisted candidates get interview invites. These interviews can be virtual or in-person, depending on the role.
• May – June: Internship offers are sent out, and selected interns finalize their contracts and preparations.
• June – August: Internship begins! Interns start working either in person at UN offices or remotely, depending on their assignment.

Types of Internships at the United Nations

The United Nations isn’t just about politics and peace talks. It’s a massive organization that works on everything from human rights to environmental protection, refugee aid, and media outreach. That’s why there are tons of different internships available, each catering to different career interests. Below are some of the top UN internship programs students can apply for, along with what each one focuses on.

1. UNICEF Internship | Helping Kids Around the World

The UNICEF Internship Program is all about protecting and improving the lives of children globally. This agency focuses on education, healthcare, nutrition, and emergency response for kids in over 190 countries. Interns at UNICEF help with policy research, program development, fundraising campaigns, and even crisis response when emergencies like natural disasters or conflicts affect children.

A UNICEF internship is perfect for students who care about children’s rights, education, or public health. It’s also a great opportunity for those looking to work in NGOs, social work, or global development in the future. Interns may find themselves conducting research on education systems, assisting in vaccination programs, or working on awareness campaigns that help children access better resources.

💡 For official listings, check out: UNICEF Careers.

2. UN Women Internships | Advocating for Gender Equality

For those passionate about women’s rights, gender equality, and social justice, a UN Women Internship is the perfect match. This program focuses on empowering women and girls worldwide, tackling issues like gender-based violence, equal pay, and leadership opportunities. Interns assist in policy analysis, gender-focused research, program coordination, and advocacy campaigns that push for equal rights and representation.

Interns in this field work on promoting female leadership, creating social awareness programs, and developing policies that address gender discrimination. They might also help organize global events and workshops that empower women entrepreneurs and leaders. For anyone looking to work in international development, social policy, or human rights law, this internship is a solid career step.

💡 Check out the latest openings at: UNICEF Careers.

3. UNDP Internships | Tackling Global Development Issues

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is all about helping countries grow sustainably while tackling big global issues like poverty, inequality, and climate change. UNDP interns get to work on economic development, financial planning, and policy-making to help countries create stronger economies and fairer societies.

A UNDP internship is great for students interested in business, finance, international policy, or sustainability. Interns might analyze global economic trends, research poverty reduction strategies, or help create policies for sustainable development. If someone dreams of working in government, international organizations, or the non-profit sector, this experience is a huge advantage.

💡 Find out more at: UNDP Careers.

4. UNHCR Internships | Helping Refugees Rebuild Their Lives

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is focused on protecting millions of displaced people and refugees worldwide. UNHCR interns assist in humanitarian aid efforts, crisis response, legal protection for refugees, and resettlement programs. This is a high-impact internship where interns get to work on real cases involving displaced communities, human rights violations, and emergency assistance programs.

For those who are passionate about humanitarian work, immigration law, or crisis management, this internship is a perfect fit. Interns might find themselves working in refugee camps, helping with legal documentation, or organizing aid distribution efforts. It’s one of the most hands-on and impactful internships within the UN.

💡 Find internship opportunities on: UNHCR Careers.

5. UN Human Rights Internships | Fighting for Justice Worldwide

The UN Human Rights Internship Program focuses on protecting fundamental freedoms and fighting human rights violations worldwide. Interns in this program work on legal research, policy recommendations, advocacy campaigns, and international law projects. This is a perfect opportunity for law students, human rights activists, and future diplomats looking to work in legal frameworks and policy-making.

Interns may assist in monitoring human rights violations, analyzing international treaties, or organizing global advocacy events. Some may even contribute to investigating reports of discrimination, violence, and abuses in different parts of the world. If someone dreams of a career in law, government, or human rights organizations, this internship is an incredible learning experience.

💡 Check out UN Human Rights Careers for official listings.

6. UNEP Internships | Saving the Planet, One Policy at a Time

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is all about tackling climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and environmental sustainability. Interns at UNEP work on sustainability projects, global climate policies, and research initiatives that promote eco-friendly solutions worldwide.

This internship is great for students in environmental science, sustainability, climate policy, or conservation efforts. Interns might analyze carbon emissions data, develop eco-friendly policies, or assist in renewable energy initiatives. It’s an amazing opportunity for those who want to make a real difference in the fight against climate change.

💡 For more details, visit: UNEP Careers.

7. UN Communications & Media Internships | Spreading the Message Globally

The United Nations Communications Internship is for students interested in journalism, media, digital content, and PR. The UN works on global campaigns to spread awareness about important issues, and interns in this field help with social media management, press releases, content creation, and storytelling.

This internship is perfect for media students, aspiring journalists, or marketing professionals. Interns may work on digital campaigns, manage the UN’s social media pages, interview global leaders, or create promotional content for international initiatives. It’s a great way to gain real-world experience in media and PR while working on global projects.

💡 Find more details on: UN Communications Internships.

Are UN Internships Paid?

The big question that everyone asks before applying: Do UN internships pay? Well, here’s the deal. Most UN internships are unpaid, but there are exceptions. The United Nations, as a whole, does not have a standard policy for paying interns, which means it depends entirely on the specific UN agency or department. While some agencies offer stipends or financial support, many expect interns to cover their own expenses, including housing, travel, and daily costs.

Some UN agencies do provide financial assistance, but the amount varies. For example, UNICEF and UNHCR sometimes offer stipends to help cover living costs, but it’s not guaranteed for all positions. Other agencies, like UNDP and UNEP, usually don’t provide stipends, meaning interns have to finance their stay themselves. Unfortunately, the high cost of living in cities like New York, Geneva, and Vienna makes unpaid internships a challenge for many students. That being said, some interns apply for external funding, university grants, or scholarships to support their internship.

Do UN Internships Offer Travel Allowances or Accommodation?

The majority of UN internships do NOT cover travel expenses or provide free accommodation. This means that interns have to pay for flights, visas, housing, and daily expenses on their own. Some UN agencies might offer limited support for travel or relocation, but it’s not common. For those considering an unpaid internship, it’s a good idea to look for affordable housing options, apply for funding, or consider remote UN internships that allow interns to work from home without the extra expenses.

Paid vs. Unpaid UN Internships

Here’s a quick comparison between paid and unpaid UN internships to give a better idea of what to expect:

Are UN Internships Worth It?

So, if many UN internships are unpaid, the big question is, are they actually worth it? The answer depends on what someone wants out of their career. If the goal is to gain real-world experience in international relations, diplomacy, or humanitarian work, then an internship here is a huge deal. It’s one of the best ways to break into the world of international organizations, NGOs, and government jobs. Having United Nations experience on a resume immediately stands out, showing future employers that an applicant has worked in a global, high-pressure environment.

Can High School Students Apply for UN Internships?

If you are in high school and hoping to land a UN internship, here’s the reality. Most official United Nations internships require applicants to be at least 18 years old. The United Nations mainly offers internships to undergraduate and graduate students, which means that high school students are not eligible for standard internships.

However, that doesn’t mean younger students are out of luck. The UN has tons of alternative programs for students under 18 who want to gain valuable experience in international affairs, human rights, sustainability, and diplomacy. These programs give high schoolers a taste of UN-related work and prepare them for future internships when they reach university.

Alternative UN-Related Programs for Students Under 18

Even though high school students can’t do an official UN internship, there are many other ways to get involved with the UN. Here are some great options.

Experience Opportunities for Young Activists & Student Researchers

If someone is a young activist, writer, or researcher, there are additional ways to get involved with UN-related work:

While high school students can’t technically be UN interns, these experiences help them stand out when they apply for UN internships later.

Who Can Apply for UN Internships?

UN internships are open to:

Can International Students Apply for UN Internships?

Yes! The UN accepts applicants from all countries. There are no nationality restrictions, so international students from any background can apply. The only requirement is that applicants must have valid documentation (a passport, student visa, or work permit, depending on the country they are applying from). Internship locations include:

UN Headquarters in New York, Geneva, and Vienna
Regional UN offices in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East
Remote UN internships (work from anywhere!)

Since international applicants don’t need to worry about citizenship requirements, this internship program is one of the best options for students worldwide who want to work in global policy, diplomacy, and international development.

How to Apply for the UN Internship Program?

Applying for a UN internship isn’t super complicated, but since the process is highly competitive, doing it right is key. Here’s the step-by-step guide to make sure everything is on point before hitting that submit button.

1. Go to UN Careers and UN Talent to check for available internships.
2. Some UN agencies also post openings on LinkedIn and other job portals, so keeping an eye on those helps.
3. Most internships are for undergrad or grad students, so make sure you meet the criteria.
4. Look at specific requirements for each internship because some prefer certain skills or academic backgrounds.
5. Highlight relevant experience, skills, and education in your CV. Keep it clean and professional.
6. The cover letter should explain why you want the internship, how you align with the UN’s mission, and what you bring to the table.
7. Some internships may ask for Letters of Recommendation, so having a professor or past employer write one is a plus.
8. Double-check that all documents are formatted correctly before submitting.
9. If shortlisted, expect a virtual interview where they will ask about your experience, skills, and motivation for applying.
10. Some positions may have technical or scenario-based questions, so researching common UN interview questions helps a lot.

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