UN Internships Summer 2025 for High School Students & Undergraduates

For an incredible work opportunity with an intergovernmental organization, apply online for the latest UN Internship. You’re not just getting some regular work experience but becoming part of a global organization where people actually make a difference in the world. Whether it’s human rights, peacebuilding, or international development, you’ll be right in the middle of real-world issues, learning from experts, and gaining skills that look insanely good on your resume. Plus, the UN gives you access to tons of resources, so you’re not just working but growing, networking, and getting a behind-the-scenes look at how global decisions are made.

And get this, there are so many different programs available for undergrad college and high school students at this diplomatic and political international organization. You can apply for the UN Traineeship, Undergraduate Development Programme, Apprenticeships, or even Summer Internships in places like New York, Washington, or even abroad. The best part? You can dive into whatever field you’re passionate about, like marketing, legal, law, and so much more. So, seriously, what’s stopping you? Keep scrolling and check out how to apply for UN jobs for students because you do not wanna miss this!

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Are UN Internships Paid? | Get to Learn Everything in This Detailed Guide

About United Nations

The United Nations the foundation of international cooperation and authority established after the Second World War in order to prevent future global conflicts. Its primary purpose remains to maintain international security and peace. However, it also plays an important role in promoting human rights, economic growth, and other areas important for sustainable development worldwide.

UN is composed of 193 Member States and represents almost every nation around the globe. It provides a great platform for discussing issues that affect all countries in one way or another. This approach showcases its commitment to global cooperation, which is aimed at finding solutions through collective efforts. Headquartered in New York City, Mr. António Guterres is its Secretary-General.

Also, Check Out: UNESCO Internship for Undergraduate & Graduate Students

The Complete Guide to United Nations (UN) Internships – Everything You Need to Know!

Okay, so you’re thinking about interning at the United Nations? That’s awesome! It’s literally one of the biggest, most respected organizations in the world, and landing an internship here could be a total turning point. Whether you want to get into human rights, diplomacy, law, climate change, or communications, or just want to flex on LinkedIn with an impressive job title, a UN internship is worth considering. So, grab a snack, and let’s break it all down!

What is a UN Internship and Why Should You Care?

Before we jump into the details, let’s get one thing straight: A United Nations internship isn’t just a “nice” experience but a BIG deal.

• You get to work in an international environment with people from all over the world.
• Receive real experience (this isn’t just making coffee for your boss).
• Have access to important UN meetings, projects, and policy discussions.
• Network with top diplomats, professionals, and global leaders.
• It’s a perfect resume booster, especially if you’re into government, policy, international law, or human rights.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Requirements)

Okay, so who actually qualifies for an internship at the United Nations? There are a few basic rules:

Education Requirements:

• You must be enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD program at the time of application.
• OR if you recently graduated (within the last year), you are still eligible.
• Some roles may require specific degrees (like political science, law, international relations, or communications), but others are more flexible.

Language Skills:

• You need to be fluent in English or French since those are the main working languages at the UN.
• If you know Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian, that’s a big plus because those are also official UN languages.

Restrictions:

• If you have family members working at the UN Secretariat, you might not be eligible. The UN has rules about this to avoid conflicts of interest.
• You must be able to support yourself financially since many internships don’t pay (more on that later).

Can High School Students Apply?

So here’s the honest truth. Most UN internships are for university students or recent graduates. If you’re still in high school, chances are low that you’ll find an official intern job at the UN. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get involved! Some agencies and partner organizations offer:

• Volunteering programs for youth.
• Virtual internships where you can assist with research or campaigns.
• Workshops & training programs that can help you get UN experience early.

If you’re seriously interested, try reaching out to specific UN agencies or checking out youth programs offered by organizations like UNICEF or UNDP.

Are UN Internships Paid? (Spoiler Alert: Some Are, Some Aren’t)

Alright, let’s talk about money because this is super important. The truth is that most internships here are unpaid. Yeah, it kinda disappoints, but that’s the reality. If you get accepted, you’ll have to cover your own travel, accommodation, food, and other expenses. This is why a lot of students can’t afford to take an internship unless they get outside funding or a scholarship. However, some UN agencies do offer stipends, so if money is a concern (which it is for most of us), look into:

• UNICEF – Offers a monthly stipend and sometimes even covers travel costs.
• UNDP – Also gives monthly stipends, but the amount depends on where you’re working.
• UNESCO – Sometimes provides small financial support to interns.
• UNHCR – Offers stipends in some locations.

What Types of Internships Are Available?

Now let’s talk about what kind of internships you can apply for. The UN is a huge organization, and there are tons of different departments where you can work. Here are some of the most popular fields:

1. Human Rights & Humanitarian Work

If you’re passionate about helping people, refugees, or protecting human rights, look at internships in:

• Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
• UNHCR (United Nations Refugee Agency)
• International Organization for Migration (IOM)

2. Sustainable Development & Climate Change

If you’re into saving the planet and working towards sustainability, try:

• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

3. Public Relations & Media

Love social media, journalism, or digital marketing? Then check out:

• United Nations Department of Global Communications
• UNICEF Communications Internships

4. Law & International Policy

For those dreaming of being a lawyer or diplomat, look at:

• UN Office of Legal Affairs (OLA)
• International Criminal Court (ICC)

5. Finance & Economics

If you’re good at numbers and data, you could work in:

• World Bank Group (WBG)
• United Nations Economic Commission

How Long is a UN Internship? 

The length of a United Nations internship is determined by the department, project, and specific program. While most programs last between 2 to 6 months, some can be extended for up to 9 or even 12 months. Here’s a breakdown of the most common durations and what they mean for applicants:

UN Internship Duration Chart

United Nations Internship Interview Questions & Answers

So, you applied for UN internships, and you got the golden email? Well, you’ve been shortlisted for an interview! Now, what’s next? Don’t panic! The UN interview process is usually quite structured, and if you prepare well, you’ll totally do well. Here’s what you need to know:

What to Expect in the Internship Interview?

Common Interview Questions & How to Answer Them

Here are some frequent questions you might face, along with tips on how to answer them like a pro:

1. Tell us about yourself.

Tip: Keep it short, structured, and relevant to the UN role.

Example Answer:

I’m currently a [your degree] student at [your university], specializing in [your field]. I’m passionate about international development, and I’ve worked on [mention any research, projects, or volunteer work]. My experience with [specific skill] aligns well with the UN’s mission, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute.

2. Why do you want to intern at the United Nations?

Tip: Show that you understand the UN’s mission and how it aligns with your personal or professional goals.

Example Answer:

The UN’s global impact, especially in [mention specific UN goals like climate change, human rights, or peacekeeping], has always inspired me. My studies in [your major] and my experience in [volunteering/research] have prepared me to contribute to [specific UN department]. I see this internship as an opportunity to develop my skills while supporting an organization dedicated to making a real difference.

3. What do you know about the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

Tip: The UN is all about the 17 SDGs, so study them in advance! Pick one or two that connect to your field.

Example Answer:

The UN’s SDGs focus on solving global issues by 2030. I’m particularly interested in [SDG 4: Quality Education or SDG 13: Climate Action] because my background in [your subject] aligns with these goals. I believe initiatives like [mention a UN project] are extremely important, and I’d love to contribute to this area during my internship.

4. Tell us about a time you worked in a team.

Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

Example Answer:

During my university project, I worked in a team to develop [describe project]. My role was [your role], and I helped by [your contribution]. We faced [mention a challenge], but I took the initiative to [action you took]. As a result, we successfully [mention the outcome]. This experience showed me how teamwork and adaptability are important, values that align well with the UN.

5. What are your career goals, and how does this internship fit into them?

Tip: Show them that this internship is part of a bigger plan for you, not just a random opportunity.

Example Answer:

My long-term goal is to work in [international development, diplomacy, policy, etc.]. I see this UN internship as a starting point because it will allow me to acquire experience, build global connections, and apply my skills to real-world projects. This internship is a perfect fit because it reflects my passion for [mention area of interest].

6. Do you have any questions for us?

Tip: ALWAYS ask a question! It shows that you’re interested. Here are a few you can ask:

• What are some key projects the intern will work on?
• How do you measure success for interns?
• What’s the biggest challenge interns typically face in this role?

Find the Right Internship

The UN has many agencies, each with its own job portal. Here’s where you can search:

How to Apply for the UN Internship?

To apply for the UN Internship, interested individuals are advised to check out the steps listed below.

1. First, click on the “Apply Here” button below.
2. Choose between “Search by Location” and “Search by Area of Expertise”.
3. Look for available programs.
4. Select a student job and register online to access the application form.
5. After that, all applicants are asked to submit their CVs/resumes.
6. You will also need to attach any other requested documents, like transcripts or recommendation letters from educational institutions.
7. Once submitted, each application will be reviewed by the respective UN department before being either approved or declined.
8. In the case of approval, the applicant will be contacted by email to arrange further information, such as duration, stipend, and visa arrangements.

Apply Here