UN Internships 2025 | Peacekeeping, Justice, and Legal Work

If you’re interested in international affairs, policy, and real-world impact, a UN internship puts you at the center of it all. From humanitarian aid and international development to public health and diplomacy, the United Nations works on issues that matter in every region of the world. As an intern, you’ll be part of the peacebuilding process while learning how decisions are made, how teams coordinate across borders, and how change actually happens on a global scale.

The UN offers internship programs for high school grads, college students, and postgraduates through various departments and missions. Whether you’re applying to roles in New York, Geneva, Nairobi, or even remotely, there are many programs that focus on development, marketing, legal studies, public policy, and more. A few of them include UN Traineeships, Undergraduate Development Programmes, Apprenticeships, and even Summer Internships. It’s a rare chance to learn from top experts, so apply today.

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UN Internships for High Schoolers | Human Rights, Refugee, & Aid Programs

About the United Nations

The United Nations was founded in 1945 with the goal of maintaining international peace, promoting human rights, and supporting social and economic development across the globe. With 193 member countries, it serves as a platform for nations to collaborate on global issues like conflict prevention, poverty, climate change, and health emergencies. The UN’s main headquarters is located in New York City, but it also has key offices in Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi, along with hundreds of agencies and field missions active worldwide.

The organization works through specialized bodies such as UNICEF, UNDP, WHO, and UNESCO, each focusing on specific challenges, from child welfare and education to long-term development and public health. These agencies carry out real work on the ground by delivering aid, supporting communities, and promoting policy change. The UN also hosts global gatherings like the General Assembly, where world leaders set shared goals and discuss pressing concerns. With its wide reach and mission-driven focus, the United Nations continues to provide solutions to some of the world’s most important problems.

Also, Check Out: UNESCO Internship

UN Internship – An Overview

The UN Internship Programme gives students and recent graduates the chance to support real projects in international development, peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and policy research. Most internships last 2 to 6 months and are unpaid, though some UN agencies like UNDP and UNICEF may offer a stipend based on location or funding availability. To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in or have recently completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program. Each year, the UN receives thousands of applications, but only a limited number of positions are filled due to the competitive nature of the process. English or French is usually required, and knowledge of additional UN languages like Spanish, Arabic, Russian, or Chinese is a plus.

Can High School Students Apply?

In most cases, the UN Internship Programme is not open to high school students. Applicants must be currently enrolled in or have recently completed a university-level degree program such as a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. However, some UN-affiliated programs and volunteer opportunities like UN Youth Delegates, UNICEF Voices of Youth, or regional outreach projects may accept high school participants for limited roles or events. These opportunities are usually separate from formal internships and may vary by country or agency.

Types of Internships 

The United Nations offers internship opportunities through various agencies, each with a different focus area. Below are some of the most common programs available.

1. UN Secretariat Internships
   These roles are based in departments like political affairs, human rights, and legal services. Most are located at headquarters, such as New York or Geneva.
2. UNICEF Internships
   Interns support programs focused on child protection, education, and health. Positions are available in both field offices and global HQs.
3. UNDP Internships
   These internships focus on development, poverty reduction, and climate goals. Interns assist with data research, planning, and community outreach.
4. UNESCO Internships
   Opportunities here relate to culture, science, and education. Interns contribute to global reports, event planning, and project tracking.
5. WHO Internships
   Ideal for students in health and life sciences, these roles support global health research, communication, and emergency response programs.
6. UNHCR Internships
   Interns help with refugee assistance programs, legal documentation, and field reports. Roles are based in regional and global offices.
7. ILO Internships
   These focus on labor rights, social protection, and workplace equality. Interns may assist with publications, research, or policy analysis.
8. Summer Internships
   Available across multiple UN agencies, Summer internships usually last 2 to 3 months. They are ideal for students on break from university

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a UN internship, candidates must meet certain academic and technical requirements set by the specific UN department or agency. Here are some basic criteria:

• Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application
• Must be currently enrolled in, or have completed, a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program within the last 12 months
• Must hold a valid passport and/or visa for the internship location if applying internationally
• No family relationship with a UN Secretariat staff member (parent, sibling, or child)
• Must be available for a minimum duration of 2 months, up to a maximum of 6 months
• Must have strong academic performance and basic computer skills (MS Office, internet research, etc.)

How Long is a UN Internship? 

Here’s a breakdown of the most common durations and what they mean for applicants:

United Nations Internship Interview Questions & Answers

UN internship interviews usually focus on communication skills, global awareness, and how well you understand the organization’s mission. Here are some common questions and answer tips:

• Why do you want to intern with the United Nations?
  Show your interest in global issues and the UN’s role in addressing them.
• What do you know about the department or agency you applied to?
  Mention recent work, projects, or initiatives related to that branch.
• Describe a time you worked in a multicultural environment.
  Use an example that shows respect, teamwork, and adaptability.
• How do you stay informed about global news and international affairs?
  Mention news sources, reports, or publications you regularly follow.
• What strengths would you bring to this internship?
  Highlight 2–3 relevant skills such as research, writing, or organization.
• How do you handle working independently or with minimal guidance?
  Explain how you manage time, meet deadlines, and stay focused.
• Are you familiar with the UN’s core values and guiding principles?
  Refer to integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity.

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. Visit the official UN Careers Portal and go to the internship section by clicking on the “Apply Here” button.
2. Choose to search by location or area of expertise
3. Browse available student internship listings and select a suitable role
4. Register for an account to access the online application form
5. Upload your resume along with any required documents, such as transcripts or academic references
6. Submit your application for review by the appropriate UN department
7. If selected, you will receive an email with further details, including duration, visa requirements, and possible stipend information.

Apply Here