2025 Paid UN Internships for Master’s, PhD Students, and Recent Graduates: What You Need to Know

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While the United Nations (UN) does not have a standardized policy for paid internships across all its agencies, some departments and programs now offer stipends or funding. These opportunities are especially valuable for Master’s and PhD students, as well as recent graduates looking to launch a career in international affairs, development, public health, and diplomacy.

Below is a list of UN entities that offer funded internships.

1. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Stipend: Yes. Interns receive a monthly stipend.
Eligibility: Master’s or PhD students, or recent graduates (within two years).
Locations: Headquarters in New York, regional hubs, and country offices.
Fields: Sustainable development, governance, gender, environment, and data.

UNDP Internships

2. World Food Programme (WFP)

Stipend: Yes. Approximately $1000 per month, plus travel assistance in some cases.
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in a graduate program or recently graduated (within six months).
Locations: Headquarters in Rome, regional and country offices.
Fields: Public health, nutrition, logistics, data analysis, communications, supply chain.

WFP Internship Programme

3. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

Stipend: Yes. Monthly stipend and sometimes travel costs.
Eligibility: Master’s or PhD students, or recent graduates.
Locations: Headquarters in New York, regional and field offices.
Fields: Education, innovation, child protection, research, advocacy.

UNICEF Internship Programme

4. International Labour Organization (ILO)

Stipend: Yes. A monthly living allowance is provided.
Eligibility: Final-year Master’s or PhD students, or graduates within one year.
Locations: Headquarters in Geneva or field offices.
Fields: Labour law, social policy, employment, gender, economics, human rights.

ILO Internships

5. United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

Stipend: Available for some positions.
Eligibility: Graduate students or graduates within 12 months.
Locations: Headquarters in New York, regional and country offices.
Fields: Reproductive health, gender-based violence, population data, youth development.

UNFPA Internships

6. United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Stipend: Yes. Monthly stipend provided depending on duty station.
Eligibility: Graduate students or recent graduates.
Locations: Global offices including Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Fields: Project management, engineering, procurement, infrastructure, finance.

UNOPS Internships

7. World Health Organization (WHO)

Stipend: Yes. Offers stipends and insurance to eligible interns.
Eligibility: Master’s or PhD students, or recent graduates in health or related fields.
Locations: Headquarters in Geneva, regional and country offices.
Fields: Epidemiology, global health policy, research, statistics, emergency response.

WHO Internship Programme

8. United Nations Young Professionals Programme (YPP)

Note: This is not an internship, but a paid entry-level job track.
Salary: Fully paid two-year contract at P-1/P-2 level.
Eligibility: Under 32 years old, university degree (Master’s or higher preferred), fluent in English or French, and from eligible countries.
Fields: Political affairs, economics, public information, HR, social affairs.

UN YPP

Tips for Applying to Funded UN Internships

Apply early. Some programs accept applications on a rolling basis, while others have strict deadlines.
Tailor your application. Match your academic background and experience to the agency’s specific mission.
Highlight graduate-level skills. Agencies value strong research, policy, and analytical abilities from Master’s and PhD students.
Consider field offices. Regional and country-level offices often provide more hands-on experience.
Explore travel and visa support. Some programs provide relocation or visa assistance.

A Final Note on Unpaid Internships

Many UN internships remain unpaid, particularly in the UN Secretariat, OHCHR, and smaller agencies. While this creates barriers for many qualified candidates, momentum is growing for reform. Several agencies have already begun offering stipends, and others are piloting paid internship programs to improve accessibility.

If you’re a Master’s or PhD student, targeting the agencies that already provide funding is a practical and realistic path into international work.