Applications are now open for the UNESCO Internship Programme 2026, offering students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain practical experience with one of the United Nations’ specialized agencies. Internships are available across UNESCO Headquarters, Field Offices, and Category I Institutes worldwide, providing participants with hands-on exposure to international development, education, science, culture, communication, and administrative operations.
The internship programme is designed to help young professionals strengthen their technical knowledge, develop professional skills, and contribute to UNESCO’s mission of promoting peace through international cooperation in education, science, culture, communication, and information.
About the UNESCO Internship Programme
The UNESCO Internship Programme provides successful applicants with the opportunity to work alongside international experts in multicultural teams while supporting UNESCO’s global programmes and operations.
Internships are available in a wide range of Programme Sectors and Central Services, allowing participants to gain valuable experience in policy development, research, project implementation, communications, and international cooperation.
Applicants join UNESCO’s internship talent pool, where hiring managers select candidates for internship opportunities matching their qualifications and interests.
Internship Locations
Internships are available at:
- UNESCO Headquarters
- UNESCO Field Offices worldwide
- UNESCO Category I Institutes
Internship Duration
The internship lasts between:
- Minimum: 1 month
- Maximum: 6 months
Internship Responsibilities
Depending on the assigned team, interns may:
- Conduct research and prepare literature reviews.
- Draft reports, policy documents, and communication materials.
- Collect, analyze, and present data.
- Assist in organizing conferences, workshops, and international events.
- Participate in meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
- Support technical work across UNESCO programmes.
- Collaborate with colleagues throughout the United Nations system.
- Contribute to project implementation and administrative activities.
Learning Opportunities
Throughout the internship, participants develop practical skills while strengthening UNESCO’s core competencies, including:
- Accountability
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Innovation
- Results orientation
- Planning and organization
- Knowledge sharing and continuous learning
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be at least 20 years old.
Meet one of the following academic requirements:
- Be currently enrolled in the third or final year of a Bachelor’s degree.
- Be enrolled in a Master’s degree.
- Be enrolled in a PhD programme.
- Have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree within the last 12 months before the internship agreement.
- Technical or vocational students in their final year or recent graduates (within 12 months) are also eligible.
Language Requirements
Applicants should have:
- Excellent written and spoken English or French.
A working knowledge of the second language is considered an advantage and may be required for certain assignments.
Required Skills
Successful applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong computer and Microsoft Office skills.
- Excellent communication abilities.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively in multicultural teams.
- Adaptability in an international work environment.
Internship Benefits
Although the internship is unpaid, participants receive several benefits, including:
- Valuable international work experience.
- Exposure to United Nations operations.
- Professional networking opportunities.
- Skill development in a multicultural environment.
- Limited workplace insurance during the internship.
- Paid leave of 2.5 days per month, plus one additional working day for every completed month of internship.
Financial Information
Please note that:
- UNESCO does not provide a salary or stipend.
- Interns are responsible for all travel expenses.
- Interns must arrange their own accommodation.
- Interns must obtain any required visa.
- Interns must provide proof of comprehensive health insurance covering the entire internship period.
Selection Process
Applications are submitted to UNESCO’s global internship talent pool rather than a specific internship vacancy.
The recruitment process includes:
- Submit an online application.
- Application enters UNESCO’s internship talent pool.
- Candidate profile remains active for six months.
- Hiring managers review profiles as internship opportunities arise.
- Selected candidates are contacted directly.
Applicants who are not contacted within six months should consider their application unsuccessful.
Required Documents
Selected candidates will be required to provide:
- Passport or national identity card.
- Certificate of enrolment.
- Academic transcripts.
- Diploma (for recent graduates).
- English or French translations of documents where applicable.
- Proof of comprehensive medical insurance.
Important Information
Applicants should note:
- Applications must be completed in either English or French.
- The online application must be completed within one hour.
- Contact details should remain valid for at least six months after application.
- Submission into the internship pool does not guarantee placement.
Application Deadline
31 December 2026 (Midnight)
Why Apply?
The UNESCO Internship Programme offers an outstanding opportunity to gain international professional experience within the United Nations system while contributing to global initiatives in education, science, culture, communication, and sustainable development. It is an excellent pathway for students and recent graduates seeking careers in international organizations, public policy, research, development, and global cooperation.
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