The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has announced that applications are now open for its longstanding Internship Programme, providing students and recent graduates with hands-on experience in a multicultural environment at locations worldwide.
The six-month internships, which can range from one to six months in duration, are available at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris, field offices, and institutes across the globe. Opportunities span various sectors, including education, culture, natural sciences, social and human sciences, communication, and more.
Eligible applicants must be currently enrolled in a graduate programme (Master’s, PhD, or equivalent) or have graduated with an advanced degree within the past 12 months. Candidates with only a completed bachelor’s degree who are not pursuing further studies are not eligible. Proficiency in English or French is required, with knowledge of the other language considered an asset. No IELTS or similar language test is needed, and there is no application fee.
Key benefits include 2.5 days of paid leave per month and limited insurance coverage for workplace accidents. However, the internships are unpaid, with no stipend provided. Interns are responsible for arranging their own travel, accommodation, visas, and comprehensive health insurance valid in the host country—UNESCO offers only supplementary accident coverage during the assignment.
“These internships offer practical work experience that complements academic knowledge and prepares participants for future careers in international development,” a UNESCO spokesperson stated. Applications are reviewed by managers globally, and successful candidates’ profiles remain in the talent pool for six months.
While there is no single deadline for all positions—some vacancies open year-round or in cycles—interested applicants are encouraged to apply promptly through the official UNESCO careers portal. Placement is competitive and not guaranteed, even for qualified candidates.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, prospective interns should visit the official UNESCO Internship Programme page at https://careers.unesco.org. Third-party sites promoting the programme may contain inaccuracies, so direct applications via UNESCO’s platform are recommended to avoid misinformation.
This initiative aligns with UNESCO’s mission to build peace through education, science, culture, and communication, offering a valuable stepping stone for young professionals seeking international exposure.
