The UN University Internship Programme offers outstanding students and recent graduates the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to UNU’s work in areas such as academic research, policy analysis, strategic partnerships, communications, research, and data and ICT.

The UNU Office of the Rector also offers a Junior Fellow internship programme.

UNU’s thematic priorities are aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and focused primarily on:

• Peace and security;
• Social change and economic development; and
• Environment, climate, and energy

Internship assignments vary greatly in terms of content but are all designed to provide interns with a valuable learning experience. They may have a specific research focus or be administrative in nature. Most interns support the design, implementation, and evaluation of UNU research projects and will learn about a specific thematic research area in an international environment.

Internships are offered depending on the availability of meaningful assignments and the needs and capacity of institutes/offices to receive and supervise interns.

What we look for

We welcome applications from all backgrounds including, but not limited to, different nationalities and study profiles.

Eligibility requirements

• You must be enrolled in, or have recently completed within the last two (2) years, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent); or
• You must be enrolled in or have recently completed within the last two (2) years, a graduate or postgraduate degree programme (master’s or doctoral level).

Duration of internship

Internships range from a minimum of two months to a maximum of six months, according to the availability and academic requirements of the intern, as well as the needs of UNU.

Assignments are generally full-time and are available throughout the year.

Financial aspects

Interns are not financially remunerated by UNU for their work but may receive a stipend to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, when not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation, or scholarship programme.

All costs related to travel, insurance, accommodation, and other living expenses must be borne by either the intern or the intern’s sponsoring institution.

Application process

To apply for an internship, click on the job posting and follow the specific instructions on how to apply. All applicants must submit a UNU Personal History Form (P11) unless otherwise noted and a cover letter along with their online application.

Once you have been contacted and selected by the hiring office, you will need to provide proof of health insurance coverage, proof of school enrolment or graduation, and a scanned copy of your passport and visa (if applicable), along with an accepted and signed internship offer and agreement that will be provided to you.