UNESCO Internships Program 2026: Multiple Locations Around the World

The UNESCO Internship Programme offers students and recent graduates a chance to work within UNESCO’s global operations. Interns support real-world tasks across UNESCO’s sectors (e.g. Education, Culture, Natural Sciences, Communication, etc.), gaining insight into the organization’s mandate and contributing to international development projects.
Internships can last from one month to six months.

UNESCO Internships Program Summary

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Available Internship Positions

• All Sectors / Bureau
• Bureau Of Human Resources Management
• Communication & Information Sector
• Communications and Public Engagement
• Culture Sector
• Digital Business Solutions
• Division of Internal Oversight Services (Headquarters)
• Education Sector
• Governing Bodies Secretariat
• Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
• Natural Science Sector
• Office of the Director-General
• Priority Africa and External Relations
• Social and Human Sciences

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Benefits

• Work experience at a major international organization, which can boost your résumé.
• Exposure to multicultural, global-scale projects and collaboration with experts from around the world.
• Opportunity to develop professional skills: research, writing, project planning, communication, teamwork, data analysis – depending on the assignment.
• Flexible leave entitlement: interns get 2.5 days of leave per month.
• The experience can serve as a strong foundation for a career in international development, policy, education, culture, science or related fields.

Important caveat: The internships at UNESCO are unpaid. There is no financial compensation, stipend, or travel allowance. Interns must cover travel, visa, accommodation, living expenses and medical insurance themselves.

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Eligibility Criteria

To apply for an internship with UNESCO you must meet the following conditions:

• Be at least 20 years old.
• Be enrolled in a graduate-level programme (Master’s, PhD, or second university degree or higher), or have recently graduated from such a programme (within 12 months before the internship begins).
• For secretarial / assistant or technical / professional roles: you must be enrolled in a specialized school/institution and be in your final year (or have recently graduated within last 12 months).
• Skills: Good command (written & spoken) of English or French. Knowledge of the other is an asset.
• Computer and office-software skills. Ability to work in team and adapt to international working environment.

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Required Documents

Before applying (and before beginning the internship if selected), you should prepare the following:

• An updated résumé / CV.
• A motivation or cover letter (in English or French).
• Proof of current enrollment (if still studying) or diploma / certificate (if recently graduated).
• Medical certificate indicating you are fit to work (issued by a qualified medical practitioner).
• Passport / valid ID (especially if visa will be required for the duty station).
• (If documents are not in English or French) unofficial translation into English or French.

Depending on the internship sector / function (e.g. communications, culture, media) you may also consider preparing a portfolio or examples of relevant work. (While not always listed, this is common advice for international-organization internships.)

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How to Apply

Here is the general application process for UNESCO internships:

1. Go to the UNESCO Careers Portal and browse the list of available internship opportunities.
2. Choose a vacancy matching your expertise, academic background and interests (e.g. Education, Culture, Natural Sciences, etc.).
3. Have your motivation letter and résumé ready – once you start the application form you usually have only about one hour to complete it.
4. Fill out the online application form – use either English or French. Upload required documents (CV, cover letter, enrollment proof / diploma, ID/passport copy, etc.). If your documents are not English/French, include translations.
5. Submit. Your application will join the “intern candidate pool.” Typically, only selected candidates are contacted by UNESCO – if you don’t hear back within six months, assume the application was unsuccessful.
6. If selected, you’ll be asked to provide final paperwork (medical certificate, proof of insurance, possibly visa/passport, as relevant) before starting.