Launch Your Global Career with the UNESCO Internship Programme in All Sectors – Apply by December 31, 2025
Launch Your Global Career with the UNESCO Internship Programme in All Sectors – Apply by December 31, 2025. Are you a passionate graduate or early-career professional eager to gain hands-on experience within a globally respected international organization? The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is inviting applications for its Internship Programme in All Sectors at its headquarters, field offices, and institutes. Open to external candidates, this internship offers a unique opportunity to gain real-world exposure in the fields of education, culture, science, communication, and international cooperation. The application deadline is December 31, 2025.
In this article, we offer a comprehensive overview of this UNESCO internship opportunity. Please note that we are not affiliated with UNESCO in any way. We are only advertising this internship for interested applicants.
Background & Job Description
UNESCO, as a specialized agency of the United Nations, works to promote peace and sustainable development through education, science, culture, and communication. With operations spanning across global field offices and institutes, UNESCO supports member states in achieving inclusive, equitable, and quality outcomes across multiple sectors.
The UNESCO Internship Programme is designed for students and recent graduates who wish to understand and contribute to the work of the organization. Interns can be placed within any of UNESCO’s Programme Sectors or Central Services departments, depending on organizational needs and individual qualifications.
Internships may take place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, in any of its Field Offices around the world, or within its Category I Institutes. By participating in this programme, interns will have the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to the functioning of the UN system, while contributing to meaningful projects that support UNESCO’s global mission.
Interns typically support various administrative, research, and project-related functions within the team to which they are assigned. The duration of internships ranges from 1 to 6 months, and the internships are open throughout the year.
This programme provides a collaborative learning environment where interns can engage with professionals across cultures, disciplines, and specialties. Each internship includes clearly defined Terms of Reference (TOR) and learning objectives, which are tailored to both the needs of the department and the intern’s academic and professional development goals.
Tasks
Interns at UNESCO work across a wide range of departments and sectors. Specific responsibilities vary by assignment, but typical tasks may include:
- Conducting and summarizing research in areas aligned with UNESCO’s mandate, such as education, science, culture, or communication.
- Preparing substantive and communication materials, including internal reports, newsletters, presentations, or public documents.
- Collecting, analyzing, and presenting data for internal or external audiences.
- Assisting in organizing and promoting events, including conferences, meetings, and workshops.
- Participating in meetings and workshops, engaging with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Contributing to the technical work of the team or department, depending on your background and expertise.
- Liaising with other entities within the United Nations system as needed.
- Providing logistical and administrative support on specific assignments or projects.
These responsibilities help interns gain valuable insight into international project management, research analysis, multilateral policy, and communication strategies within a multicultural and collaborative setting.
Launch Your Global Career with the UNESCO Internship Programme in All Sectors – Apply by December 31, 2025
Qualifications
Education and Certification
Applicants must meet the following academic criteria at the time of their application:
- You must be at least 20 years old at the time of application.
- You must be currently enrolled in a graduate-level programme (Master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent).
- Alternatively, you must have graduated within the past 12 months from a graduate-level programme (Master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent).
- Candidates applying for internships in secretarial or technical/professional assignments must be enrolled in a secretarial school or a specialized institution and be in their final year of study, or have graduated within the past 12 months.
Please note: candidates who have only completed a full-time bachelor’s degree and are not enrolled in a graduate programme are not eligible to apply.
Experience
While professional experience is not a requirement for this internship programme, applicants should demonstrate a strong academic background, a clear motivation for international service, and the ability to adapt to a diverse work environment. Additional experience in research, policy, education, international development, or administrative support may be considered an asset.
Language Skills
- You must have excellent written and spoken English or French.
- A working knowledge of the second language (English or French) is considered an asset and may be required for some internships, especially at Headquarters.
- If your academic documents are in a language other than English or French, you should include unofficial translations when applying.
Technical Competencies
- Computer proficiency is essential. Applicants should be confident users of standard office software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and related applications.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills are also required.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multicultural teams is essential.
Additional Information
Duration and Type of Contract
- Contract Type: Internship
- Contract Duration: 1 to 6 months
- Location: UNESCO Headquarters, Field Offices, or Category I Institutes
- Open to: External Candidates
- Deadline: December 31, 2025 (Midnight, Paris Time)
Working Conditions
- Interns work under the supervision of an experienced staff member in the relevant sector or department.
- Interns do not receive any form of remuneration or financial compensation from UNESCO.
- Interns are entitled to 2.5 days of leave per month of the internship.
Selection and Recruitment Process
- The UNESCO Internship Programme accepts applications year-round.
- Applicants should apply to the specific internship posting that best matches their qualifications.
- Qualified candidates are entered into a global talent pool and may be contacted directly by relevant hiring managers.
- The validity of an application is six months. If you are not contacted within this period, your application has not been successful.
- UNESCO does not provide updates or feedback to applicants unless selected.
Important Application Guidelines
- You must complete the application form within one hour. Prepare your CV and motivation statement beforehand.
- Only English or French can be used in the application process.
- Ensure that your contact details remain valid for at least six months from the date of application.
- Even if eligible, placement is not guaranteed due to the high volume of qualified applicants.
- This opportunity is unpaid. Applicants must make their own arrangements for travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
Conclusion
The UNESCO Internship Programme offers a rare opportunity to join a global network of professionals working on transformative international projects. While the internships are unpaid, the experience provides interns with exposure to real-world challenges in international cooperation and multilateral policy. Interns leave with enhanced skills, meaningful connections, and a deeper understanding of the values and functioning of the United Nations system.
If you are a motivated and qualified graduate or graduate student seeking to contribute to UNESCO’s mission and grow professionally in a dynamic, multicultural environment, we encourage you to apply by December 31, 2025.
This internship listing is provided for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with UNESCO and are not involved in the selection process. For official information and to apply, please visit UNESCO’s careers portal.
Keywords: UNESCO internship 2025, UN internships, international internships 2025, education and culture internship, Paris UN internship, graduate internships UNESCO, unpaid UN internship, UNESCO field office internships, internships at UN agencies, global development careers, multilingual internship opportunities
