The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has opened applications for its 2026 Internship Programme, offering paid internship opportunities to students and recent graduates from across the world.

A statement released by the organisation indicated that the programme is open to international applicants enrolled in, or who have recently completed, undergraduate, master’s or doctoral degree programmes.

According to UNICEF, the internship is designed to provide participants with practical, professional and high-impact experience within a global organisation committed to improving the lives of children and young people.

The agency said interns would be exposed to world-class work environments while contributing meaningfully to UNICEF’s mandate of promoting children’s welfare, health, education and emergency relief across the globe.

UNICEF noted that it currently operates in about 190 countries and territories, offering interns the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in addressing real-world social and developmental challenges.

“The internship programme allows young professionals to work in line with UNICEF’s core values of care, respect, integrity, trust and accountability,” the statement said.

It added that while the internship provides strong professional development opportunities, participation does not automatically guarantee permanent employment with the organisation.

Programme Benefits

UNICEF disclosed that the 2026 internship programme is fully funded, with successful applicants entitled to:

•A monthly stipend paid by UNICEF or the host office;

•Possible support for visa, travel and related costs, depending on available funding;

•Exposure to global best practices and professional development within the UN system.


Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the internship, applicants must:

•Be at least 18 years old;

•Be currently enrolled in, or have graduated within the last two years, from an undergraduate, master’s or PhD programme;

•Demonstrate strong academic performance;

•Be proficient in at least one of UNICEF’s working languages — English, French or Spanish;

•Be fluent in the working language of the host office;

•Have no immediate family relationship with UNICEF staff or supervisors;

•Possess relevant work experience, which may be considered an added advantage.


Required Documents

Applicants are required to submit:

•An online application profile;

•A detailed curriculum vitae (CV);

•A cover letter or personal statement.


Application Timeline

UNICEF stated that there is no fixed deadline for the internship programme, as vacancies are advertised throughout the year depending on organisational needs.

Interested candidates are advised to apply online through UNICEF’s official job portal and ensure that all information provided is accurate and verifiable.

UNICEF encouraged eligible young professionals to take advantage of the programme as a pathway to gaining international work exposure and building skills relevant to future careers in development and humanitarian services.

Apply Link;https;https;//brightscholarship.com/unicef-internship-program-2026-paid/