UNESCO Internship Opportunity 2026 for Students and Graduates in the Field of Education
Applicant criteria
- NationalityNo specific nationality required
- Age20 - 60
- GenderBoth
Opportunity description
UNESCO invites applications for its Education Sector internship, an unpaid placement for people interested in education projects, policy work and related research. Interns may be based at Headquarters, Field Offices or Institutes, and placements last from one to six months; applications close on 31 December 2026.
About the UNESCO Education Sector Internship
The internship is designed to help participants understand how education projects are developed and managed, how multilateral processes work, and how international policy-making in education takes place. Interns may carry out education-related data analysis and contribute to policy briefs using approaches such as case studies, group discussions, facilitator input and individual reflection.
Learning also covers the development and implementation of education projects, international project management through learning by doing, and the role of international organizations in setting standards, exchanging knowledge, providing policy advice, strengthening human and institutional capacity, and facilitating cooperation. Participants can build subject knowledge in education projects and strengthen research, writing and communication skills.
The experience also supports the development of workplace skills, including stakeholder management, problem-solving, interpersonal communication, teamwork, flexibility and client focus. The internship is available at UNESCO Headquarters, Field Offices and Institutes. Its minimum duration is one month and its maximum duration is six months.
This vacancy notice is for the intern candidate pool, not for one specific placement. Applications that are successfully submitted remain in the pool for six months and may be assessed by relevant hiring managers. Selected candidates are contacted directly by a manager. If UNESCO does not provide an update within six months, the application has not been successful; meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee placement. Explore other internship opportunities and available jobs.
Who Should Apply
This opportunity is suited to applicants aged 20 or older who are interested in education projects and policy, and who want practical exposure to research, analysis and international project work. Applicants must meet one of the stated study or recent-graduation routes, communicate excellently in English or French, and be comfortable using computer systems and office software. They should also be able to work well in a team and adapt to an international working environment.
Key Highlights
- Provider and area: UNESCO, Education Sector.
- Type: Unpaid internship; UNESCO provides no financial compensation.
- Locations: Headquarters, Field Offices and Institutes.
- Duration: One to six months.
- Application deadline: 31 December 2026.
- Application language: English or French.
Benefits
- 2.5 days of leave per month of internship, plus one additional working day for each complete month of internship.
- Limited workplace insurance coverage for injury, illness, disability or death incurred during the internship and directly attributable to its execution.
- The internship is unpaid; UNESCO provides no compensation, financial or otherwise.
Eligibility criteria
- Applicants must be at least 20 years old.
- Applicants must meet one of these academic routes: currently enrolled in the third or final year of a Bachelor’s degree; currently enrolled in a second university degree, a Master’s or a PhD degree or equivalent; or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree no more than 12 months before the Internship Agreement is issued, based on the completion date shown on the diploma.
- For technical or vocational assignments, applicants must be enrolled in a specialized technical or vocational institution and in the final year of study, or have graduated from that institution within the previous 12 months.
- Excellent written and spoken command of English or French. Working knowledge of the other language is an asset and may be required for secretarial and assistantship assignments at Headquarters.
- Excellent knowledge of computer systems and office-related software.
- Ability to work well in a team and adapt to an international working environment, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Proof of comprehensive health insurance valid in the country of the internship for the entire internship period.
- Applicants are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas and arranging and financing travel to the internship location.
Ready to apply?
UNESCO Internship Opportunity 2026 for Students and Graduates in the Field of Education