UNICEF Internship for High School Students | How to Apply

If you have a passion for international development, social work, human rights, or humanitarian aid, then being selected for a UNICEF internship is quite an accomplishment. Unlike typical corporate internships that focus on business and profits, this internship is about making a real difference. Here, you are contributing to an organization that helps millions of children and families worldwide. The work you do here actually impacts lives, and that is something not every internship can offer. One of the biggest reasons why UNICEF internships are so valuable is the exposure you get to real-world global issues. You will be working on projects related to child welfare, education, health, climate change, and emergency response. If you have ever thought about working for the United Nations or any major NGO, this internship will give you first-hand experience of what it is like.

A UNICEF internship also boosts your career in ways you might not even realize at first. If you are planning to work in social work, public policy, humanitarian aid, human rights law, or even international business, having UNICEF on your resume makes you stand out. Employers recognize that interns get hands-on experience with real challenges, whether it is organizing relief programs, managing community projects, or working on data-driven policy research. Plus, if you perform well, this internship can open doors to full-time positions at UNICEF or other UN agencies like WHO, UNHCR, or UNESCO. Compared to other UN internships, the great thing about this agency is its wide range of roles. While some UN internships focus only on research or administration, the agency offers fieldwork, policy development, communications, tech roles, and even remote work opportunities, and that too paid.

💡 For More Government Internships: Click Here

UNICEF Internship 2025 | Application Process & Requirements

About UNICEF – Organization Overview

UNICEF stands for the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, though today it is simply called the United Nations Children’s Fund. It is one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the world, dedicated to protecting children’s rights. The organization ensures access to education, healthcare, and emergency aid. Established in 1946, it was originally created to help children affected by World War II.

Today, it operates in over 190 countries and territories, providing support to vulnerable communities worldwide. The agency’s work is centred around helping children survive and thrive, no matter where they are. It partners with governments, NGOs, and local organizations to provide essentials like vaccinations, clean water, education, nutrition, and protection from violence. The organization also plays a major role in policy advocacy, pushing for better child protection laws, gender equality, and climate action.

Key Statistics:

Focus Areas:

UNICEF focuses on six key areas that are critical to child welfare:

What is the UNICEF Summer Internship Program?

The UNICEF summer internship is one of the best opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in international development, policy work, and humanitarian aid. It is a structured internship program that runs during the summer months, usually from June to August, and allows interns to work in different UNICEF offices worldwide or even remotely. Unlike traditional corporate internships, this summer internship focuses on real-world impact. Interns are involved in projects related to policy research, fieldwork, communications, fundraising, human rights, and technology. This is an incredible opportunity for anyone looking to build a career in the UN, NGOs, or social work. The program typically lasts 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the role and location. Some positions require interns to work full-time, while others offer part-time flexibility.

Where Are UNICEF Summer Internships Available?

The program is available in multiple locations, with both in-office and remote opportunities. Some of the most common locations include:

UNICEF Internship Work from Home – Fully Remote Roles Available

If you have ever wanted to intern at UNICEF but cannot relocate, the work-from-home internship is the perfect option. These fully remote internships allow students and professionals to contribute to the agency’s mission without physically being in an office. This is a great opportunity for those who want to gain international work experience while balancing studies or other commitments. The UNICEF remote internship program covers different areas such as research, data analysis, social media management, graphic design, digital marketing, and communications.

Here, interns are expected to work independently but will receive regular mentorship and guidance from their supervisors. To qualify for a work-from-home internship, you will need a stable internet connection, strong communication skills, and the ability to work across different time zones. You can find current remote internship openings at UNICEF on their official careers page.

UNICEF Internship for High School Students – Special Programs for Young Applicants

Many people think that internships offered by UNICEF are only for college students and graduates, but that is not entirely true. While official internship programs for high school students are limited, the agency offers volunteer programs, virtual training opportunities, and youth leadership roles that allow younger applicants to gain experience. High school students can participate in initiatives like the UNICEF Youth Advocates Program, which focuses on human rights, climate action, and community development. Some of the agency’s offices also offer short-term internships or job shadowing experiences for high schoolers interested in international relations and humanitarian work.

UNICEF Internship for Undergraduates – Programs for College Students

If you are a college student looking to get real-world experience in international development, the UNICEF undergraduate internship is an amazing opportunity. These internships are designed for students pursuing degrees in social sciences, business, economics, communications, IT, public policy, and related fields. As an undergraduate intern, you could be working in areas such as research, project management, fundraising, marketing, finance, or public relations.

This internship allows you to apply what you have learned in college to real projects that impact children and communities worldwide. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with professionals, attend training sessions, and build a strong professional network. Most undergraduate internships last between 8 and 26 weeks, depending on the position. Some roles are paid, while others offer academic credit or volunteer experience. To apply, you must be enrolled in a university program and meet the eligibility criteria outlined on the agency’s internship portal.

UNICEF Graduate Internship – Opportunities for Master’s and PhD Students

If you are currently pursuing a master’s or PhD and want to gain hands-on experience in international development, research, or policymaking, the UNICEF graduate internship is a perfect fit. This program is designed for students who already have some professional or academic experience and want to work on projects related to policy development, advocacy, data analysis, and field research. Graduate interns often take on more specialized roles, working alongside experts in healthcare, child protection, education policy, and humanitarian response. Unlike undergraduate internships, graduate-level roles may involve managing projects, leading small teams, and conducting research for UNICEF reports. These internships are highly competitive and often lead to full-time job opportunities within UNICEF or other UN agencies.

Types of UNICEF Internships

UNICEF offers a variety of internships that focus on different areas of international development, research, communications, and technology. These placements provide students and recent graduates with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working on meaningful projects that impact children and communities worldwide. Below are the top five types of internships, each offering a unique learning experience and career benefits.

1. Research & Policy Internship 

For those interested in data-driven decision-making and global policy development, the UNICEF Research & Policy Internship is an incredible opportunity. This internship allows students to work on high-impact research projects that shape UNICEF’s global policies and advocacy work. Interns in this program typically assist with data collection, analysis, report writing, and policy evaluation, helping to influence decisions that directly affect children’s education, healthcare, and safety worldwide.

One of the most valuable aspects of this internship is the real-world exposure to policy-making. Interns often work with government officials, NGOs, and think tanks to analyze issues such as poverty, child rights, public health, and education. They also help develop policy recommendations based on research findings, which are then used to advocate for changes at national and international levels.

This internship is a great fit for students pursuing degrees in public policy, international relations, economics, political science, or social sciences. It provides a solid foundation for careers in government agencies, NGOs, and global organizations. If you are passionate about shaping policies that impact children and vulnerable communities, this internship is an excellent choice.

2. Communications & Media Internship 

If you are someone who enjoys storytelling, media, and digital marketing, then the UNICEF Communications & Media Internship might be the perfect opportunity. This internship focuses on spreading awareness about the agency’s work through social media campaigns, press releases, blog articles, and advocacy materials. Interns in this program work closely with journalists, content creators, and PR specialists to craft messages that engage and inform the public.

A large part of this internship involves managing the agency’s digital platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Interns help create content, track engagement metrics, and strategize how to improve audience reach. They also assist with press releases, media interviews, and video production to ensure that UNICEF’s message reaches as many people as possible.

This internship is ideal for students majoring in communications, journalism, marketing, or public relations. It provides practical experience in handling large-scale advocacy campaigns, which can be useful for careers in media, advertising, and nonprofit communications.

3. HR & Administration Internship 

For those interested in human resources, organizational management, or business administration, the UNICEF HR & Administration Internship offers hands-on experience in recruitment, workplace management, and employee engagement. Interns in this program assist with hiring processes, onboarding programs, staff training sessions, and workplace policies.

A key responsibility in this internship is supporting the recruitment process, which includes reviewing applications, scheduling interviews, and assisting in employee assessments. Interns also help in developing HR policies related to diversity, inclusion, and workplace ethics. Additionally, they gain experience in payroll management, employee benefits programs, and HR analytics, which are essential for careers in human resources.

This internship is perfect for students studying business administration, human resource management, psychology, or labour relations. It provides real-world exposure to how HR teams function in a global organization, making it an excellent opportunity for a career in HR, recruitment, or corporate administration.

4. Fundraising & Partnerships Internship 

The UNICEF Fundraising & Partnerships Internship is an excellent opportunity for students who are interested in business development, donor relations, and nonprofit fundraising. In this role, interns help research funding opportunities, create proposals for donors, and assist with corporate partnership strategies. The agency relies on funding from governments, private donors, and large organizations, so fundraising is a crucial part of its operations.

Interns in this program gain valuable experience in donor relations, learning how to communicate with major funding partners and track the impact of donations. A big part of the role includes developing presentations, writing fundraising reports, and coordinating fundraising events. The internship also provides insight into how large-scale financial management works in international organizations.

This internship is best suited to students majoring in business, finance, marketing, or nonprofit management. It provides a strong foundation for careers in fundraising, nonprofit development, and international business relations.

5. Technology & Innovation Internship 

For students who have a passion for technology, innovation, and digital solutions, the UNICEF Technology & Innovation Internship is one of the most exciting opportunities. This internship focuses on developing tech-driven solutions that help the agency achieve its goals more efficiently. Interns in this program work on artificial intelligence, blockchain, data analytics, and mobile app development to create tools that improve the way UNICEF delivers aid and services.

Some common projects in this internship include developing chatbots to assist in humanitarian efforts, using AI for disaster response predictions, and designing mobile applications for child education programs. Interns also help with cybersecurity assessments, cloud computing projects, and data visualization for global reports.

This internship is ideal for students majoring in computer science, information technology, engineering, or data science. It provides real-world experience in using technology for social impact, which is great for a career in tech-driven social work, data science, or humanitarian tech innovation.

UNICEF Internship Timeline – What to Expect?

Applying for a position with UNICEF is exciting, but you might be wondering how long the entire process takes and what happens after you submit your application. Unlike some internships where you get an instant response, this selection process takes time, as they carefully review applications and shortlist candidates based on qualifications and fit for the role.

The entire process from application to final offer can take anywhere from four to twelve weeks, depending on the position and location. Some applicants may receive an update within a few weeks, while others might have to wait longer due to the high volume of applications this agency receives. If you do not hear back immediately, do not panic. They take time to review applications carefully before making a decision.

What Happens After Submitting an Application?

Once you submit your application through the UNICEF job portal, it goes through multiple stages before a decision is made. Here is what typically happens:

1. Application Review – Recruiters and hiring managers screen applications to see if candidates meet the eligibility criteria.
2. Shortlisting – Selected candidates are shortlisted for further assessment.
3. Assessment Tests – Depending on the role, some applicants may have to complete an online test or assignment.
4. Interview Invitation – Shortlisted candidates are invited to a video or phone interview with the recruitment team.
5. Final Interview – Some positions require a final interview with a department head or team leader.
6. Offer Letter – If you pass all stages, you will receive an internship offer letter via email, outlining the start date, responsibilities, and any benefits.

UNICEF Internship Salary – Do Interns Get Paid?

One of the most common questions applicants ask is whether UNICEF pays its interns. The good news is that they do offer financial support to interns, but the amount depends on factors like location and level of education. Unlike some UN agencies that offer unpaid internships, this agency provides a stipend to help interns cover their expenses during the program. While the amount is not a full salary, it is enough to assist with accommodation, food, and travel expenses for in-person internships. For remote internships, interns may receive a monthly allowance to help cover internet and work-related costs.

Differences in Salary Based on Location and Program Type

• Headquarters Internships (New York, Geneva, etc.) – Interns may receive stipends ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 per month.
• Regional or Country Office Internships – Stipends vary depending on the country and local cost of living but typically range from $500 to $1,200 per month.
• Remote Work Internships – Some work-from-home internships provide a small stipend of $300 to $800 per month, depending on the role.

Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply?

Before applying, it is important to check if you meet the eligibility requirements. UNICEF has specific criteria that applicants need to fulfil, depending on the internship position and location.

Education Requirements

UNICEF internships are open to:

• High school students (for specific youth engagement and volunteer programs).
• Undergraduate students in their second or final year.
• Graduate students (Master’s or PhD candidates).

Preferred Degrees for UNICEF Internships

While UNICEF accepts applicants from different backgrounds, some of the most common degree fields include:

• Social Sciences (International Relations, Public Policy, Development Studies, Sociology, etc.)
• Public Health and Nutrition
• Business, Finance, and Economics
• Communications, Journalism, and Marketing
• Computer Science, Information Technology, and Data Analytics
• Law and Human Rights

GPA Requirements

UNICEF does not always specify a minimum GPA requirement, but having a strong academic record (3.0 GPA or higher) can improve your chances of being selected. Strong grades, relevant coursework, and any prior volunteer experience will make your application stand out.

Work Authorization Rules for International Students

International students can apply for internships with UNICEF, but work authorization rules vary by country. Some locations may require interns to have a valid student visa or work permit. If you are an international student, check with the specific office in your region to confirm eligibility and visa requirements.

How to Apply for a UNICEF Internship?

To apply for an internship at UNICEF, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official UNICEF careers page.
2. Search for available internship positions using filters like location, department, and work type.
3. Click on the internship listing that matches your skills and interests.
4. Create a login to the UNICEF job portal to start your application.
5. Upload your resume and cover letter following the job posting guidelines.
6. Submit your application and wait for a confirmation email.

Apply Here

Summary

A United Nations Children’s Fund Internship is a fantastic opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in international development, humanitarian aid, policy-making, and social work while contributing to meaningful global projects. With roles available in communications, research, technology, fundraising, HR, and administration, interns can develop valuable skills while working alongside experts in their field. UNICEF offers both in-office and remote internships, making it accessible to students worldwide.

The application process is competitive, with multiple stages, including resume screening, assessments, and interviews, so preparation is key. Interns receive stipends based on their location and role, along with networking opportunities, mentorship, and career development programs. The eligibility criteria vary depending on the position, but undergraduate, graduate and even high school students can apply. Internships here can lead to full-time roles within the organization or other UN agencies, making them valuable experiences in nonprofits, government, or international organizations.

FAQs