The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has announced the opening of its 2026 Internship Programme for qualified undergraduate and graduate students across the world.
The internship provides young professionals with an opportunity to gain practical experience within the development arm of the United Nations while contributing to global initiatives aimed at tackling poverty, climate change, governance challenges and inequality.
The programme is open to applicants from all countries, with selected placements available in Copenhagen, Denmark, as well as remote duty stations.
Internship Overview
Host Organisation: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Location: Denmark and other duty stations (remote and onsite options available)
Eligible Countries: All nationalities
Duration: Six months
Stipend: Up to $1,000 per month (for Copenhagen duty station; varies by location)
Deadline: Varies by position
UNDP operates in over 170 countries and territories, supporting sustainable development, renewable energy, women’s empowerment, crisis prevention and democratic governance. With more than 17,000 staff worldwide, the organisation remains one of the leading global development institutions.
Available Internship Areas
Successful applicants may be assigned to one of several workstreams, including:
Media and Advocacy
Programme and Research
Legal Services
Digital and Artificial Intelligence
Climate and Sustainability
Communications and Engagement
Procurement Support
Both remote and onsite opportunities are available depending on the role.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet one of the following academic conditions:
Be currently enrolled in a graduate-level programme (Master’s degree or higher);
Be in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree programme;
Have graduated with a Bachelor’s degree or higher and commence the internship within one year of graduation.
Required Competencies
Candidates are expected to demonstrate:
Strong writing and editing skills
Excellent organisational and communication abilities
Attention to detail
Ability to multitask effectively
Interest in global development and United Nations operations
Capacity to work in a multicultural and politically sensitive environment
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of French or Spanish is considered an added advantage. Strong IT proficiency, including familiarity with Microsoft Office tools and digital platforms, is desirable.
Duration and Stipend
The internship lasts for six months. Interns assigned to Copenhagen receive a stipend equivalent to approximately $1,000 per month. Stipends for other locations vary according to duty station policies. Payments are made monthly, and part-time arrangements are prorated accordingly.
Application Process
Interested candidates are advised to:
1. Visit the official UNDP careers portal.
2. Select their preferred internship area.
3. Complete the online application form.
4. Upload all required documents in a single PDF file not exceeding 10MB.
5. Submit the application before the specific deadline for the chosen role.
Applicants seeking to apply for multiple internship positions must submit separate applications for each programme.
Deadlines differ depending on the internship opportunity.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to review detailed guidelines on the official UNDP website before submitting their applications.
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