Top 10 International Internships for Graduates | NGO & UN Programs 2025
Top 10 International Internships for Graduates | NGO & UN Programs 2025. Looking to gain global experience in the development or humanitarian sector? These top 10 international internships in 2025 offer young graduates the opportunity to work with globally renowned organizations like the United Nations, World Bank, and leading NGOs. Whether you’re passionate about human rights, sustainable development, or global health, these programs are designed to equip you with hands-on experience, global exposure, and career-defining networks.
Why International Internships Matter in 2025
International internships are no longer just résumé boosters—they are powerful platforms for launching global careers. With the increased demand for professionals who understand cross-cultural dynamics and complex international issues, an internship with a UN agency or global NGO gives you the chance to make a real-world impact while learning from the best.
These internships often include mentorship, leadership development, and exposure to high-level discussions on poverty, climate change, humanitarian action, and policy.
Top 10 International Internships for Graduates | NGO & UN Programs 2025
1. UN Internship Programme – Multiple Locations
The United Nations offers internships in over 100 countries across its many agencies. These internships are open to recent graduates and students in master’s programs. Roles span from communications and peacebuilding to policy research and field operations.
- Eligibility: Recent graduates or current students (Master’s or final year of Bachelor’s)
- Duration: 2 to 6 months
- Stipend: Some agencies offer stipends
- Location: New York, Geneva, Nairobi, Bangkok, etc.
- Deadline: Varies by agency
- Visit UN Careers
2. UNICEF Internship Programme – Paid
UNICEF offers fully funded internships to recent graduates and current students across its global offices. These are designed to support development initiatives related to children’s rights and welfare.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD students or graduates
- Stipend: Competitive monthly stipend + travel assistance
- Deadline: Ongoing
- Visit UNICEF Careers
3. World Bank Internship Program (WBIP)
For those interested in finance, economics, or public policy, the World Bank offers internships during Summer and Winter sessions. Interns work on global development research, policy, and analytics.
- Eligibility: Must be enrolled in a graduate program (Master’s or PhD)
- Location: Washington D.C.
- Stipend: Competitive
- Deadline: Summer intake deadline in January, Winter in October
- Visit World Bank Careers
4. World Food Programme (WFP) Internship – Paid
WFP’s internships give students the chance to support food security and logistics programs globally. Interns are placed in field and HQ offices.
- Eligibility: Enrolled students or recent graduates
- Stipend: Up to $1000/month + travel reimbursement
- Deadline: Various openings year-round
- Visit WFP Internships
5. UNHCR Internship Programme
UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency) offers internship placements to support its work in protecting displaced populations.
- Eligibility: Recent graduates or current students
- Stipend: Monthly allowance
- Location: Global, including Geneva, Brussels, and field offices
- Visit UNHCR Internships
6. Amnesty International Internships
Amnesty International offers graduate internships in human rights research, campaigns, and advocacy.
- Eligibility: Recent graduates in law, human rights, or international affairs
- Stipend: Modest allowance or volunteer-based depending on location
- Location: London HQ, regional offices in Africa, Asia, and Latin America
- Visit Amnesty Careers
7. OECD Internship Programme – Paid
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) hires interns from around the world to work on economic research and policy.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s or Master’s students
- Location: Paris, France
- Stipend: Approx. €1,000/month
- Deadline: March and September intakes
- Visit OECD Internships
8. International Rescue Committee (IRC) Internships
IRC places interns in programs related to refugee support, policy, and humanitarian response.
- Eligibility: Current students or recent graduates
- Location: United States and select international offices
- Stipend: Some positions are unpaid; others offer compensation
- Visit IRC Internships
9. GIZ Internship Programme (Germany)
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) offers internships to young professionals in areas like sustainable development, climate, and governance.
- Eligibility: Enrolled students only
- Location: Germany or partner countries
- Stipend: Depends on location and project
- Visit GIZ Careers
10. FAO Internship Programme
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN offers internships in food security, climate, and agriculture.
- Eligibility: Undergraduates and graduates up to age 30
- Location: Rome HQ or regional offices
- Stipend: Monthly stipend
- Visit FAO Internships
Final Thoughts
International internships with NGOs and UN organizations are gateways to high-impact careers in global development, diplomacy, and humanitarian work. With 2025 offering increased demand for digital, sustainable, and inclusive development, now is the perfect time to prepare and apply.
Apply early, tailor your applications, and take the time to research each program’s mission and current projects. These programs not only offer professional experience but also help you build a truly global network.
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