Applying for internships at the United Nations (UN) or the World Bank is exciting—but let’s be honest—it’s also confusing, competitive, and sometimes intimidating. Many students and early-career professionals assume these internships are “only for top Ivy League students” or “people with connections.” That belief quietly stops thousands of capable applicants from even trying.
The truth is far more interesting.
UN and World Bank internships are structured, transparent, and merit-based, and every year, students from developing countries, public universities, and non-elite backgrounds get selected. What separates successful applicants from the rest is not luck, but clarity, preparation, and strategy.
This guide is written for you—the applicant—step by step. Not theory. Not vague motivation. A practical, end-to-end roadmap that explains what to do, why to do it, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Let’s start at the beginning.
1. Understanding UN and World Bank Internships (Before You Apply)
Before clicking “Apply,” it’s important to understand what these internships actually are.
UN Internships: The Big Picture
The United Nations is not one organization—it’s a system of agencies. Each agency runs its own internship programs, timelines, and eligibility rules.
Some major UN agencies offering internships include:
- United Nations Secretariat
- UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)
- UNICEF
- UN Women
- WHO (World Health Organization)
- UNESCO
- FAO
- UNHCR
- ILO
Each agency focuses on different areas: development, health, human rights, climate change, law, data, communications, economics, and more.
UN internships are usually:
- Unpaid or partially paid (stipend varies by agency)
- Duration: 2 to 6 months
- Open to students and recent graduates
- Highly competitive but transparent
World Bank Internships: How They Differ
The World Bank Group includes:
- World Bank
- IFC (International Finance Corporation)
- MIGA
- ICSID
World Bank internships are:
- Paid
- Structured around specific application windows
- Strongly focused on economics, finance, public policy, data, climate, and development research
- More centralized than UN internships
Understanding this difference helps you target the right opportunity instead of randomly applying everywhere.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Are You Actually Eligible?
Many applicants disqualify themselves mentally without checking the official rules. Let’s break it down clearly.
UN Internship Eligibility (General Rules)
Most UN agencies require that you:
- Are enrolled in a degree program (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD) OR
- Have graduated within the last 12 months
- Are at least 18 years old
- Are fluent in English or French (sometimes Spanish or Arabic is a plus)
Important: You do not need prior UN experience. You do not need to study international relations. You do not need a powerful reference.
World Bank Internship Eligibility
World Bank internships usually require:
- Enrollment in a full-time graduate program (Master’s or PhD)
- Strong academic background
- Relevant coursework or research experience
- English proficiency
Some internships prefer applicants with:
- Development economics background
- Data analysis skills
- Policy research experience
If you’re unsure, always read the official vacancy notice. Do not rely on assumptions.
3. Choosing the Right Internship (This Step Saves Months)
One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is applying blindly.
Instead, ask yourself three questions:
- What Skills Do I Already Have?
UN and World Bank internships are not training programs from zero. They expect interns to contribute.
Examples:
- Writing and research → Policy, communications, human rights roles
- Data and statistics → Monitoring & evaluation, research, economics
- Design and social media → Communications and outreach
- Law background → Legal affairs, international law units
Match your existing skills to internship descriptions.
- What Theme Aligns With My Career?
Internships are stepping stones. Choose themes that make sense long-term:
- Climate and sustainability
- Gender and social inclusion
- Public health
- Economic development
- Migration and refugees
- Digital transformation
Random applications create weak motivation letters. Focus creates strong ones.
- Where Can I Add Real Value?
Recruiters scan applications fast. If your profile clearly shows relevance, you stand out immediately.
Step 4: Crafting a Winning Application Package
This is where most applications fail—not because candidates are weak, but because documents are unfocused.
Resume / CV Strategy
UN CV Style
- Simple, professional format
- No fancy design
- Achievement-focused bullet points
- Often requires filling the Personal History Profile (PHP)
Instead of: Assisted with research
Write: Conducted policy research and prepared briefing notes on climate adaptation strategies for project officers.
World Bank CV Style
- More academic and analytical
- Emphasis on:
- Research
- Quantitative skills
- Tools (Excel, Stata, R, Python)
- Publications or working papers (if any) matter
Your CV should answer one silent question: “Can this person contribute from Day 1?”
Motivation Letter / Cover Letter (The Deciding Factor)
This is not a biography. It’s a strategic argument.
Strong Structure
- Paragraph 1: Clear Alignment
Mention the exact role and why the agency’s mandate connects with your background. Refer to a recent project or report if possible.
- Paragraph 2 & 3: Proof Through Examples
Show—not tell—your skills using real examples. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Final Paragraph: Contribution & Availability
Explain what you aim to contribute, confirm eligibility, language skills, and availability.
Generic passion loses. Informed relevance wins.
Supporting Documents
Be ready with:
- Academic transcripts (official or unofficial)
- Proof of enrollment
- Writing samples (sometimes requested)
- Passport (for later stages)
Step 5: Assessment & Interviews
If shortlisted, you may be invited for an interview.
Interview Format
- Usually 30–45 minutes
- Video call with a panel
- Competency-based questions
What They Test
- Understanding of the organization
- Problem-solving ability
- Teamwork in multicultural settings
- Communication clarity
Prepare examples for questions like:
- Working in diverse teams
- Handling complex data or research
- Managing deadlines under pressure
Also prepare intelligent questions—this signals maturity.
Phase 3: Key Differences & Strategic Planning
Understanding differences helps you apply smarter.
UN vs World Bank: Quick Comparison
| Aspect | United Nations (UN) | World Bank Group |
| Compensation | Mostly unpaid (some agencies offer stipends) | Paid + travel support |
| Application Rhythm | Rolling, year-round | Fixed cycles (e.g., Summer, Fall) |
| Primary Focus | Values, diplomacy, multiculturalism, thematic areas | Technical, economic, analytical, research skills |
| Central Portal | UN Careers Portal (and individual agency sites) | World Bank Careers Portal |
A Sample 9-Month Strategic Timeline
- Month 1–3 (Foundation): Research agencies, improve skills, language learning, follow reports.
- Month 4–5 (Documents): Create master CV (use this UN Internship CV Template), draft motivation letters, get feedback.
- Month 6–8 (Applications): Apply consistently. For World Bank summer internships, apply as soon as the window opens.
- Month 9+ (Assessment & Offer): Prepare interviews, handle visas, funding, logistics.
After Applying: Managing Expectations
Silence is normal. Many UN agencies contact only shortlisted candidates, take weeks or months, and do not send rejection emails. This is not failure—it’s the system. Track applications, refine documents, and keep applying strategically.
Essential Resources
Primary Application Portals
- UN Careers (Internships): https://careers.un.org
- World Bank Careers: https://www.worldbank.org/careers
Opportunity Discovery & Aggregation
- Global Intern Opportunities: https://globalinternopportunities.com – A curated platform to discover UN, World Bank, and other global internships, fellowships, and scholarships in one place.
Tool for Your Application
- UN Internship CV Template: Direct Link to Google Doc Template
- World Bank Internship CV Template: Direct Link to Google Doc Template
Final Advice
UN and World Bank internships are not unreachable dreams. They are demanding, structured opportunities that reward preparation over privilege.
Focus on clarity over quantity. Tailor fewer applications deeply instead of mass applying. Rejections are common—even for successful UN professionals.
Persistence, relevance, and strategy compound over time. This world is competitive—but it is not closed.