A first-of-its-kind scholarship, the UNA-USA Fellowship provides financial support for American undergraduates who have received their bachelor’s degree within one year of graduation, and first year master’s students who have secured unpaid internships with the United Nations. If selected, you can be awarded up to $13,000 for up to four months.
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The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 and committed to maintaining international peace and security; developing friendly relations among nations; promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights.
The world looks to the United Nations for solutions to complex problems everywhere; from ending conflict and alleviating poverty, to combating climate change and defending human rights. The work of the United Nations touches every corner of the globe and focuses on a broad range of fundamental issues, like sustainable development, protection of the environment and refugees, disaster relief and mitigation, counter terrorism, as well as disarmament and non-proliferation.
The issues on the United Nations’ agenda are as diverse as the careers they offer. We are seeking to engage a diversity of stakeholders interested in pursuing internships with the United Nations anywhere in the world. For those who acquire an unpaid internship with the UN, you might be eligible to receive up to $13,000 in financial support through the UNA-USA Fellowship Initiative.
Current and previous Fellows have served UN internships in a wide range of UN agencies and offices, some of which include the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the United Nations Information Center (UNIC), the Department of Global Communications (DGC), the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, the United Nations Department for Safety and Security (UNDSS), United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Please visit here for a comprehensive list of internship opportunities within the United Nations.
The Fellowship Program includes perks, such as:
— Ambassador Linda Thomas Greenfield, U.S. Representative to the United Nations
We’re grateful for your interest in supporting the UNA-USA Fellowship Initiative – a stipend-based award that provides financial assistance to underrepresented groups who apply for and receive internships with the United Nations.
Announced in 2022 by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, UNA-USA continues to engage students, faculty, and staff at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Schools for the Blind and Deaf, the LGBTQ community and others in the most critical conversation of our time – the way to build student success, expand networks, and develop the next generation of global leaders.
Fully funded in 2023 and in 2024, we seek additional funds for the 2025 and 2026 program cycle. We welcome the opportunity to share more with you about the UNA-USA Fellowship Initiative and the movement to engage Americans in supporting the work of the United Nations. Please address your inquiries to Mr. Troy G. Wolfe, Senior Director, Partnerships & Special Initiatives, at twolfe@unausa.org.
“As a Nigerian-American immigrant and dedicated human rights advocate, working with the United Nations has been a goal of mine for several years. This opportunity represents the culmination of years spent developing a skillset in international human rights law and humanitarian affairs. As a Nigerian immigrant who was raised in America, I feel as though I can bring a unique perspective to the work of the Forum. The insights that I can glean from this experience are invaluable.
“I am driven by the prospect of contributing to meaningful change. Witnessing the persistent challenges our world faces, from climate change to social inequality, has fueled my determination to be a part of the solution. The Fellowship offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with experts, learn from diverse perspectives, and refine my skills in policy-making and diplomatic discourse. My passion for diplomacy and cultural exchange further fuels my interest in the United Nations.”
“The UN is the organization that helped my family and me to reach this country safely when we were refugees in Tunisia after we fled the revolution in Libya. For that reason, I would like to contribute to the continued success of this organization for the meantime until the future. Working with UNDSS would help me understand how this department functions, exposing me to the ‘behind the scenes’ work of the UN.”
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to intern with the United Nations Information Center (UNIC) because of my passion for international relations and my desire to work towards global development. As someone who has always been interested in world affairs, I believe that the United Nations plays a crucial role in promoting international cooperation and solving global issues. As a young person myself, I believe that it is important to involve youth in discussions about global issues and to encourage them to take action in their communities.”
