Applications are now open for the UNESCO Social and Human Sciences Internship 2026. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has announced internship opportunities within its Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS) for international students and recent graduates.

The internship positions are available at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, field offices, and institutes worldwide. The program provides selected interns with practical experience in international policymaking, governance, research, project management, and social development initiatives.

Students enrolled in undergraduate, master’s, and PhD degree programs, as well as recent graduates from social sciences, humanities, public policy, law, communication studies, international relations, artificial intelligence, technology, and related interdisciplinary fields, are encouraged to apply.

The internship duration ranges from 1 to 6 months and offers valuable exposure to UNESCO’s work in human rights, youth empowerment, ethics, social transformation, and sustainable development initiatives.

UNESCO Social and Human Sciences Internship 2026 Overview

About UNESCO SHS Sector

The Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS) is one of UNESCO’s specialized divisions that focuses on:

• Human Rights
• Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
• Youth Engagement
• Public Policy
• Gender Equality
• Peacebuilding
• Social Transformation
• Sustainable Development

The sector works globally to develop policies and initiatives promoting inclusion, equality, intercultural dialogue, and ethical governance.

Internship Focus Areas

Selected interns may work in one or more of the following areas:

• Artificial Intelligence Ethics
• Human Rights
• Global Citizenship
• Youth Empowerment
• Gender Equality
• Public Policy
• Intercultural Dialogue
• Social Transformation Research
• Governance & International Cooperation

Internship Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

• Applications are open to all nationalities
• Candidates from underrepresented UNESCO member states are highly encouraged to apply
• Applicants must be at least 20 years old
• Students enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree programs are eligible
• Undergraduate applicants must be in the third or final year of their degree
• Recent graduates who completed their degree within the last 12 months may also apply
• Applicants must have an academic background in: Social Sciences Public Policy International Relations Law Sociology Human Rights Communication Studies Artificial Intelligence Technology Related interdisciplinary fields
  • Social Sciences
  • Public Policy
  • International Relations
  • Law
  • Sociology
  • Human Rights
  • Communication Studies
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Technology
  • Related interdisciplinary fields
• Strong communication and teamwork skills are required

Intern Roles & Responsibilities

Selected interns may assist UNESCO teams in the following activities:

• Conducting policy and research analysis
• Drafting reports, summaries, and briefs
• Supporting meetings, workshops, and conferences
• Analyzing social trends and international data
• Assisting SHS initiatives and global projects
• Supporting international collaboration programs

Internship Benefits

The UNESCO SHS Internship 2026 offers multiple professional and learning benefits:

• 2.5 days leave per month
• Limited health and workplace insurance
• Experience working within an international organization
• Hands-on exposure to policymaking and governance
• Opportunity to work on real-world international projects
• Networking opportunities with UNESCO experts and policymakers
• Valuable addition to CV and professional profile
• Exposure to international research and development initiatives

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents before applying:

• Online Application Form
• Updated CV / Resume
• Cover Letter
• Proof of Enrollment
• Academic Transcript
• Passport or National ID Copy
• Supporting Certificates (if required)

How to Apply for UNESCO SHS Internship 2026?

Interested candidates must apply online through the official UNESCO careers portal.

Steps to Apply

1. Visit the official UNESCO careers website
2. Create an account or sign in
3. Search for Social & Human Sciences Internship positions
4. Complete the online application form
5. Upload all required documents
6. Carefully review the application
7. Submit before the deadline

Official Important Links

Final Words

The UNESCO Social and Human Sciences Internship 2026 is an excellent opportunity for students and recent graduates interested in international development, policymaking, governance, human rights, and social transformation.

Through this internship, participants will gain practical experience working with global experts while contributing to impactful international initiatives and research projects. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline and regularly check UNESCO’s official portal for updates.