United Nations Volunteer Program 2027 (Fully Funded)
Overview
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme places volunteers in development, humanitarian and peacebuilding work. Each year more than 8,000 international UN volunteers from over 160 nationalities serve for at least six months, with placements in nearly 130 countries. The work includes peacebuilding and conflict resolution, disaster relief and humanitarian response, and community-driven sustainable development. It is open to undergraduate students, graduate students and recent graduates worldwide.
What you get
Volunteers receive a Volunteer Living Allowance covering housing, food and daily living costs. International volunteers also receive a one-time settling-in grant, round-trip airfare and visa-related costs, and medical, life and disability insurance during the assignment. An end-of-service resettlement allowance is paid on successful completion. Professional benefits include paid annual leave, official UN holidays, access to UN training resources, field experience with UN agencies and networking in international development.
Who can apply
There are three pathways. International UN Volunteers serve in a country different from their own, supporting peacekeeping, humanitarian and development missions. National UN Volunteers serve in their home country on community development, governance, climate action and social impact projects. Online UN Volunteers work remotely through the UNV online platform on tasks such as research, translation, graphic design and data analysis, with no degree needed for many roles, and receive an online volunteering certificate.
Requirements vary by assignment. The minimum age is usually 18 for online roles and 25 for international roles. Relevant experience depends on the assignment, along with strong communication skills, commitment to UN values and humanitarian principles, and language proficiency in English, French, Spanish or role-specific languages.
How to apply
Applications are made online. Candidates create and verify an account, complete a volunteer profile covering education, skills, languages and work experience, browse international, national or online assignments, and submit a motivation statement for a suitable role. They upload documents if requested and then await shortlisting and possible assessment interviews.
Key dates
Applications are open all year, so candidates can apply whenever a relevant opportunity appears. Each vacancy lists its own qualifications, contract length and duty station.