UN Young Professionals Programme (YPP) 2026

About the role

United Nations Young Professionals Programme 2026 is a recruitment initiative offering talented young professionals the opportunity to become international civil servants with the UN Secretariat. Applicants must be nationals of participating countries, hold at least a relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent first-level university degree of at least three years, be 32 years old or younger, and be fluent in English or French. The programme involves a competitive entrance examination followed by professional development. Participating countries are confirmed via the YPP Exam Cycles section on the official UN website.

Requirements

• Nationality: Must be a national of a country participating in the relevant YPP examination cycle.
• Education: Must hold at least a relevant bachelor's degree or an equivalent first-level university degree of at least three years.
• Age: Must be 32 years old or younger in the year of the examination.
• Language: Must be fluent in either English or French.

What you get

• Competitive entrance examination
• Professional development for successful candidates who begin their careers with the UN
• Access to the UN Careers Portal or Inspira
• Review of the programme's eligibility criteria and ensure that you meet the nationality, educational, age and language requirements
• Review the job opening and eligibility requirements
• Visit the UN Careers Portal or Inspira to search for available YPP job openings in the relevant examination subject areas
• Read the specific requirements carefully before applying

The offer

• Type: graduate-trainee

Important dates

• Deadline: Dec 1, 2026

Location

• Remote: Open to anyone