9/13/2026
Yes. UNDP provides fellowship assignments, including opportunities for students, recent graduates and mid-career professionals. However, for 2026 it is important to distinguish between the existence of the UNDP Fellowship programme and an open, universal annual fellowship application call. UNDP states that fellowship opportunities may be advertised individually or through specific arrangements with partner institutions.
The UNDP Fellowship provides selected participants with an opportunity to gain practical experience in international development.
According to UNDP's current People Programmes information, fellowship assignments can be available to:
Students
Recent graduates
Mid-career professionals
Professionals from diverse backgrounds
Fellowships may be funded by UNDP itself or by a partner institution that has an agreement with UNDP.
Selected fellows can gain experience working in the international development environment for up to 12 months, with a monthly stipend that varies according to the country of assignment.
This is where applicants need to be careful.
UNDP's official careers information confirms that the fellowship programme exists, but it does not mean that one single global 2026 fellowship application is continuously open to everyone.
UNDP explains that opportunities under its People Programmes may be advertised individually or as part of a roster.
Consequently, applicants should monitor the official UNDP Job Page and the organization's official careers channels rather than relying on third-party websites claiming to offer a universal "UNDP Fellowship 2026" application.
The fellowship is only one of several UNDP opportunities for emerging professionals.
UNDP also offers:
Internships
UNDP internships are available to students completing a Master's degree, students in the final year of a Bachelor's degree and recent graduates up to one year after graduation. Internships may last up to six months, with some academic-credit exceptions allowing longer assignments.
Graduate Programme
The UNDP Graduate Programme provides a two-year international assignment for selected young graduates from UNDP programme countries.
The programme includes two broad streams:
Programme and Policy
Corporate Operations
However, the official UNDP page currently states that the next Graduate Programme recruitment campaign is under consideration, with information to be shared later.
Junior Professional Officer Programme
UNDP also participates in Junior Professional Officer opportunities, which can provide young professionals with an entry point into the UN system.
The safest approach is to use the official UNDP Careers website.
UNDP states that its vacancies and programme opportunities are advertised through its Job Page. Applicants should check the eligibility requirements for each individual opportunity because criteria can vary by programme, country, educational background and professional experience.
Applicants should be cautious about websites asking for payment to apply for an "official UNDP fellowship." Legitimate UNDP recruitment opportunities should be verified through official UNDP channels.
Yes, UNDP has a fellowship programme in 2026, and UNDP officially describes fellowship assignments for students, recent graduates and mid-career professionals. However, applicants should not assume there is one universal fellowship intake that is automatically open throughout 2026. Specific fellowship assignments may be announced individually or through partner institutions.
UNDP – People Programmes and Fellowships
UNDP – Careers
UNDP – Recruitment Process
UNDP – Graduate Programme
Unchannel - 9/13/2026