Application Deadline: November 30, 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 United Nations Young Professionals Programme (YPP), an opportunity for talented and qualified young professionals to begin a career with the United Nations Secretariat.
The YPP is a competitive recruitment programme designed to identify promising professionals from participating UN Member States and provide successful candidates with a pathway into international civil service. The programme includes an entrance examination followed by professional development and career opportunities within the UN.
The YPP examination is conducted once each year in selected subject areas, based on the staffing needs of the United Nations. The countries eligible to participate may change from one examination cycle to another.
2026 YPP Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following basic requirements:
1. Nationality
You must be a citizen of a country participating in the relevant YPP examination cycle.
2. Education
Applicants must hold at least a first-level university degree, such as a relevant bachelor’s degree or an equivalent three-year university qualification, in a field related to the examination area.
3. Age
Candidates must be 32 years old or younger during the year in which the examination is held.
4. Language
Applicants must be fluent in at least one of the United Nations’ two working languages for the programme: English or French.
Participating Countries
The list of eligible countries can change from year to year. Applicants should consult the official YPP examination information to confirm whether their country is participating in the current cycle.
How to Apply for the UN Young Professionals Programme
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Before beginning your application, carefully review the official eligibility requirements and make sure you meet all the criteria for the relevant examination area.
Step 2: Find and Review the Job Opening
YPP applications are normally advertised through the UN’s recruitment platforms.
Applicants should search for the relevant YPP job opening through Inspira or the UN Careers portal. Carefully read the vacancy announcement and confirm that your education, nationality, age, language skills and other qualifications meet the stated requirements.
Step 3: Prepare and Submit Your Application
Before submitting your application, applicants are encouraged to review the official YPP application guidance and available applicant resources.
Complete your application carefully and provide accurate information about your academic background, professional experience and qualifications.
2026 YPP Application Timeline
The exact schedule can vary from one year to another. The following timeline provides a general overview of the YPP recruitment and examination process:
October – November: Application Period
- Review the relevant YPP job opening and eligibility requirements.
- Prepare your application.
- Submit your application through the UN recruitment system.
December – January: Application Screening
- Applications are reviewed against the eligibility requirements.
- Eligible candidates are informed about the next stage.
- Selected candidates may be invited to participate in the examination.
February – May: Assessment and Examination
- Examinations are administered online.
- Examination submissions are assessed and marked.
- Results undergo the necessary verification process.
June – August: Interviews and Final Results
- Candidates receive notification regarding the written examination results.
- Successful candidates proceed to interviews.
- Final results are communicated to candidates.
Why Consider the UN YPP?
The Young Professionals Programme provides qualified young professionals with a potential pathway into the United Nations Secretariat and an opportunity to develop a career in international public service.
For eligible candidates, it can be an important entry point into work addressing global issues and supporting the objectives of the United Nations.
More Information and Official Application
Applicants should always consult the official United Nations YPP information for the latest eligibility requirements, participating countries, examination areas, deadlines and application instructions.
Application deadline: November 30, 2026
Official UN Young Professionals Programme:
United Nations YPP Official Webpage
UN Careers:
UN Careers Portal
Inspira:
UN Inspira Recruitment System
