Applications are open for the UNA-NCA Graduate Fellows Program 2027, a fellowship for graduate students in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia region who want deeper exposure to United Nations issues, global affairs, mentoring, and career preparation for international affairs work. The program says applications are due October 4, 2026.
Key facts
- The Graduate Fellows Program was founded by UNA-NCA in 1991.
- The program says it has brought together more than 500 students and 40 international public and nongovernmental organizations.
- Selected Fellows are expected to spend about four hours per week on the program.
- Applications for the 2027 cohort are open until October 4, 2026.
- Applicants must be current, active UNA-NCA members.
What does this mean for graduate students?
For graduate students interested in international affairs, diplomacy, development, human rights, peacekeeping, sustainable development, migration, or climate issues, the program offers weekly seminars, mentoring, networking, and career support. It is also open to part-time students, some student interns, young professionals working part time, and international students.
Fellows also receive membership in the UNA-NCA Young Professionals Program and may be able to pursue academic credit through their home university, depending on university approval.
What is the UNA-NCA Graduate Fellows Program?
The UNA-NCA Graduate Fellows Program is designed to help graduate students build a stronger understanding of the United Nations and prepare for careers connected to international affairs and the UN system. The program combines academic seminars with professional development, mentoring, and access to UNA-NCA’s broader professional network.
How does the program work?
Selected Fellows are expected to commit about four hours each week. That time is split between a weekly seminar and preparation, career strategy work, and mentoring. During the spring semester, Fellows attend an in-person seminar every Friday and complete readings, listening, or viewing materials before each session.
The seminars cover issues including economic development, UN budget and finance, gender, human rights, education, social development, energy, sustainability, climate change, conflict prevention, conflict resolution, peacekeeping, refugees, migration, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Who can apply?
The program is open to graduate students at universities in the DC-Maryland-Northern Virginia region who are studying international affairs, trade, development, or another discipline related to the United Nations. Part-time graduate students, student interns in the DC area, and young professionals working part time in a related field may also apply. Graduate students outside the DMV region may apply with approval from the Graduate Fellows Program Director, and the program also says international students are encouraged to apply.
What do applicants need to submit?
Applications require an online form, a one-page letter of motivation, an unofficial graduate transcript, a letter of recommendation, and an updated resume. First-year graduate students without a graduate transcript may submit an unofficial undergraduate transcript and a current letter of enrollment instead. All supporting materials must be submitted in PDF format.
When are interviews and completion requirements?
Interviews will be conducted in November. To earn a certificate of completion, Fellows must attend at least one UNA-NCA-sponsored event during the Spring 2027 semester. Participants may also receive a certificate from UNA-NCA after completing the program.
