UNA-NCA Graduate Fellows Program 2027: Develop Your UN Lens and Prepare for a Career in International Affairs
The UNA-NCA Graduate Fellows Program 2027 gives graduate students in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia region a chance to examine global issues through a UN lens while building professional connections. Applications are open until October 4, 2026.
Overview
The United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA) Graduate Fellows Program (GFP) 2027 is designed for graduate students in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia region. The initiative offers participants the opportunity to deepen their understanding of United Nations issues, policies, organizations, and global affairs while developing professional networks relevant to international careers.
Selected Fellows commit approximately four hours per week during the spring semester, which includes attending in-person Friday seminars, preparing assignments, engaging in career strategy, and receiving mentorship. The curriculum addresses major thematic areas such as economic development, UN budget and finance, gender, human rights, energy, sustainable development, climate change, conflict prevention, peacekeeping, refugees, and migration.
Benefits
- Weekly in-person seminars during the spring semester featuring guest speakers from across the UN system.
- Career strategy support, resume preparation and review, and mentor matching.
- Access to UNA-NCA's professional network and membership in the UNA-NCA Young Professionals Program.
- Potential academic credit arrangements through the participant's home university.
- A certificate of accomplishment awarded upon successful completion of the program, including attendance at at least one UNA-NCA-sponsored event.
Eligibility
- Open to graduate students studying at universities within the DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia region.
- Part-time students, student interns, and young professionals working in related fields are also encouraged to apply.
- Students studying outside the DMV region or temporarily residing there may apply with preliminary approval from the Graduate Fellows Program Director.
- International students are strongly encouraged to apply, as U.S. citizenship is not required.
- Applicants must be current, active members of UNA-NCA.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit a complete online application alongside supporting materials converted into PDF format. The required application documents include:
- A one-page letter of motivation.
- An unofficial graduate transcript (first-year graduate students may submit an unofficial undergraduate transcript and a current graduate enrollment letter instead).
- A letter of recommendation.
- An updated resume.
The selection process also involves an interview conducted with a member of the faculty in November for advancing candidates.
Deadline
Applications are open until October 4, 2026.