International Opportunities

RISE Germany - https://www.daad.de/rise/en/rise-germany/

• RISE stands for Research Internships in Science and Engineering. They offer undergraduate students from North American, British, and Irish universities the opportunity to complete a summer research internship at top German universities and research institutions.

Institute of International Education – https://www.iie.org/scholarships-programs/?pag=1

• IIE offers a scholarship and program finder database and manages more than 200 programs with participants from more than 180 countries.

Chevening Scholarship (UK) - https://www.chevening.org/

• Prestigious scholarships for mid-career professionals from eligible countries to pursue master's degrees in the UK; covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and visa sponsorship with work authorization pathways.

VLIR-UOS Scholarships (Belgium) - https://www.vliruos.be/about-vliruos

• Scholarships for students from countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to pursue training and master's programs in Belgium; covers tuition, accommodation, allowance, travel, and insurance.

African Union Scholarship Program - https://au.int/en/announcements/20251115/pan-african-university-call-scholarships-applications-academic-year-2026-2027

• The Pan African University (PAU) is an initiative of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union. It is a Premier continental university network whose mission is to provide quality postgraduate education geared towards achieving a prosperous, integrated, and peaceful Africa.

WBG Pioneers - the main, flagship entry point - worldbank.org/ext/en/careers/talent-programs/wbg-pioneers

• The World Bank recently consolidated its various internship streams into this single unified program, covering all five World Bank Group institutions. This is open to undergraduates, graduate students, and even those with up to six years of professional experience 

Young Professionals Program (YPP) - https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/careers/talent-programs/young-professionals-program#tab-application

• This is a paid flagship early-career leadership track: a competitive 2-year rotational program requiring at least 2 years of full-time post-undergrad experience (internships and doctoral research can count toward this). Leads to a 5-year placement after successful completion.

Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme - the flagship early-career pathway into the UN system - undp.org/jposc (UNDP JPO Service Centre) and jpo.desa.un.org/jpo-vacancies (UN-wide JPO vacancy listings across all agencies)

• One of the most established, respected entry points into a UN career - in place since the 1960s (originated with FAO and the Netherlands). Targets young professionals with an advanced degree and at least 2 years of professional experience, generally under 32. Placements last 2-3 years, working directly for the UN agency despite government funding and covers 30+ UN organizations and 30+ donor countries

NATO Young Professionals Programme (YPP) - nato.int/en/work-with-us/careers

• Applications open periodically, check this page for 2027 application deadline (Spring). This is a competitive, fully paid, 3-year rotational program, where places selected candidates across three different NATO bodies, one year in each rotation - international placements across Europe and the U.S. Some prior experience is generally expected - a credential-building step first, then a more senior structured program