United Nations Young Professionals Programme 2025 | How To Apply
The United Nations Young Professionals Programme (YPP) 2025 is a prestigious and competitive entry point designed to recruit talented young professionals into the UN Secretariat. It offers a unique opportunity for early-career individuals to start a global career focused on international peace, development, human rights, and diplomacy. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to apply for the YPP 2025, including eligibility criteria, application process, examination stages, and tips for success.
What is the United Nations Young Professionals Programme (YPP)?
The YPP is the United Nations Secretariat’s recruitment initiative targeting highly qualified young professionals from eligible countries. Successful candidates enter the UN at the P-1 or P-2 professional levels and serve in duty stations worldwide, including New York, Geneva, Nairobi, Bangkok, Santiago, and Vienna.
The programme’s goal is not only to recruit but also to develop skilled international civil servants dedicated to the UN’s mission of peace, equality, and sustainable development. The programme includes a rigorous examination and interview process designed to identify candidates who demonstrate technical competence, problem-solving ability, and adherence to UN core values.
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Eligibility Criteria for YPP 2025
Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements to apply for the 2025 YPP:
- Nationality: Candidates must be nationals of participating countries. The list includes countries such as Angola, Cuba, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Liberia, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Vietnam, and others. The list changes yearly based on UN staffing needs.
- Education: A minimum of a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, minimum three years) in a relevant field linked to the examination area.
- Age: Candidates must be 32 years or younger in the year of the examination (born on or after January 1, 1993, for the 2025 cycle).
- Language: Fluency in English or French, the UN Secretariat’s working languages, is mandatory.
- Documents: Applicants must attach a government-issued photo ID indicating nationality and degree certificates during application.
Key Dates and Timeline
- Application Period: October to November 2025
- Screening of Applications: November to December 2025
- Written Examination: January to April 2026
- Interviews and Final Results: May to June 2026
Candidates are advised to keep track of deadlines and monitor notifications on the UN Inspira recruitment portal.
How to Apply for the YPP 2025
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Review the nationality, age, education, and language requirements carefully before starting your application.
Step 2: Register on Inspira
Create an account on the UN’s online recruitment platform, Inspira ,which manages all YPP applications.
Step 3: Find the YPP Job Posting
Job openings specific to the YPP exam are posted on Inspira during the application window in October.
Step 4: Complete the Application
Provide accurate personal details, education background, and upload relevant documents. Write a compelling motivation statement tailored to your chosen exam area.
Step 5: Submit and Monitor
Submit your application by the deadline. Once submitted, you cannot modify your application for that vacancy. Stay alert for updates regarding examination invitations.
Examination Structure
The YPP selection process consists of three stages:
- Stage One: Online Multiple Choice Exam
Duration: approximately two hours. Tests general and specialized knowledge relevant to the candidate’s exam area. - Stage Two: Online Constructed Response Exam
Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours. Includes open-ended questions requiring detailed written answers, sometimes in any of the six UN official languages. - Stage Three: Oral Interview (Video Format)
Competency-based interview assessing communication skills, problem-solving, values alignment, and motivation for a UN career.
YPP 2025 Information Workshop
Ahead of the application period, the UN is hosting a free online YPP 2025 Workshop to help candidates understand the exam process and prepare effectively.
- Date: Wednesday, 8 October 2025
- Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM (New York Time)
- Format: Virtual via Microsoft Teams
Participants will learn about exam content, eligibility, tips for a strong application, and have the opportunity to engage directly with UN staff and past successful candidates.
Career Opportunities After YPP
Successful candidates begin their careers at P-1 or P-2 levels in various UN duty stations worldwide. The programme offers:
- A chance to contribute to global peace, development, and humanitarian efforts.
- Career development opportunities within the UN system.
- Exposure to diverse international environments and cultures.
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These categories offer valuable guidance on building a meaningful international career.
The UN Young Professionals Programme 2025 is an unparalleled opportunity for motivated young individuals to start a career with the United Nations. By following the eligibility guidelines, registering on the Inspira portal, and preparing rigorously for the examination, candidates can position themselves for a rewarding international career dedicated to making a global impact.
For detailed updates and official notification, always refer to the United Nations Careers portal and participate in the YPP 2025 informational workshop.
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