Food and Agriculture Organization internship for Pakistani students

Scholarship Overview

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) internship is a paid international program based in Rome, Italy, and various global offices. It is designed to provide students and recent graduates with professional exposure to United Nations operations, focusing on sustainability, food security, and international development. As a participant, you will gain hands-on experience by collaborating with international teams and supporting policy-related research.

Can Pakistani Students Apply?

Yes, Pakistani students are eligible to apply. The program requires applicants to be citizens of an FAO member country, and Pakistan is a member state of the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Funding and Benefits

This is a paid internship program. Benefits include:

• A monthly stipend of approximately USD 700.
• Medical coverage for service-related conditions.
• Professional experience within a major UN organization.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of an FAO member country (including Pakistan).
• Be currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD program.
• Be aged between 21 and 30 years at the start of the internship.
• Possess a working knowledge of at least one official FAO language: English, French, or Spanish.
• Hold a degree from an institution recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Required Documents

Ensure your application includes these essential items:

• An updated CV or Resume.
• A motivation letter outlining your interests and professional suitability.
• A copy of your passport or national ID.

Application Timeline

The deadline to submit your application is August 26, 2026. Interested candidates should monitor the official portal closely to ensure all documentation is uploaded correctly before the cutoff date.

Selection Process

Candidates are reviewed based on their academic background and alignment with FAO's core mission. Successful applicants are usually those who can demonstrate both academic excellence and a genuine interest in agriculture and international development policy.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the official FAO careers portal.

1. Visit the official FAO jobs page.
2. Search for “Internship” or listings marked as “Call for Expression of Interest.”
3. Complete the online form and upload your required documents.

Pakistan-Specific Application Advice

Since Pakistan is an FAO member country, your national ID or passport is sufficient proof of citizenship. Ensure that your degree-awarding institution in Pakistan is verified by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and check if it is listed in the WHED database, as this is a strict requirement for eligibility.

Important Terms and Limitations

Note that this internship does not guarantee future employment at the UN. It is a time-bound professional program lasting between 3 and 11 months. Candidates must ensure they meet the specific age requirement (21-30) exactly at the time of commencement, not just at the time of application.