Korea University students have an exciting opportunity to engage directly with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and take part in international sustainable development initiatives through the fourth cohort of the UNDP Student Ambassador Program in Korea.
By allowing students to act as a liaison between UNDP and their university community, this semester-long program increases awareness of sustainable development goals (SDGs) and careers in international development.
What is the UNDP Student Ambassador Programme?
The program, which aims to cultivate young leaders who are passionate about development, is co-led by the Seoul Policy Center and UNDP’s Office of Human Resources.
Ambassadors are responsible for outreach, communications, and branding in order to advance the UNDP mission both on campus and online. Students can participate in conversations about global development, build professional networks, and gain practical experience through the program.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility criteria for Cohort 4 include:
- Must be a current undergraduate or graduate student at Korea University
- Strong interest in sustainable development and SDGs
- Passion for communication and social media engagement
- Commitment to promote UNDP for one semester
- Fluency in English
- Academic background is flexible, provided it aligns with development interests
This diversity in backgrounds allows students from various disciplines to contribute their unique perspectives to UNDP initiatives.
When Does the Programme Take Place?
The programme runs from March to August 2026, requiring approximately 2 hours per week.
Key timeline:
- Application Deadline: 4 January 2026 (midnight KST)
- Selection Announcement: January 2026
- Onboarding: February 2026
- Programme Activities: March – August 2026
These dates allow students to balance academic commitments while actively participating in UNDP projects.
What Are the Roles and Responsibilities of Ambassadors?
Ambassadors will engage in three core areas:
1. Communication
- Share UNDP content on social media
- Create engaging posts, graphics, or short videos
- Promote UNDP campaigns and global development initiatives
2. Networking
- Build relationships with campus stakeholders
- Attend workshops, webinars, and UNDP events
- Represent Korea University in regional UNDP youth activities
3. Capacity Building
- Participate in training and skill-building workshops
- Share insights with peers to expand awareness of UN careers
- Collaborate on projects that support SDGs at the local level
This combination of communication, networking, and learning ensures participants gain practical skills and meaningful exposure.
What Are the Benefits of Joining?
Participants enjoy numerous personal and professional benefits:
- Access to a global network of development-focused youth
- Insider knowledge of UNDP operations and careers
- Training workshops and mentorship opportunities
- CV enhancement and a certificate of completion
- Potential eligibility for future UNDP internships or programmes
This structured exposure equips students with skills relevant to international development, communications, and leadership.
How to Apply?
The application process is straightforward but requires careful attention:
Requirements for submission:
- Motivation statement explaining your interest and vision
- CV highlighting academic and extracurricular experience
- Relevant experience in communications, advocacy, or development projects
- Short video introducing yourself and your motivation
Applications must be submitted via the official UNDP Seoul Policy Centre form, accessible at:
UNDP Student Ambassador Programme Korea Event Page
Only complete submissions by the 4 January 2026 deadline will be considered.
Why Should Students Apply?
The UNDP Student Ambassador Programme in Korea offers a unique platform to bridge classroom learning with global impact. By joining Cohort 4, students can:
- Contribute to advancing the SDGs locally and globally
- Develop practical skills in communication, leadership, and project management
- Gain UN experience highly valued by future employers in international development
- Participate in a highly collaborative, international network of like-minded youth
This opportunity is ideal for students eager to make an impact while gaining professional and academic growth.
