Global challenges demand more than goodwill. They require people who understand international systems, can engage across borders, and contribute to coordinated action. This is the essence of multilateralism and the foundation of effective global problem-solving.
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) multilateralism training programmes are designed to help participants understand how the United Nations works in practice. They provide clear guidance on UN structures, decision-making processes, and current global priorities. Participants develop practical skills in negotiation, diplomacy, communication, and collaboration in diverse international settings.
These programmes reflect core UN values, including human rights, solidarity, and respect for diversity. They also create direct opportunities to interact with UN staff and practitioners, offering insight into multilateral careers and pathways to contribute more actively to international cooperation.
Anyone committed to making a meaningful contribution to global progress will find the tools and knowledge here to begin doing so.
UNITAR Immersion Program is offered in-person or virtually (E-Learning Course) at the following cities and UN offices:
- United Nations Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland
- United Nations Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands
- United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA
- United Nations UNOV office at Vienna, Austria
The programs include:
- Expert Lectures
- Training Workshops
- Guided Tours
- Career Development Sessions
- Welcome package
- Welcome dinner for Geneva and New York
See full details on the United Nations Immersion Program webpage.
Application Requirements:
Students should apply (register) to their preferred UN Immersion program by city directly. If accepted, you should then apply to UQ (see link below).
To Apply to the Westpac Australia-Asia Fellowship:
Apply through the link on the United Nations Immersion program webpage
To Apply to UQ:
Once you have been accepted to the UN Immersion program 2026, complete the Global Enrichment Experiences application (link below) and include the following submission documents:
- UQ studies report (downloaded from mySI-net). Master's students in their first semester can provide their undergraduate transcripts.
UQ applications will only be accepted through the submission link below.
Application Timeline:
| Open-registration currently open | UN Immersion registration for each city is now open (in-person or virtual 'E-Learning Course') |
Apply (register) to the respective Immersion Programs you would like to participate in. For the New York program, registration due date: 24 July 2026. | |
| May to September 2026 | Provide UQ with your UNITAS acceptance and other pre-departure documents. |
| June to October 2026 | Program participation |
| By 30 November 2026 | Participants to submit post-program feedback to UQ |
Experience Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to participate in this global enrichment experience, you must:
- be a current:
- Undergraduate student
- Graduate student (Masters)
- HDR student (Post graduate research)
- be enrolled full-time
- be aged 18+
- not due to graduate before the completion of the experience.
Exams and assessments
It is your responsibility to ensure that participation in a Global Enrichment Experience does not impact your exams or assessments at UQ. Please be aware that you may not be eligible for deferred or supplementary exams or assessments if there is a conflict.
Costs and Accommodation
The participation mode of this experience is Study Abroad, meaning you are responsible for paying all associated fees directly to the host or via a payment method communicated to you by Global Experiences.
The participation costs/registration fee will vary depending on the city and program you particiapte and the mode (in-person or virtual 'E-Learning'):
- Approximately the cost of the experience is $3,350 AUD ($2,300,00 USD) for an in-person experience.
- Please refer to the host website and each program.
All other costs, including flights, visa/entry permit (if required), vaccinations/medical clearance (if required) and discretionary spending, are the responsibility of the participants.
Students will be covered by UQ's Corporate Travel Insurance for the duration of the experience. If you plan to travel for a longer duration that the experience covers, or outside the country of the experience, you are liable for the cost of additional travel and health insurance.
Funding
Global Experiences Grants:
Eligible students may be considered for Global Experiences funding when they submit an application. However, funding is limited and highly competitive.
Submission of an application does not guarantee that funding will be awarded — even if all eligibility and selection criteria are met.
Students should plan and budget on the assumption that they will not receive funding. Any grant awarded should be considered supplementary financial support only.
Please refer to the Short-Term Experiences Funding page for full details and eligibility requirements.
Key Dates
Application Deadlines
Open-registration
Program Dates
Open-registration
New York program due date: 24 July 2026
Fast Facts
Type: Conference
Mode: Study Abroad
Location: Geneva, Switzerland/The Hague, Netherlands/New York, USA/Vienna, Austria or virtual "E-Learning'
Credit: Not-for-credit*
Cohort: Undergraduate, Postgraduate & HDR
* Students may seek credit from their faculty directly if it meets the faculty requirements for credit.
Need more information
Contact UQ's Global Experiences by email or phone (+61 7 3443 8649) for more information.