Model UN Programs & Competitions for High School Students

Model UN conferences and diplomacy programs teach negotiation, international affairs, and public speaking — with a global circuit of conferences at every competitiveness level.

Officer roles and Best Delegate awards convert MUN participation into concrete application evidence.

33 verified programs match this page; 15 of the featured listings are completely free; 3 can be done online.

Featured programs

Browse 30+ curated programs for high school students:

  • Young Leaders for Peace at the University for Peace — University for Peace: Young Leaders for Peace (YLP) is a two-week summer leadership programme for high school students in collaboration with the University for Peace-UN Man
  • International Crisis Group - Youth Engagement Program — International Crisis Group: Access conflict analysis and peacebuilding resources from one of the world's leading organizations focused on preventing deadly conflict. Free educati
  • UNA-USA Global Classrooms Model UN — United Nations Association of the USA: The United Nations Association's official Model UN program bringing authentic UN perspectives into classrooms. Free curriculum resources and city-wide
  • World Affairs Councils of America - Youth Programs — World Affairs Councils of America: Network of 90+ councils across the U.S. offering students access to foreign policy speakers, global affairs workshops, Academic WorldQuest competition
  • National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) - International Diplomacy — National Student Leadership Conference: Intensive summer program at prestigious university campuses focused on international diplomacy, global affairs, and negotiation. Students simulate int
  • Chicago International Model United Nations (CIMUN) — Chicago International Model United Nations: Immersive MUN conference in downtown Chicago using realistic crisis simulation and continuous negotiation. Known for its innovative format that goes b
  • Best Delegate Model UN Institute — Best Delegate: Intensive Model UN training program teaching research, public speaking, and diplomacy skills. Programs available online and in-person for beginners th
  • Berkeley Model United Nations (BMUN) — UC Berkeley Model United Nations: The oldest continuously running collegiate Model UN conference in the world. Over 1,700 high school delegates tackle global issues across 20+ committe
  • Yale Model Government Europe (YMGE) — Yale International Relations Association: Simulate European parliamentary government at Yale's premier international affairs conference. Debate real EU policy issues alongside 800+ students fr
  • Youth Assembly at the United Nations — Friendship Ambassadors Foundation: Bi-annual gathering at UN headquarters with delegates from 70+ countries. Address global challenges with diplomatic solutions. Shows global citizenshi
  • Academic WorldQuest National Competition — World Affairs Councils of America: Flagship quiz-bowl on global affairs for high school teams with national finals in Washington, DC.
  • National High School Model UN Conference (NHSMUN) — IMUNA: World's largest Model UN conference with 5,000+ delegates. Held at UN Headquarters and Hilton Midtown in NYC.
  • NAIMUN (North American Invitational Model United Nations) — Georgetown International Relations Association: One of the nation's oldest and most prestigious high school MUN conferences.
  • Georgetown International Relations Program — Georgetown University: Summer international relations program at Georgetown's top foreign service school. Study diplomacy and global policy in DC.
  • MITMUNC (MIT Model United Nations Conference) — MIT: Join a rigorous Model UN conference blending science, tech, and diplomacy. Perfect for high school leaders to boost college apps, debate skills, and g
  • ILMUNC (Ivy League Model United Nations Conference) — University of Pennsylvania International Affairs Association: Excel in diplomacy and debate at ILMUNC, a prestigious Model UN competition for high school students. Build leadership skills and boost college applic
  • BUSUN (Brown University Simulation of the United Nations) — Brown University International Relations Department & Student Org: High schoolers gain leadership, diplomacy, and public speaking skills at this selective Model UN competition. Boost college applications with hands-on
  • North American Invitational Model United Nations (NAIMUN) — Georgetown International Relations Association: Develop diplomacy, debate, and leadership skills at NAIMUN, a premier high school Model UN competition with hands-on international relations experienc
  • Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest — Harvard International Review: Join a selective global writing competition for high schoolers to explore international relations, build policy analysis skills, and enhance your coll
  • HPAIR Harvard College Conferences — Harvard College Project for Asian & International Relations: Join a prestigious global leadership conference connecting high schoolers with international leaders to explore public policy, global affairs, and boo
  • American Foreign Service Association National High School Essay Contest — United States Institute of Peace: Showcase your writing skills in a national essay competition on peace and conflict. Boost your college applications and explore international relation
  • State Department Student Programs — U.S. Department of State: Explore leadership and government through free State Department internships and exchange programs. Gain hands-on diplomacy experience to boost college
  • Model Arab League — NCUSAR: Simulate real-world diplomacy in the Model Arab League competition. Develop debate, negotiation, and leadership skills to boost college applications a
  • Washington Workshops Seminars — Washington Workshops Foundation: Explore Washington Workshops Seminars, an in-person leadership program in DC for grades 10-12. Build skills in government, diplomacy, and law—perfect
  • Global Classrooms International Model UN — UN Foundation: Compete in the Global Classrooms International Model UN in NYC! Build public speaking, leadership, and diplomacy skills while enhancing your college a
  • World Quest Competition — World Affairs Councils: Challenge your knowledge of international relations, history, and current events in this free high school competition. Boost critical thinking and imp
  • Model United Nations Conferences — Multiple Orgs: Immerse in Model United Nations conferences to sharpen debate, diplomacy, and leadership skills. Perfect for college applications and exploring intern
  • Harvard Model United Nations (HMUN) — Harvard International Relations Council: Immerse yourself in global diplomacy at one of the largest high school Model UN conferences. Build public speaking, leadership, and international rela
  • Yale Model United Nations (YMUN) — Yale International Relations Association: Develop leadership, debate, and policy skills at Yale’s flagship Model UN conference. Perfect for high school students seeking hands-on experience and
  • Columbia Model United Nations Conference and Exposition (CMUNCE) — Columbia International Relations Council and Association: Join a specialized high school Model UN conference to sharpen diplomacy, public speaking, and leadership skills. Boost your college application with h

Frequently asked questions

How many model un programs are listed for high school students?

ExtracurricularHub currently lists 33 verified model un opportunities for high school students, each with cost, eligibility, deadline, and an official application link.

Are any of these model un programs free?

Yes — 15 of the programs featured on this page charge no participation fee. Free programs are often funded and can be more selective, so apply early.

Which deadlines are coming up soonest?

The next deadlines: Youth Assembly at the United Nations (July 31, 2026); Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest (August 24, 2026); Chicago International Model United Nations (CIMUN) (October 1, 2026). Deadlines change every cycle — always confirm on the program's official site.

Do model un extracurriculars help with college admissions?

Yes — sustained, escalating involvement in model un (participation → awards or leadership → independent work) reads far stronger than scattered one-off activities. Pick one or two programs from this page and go deep.