UNHCR Internship Programme: Your Path to Global Humanitarian Experience

Are you a student or recent graduate dreaming of real-world humanitarian work with the United Nations? The UNHCR Internship Programme could be your ideal stepping stone into international development, refugee protection, policy research, and more.

Offered by UNHCR — the United Nations Refugee Agency, this internship gives you practical experience supporting people forced to flee conflict and persecution worldwide. (UNHCR)

 Who Can Apply?

UNHCR accepts applications from:

• Current undergraduate or graduate students, and
• Recent graduates (completed studies within the last two years) from a university accredited by UNESCO. (UNHCR)

To be eligible, you must also have:

Completed at least two years of undergraduate studies (if still enrolled)
No immediate family members (parents or siblings) working at UNHCR
English proficiency at a minimum B2 level (higher is an asset) (UNHCR)

 Where Internships Are Located

Internships are offered at many UNHCR duty stations around the world, including:

• UNHCR Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland
• Global Service Centres in Amman (Jordan), Budapest (Hungary), and Copenhagen (Denmark)
• Country and Field Offices across continents
• Remote or telework options, subject to approval from supervisors (UNHCR)

This global footprint gives you flexibility and the chance to work in the environment that suits your goals. (UNHCR)

 Duration & Schedule

Internships can begin at any time throughout the year, depending on office needs. Typical placements last:

• 2–6 months (standard)
• Up to 8 months for full-time interns
• Up to 12 months for part-time interns (UNHCR)

This flexible structure allows you to balance academic calendars and personal commitments. (UNHCR)

 Financial Support & Benefits

While UNHCR internships are not salaries, interns who do not receive external sponsorship are eligible for financial support to help with living costs, including:

 Monthly Allowance

• 50% of the GS-3 Step 1 net salary in “H-category” hardship duty stations
• 70% of the GS-3 Step 1 net salary in all other duty stations
• Part-time interns receive 50% of the applicable full-time allowance (ResearchBunny)

Travel Reimbursement

If you’re placed in a duty station outside your home country, UNHCR can reimburse your return travel costs from your home to the duty station via the most economical route. (ResearchBunny)

 Medical Insurance

Before starting, you must arrange your own medical insurance that covers accidents, illness, and emergency evacuation. UNHCR won’t cover these costs but may support documentation needs. (ResearchBunny)

 What You’ll Do

UNHCR internships are designed to be substantive and educational. Typical responsibilities include:

• Research, data analysis, and drafting reports
• Supporting refugee protection and programme activities
• Assisting communications, advocacy, and partnerships
• Helping with logistics, operations, and planning
• Engaging with local communities and humanitarian teams (Campus lifestyle)

The internship is an opportunity to learn from experts, contribute to meaningful projects, and strengthen your professional profile for future careers in international relations, public policy, humanitarian assistance, and more. (Campus lifestyle)

The UNHCR Internship Programme is a remarkable way for students and graduates to gain hands-on experience in global humanitarian work. Whether your passion lies in policy, field operations, communications, or advocacy, this internship helps bridge academic learning and real-world impact.