UNHCR Internship Programme 2026 | Humanitarian Internship for Students & Graduates

UNHCR’s Internship Programme gives current students and recent graduates the chance to gain practical experience in humanitarian aid, refugee protection, global displacement response, and related fields. It’s an opportunity to contribute to real-world efforts to support refugees, asylum-seekers, and displaced people — under the guidance of experienced staff.

The programme is globally oriented: interns may be placed at UNHCR’s headquarters, global service centres, or field offices around the world.

Who Is Eligible

To apply for a UNHCR internship, you must meet the following general conditions:

• Be a current student (undergraduate or graduate) or a recent graduate (graduated within the last two years) from a university or higher-education institution accredited by UNESCO.
• Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies at the time of application.
• Not have immediate relatives (parents or siblings) working for UNHCR.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English (minimum level: B2) — other languages may be beneficial depending on location.
• Interns must respect the maximum cumulative duration for UNHCR internships — typically up to 8 months full-time or 12 months part-time overall, including any prior internship time.

Duration & Placement

• Internships typically last 2 to 6 months.
• Depending on the office’s needs and availability, internships can be extended, up to the maximum cumulative limit (8 months full-time, 12 months part-time) across multiple assignments.
• Placement options include UNHCR headquarters, global service centres, and field offices (in various countries), depending on demand and capacity.
• Some offices may offer remote or telework options, if approved by the manager (subject to conditions).

What the Internship Offers

• Meaningful humanitarian work: Interns contribute directly to refugee protection, program support, research, data management, communications, field operations or other areas depending on placement.
• Allowance for living costs: If interns don’t have external financial support, UNHCR often provides an allowance to help cover food, local transport and basic living expenses.
• Professional exposure & mentorship: Interns work alongside UNHCR staff and experts in humanitarian and refugee-related fields, building experience, skills, and networks.
• Flexible start times: Internships may begin at various times throughout the year, not restricted to fixed cycles — depending on office capacity and openings.

 How to Apply

1. Create a profile on UNHCR’s recruitment platform and complete the application form when internship opportunities are listed.
2. Select open internship vacancies or talent-pool positions matching your skills and interests.
3. Submit a complete application (in English), with CV/resume, academic transcripts, and other required documents as specified. Partial applications are not accepted.
4. Only applications submitted before the deadline for each position will be considered.

Important: UNHCR does not charge any fee at any stage — application, interview, travel, processing, or training. Applicants should be cautious about scams or fraudulent job offers.

 Why It’s Worth Considering

• For students and young graduates interested in humanitarian work, human rights, international relations, social development or migration issues, this internship offers hands-on experience on global refugee and displacement challenges.
• It’s a valuable opportunity to build a global professional network, gain exposure to a major international organization, and strengthen your CV for future roles in NGOs, international organizations, or development work.
• Offers flexibility and global reach — with possibilities for placement in headquarters, service centres, or field offices across the world.