WHO Internship Programme 2026 | Paid International Internship for Students and Recent Graduates

Applications are now open for the World Health Organization (WHO) Internship Programme 2026, offering students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in one of the world’s leading international public health organizations. The internship provides practical exposure to WHO’s technical and administrative work while allowing interns to contribute to global health initiatives across headquarters, regional offices, and country offices worldwide.

WHO internships are available in a wide range of disciplines, including public health, medicine, communications, human resources, information technology, policy, and administration. Eligible interns may also receive a living allowance, medical and accident insurance, and other benefits depending on the duty station.

Internship Overview

• Host Organization: World Health Organization (WHO)
• Programme: WHO Internship Programme 2026
• Host Locations: WHO Headquarters (Geneva, Switzerland), Regional Offices, and Country Offices Worldwide
• Programme Type: Paid International Internship
• Duration: 6 to 24 Weeks
• Eligible Applicants: International students and recent graduates
• Application Mode: Online
• Application Deadline: Varies by individual internship vacancy

Internship Benefits

Eligible interns may receive:

• Monthly living allowance (subject to eligibility assessment)
• Medical and accident insurance during the internship
• Lunch vouchers at selected duty stations
• Professional mentoring from WHO experts
• Practical experience in international public health
• Opportunity to work in multicultural teams
• Internship certificate upon completion (available upon request)
• Valuable experience for future careers with the United Nations and international organizations

Internship Fields

WHO offers internships in numerous technical and administrative areas, including:

• Public Health
• Medicine
• Epidemiology
• Global Health
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Health Policy
• Environmental Health
• Data Science
• Statistics
• Communications
• External Relations
• Human Resources
• Finance
• Information Technology
• Administration
• Law
• Procurement
• International Relations
• Research and Innovation

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be at least 20 years old at the time of application.
• Be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate programme, or have graduated within the previous 18 months.
• Have completed at least three years of full-time university study before the internship begins (for undergraduate applicants).
• Be fluent in at least one working language of the WHO office where the internship will take place.
• Hold a valid passport from a WHO Member State.
• Not have previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme.
• Not be closely related to a WHO staff member.

Required Documents

Applicants generally need:

• Online application through the WHO Stellis recruitment system
• Updated CV or résumé
• Academic information
• Language proficiency details
• A tailored motivation letter or cover letter
• Additional supporting documents if requested during the recruitment process

Why Apply?

The WHO Internship Programme enables participants to:

• Gain international work experience in global health.
• Learn directly from leading public health professionals.
• Contribute to WHO programmes addressing worldwide health challenges.
• Develop technical, research, and professional skills.
• Build an international professional network.
• Strengthen future applications for careers in the UN system and other international organizations.

How to Apply

1. Visit the WHO Careers Portal.
2. Create a profile in the WHO Stellis recruitment system.
3. Search for internship vacancies that match your interests and qualifications.
4. Complete the online application.
5. Upload the required documents and submit a tailored motivation letter.
6. Monitor your application status through the WHO careers portal.

   The WHO Internship Programme 2026 is one of the most prestigious international internship opportunities for students and recent graduates interested in global health, public policy, research, and international development. With placements across WHO headquarters, regional offices, and country offices worldwide, participants gain valuable practical experience while working alongside experts dedicated to improving health outcomes globally. If you aspire to build a career in public health or international organizations, the WHO Internship Programme is an excellent opportunity to enhance your professional skills and global perspective.