WHO Internship 2026: Eligibility, Benefits & Application
The WHO Internship 2026 programme offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience with the World Health Organization. Internships are available across different academic and professional areas, with opportunities at WHO headquarters, regional offices, and country offices worldwide.
WHO Internship 2026
The World Health Organization (WHO) offers internships for candidates from a wide range of academic backgrounds. Although public health remains a major area, opportunities can also cover communications, administration, human resources, management, external relations, and other technical fields.
Interns work with experienced professionals and contribute to projects connected with WHO programmes. As a result, the programme can help students understand how a major international organisation works while developing practical workplace skills.
The internship programme generally lasts 6 to 24 weeks. However, each vacancy has its own requirements, location, and deadline.
WHO Internship Benefits
WHO provides financial and professional support to eligible interns. The exact benefits depend on the internship location and the terms of the individual vacancy.
Eligible interns may receive a living allowance. Some duty stations may also provide lunch vouchers or a lunch allowance. In addition, WHO provides medical and accident insurance during the internship.
Certain eligible applicants from least developed and middle-income countries may receive travel support. However, applicants should check the specific vacancy because financial benefits can vary.
The programme also provides valuable professional exposure. Interns work alongside experienced professionals and may request an internship certificate after successfully completing the programme. They may also request a recommendation letter from their supervisor.
Eligibility Criteria
The WHO Internship 2026 programme has several eligibility requirements. Applicants should be at least 20 years old and must either remain enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programme or have graduated within the previous 18 months.
Candidates must complete at least three years of full-time university study before starting the internship. Their academic background should also relate to the work of WHO or the particular internship position.
Relevant fields may include public health, medicine, social sciences, management, administration, communications, and external relations. Applicants must also have a good command of at least one working language required by the relevant duty station.
Candidates need a valid passport from a WHO Member State. The programme does not allow applicants who have previously completed a WHO internship. Immediate family members of WHO staff are also not eligible.
Internship Duration and Locations
WHO internships normally run for 6 to 24 consecutive weeks. The organisation posts vacancies throughout the year, so there is no single application deadline for the entire programme.
Internship locations can include WHO Headquarters, regional offices, and country offices around the world. Therefore, candidates should review each vacancy carefully before applying.
The specific location can also affect financial support and other conditions. WHO does not provide accommodation for interns, and selected candidates remain responsible for visa costs.
How to Apply
Candidates can apply through the official WHO Internship Programme portal. Search the available vacancies and select a position that matches your academic background and interests.
Apply through the official WHO Internship Programme portal
You will need to create an account in the WHO recruitment system and complete your profile. The profile should include your education, language skills, and other relevant information.
Next, upload the documents requested in the vacancy notice. You should also prepare a motivation letter that explains why you are interested in that particular internship. Before submitting, check the application carefully and make sure you meet all position-specific requirements.
WHO contacts shortlisted candidates for the next stage of the selection process. Completing an internship does not guarantee a future job with WHO. Former interns can, however, apply for WHO positions later as external candidates.
Important Notes
WHO internships are full-time programmes, and each vacancy has its own selection process and deadline. Financial support can differ between locations, so do not assume that every internship offers the same allowance or travel benefits.
Applicants should also remember that WHO does not provide accommodation. Visa expenses remain the responsibility of the selected intern.
For the latest opportunities, always check the official WHO internship portal before applying. The portal contains the current vacancies, eligibility requirements, deadlines, and position-specific instructions.
