The World Health Organization (WHO) Internship Programme 2027 offers students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain practical experience in global public health while working with WHO technical and administrative teams.
The programme is designed for future leaders in public health and provides opportunities across different areas, including public health, medicine, social sciences, communications, external relations, management and human resources.
Internships may be available at WHO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as in WHO regional offices and country offices around the world.
WHO Internship Programme 2027
The WHO Global Internship Programme provides a framework for students from diverse academic backgrounds to gain practical exposure to WHO programmes and develop their professional knowledge and experience.
At the same time, WHO programmes benefit from the participation of students with specialized knowledge relevant to the Organization’s technical and administrative work.
Internship Details
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | World Health Organization |
| Programme | WHO Global Internship Programme |
| Year | 2027 |
| Locations | Geneva, Switzerland and WHO offices worldwide |
| Internship duration | 6 to 24 weeks |
| Work schedule | Full-time |
| Minimum age | 20 years |
| Study areas | Public health, medicine, social sciences, management, communications, external relations and related fields |
| Financial support | Living allowance available to eligible interns |
| Insurance | Medical and accident insurance |
| Application method | WHO Careers/Stellis |
| Application cycle | Opportunities posted continuously |
Internship Opportunities at WHO
WHO offers internships across both technical and administrative areas.
Potential areas include:
- Public health
- Medicine
- Social sciences
- Communications
- External relations
- Human resources
- Management
- Administration
- Other areas connected to WHO’s technical programmes
The exact duties, location, duration and eligibility requirements depend on the individual internship vacancy.
WHO Internship in Geneva, Switzerland
One of the major locations for WHO internships is Geneva, Switzerland, where WHO Headquarters is located.
Interns working in Geneva can gain exposure to the operations of a major international health organization and learn about global health programmes and international cooperation.
However, WHO warns that Geneva is expensive and accommodation can be difficult to find. Applicants should therefore carefully consider their living arrangements and finances before accepting an internship.
WHO provides a living allowance to eligible interns who require financial support, with the exact amount specified in individual vacancy notices.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements established by WHO.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 20 years old on the date of application.
Academic Requirements
Applicants should be enrolled in a university or equivalent institution leading to a formal qualification.
Eligible fields include:
- Public health
- Medicine
- Social sciences
- Management
- Administration
- Communications
- External relations
- Other fields related to WHO’s technical work
Applicants who have already completed a qualification may also be considered if they apply within 18 months of completing their formal qualification.
Applicants must have completed at least three years of full-time university-level study before starting the internship.
Language Requirements
Applicants must be fluent in at least one of the working languages of the office where the internship is based.
The specific language requirements may therefore vary depending on the internship vacancy and duty station.
Nationality Requirement
Applicants must hold a valid passport from a WHO Member State.
Other Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must also:
- Not be related to a WHO staff member in the specified immediate-family relationships.
- Not have previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme.
- Meet the requirements listed in the specific internship vacancy.
- Be available to work full-time during the internship.
How Long Is a WHO Internship?
WHO internships last between six and 24 weeks.
Interns must be available to work full-time for the duration of their assignment.
The exact length depends on the needs of the WHO technical unit and the individual internship opportunity.
WHO Internship Benefits
The WHO Internship Programme provides several forms of support.
Living Allowance
Since January 2020, WHO has provided a living allowance to eligible selected interns who require financial support.
The exact amount should be checked in the specific internship vacancy because the amount can vary.
WHO assesses eligibility for financial support based on information provided by candidates, including declarations concerning other financial support such as grants, bursaries and scholarships.
Medical and Accident Insurance
WHO provides interns with medical and accident insurance coverage during the internship period.
Coverage before the internship begins and after it ends, including travel to and from the duty station, is the responsibility of the intern.
Lunch Vouchers
Lunch vouchers may be available at some WHO duty stations.
What Documents Are Required?
Before an internship offer is extended or before the internship begins, successful candidates may be required to provide documentation such as:
- Proof of enrolment in a course of study
- Proof of completion of their latest qualification
- WHO medical certificate of fitness for work
- Declaration of Interests
- Information concerning financial support for the internship
WHO specifically advises applicants not to send documents until they are requested.
How to Apply for the WHO Internship Programme
Applications must be submitted through individual internship vacancy announcements published on the WHO Careers website using the WHO online recruitment system, Stellis.
There is no possibility of applying for the WHO Internship Programme outside the Stellis recruitment system.
Internship vacancies are published on a continuous basis, meaning applicants should regularly check the WHO Careers website for new opportunities.
Because every vacancy can have its own requirements and deadline, candidates should carefully read the complete vacancy notice before applying.
WHO Internship Selection Process
WHO internships are highly competitive, and only a limited number of applicants are selected each year.
Only successful candidates are contacted.
Candidates who are unsuccessful may apply for other WHO internship vacancies in the future, provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
Important Information for Applicants
WHO interns are not considered WHO staff members and cannot officially represent the Organization.
WHO also does not sign agreements proposed or required by universities, sponsors or other institutions. The internship arrangement is handled through WHO’s established procedures.
Educational qualifications must generally come from institutions recognized or accredited in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). Some professional certificates may require individual review.
Why Consider a WHO Internship?
A WHO internship can provide students and recent graduates with practical exposure to an international organization working on global health challenges.
The programme can help participants:
- Gain practical professional experience.
- Understand WHO technical and administrative programmes.
- Develop knowledge of international health systems.
- Work alongside professionals in global health.
- Strengthen professional and academic skills.
- Gain experience in areas such as communications, public health, administration and external relations.
Final Thoughts
The WHO Internship Programme 2027 provides opportunities for eligible students and recent graduates to gain practical experience within the World Health Organization.
Internships can be available at WHO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as regional and country offices worldwide. Opportunities are published continuously, so prospective applicants should regularly monitor the WHO Careers/Stellis platform for positions matching their academic background and interests.
Because each internship has its own requirements and deadline, applicants should always check the individual vacancy notice before submitting an application.
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