World Health Organization (WHO) Internship Programme offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience in global public health while working alongside professionals in technical and administrative areas.
The programme is designed for future public health leaders and provides opportunities across WHO headquarters, regional offices and country offices. Internship assignments can cover areas including public health, medicine, social sciences, communications, external relations, human resources, management and administration.
For applicants interested in gaining international experience in public health, WHO internships in Geneva, Switzerland can provide exposure to the work of one of the world’s leading global health organizations.
WHO Internship Programme 2027 Overview
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | World Health Organization |
| Programme | WHO Internship Programme |
| Location | Switzerland and other WHO duty stations |
| Geneva location | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Internship duration | 6 to 24 weeks |
| Work arrangement | Full-time |
| Eligible applicants | Students and eligible recent graduates |
| Minimum age | 20 years |
| Fields | Public health, medicine, social sciences, administration, management, communications and related fields |
| Nationality | Nationals of WHO Member States |
| Application method | WHO Careers online recruitment system |
| Previous WHO internship | Applicants must not have previously participated |
| Financial support | Living allowance available to eligible interns who need financial support |
| Insurance | Medical and accident insurance provided during the internship |
What Is the WHO Internship Programme?
The WHO Internship Programme is designed to give students and recent graduates practical exposure to the work of the World Health Organization.
According to WHO, the programme aims to:
- Enhance students’ educational experience through practical assignments.
- Provide capacity-building opportunities.
- Allow WHO programmes to benefit from students with expertise in different fields.
- Give participants insight into WHO’s technical and administrative programmes.
- Help interns develop knowledge and experience relevant to global public health.
Internships are available in both technical and administrative areas.
Areas Available for WHO Internships
WHO offers internships across a range of professional fields.
Possible areas include:
- Public health
- Medicine
- Social sciences
- Management
- Administration
- Communications
- External relations
- Human resources
- Other technical areas connected to WHO’s work
The exact opportunities available depend on the internship vacancies posted through the WHO recruitment system.
WHO Internship Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy several requirements to be considered.
1. Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 20 years old on the date of application.
2. Educational Requirement
Applicants must be enrolled in a university or equivalent institution in a programme leading to a formal qualification.
Eligible fields include:
- Public health
- Medicine
- Social sciences
- Management
- Administration
- Communications
- External relations
- Other fields related to the technical work of WHO
Recent graduates may also qualify if they apply within 18 months of completing their formal qualification.
Applicants must also have completed at least three years of full-time university-level study before beginning the internship.
3. Language Requirement
Applicants must be fluent in at least one of the working languages of the WHO office where they will undertake their internship.
4. Nationality Requirement
Applicants must hold a valid passport from a WHO Member State.
5. Family Relationship Requirement
Applicants must not be related to a WHO staff member.
WHO specifically identifies relationships such as:
- Son or daughter
- Brother or sister
- Mother or father
6. Previous WHO Internship
Applicants who have previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme are not eligible to participate again.
How Long Is the WHO Internship?
WHO internships require interns to work full-time.
The normal internship period can range from:
6 weeks to 24 weeks.
The exact duration depends on the requirements of the WHO technical unit offering the internship.
This means applicants should be prepared to commit to a substantial period of full-time professional experience.
WHO Internship Benefits
One of the major attractions of the programme is the financial and insurance support available to eligible interns.
Living Allowance
WHO provides a living allowance to eligible selected interns who require financial support.
The exact amount should be checked in the individual internship vacancy because the provided programme information states that the amount varies and should be confirmed in the vacancy notice.
Applicants must complete a Declaration of Interests form, which includes disclosure of financial support such as:
- Grants
- Bursaries
- Scholarships
- Other financial assistance
WHO uses the information provided to assess an intern’s eligibility for financial support.
Medical and Accident Insurance
WHO provides interns with medical and accident insurance coverage during the internship period.
However, insurance coverage before the internship begins and after it ends, including travel to and from the duty station, remains the personal and financial responsibility of the intern.
Lunch Vouchers
Lunch vouchers may be available at some WHO duty stations.
Availability depends on the location.
WHO Internship in Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva is home to WHO headquarters and is one of the locations where internship opportunities may be available.
The WHO specifically warns prospective interns that Geneva is an expensive city, and finding suitable accommodation can be challenging.
Although eligible interns may receive a living allowance, applicants should carefully consider accommodation and other living expenses before accepting an internship.
The exact living allowance should be checked in the relevant vacancy announcement.
How to Apply for the WHO Internship Programme
Applications must be submitted through the official WHO recruitment system.
WHO states that there is no alternative way to apply for an internship outside the Stellis online recruitment system.
The basic process is:
Step 1: Visit the WHO Careers Site
Look for internship vacancies posted through the WHO Careers recruitment platform.
Step 2: Search for Internship Vacancies
Internships are advertised continuously and can be available at:
- WHO headquarters
- Regional offices
- Country offices
- Other organizational locations
Step 3: Check the Vacancy Requirements
Every internship announcement can have its own requirements and application deadline.
Applicants should therefore carefully read the specific vacancy before applying.
Step 4: Submit the Online Application
Complete the application through the WHO online recruitment system, Stellis.
WHO advises applicants not to send documents until they are specifically requested.
Documents and Requirements Before an Internship Offer
Successful candidates may need to provide evidence of their eligibility before an internship offer is extended.
These can include:
- Proof of university enrolment
- Proof of completion of the most recent qualification, where applicable
- Completed Declaration of Interests
- WHO medical certificate of fitness for work
Applicants must also disclose circumstances that could create a potential conflict of interest related to their internship activities.
WHO Internship Application Deadlines
There is no single annual deadline stated in the supplied information.
Instead, WHO says internship positions are posted on a continuous basis.
Each vacancy has its own:
- Requirements
- Application deadline
- Duty station
- Internship area
- Duration
Applicants should therefore regularly check the WHO Careers site for new internship announcements.
Is the WHO Internship Programme Fully Funded?
The supplied information does not describe the programme as universally fully funded.
Instead, WHO states that eligible interns who need financial support may receive a living allowance.
WHO also provides medical and accident insurance during the internship.
However, applicants remain responsible for certain expenses, including insurance before and after the internship and travel-related coverage. For Geneva internships, WHO specifically warns that the cost of living and accommodation can be significant.
Therefore, applicants should not automatically describe every WHO internship as fully funded. The precise benefits should be confirmed in the individual vacancy announcement.
Is the WHO Internship Paid?
Eligible selected interns who require financial support may receive a living allowance from WHO.
The exact amount is determined in the individual vacancy notice.
Therefore, applicants should check the specific 2027 internship announcement for the applicable living allowance rather than relying on a general amount.
Can Recent Graduates Apply?
Yes, potentially.
WHO allows applicants who have already completed a qualification to be considered if they apply for the internship within 18 months following completion of the formal qualification.
However, applicants must still satisfy the other eligibility requirements.
Can International Students Apply?
Yes.
WHO invites candidates from around the world to apply, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
Applicants must hold a valid passport from a WHO Member State and meet the education, language, age and other requirements.
Is the WHO Internship Competitive?
Yes.
WHO states that internships are very competitive and that only a small number of applicants are selected each year.
Only successful candidates will be contacted.
Applicants who are unsuccessful can apply for other WHO internship vacancies later if they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
Important Conditions for WHO Interns
Interns are not WHO staff members and cannot represent the organization in an official capacity.
An internship also does not guarantee employment with WHO.
Interns and former interns can apply for external WHO vacancies for which they are qualified, but they must go through the organization’s established recruitment and selection procedures.
Important Things to Know Before Applying
Before applying, candidates should carefully consider the following:
- You must be at least 20 years old.
- You need the required university-level education.
- You must have completed three years of full-time university study before starting the internship.
- You must meet the language requirement.
- You must hold a passport from a WHO Member State.
- You cannot have previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme.
- You must be available full-time for 6 to 24 weeks.
- Each vacancy has its own requirements and deadline.
- Geneva has a high cost of living.
- Financial support depends on eligibility.
- The exact living allowance should be checked in the vacancy announcement.
- Applications must be submitted through WHO’s online recruitment system.
Final Thoughts
The WHO Internship Programme 2027 in Switzerland can provide valuable international experience for students and recent graduates interested in public health, medicine, social sciences, communications, administration, management and related fields.
The programme provides practical exposure to WHO’s technical and administrative work, while eligible interns may receive a living allowance and medical and accident insurance coverage.
For candidates specifically interested in Geneva, it is important to plan carefully for accommodation and living costs. Most importantly, applicants should monitor the WHO Careers platform because internship opportunities are posted continuously and individual vacancies have different deadlines and requirements.
Applications must be submitted through the official WHO online recruitment system, Stellis.
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