The WHO Global Internship Programme 2026 provides students and recent graduates with an opportunity to gain practical exposure to international public health while working within the technical and administrative programmes of the World Health Organization.
The programme is designed to help develop a diverse pool of future public health leaders by giving participants insight into WHO systems, processes, and the way stakeholders work together in the international health arena.
What Is the WHO Internship Programme?
The World Health Organization offers internships to students and recent graduates from a range of academic backgrounds. Interns can gain practical experience in different areas of WHO’s work while contributing to programmes related to global public health.
WHO states that internships are available in both technical and administrative areas, including fields such as communication, external relations and human resources.
Internships may be hosted at WHO headquarters, regional offices and country offices, depending on available positions.
Who Can Apply for the WHO Internship Programme?
The programme is open to eligible students and recent graduates from around the world.
Applicants must meet several requirements.
Age Requirement
Candidates must be at least 20 years old on the date they apply.
Educational Requirements
Applicants must either be enrolled in a university or equivalent institution leading to a formal qualification or, in certain circumstances, have recently completed their qualification.
Eligible academic areas include:
- Public health
- Medicine
- Social fields related to WHO’s technical work
- Management
- Administration
- Communications
- External relations
Applicants who have already completed a qualification may still be considered if they apply within 18 months of completing their formal qualification.
Candidates must also have completed at least three years of full-time university-level study before beginning the internship.
Language Requirement
Applicants must be fluent in at least one of the working languages of the WHO office where they would be assigned.
Nationality Requirement
Candidates must hold a valid passport from a WHO Member State.
Applicants must also not be related to a WHO staff member and must not have previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme.
WHO Internship Areas
The programme covers a broad range of technical and administrative activities.
Potential areas include:
- Public health
- Medicine
- Social sciences
- Communications
- External relations
- Human resources
- Management
- Administration
- Other technical areas connected to WHO programmes
Because internships are posted according to the needs of individual WHO departments, the exact academic requirements and responsibilities can differ between vacancies.
How Long Is a WHO Internship?
WHO interns must be available to work full-time for a minimum of six weeks and a maximum of 24 weeks, depending on the needs of the relevant technical unit.
Before an internship begins, successful candidates must provide proof of enrolment or proof that they have completed their most recent qualification.
They must also complete the required medical fitness documentation and disclose circumstances that could create a potential conflict of interest.
WHO Internship Benefits
WHO provides interns with medical and accident insurance coverage during the internship period.
The organisation also provides a living allowance to eligible selected interns who require financial support. The exact amount is determined in the relevant internship vacancy notice.
Some duty stations may also provide lunch vouchers.
Applicants should note that insurance before the internship begins and after it ends, including travel to and from the duty station, is the responsibility of the individual intern.
Is the WHO Internship Fully Funded?
The WHO programme should not automatically be described as a fully funded internship.
WHO provides medical and accident insurance and, since January 2020, a living allowance to eligible interns who require financial support. However, the exact financial support varies, and applicants should consult the specific vacancy notice for the applicable living allowance.
This distinction is important for applicants planning to relocate, particularly those considering internships in expensive locations such as Geneva.
How to Apply for WHO Internships
Applications must be submitted through the official WHO Careers site using the organisation’s online recruitment system, known as Stellis.
WHO specifically states that there is no possibility of applying for an internship outside the Stellis recruitment system.
Internship vacancies are published continuously, and each position can have different eligibility requirements and application deadlines. Applicants are therefore encouraged to check the WHO internship listings regularly.
Application Process
The general process involves:
- Review available WHO internship vacancies.
- Identify positions matching your academic background and interests.
- Carefully check the specific eligibility requirements.
- Submit your application through the WHO online recruitment system.
- Provide supporting documents when requested.
- Complete any additional requirements if selected.
WHO asks applicants not to send documents until they are specifically requested.
Why Consider a WHO Internship?
A WHO internship can provide valuable exposure to the work of one of the world’s leading international public health organisations.
Participants can gain insight into:
- International public health systems
- Global health programmes
- Multilateral organisations
- Technical programme implementation
- Administrative processes
- Cross-cultural collaboration
- International stakeholder engagement
- Professional workplace practices
For students considering careers in global health, international development, public policy or international organisations, this type of experience can complement academic qualifications with practical exposure.
Important Note for Applicants
WHO internships are highly competitive, and only a limited number of applicants are selected each year.
Not being selected for one vacancy does not necessarily prevent a candidate from applying for another WHO internship. Applicants who remain eligible can apply for other internship vacancies posted by the organisation.
Interns also do not become WHO staff members simply by participating in the internship. Any future employment with WHO is subject to the organisation’s normal recruitment and selection procedures.
WHO Global Internship Programme 2026
The WHO Global Internship Programme 2026 is an international opportunity for students and recent graduates seeking practical experience in public health and related technical or administrative fields.
With internship positions posted continuously across WHO headquarters, regional offices and country offices, there is no single universal deadline for the entire programme. Applicants should monitor the official WHO Careers site and apply to individual internship vacancies before their respective deadlines.
The programme is particularly relevant for candidates interested in global health, medicine, public health, social sciences, communications, administration, management and international development.
Final Thoughts
The WHO Global Internship Programme offers students and recent graduates a way to gain practical exposure to international health work while developing professional knowledge and skills.
Eligible candidates should carefully review each vacancy because requirements, locations, responsibilities, and deadlines can differ. Applications must be submitted through WHO’s official recruitment system, Stellis.
Official application route: WHO Careers and Internship Programme
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