World Health Organization (WHO) Internship Programme 2026 offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience in global public health while working alongside professionals in WHO technical and administrative programmes.
For candidates interested in research, public health, medicine, social sciences, management, communications and international health, the programme can provide valuable exposure to the systems and processes behind global health work.
About the WHO Internship Programme
WHO describes its Internship Programme as an opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain insight into its technical and administrative programmes while developing their knowledge and professional experience.
Internships can be available in areas including:
- Public health
- Medical and health-related fields
- Social sciences
- Management
- Administration
- Communications
- External relations
- Other technical areas connected to WHO’s work
Internship opportunities can be available at WHO headquarters, regional offices and country offices.
WHO Research Internship Opportunities
Research-focused internships can provide students with practical exposure to work connected to WHO’s technical programmes.
The exact duties depend on the individual vacancy. WHO publishes internship vacancies separately, meaning that applicants should carefully review each announcement for the specific research area, academic background, skills and deadline required.
A research internship may be particularly relevant to students studying subjects connected to:
- Public health
- Epidemiology
- Medicine
- Health sciences
- Social sciences
- Health policy
- Other fields related to the technical work of WHO
WHO Internship Eligibility Requirements
WHO establishes several general requirements for applicants.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 20 years old on the date of application.
Educational Requirements
Applicants must be enrolled in a university or equivalent institution in a programme leading to a formal qualification.
Relevant 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 their qualification may also be considered, provided they apply within 18 months of completing the qualification.
WHO also requires applicants to have completed at least three years of full-time university study at the Bachelor’s level or equivalent before starting the internship.
Language Requirement
Applicants must be fluent in at least one working language of the office where the internship is located.
The exact language requirement can therefore vary by vacancy and duty station.
Nationality
Applicants must hold a valid passport from a WHO Member State.
Family Relationship
Applicants must not be closely related to a WHO staff member, including as a:
- Son or daughter
- Brother or sister
- Mother or father
Previous WHO Internship
Applicants who have previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme are not eligible.
How Long Does a WHO Internship Last?
WHO requires interns to work full-time.
Internships can last from a minimum of six weeks to a maximum of 24 weeks, depending on the requirements of the WHO technical unit.
This means the duration of a specific research internship may differ from one vacancy to another.
WHO Internship Living Allowance
One of the key benefits of the programme is financial support for eligible interns.
WHO states that, since January 2020, it has provided a living allowance to eligible selected interns who need financial support.
However, the source does not provide one universal allowance amount.
The exact amount should be checked in the individual internship vacancy notice.
WHO also requires interns to complete a Declaration of Interests form. Candidates must disclose relevant financial support, including grants, bursaries and scholarships, as this information is considered when determining eligibility for financial support from WHO.
Other Internship Benefits
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, remains the individual’s responsibility.
Lunch Vouchers
Lunch vouchers may be provided at some duty stations, depending on the location.
Professional Exposure
Beyond financial support, the internship gives participants an opportunity to gain experience within a major international public health organisation and work alongside professionals involved in WHO programmes.
Candidate Obligations
Before an internship offer is extended, candidates must be prepared to:
- Work full-time for the required internship period.
- Provide proof of university enrolment or proof of completion of their most recent qualification.
- Declare potential conflicts of interest.
- Disclose financial support connected to the internship.
- Provide a WHO medical certificate of fitness for work before starting.
WHO specifically advises applicants not to send documents until they are requested.
How to Apply for a WHO Research Internship
WHO states that all internship applications must be made through the specific internship vacancy announcements on the WHO Careers platform.
Applications must be submitted through the WHO online recruitment system, Stellis.
There is no alternative application route for WHO internships.
Because internship vacancies are posted continuously, applicants should regularly check the careers platform for new opportunities.
Where Are WHO Internships Available?
WHO internships can be offered in different organisational locations, including:
- WHO Headquarters
- Regional offices
- Country offices
The exact location depends on the individual vacancy.
For internships in Geneva, Switzerland, WHO specifically warns candidates that the city has a high cost of living and that accommodation can be difficult to find, even where a living allowance is available.
Are WHO Internships Paid?
WHO’s current programme information confirms that eligible selected interns who require financial support can receive a living allowance.
It is important not to advertise every WHO internship as receiving a fixed or guaranteed salary, because the allowance is assessed based on eligibility and financial circumstances.
The precise amount should be taken from the individual vacancy notice.
Is the WHO Internship Open to International Applicants?
WHO invites candidates from across the world to apply to its Global Internship Programme.
However, applicants must still meet the programme’s requirements, including holding a valid passport from a WHO Member State and meeting the educational, age, language and other eligibility conditions.
Important Things to Know Before Applying
WHO internships are highly competitive, and the organisation states that only a small number of applicants are selected each year.
Successful candidates are contacted by WHO.
Not being selected for one vacancy does not prevent an eligible candidate from applying to other WHO internship positions.
Interns also do not have WHO staff status and cannot officially represent the organisation.
Final Thoughts
The WHO Research Internship Job 2026 can be a valuable opportunity for students and recent graduates seeking practical experience in global public health and international health research.
The programme offers placements across WHO headquarters, regional offices and country offices, with internships lasting from six to 24 weeks. Eligible interns who need financial support may receive a living allowance, while WHO also provides medical and accident insurance during the internship.
The most important step is to find a specific research or other internship vacancy on the WHO Careers platform because requirements, deadlines, location and allowance amounts can differ between vacancies.
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