The World Health Organization (WHO) is accepting applications for internship opportunities through its Global Internship Programme, giving students and recent graduates the chance to gain practical experience within one of the world’s leading international health organizations.
The programme is open to eligible applicants from WHO Member States and offers internship opportunities in areas including public health, medicine, social sciences, communications, administration, management and other fields related to WHO’s work.
Internships are offered at different WHO offices and locations around the world, including headquarters, regional offices and country offices.
WHO Internship Programme 2026 — Quick Details
- Organization: World Health Organization (WHO)
- Programme: WHO Global Internship Programme
- Duration: 6 to 24 weeks
- Study Level: Undergraduate, Master’s and PhD students, as well as eligible recent graduates
- Locations: WHO offices worldwide
- Financial Support: Available to eligible interns
- Insurance: Medical and accident insurance provided
- Application Fee: Free
- Deadline: Varies by internship position
What Does the WHO Internship Offer?
The WHO internship programme is designed to give participants practical exposure to international public health and the work of a major United Nations specialized agency.
Depending on the location and specific internship, selected interns may receive:
- Living allowance or financial support
- Lunch or meal vouchers at eligible duty stations
- Medical and accident insurance
- Potential approved travel support for some interns from least developed and middle-income countries
The exact financial support depends on the specific internship vacancy, duty station and the applicant’s circumstances. WHO internships are not salaried employment positions.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants generally need to meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 20 years old when applying.
- Be enrolled in a university or equivalent institution leading to an undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate qualification.
- Have completed at least three years of full-time university study before starting the internship.
- Be studying in a field relevant to the internship, such as public health, medicine, social sciences, management, administration, communications or related areas.
- Recent graduates may also be eligible if they apply within 18 months of completing their qualification.
- Hold a valid passport from a WHO Member State.
- Be fluent in at least one working language required by the office where the internship is based.
- Have not previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme.
- Not be related to a WHO staff member in the relationships specified by WHO.
Is IELTS Required?
WHO does not state a blanket IELTS requirement for its internship programme. However, applicants must demonstrate fluency in at least one working language of the relevant office.
During recruitment, WHO may ask candidates to demonstrate their language ability through an assessment or other evidence. Therefore, applicants should carefully check the language requirements of each internship vacancy before applying.
How Long Is the Internship?
WHO internships last between 6 and 24 consecutive weeks, depending on the needs of the department and the specific vacancy.
Each internship is full-time, and the exact duration will be stated in the individual vacancy announcement.
Documents and Application Information
Applicants complete their applications through the WHO online recruitment system, Stellis.
The application normally requires information about your:
- Education
- Current studies
- Skills and experience
- Language abilities
- Training and certifications
- Motivation for applying
A specific cover letter may also be required for the internship position. WHO recommends preparing a tailored application for each vacancy rather than submitting the same generic application everywhere.
How to Apply for the WHO Internship 2026
WHO publishes internship vacancies on a continuous basis, and each position has its own requirements and closing date.
To apply, visit the official WHO Internship Programme page, search for an internship that matches your academic background and follow the application instructions provided in the vacancy.
Application is free.
APPLY FOR THE WHO GLOBAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME
Important: WHO internships are highly competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection. Always read the individual vacancy carefully before submitting your application.
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