The World Health Organization (WHO) has reopened applications for its Global Internship Programme 2026, offering students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience with the United Nations health agency. The programme provides exposure to international health programmes and allows interns to work alongside WHO teams in technical and administrative areas. Opportunities may be available at WHO headquarters as well as regional and country offices, depending on individual vacancies.

Applicants must be at least 20 years old when they apply. They should either be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate programme in a relevant field or have completed their qualification within the previous 18 months. Students applying at the bachelor's level must have completed at least three years of full-time university education before the internship begins. Candidates must also satisfy the language requirements applicable to the office or position and hold a valid passport from a WHO Member State.

The duration of a WHO internship can range from six weeks to 24 weeks, depending on the requirements of the department and the specific position. Interns may be assigned to different areas of WHO's work, giving them an opportunity to gain practical knowledge while working in an international organisation. Since requirements can differ between vacancies, applicants are advised to carefully review the eligibility conditions and responsibilities mentioned in each individual internship announcement.

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Financial support is available to eligible interns, although the stipend or maximum financial assistance can vary according to the internship location and the specific vacancy. WHO also provides medical and accident insurance to eligible interns throughout the internship period. Certain locations may offer additional support, including meal assistance. For instance, interns based in Geneva may receive daily lunch vouchers worth CHF 20 for use at WHO cafeterias.

Interns are also entitled to personal time off equivalent to 2.5 days per month during their internship. After completing the programme, participants can request an official internship certificate and may also seek a recommendation letter from their supervisor. These benefits can provide useful documentation and professional references for students and recent graduates planning to pursue careers in international organisations, public health, administration or related fields.

Interested candidates must apply online through WHO's recruitment system and search for available internship vacancies on the WHO Careers website. Applicants should check each vacancy carefully because deadlines, academic requirements, language criteria and other conditions may differ between positions. Those meeting the eligibility requirements can submit their applications through the official recruitment portal for consideration.

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