Are you looking to gain international experience in public health while working with one of the world’s leading health organizations? The WHO Internship Programme 2026 offers students and recent graduates the opportunity to build practical skills through hands-on experience in technical and administrative departments of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The WHO Internship Programme 2026 is a partially funded international internship that provides eligible interns with financial support through a living allowance, medical and accident insurance during the internship, and additional benefits such as lunch vouchers at selected duty stations.
It is designed to prepare the next generation of global public health professionals by exposing participants to real-world health systems, international collaboration, and policy development.
WHO Internship Programme 2026 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Organization | World Health Organization (WHO) |
| Programme Type | International Internship |
| Funding Type | Partially Funded |
| Eligible Applicants | International Students and Recent Graduates |
| Fields of Placement | Public Health, Medicine, Social Sciences, Communications, Human Resources, Administration, External Relations, Management, and related fields |
| Internship Locations | WHO Headquarters, Regional Offices, and Country Offices Worldwide |
| Financial Benefits | Living Allowance (Eligible Interns), Medical & Accident Insurance, Lunch Vouchers (Selected Locations) |
| Application Method | Online through WHO Stellis Recruitment Portal |
| Application Deadline | Varies by Internship Position |
| Duration | Depends on the Internship Position |
About the WHO Internship Programme 2026
The WHO Internship Programme is one of the world’s most respected international internship opportunities for students and recent graduates interested in global health and international development.
The programme aims to strengthen future public health leadership by allowing participants to work directly with experts tackling global health challenges. Interns gain practical experience while contributing to projects that improve healthcare systems, disease prevention, emergency response, health policy, communications, administration, and many other areas within WHO.
Internship opportunities are available across various WHO offices worldwide, including the organization’s headquarters, regional offices, and country offices. Because internship positions are posted throughout the year, applicants are encouraged to regularly monitor available vacancies.
Unlike many unpaid internship programmes, WHO now provides financial support to eligible interns who require assistance, making participation more accessible to talented students from different economic backgrounds.
Is the WHO Internship Programme Fully Funded?
The WHO Internship Programme is partially funded.
Although it does not cover every expense associated with international travel or accommodation, WHO provides several important financial and welfare benefits to eligible interns, including:
- Living allowance for eligible interns requiring financial support.
- Medical insurance throughout the internship.
- Accident insurance during the internship period.
- Lunch vouchers at selected duty stations.
- Professional mentoring and practical international work experience.
Interns remain personally responsible for expenses before the internship begins and after it ends, including travel to and from their assigned duty station unless otherwise stated.
Objectives of the WHO Internship Programme
The internship programme has several important goals, including:
- Build the next generation of global public health leaders.
- Provide students with practical professional experience.
- Strengthen participants’ academic learning through real workplace exposure.
- Support WHO programmes with fresh ideas and diverse perspectives.
- Create opportunities for students from different academic disciplines to contribute to international health initiatives.
Interns work alongside experienced professionals while learning how international organizations coordinate health programmes across countries.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To qualify for the WHO Internship Programme 2026, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 20 years old on the date of application.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must meet one of the following conditions:
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate programme leading to a formal qualification.
- Be studying in a field related to:
- Public Health
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Social Sciences
- Health-related disciplines
- Communications
- Human Resources
- Business Administration
- Management
- External Relations
- Other disciplines relevant to WHO’s work.
Applicants who have already completed their degree may also apply, provided they submit their application within 18 months after graduation.
In addition, applicants must have completed at least three years of full-time university study before beginning the internship.
Language Requirement
Applicants must be fluent in at least one working language used by the WHO office where they will be assigned.
Nationality
Applicants must possess a valid passport from a WHO member state.
Family Relationship
Applicants cannot be immediate family members of current WHO staff members. This includes parents, children, brothers, or sisters.
Previous Participation
Applicants who have previously completed a WHO internship are not eligible to apply again.
Internship Areas
WHO offers internship placements across numerous technical and administrative departments, including:
- Public Health
- Disease Prevention
- Health Policy
- Medical Programmes
- Emergency Response
- Epidemiology
- Communications
- Human Resources
- Administration
- External Relations
- Programme Management
- Research Support
The exact responsibilities depend on the department offering the internship.
Benefits of the WHO Internship Programme
Successful interns may receive several valuable benefits during their placement, including:
- Living allowance for eligible interns requiring financial support.
- Medical insurance during the internship.
- Accident insurance coverage.
- Lunch vouchers at selected duty stations.
- Hands-on experience working with global health experts.
- Exposure to international public health systems and policymaking.
- Opportunity to contribute to real WHO projects.
- Professional networking with international experts.
- Enhanced career prospects in global health and international organizations.
Beyond the financial support, the experience gained through a WHO internship can significantly strengthen an applicant’s professional profile for future careers in public health, international development, and global policy.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents before submitting an application:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of university enrolment or degree certificate
- Valid passport
- Any additional documents requested for the specific internship vacancy
Since requirements vary depending on each internship opportunity, applicants should carefully review the vacancy announcement before applying.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the WHO Internship Programme 2026:
Step 1: Visit the WHO Careers Portal.
Go to the official WHO Careers website and access the internship vacancies available through the Stellis recruitment system.
Step 2: Search Available Internship Opportunities
Browse internship openings based on your field of study, preferred office location, or area of interest.
Step 3: Review Eligibility Requirements
Read the vacancy announcement carefully to confirm you meet all requirements for that specific internship.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required documents, including your CV, academic records, and any supporting materials requested.
Step 5: Submit Your Online Application
Complete your application through the WHO Stellis online recruitment platform before the deadline listed for the vacancy.
Step 6: Monitor New Opportunities
Since WHO publishes internship vacancies continuously throughout the year, applicants who do not find a suitable opening immediately should continue checking the careers portal regularly.
Why Choose the WHO Internship Programme?
Participating in the WHO Internship Programme provides far more than workplace experience. It allows students and recent graduates to develop practical skills while contributing to global efforts that improve healthcare worldwide.
Some key advantages include:
- Work with one of the world’s most respected international organizations.
- Gain international professional experience.
- Learn directly from leading public health experts.
- Build a global professional network.
- Strengthen your CV for future employment or postgraduate opportunities.
- Develop practical knowledge of international health systems and policies.
For more information and to apply, visit the official WHO Internship Programme page through the WHO Careers portal.
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