UNHCR is hiring interns for its 2026 Internship Programme. Open to students and recent graduates worldwide. Offers monthly allowance, travel reimbursement and placements across global duty stations including Geneva, Amman, Budapest and field offices. Apply through the UNHCR recruitment portal.
Overview: UNHCR Internship Programme 2026
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has opened applications for its 2026 Internship Programme, offering students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in humanitarian operations worldwide.
Interns work across key areas such as protection, research, operations, communications, supply chain, partnerships, programme support, policy, and innovation. UNHCR seeks motivated individuals with fresh ideas and a commitment to supporting refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and stateless people.
UNHCR internships are paid, available globally, and accessible to candidates of all nationalities.
About UNHCR
UNHCR is the UN Refugee Agency, mandated to support and protect millions of people fleeing conflict, persecution, and disasters. With operations in over 130 countries, UNHCR provides emergency shelter, protection services, livelihood support, education assistance and long-term solutions for displaced communities.
The internship programme strengthens the agency’s mission by developing the next generation of humanitarian professionals.
Where Internships Are Offered
Internships are available across:
- UNHCR Headquarters, Geneva
- Global Service Centres: Amman, Budapest, Copenhagen
- Country and Regional Offices (worldwide)
- Remote assignments (subject to manager approval)
Interns may telework from within or outside the duty station country.
Length of Placement
Internships typically last:
- 2 to 6 months, with possible extension
- Maximum cumulative durations:
- Full-time: Up to 8 months
- Part-time: Up to 12 months
Internships can begin any time during the year depending on office needs.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, candidates must:
1. Academic Status
- Be a current undergraduate or graduate student, or
- Be a recent graduate (completed studies within the last two years)
The university must be accredited by UNESCO.
2. Minimum Study Progress
- Completed at least two years of undergraduate studies
3. Relatives Rule
- No immediate family members (parents or siblings) working for UNHCR
4. Internship Limits
- Must not have reached the maximum allowed cumulative internship months
5. Language
- English: Minimum B2 level
- Knowledge of French, Arabic, Spanish, or other UN languages is an asset
6. Diversity
UNHCR welcomes applicants of all nationalities, including:
- Refugee and stateless applicants
- Women
- Candidates from underrepresented regions
Monthly Allowance & Travel Support
UNHCR provides interns who lack external sponsorship with:
Monthly Allowance
Calculated as a percentage of GS-3 Step 1 salary at the duty station:
- H-category duty stations: 50% of GS-3 Step 1 net salary
- Non-H duty stations: 70% of GS-3 Step 1 net salary
- Part-time internships receive 50% of the applicable rate
Remote internships are also paid.
Travel Reimbursement
If engaged from outside the duty-station country:
- Return travel is reimbursed via the most economical route
- Visa and medical insurance costs are the intern’s responsibility
Medical Insurance
Interns must obtain their own medical and emergency evacuation insurance.
What Interns Do
Assignments vary by duty station, but common tasks include:
- Research and data analysis
- Protection casework and community engagement
- Support to partnerships, donor relations, and reporting
- Programme design and monitoring
- Communications, content development and social media
- Environmental management and supply chain support
- Policy development and innovative solutions
Interns receive supervision, mentorship and exposure to real UNHCR operations.
How to Apply
- Visit the UNHCR recruitment platform
- Create an applicant profile
- Upload required documents
- Apply to specific internship openings
Applicants are encouraged to read the Internship FAQs before applying.
New internship postings are added throughout the year.
Success Stories from UNHCR Interns
Former interns have contributed to:
- Community-based protection and field missions
- Procurement for core relief items
- Regional analysis for senior management
- Environmental and energy programmes
Many interns continue into careers within the UN, NGOs, research institutions, or government agencies.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | UNHCR Internship Programme 2026 |
| Organization | UN Refugee Agency |
| Locations | Geneva, Global Centres, Country Offices, Remote |
| Duration | 2–6 months (extendable) |
| Monthly Allowance | 50–70% of GS-3 Step 1 salary (varies by duty station) |
| Travel | Return travel reimbursed (if eligible) |
| Eligibility | Students + recent graduates |
| Academic Requirement | 2 years of undergraduate study minimum |
| Language | English B2 required |
| Applications | Via UNHCR recruitment platform |
| Deadlines | Rolling; posted year-round |
Conclusion
The UNHCR Internship Programme 2026 is an excellent pathway for students and new graduates aiming to launch a meaningful career in humanitarian work. With a competitive monthly allowance, global placement opportunities, and hands-on field exposure, the programme equips young professionals with the skills and experience needed to thrive in the international development sector.
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