The WHO Internship Programme 2026 is now welcoming applications from eligible students and recent graduates seeking valuable international experience in global public health. Organized by the World Health Organization (WHO), this highly competitive internship programme offers participants the opportunity to contribute to global health initiatives while gaining practical experience in one of the world’s leading international organizations.
Open to applicants from WHO Member States, the programme provides internships across a wide range of technical and administrative fields, including public health, medicine, communications, human resources, external relations, and management. Interns work alongside experienced professionals in WHO headquarters, regional offices, and country offices, gaining first-hand exposure to international health systems and policy development.
For students and recent graduates looking to launch careers in public health, international development, healthcare, or global governance, the WHO Internship Programme provides an excellent platform to build professional skills while supporting WHO’s mission to improve health outcomes worldwide.
About the WHO Internship Programme
The WHO Internship Programme was established to develop the next generation of public health professionals by offering meaningful learning experiences within the Organization’s technical and administrative programmes.
Through structured assignments and mentorship, interns gain practical knowledge of WHO’s operations while contributing to projects that address global health priorities. The programme also enables WHO to benefit from the fresh perspectives, innovation, and academic expertise that students and recent graduates bring to the organization.
Internships are offered throughout the year, with opportunities becoming available on a rolling basis across different offices and departments worldwide.
Internship Objectives
The WHO Internship Programme aims to:
- Provide practical learning opportunities for students and recent graduates.
- Strengthen future global public health leadership.
- Enhance participants’ technical and professional skills.
- Support WHO programmes with diverse academic expertise.
- Promote collaboration between universities and international organizations.
- Increase understanding of international health systems and policies.
- Prepare young professionals for careers in global health and development.
Internship Areas
WHO offers internship opportunities in a wide variety of technical and administrative fields, including:
Technical Areas
- Public Health
- Global Health
- Epidemiology
- Medicine
- Health Systems
- Environmental Health
- Health Policy
- Disease Prevention
- Emergency Response
- Health Research
Administrative Areas
- Human Resources
- Communications
- External Relations
- Programme Management
- Administration
- Finance
- Information Management
- Operations
- Partnerships
- Corporate Services
Internship opportunities vary throughout the year depending on organizational needs and available vacancies.
Internship Benefits
The WHO Internship Programme offers several benefits to successful candidates.
Eligible interns may receive:
- Living allowance (subject to eligibility assessment)
- Medical insurance coverage during the internship
- Accident insurance coverage
- Practical work experience with WHO experts
- Professional mentorship
- International networking opportunities
- Exposure to global public health programmes
- Career development experience
- Opportunity to contribute to international health initiatives
Some WHO duty stations also provide lunch vouchers.
Internship Duration
Internships are full-time and normally last:
- Minimum: 6 weeks
- Maximum: 24 weeks
The exact duration depends on the needs of the hiring department and the internship assignment.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy all programme requirements before applying.
Age
Applicants must be at least 20 years old at the time of application.
Education
Applicants must either:
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate programme leading to a recognized qualification; or
- Have graduated within the previous 18 months before applying.
Applicants should also have completed at least three years of full-time university study before beginning the internship.
Relevant fields include:
- Public Health
- Medicine
- Social Sciences
- Health Sciences
- Management
- Business Administration
- Communications
- External Relations
- Other disciplines related to WHO’s work
Language Requirements
Applicants must be fluent in at least one working language of the WHO office where they will be assigned.
Nationality
Applicants must hold a valid passport from a WHO Member State.
Family Relationship
Applicants must not have immediate family members employed by WHO.
Previous Participation
Applicants must not have previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme.
Candidate Responsibilities
Before receiving an internship offer, selected candidates may be required to:
- Provide proof of university enrolment or graduation.
- Complete a Declaration of Interest.
- Submit a WHO medical fitness certificate.
- Be available to work full-time throughout the internship period.
Applicants are advised not to submit supporting documents until specifically requested during the recruitment process.
Why You Should Apply
The WHO Internship Programme is one of the most respected international internship opportunities available for students and recent graduates interested in global health.
Key benefits include:
- International work experience
- Exposure to WHO operations
- Professional networking
- Practical public health experience
- Career development
- Cross-cultural collaboration
- Mentorship from experienced professionals
- Improved employability in international organizations
- Understanding of global health policy and governance
Many former interns use this experience to pursue careers in international organizations, governments, research institutions, and non-governmental organizations.
Application Process
Applications for WHO internships must be submitted through the official WHO Careers recruitment platform. Internship vacancies are published throughout the year across WHO headquarters, regional offices, and country offices.
Because opportunities open on a rolling basis, prospective applicants are encouraged to monitor the careers portal regularly for new internship announcements, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines specific to each position.
Given the competitive nature of the programme, applicants should prepare a strong application highlighting their academic achievements, relevant experience, language skills, and motivation for contributing to global public health.
Final Thoughts
The WHO Internship Programme 2026 offers an outstanding opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience with one of the world’s leading international health organizations. Through practical assignments, professional mentorship, and exposure to global public health initiatives, interns develop valuable skills that can support long-term careers in healthcare, international development, research, and public policy.
If you are passionate about improving global health and meet the eligibility requirements, consider applying for upcoming WHO internship opportunities as they become available throughout the year.
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