Looking to launch your career in global health? The World Health Organization (WHO) Internship Programme 2026 offers students and recent graduates a unique opportunity to gain practical experience while contributing to one of the world’s leading public health organizations.
The WHO Internship Programme provides hands-on exposure to international health initiatives, allowing interns to work alongside global experts, strengthen their professional skills, and contribute to improving health outcomes worldwide. With opportunities available throughout the year across multiple countries, this paid internship is ideal for aspiring professionals in public health, medicine, communications, engineering, law, data science, administration, and many other fields.
About the WHO Internship Programme
The WHO Internship Programme is designed to develop the next generation of global health professionals by providing meaningful learning experiences in technical and administrative areas. Interns work in a multicultural environment alongside experts from diverse backgrounds while supporting WHO’s mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations.
The programme helps participants gain valuable insight into international health systems, policy development, emergency response, research, and organizational operations while building professional networks across the globe.
Why Apply for the WHO Internship?
The WHO Internship Programme offers participants the opportunity to:
- Gain practical experience in a globally recognized organization.
- Work alongside leading public health and international development professionals.
- Contribute to projects addressing global health challenges.
- Build professional networks with experts from around the world.
- Develop technical, analytical, and leadership skills.
- Experience a multicultural and inclusive working environment.
WHO Internship Benefits
Successful applicants may receive several benefits, including:
- Paid internship with financial support.
- Living allowance for eligible interns.
- Medical and accident insurance coverage during the internship.
- Lunch vouchers at selected duty stations.
- Professional supervision and mentorship.
- Practical experience working on international health programmes.
- Exposure to cutting-edge public health initiatives and health systems.
Internship Duration
The WHO Internship Programme lasts:
- Minimum: 6 weeks
- Maximum: 24 weeks
The exact duration depends on the department and internship assignment.
Who Can Apply?
The WHO Internship Programme is open to:
- Undergraduate students
- Master’s students
- PhD students
- Recent graduates
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be at least 20 years old at the time of application.
- Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate programme, or have recently graduated.
- Be studying at an institution recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
- Provide proof of their academic qualifications.
- Be fluent in at least one of WHO’s official working languages.
- Hold a valid passport from a WHO Member State.
- Have no immediate family relationship with a WHO staff member.
- Not have previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Updated CV or résumé
- Academic transcripts
- Academic letter of reference
- Passport details
- Application acknowledgment
- WHO Medical Certificate (required before the internship begins)
- Any additional documents requested for the specific internship
How to Apply
To apply for the WHO Internship Programme:
- Visit the official WHO Careers portal.
- Search for available internship opportunities.
- Select the internship that matches your qualifications.
- Complete the online application form.
- Provide your personal and academic information.
- Upload the required documents.
- Complete the Declaration of Interest form (where applicable).
- Review your application carefully and submit it.
- You will receive an email confirming your application submission.
Application Deadline
WHO internship opportunities are advertised throughout the year, with each vacancy having its own application deadline. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
WHO Internship Opportunities Available This Week
1. Internship – Health Emergencies
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Organization: HQ/EPM – Epidemic & Pandemic Management
- Contract Type: Intern
- Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
2. Internship – Communications and Advocacy
- Location: Berlin, Germany
- Organization: HQ/EIS – Health Emergency Intelligence & Surveillance
- Contract Type: Intern
- Application Deadline: 30 July 2026
3. AI Engineering Intern – Data Engineering, Full-Stack Development, Quality & Evaluation
- Location: Istanbul, Türkiye
- Organization: EU/BOS – Division of Business Operations
- Contract Type: Intern
- Application Deadline: 21 July 2026
4. Internship – Health Systems, Noncommunicable Diseases & Communications
- Location: Port Louis, Mauritius
- Organization: WHO Country Office Mauritius
- Contract Type: Intern
- Application Deadline: 21 July 2026
5. Legal Intern
- Location: Cairo, Egypt
- Organization: EM/BOS – Business Operations
- Contract Type: Intern
- Application Deadline: 20 July 2026
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Opportunity
The WHO Internship Programme is one of the world’s most prestigious international internship opportunities for students and recent graduates. Whether your interests lie in public health, medicine, engineering, communications, artificial intelligence, law, policy, or administration, the programme offers invaluable international experience, professional development, and the opportunity to contribute to improving health outcomes worldwide.
With paid benefits, mentorship from global experts, and opportunities available in multiple countries, the WHO Internship Programme can be an excellent stepping stone toward a career in international organizations and global health.
Apply Now
Applications are submitted through the official WHO Careers Portal. Since new internship opportunities are posted regularly throughout the year, applicants are encouraged to check the portal frequently and apply before the listed deadlines.
