The WHO Internship Programme 2026 offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience in global public health while working with one of the world’s leading health organizations.
The programme is designed for future public health leaders who want to understand international health systems, contribute to WHO programmes, and develop professional skills in technical and administrative areas.
WHO welcomes applicants from diverse academic backgrounds and provides internship opportunities across its headquarters, regional offices, and country offices worldwide.
About the WHO Internship Programme
The WHO Internship Programme supports the development of future health professionals by connecting students and recent graduates with WHO technical and administrative programmes.
Interns gain exposure to:
- Global health systems
- Public health programmes
- International health policy
- WHO operations
- Research and technical projects
- Administrative functions within an international organization
The programme allows interns to contribute their knowledge and skills while learning from WHO experts.
Internship Objectives
The WHO Internship Programme aims to:
- Provide students with practical experience in public health-related work
- Enhance educational and professional development
- Allow WHO programmes to benefit from the skills of talented students
- Build a future workforce capable of advancing global health goals
Available Internship Areas
WHO offers internships across technical and administrative fields, including:
- Public health
- Medicine
- Social sciences
- Communications
- External relations
- Human resources
- Management
- Administration
- Other technical areas related to WHO’s work
WHO Internship Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Age Requirement
Applicants must be:
- At least 20 years old on the date of application
Academic Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a university or equivalent institution leading to a formal qualification
- Be studying in undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate programmes
- Have completed at least three years of full-time university studies before starting the internship
Eligible study fields include:
- Public health
- Medical sciences
- Social sciences related to WHO technical work
- Management
- Administration
- Communications
- External relations
Applicants who have already completed their qualification may also be considered if they apply within 18 months after completing their studies.
Language Requirements
Applicants must be fluent in at least one working language of the WHO office where the internship takes place.
Nationality Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a valid passport from a WHO Member State
Previous Internship Requirement
Applicants must not have previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme.
Family Relationship Requirement
Applicants must not be related to a WHO staff member, including:
- Parent
- Child
- Brother
- Sister
Internship Duration
WHO internships last:
- Minimum: 6 weeks
- Maximum: 24 weeks
The duration depends on the needs of the WHO technical unit.
Internship Benefits
Selected WHO interns receive several forms of support, including:
- Medical insurance coverage
- Accident insurance coverage during the internship period
- Living allowance for eligible interns who require financial support
- Possible lunch vouchers at selected duty stations
Interns are responsible for insurance coverage before and after the internship period, including travel to and from the duty station.
Internship Locations
WHO internship opportunities are available across different locations, including:
- WHO Headquarters
- Regional offices
- Country offices
Internship vacancies are posted continuously, with each opportunity having its own requirements and deadlines.
How to Apply for the WHO Internship Programme 2026
Applications must be submitted through the WHO Careers website using the official online recruitment system, Stellis.
Applicants should:
- Visit WHO internship vacancy announcements.
- Review available internship positions.
- Confirm eligibility requirements.
- Submit an online application through Stellis.
- Follow the recruitment process outlined in the vacancy notice.
WHO does not accept internship applications outside its official recruitment system.
Application Process
The selection process may involve:
- Application review
- Assessment of qualifications
- Interviews or additional selection steps depending on the vacancy
Only successful candidates will be contacted.
Candidate Requirements Before Receiving an Offer
Before an internship offer is finalized, selected candidates must provide:
- Proof of university enrolment or completion of qualification
- Declaration of Interests form
- Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest
- WHO medical certificate of fitness for work
Applicants should not send documents unless specifically requested.
Why Join the WHO Internship Programme?
The WHO Internship Programme provides valuable benefits for future professionals, including:
- Experience working with a global health organization
- Exposure to international health systems
- Professional networking opportunities
- Practical workplace experience
- Understanding of global health challenges
- Career development in public health and international organizations
Important Information
Applicants should note:
- WHO internships are highly competitive.
- Interns are not WHO staff members.
- Interns cannot officially represent WHO.
- Completing an internship does not guarantee employment at WHO.
- Former interns may apply for WHO job vacancies as external candidates if qualified.
Conclusion
The WHO Internship Programme 2026 provides an excellent opportunity for students and recent graduates interested in global health, medicine, communications, research, and international development.
By gaining hands-on experience with WHO programmes, interns can develop valuable skills, expand their professional networks, and take important steps toward careers in public health and global organizations.
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