WHO Global Internship Programme 2026 | International Public Health Internship
Organization
World Health Organization (WHO)
Duration
Minimum: 6 weeks Maximum: 24 weeks (full-time)
Age Limit
Applicants must be at least 20 years old on the date of application.
Overview
About the Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations' specialized agency for international public health. WHO works with countries and partners to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations through research, policy development, emergency response, and technical assistance. The WHO Internship Programme allows students and recent graduates to gain practical experience while contributing to global public health initiatives.
Internship Overview Table
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | World Health Organization (WHO) |
| Programme | WHO Global Internship Programme |
| Internship Type | International Internship |
| Duration | Minimum 6 Weeks – Maximum 24 Weeks |
| Internship Locations | WHO Headquarters, Regional Offices & Country Offices Worldwide |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Vacancy Type | Rolling Vacancies |
Internship Details
The WHO Global Internship Programme offers opportunities in both technical and administrative areas, including:
- Public Health
- Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Health Policy
- Communications
- External Relations
- Human Resources
- Administration
- Management
- Data and Research
- Emergency Preparedness
Internships are offered throughout the year depending on departmental requirements and available vacancies.
Who Can Apply
Candidates meeting the following eligibility criteria may apply:
- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- Postgraduate students
- Recent graduates (within 18 months of completing their qualification)
Applicants should belong to disciplines related to:
- Public Health
- Medical Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Management
- Administration
- Communications
- External Relations
- Other fields relevant to WHO's work.
Why Apply
- Gain international work experience with the United Nations.
- Work alongside global health professionals.
- Contribute to real-world public health initiatives.
- Develop professional and leadership skills.
- Build an international professional network.
- Receive medical and accident insurance during the internship.
- Eligible interns may receive a living allowance and, in some cases, travel support.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be at least 20 years old.
- Be enrolled in or have recently completed a university programme.
- Have completed at least three years of full-time university study before the internship starts.
- Be fluent in at least one WHO working language.
- Hold a valid passport of a WHO Member State.
- Not be related to a WHO staff member.
- Not have previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme.
Internship Benefits
WHO provides eligible interns with:
- Medical insurance
- Accident insurance
- Living allowance (for eligible interns)
- Lunch vouchers or meal support at selected duty stations
- Travel support for some interns from least-developed and middle-income countries
- Professional mentoring and global exposure
- Certificate of internship completion (subject to programme requirements)
Internship Duration
- Minimum: 6 Weeks
- Maximum: 24 Weeks
The duration depends on the needs of the hosting WHO office.
Selection Process
The selection process generally includes:
- Online application
- Eligibility screening
- Shortlisting
- Interview and/or written assessment (if required)
- Final selection by the concerned WHO office
Only shortlisted candidates are contacted.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications | Open Throughout the Year |
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply through the WHO Careers portal using the Stellis online recruitment system. Applications are accepted only for officially advertised internship vacancies. Candidates may apply for multiple internship opportunities by submitting a tailored application for each vacancy.
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Eligibility Criteria
Be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate programme, or have graduated within the last 18 months.
Have completed at least three years of full-time university study before the internship starts.
Be fluent in at least one WHO working language.
Hold a valid passport of a WHO Member State.
Not be related to a WHO staff member.
Not have previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme
Important Dates
| 0 | Applications Open : Throughout the Year |
| 1 | Application Deadline : Varies by individual internship vacancy |
| 2 | Internship Start : As specified in the selected internship posting |
Streams
Related Fellowship & Internship
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