WHO Internship Program. The WHO Internship Program 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain practical experience with the World Health Organization (WHO). The programme is designed for candidates who want to develop their professional skills while working in an international public health environment.
WHO internships are available at WHO Headquarters, regional offices, and country offices around the world. Interns can gain hands-on experience in technical health programmes as well as administrative areas such as communications, human resources, management, and external relations.
Unlike a traditional unpaid internship, eligible selected interns may receive financial support from WHO. The amount of support varies according to the internship position and duty station. WHO also provides medical and accident insurance to all interns during their internship.
WHO Internship Program 2026
The WHO Global Internship Programme is aimed at developing future professionals and giving students valuable exposure to international health work.
Programme Details
- Host Organization: World Health Organization (WHO)
- Programme: WHO Internship Programme 2026
- Locations: WHO Headquarters, Regional Offices and Country Offices
- Duration: 6 to 24 weeks
- Work Type: Full-time internship
- Eligible Candidates: Students and recent graduates
- Application System: WHO Stellis recruitment system
- Financial Support: Available to eligible selected interns
- Insurance: Medical and accident insurance
WHO states that internship opportunities are posted on a continuous basis, and each vacancy can have its own requirements and deadline. Therefore, there is no single universal application deadline for the entire WHO Internship Programme.
Benefits of WHO Internship Program 2026
The WHO internship can provide both professional and financial benefits. Selected interns work with experienced professionals and gain insight into how a major international organization operates.
Depending on eligibility and location, benefits may include:
- Living allowance or financial support for eligible interns
- Medical insurance
- Accident insurance
- Lunch vouchers or meal support at certain duty stations
- Practical experience in an international organization
- Exposure to global public health programmes
- Professional networking opportunities
- Opportunity to develop technical and administrative skills
WHO explains that eligible selected interns who need financial support may receive a living allowance. The maximum amount is specified in individual internship vacancy notices and varies according to the duty station.
Internship Areas
WHO offers internships across a wide range of technical and administrative fields. The exact opportunities available depend on current vacancy notices.
Possible areas include:
- Public Health
- Medicine
- Social Sciences
- Health Programmes
- Management
- Administration
- Communications
- External Relations
- Human Resources
- Research
- Technical Health Programmes
- Other areas related to WHO’s work
This variety makes the programme suitable for students from different academic backgrounds, not only those studying medicine or public health. WHO specifically states that internships can be available in management, administration, communications, and external relations in addition to technical health areas.
WHO Internship Program 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the eligibility conditions specified by WHO. The general requirements include being at least 20 years old at the date of application and holding a valid passport from a WHO Member State.
Candidates must also be enrolled in a university or equivalent institution in an eligible field. WHO accepts students in public health, medical, social, management, administrative, communications, or external-relations-related fields, depending on the internship.
Applicants must have completed at least three years of full-time university study before starting the internship. Recent graduates may also be eligible if they apply within 18 months of completing their formal qualification.
Other general requirements include:
- Fluency in at least one working language of the office of assignment
- No close family relationship with a WHO staff member as defined by WHO rules
- No previous participation in the WHO Internship Programme
- Ability to work full-time for the required internship period
Candidates should always check the individual vacancy because additional requirements may apply.
Internship Duration
WHO internships are full-time assignments lasting between six and 24 weeks. The exact duration is determined according to the needs of the relevant technical unit and the requirements of the internship position.
Internships must generally be completed at one location and cannot be divided between different WHO offices.
Required Application Information
Applicants need to create and complete a profile through the WHO online recruitment system, known as Stellis.
The application may require information about:
- Educational background
- Current studies
- Qualifications and certifications
- Language skills
- Training
- Relevant experience
- Publications, where applicable
- Computer skills
- Motivation for applying
- Other information requested in the vacancy
WHO recommends preparing a specific motivation or cover letter for each internship rather than using one generic letter for multiple applications.
How to Apply for WHO Internship Program 2026
The application process is completed online through WHO’s official recruitment system.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official WHO Internship Programme page.
- Review the available internship vacancies.
- Select a position related to your academic background and interests.
- Read the specific eligibility criteria and closing date.
- Create or update your profile in the WHO Stellis system.
- Enter your education, qualifications, language skills, and experience.
- Prepare a customized motivation or cover letter.
- Complete all required eligibility questions.
- Review your application carefully.
- Submit the application before the vacancy-specific deadline.
All WHO internship applications must be submitted through the official WHO recruitment system. WHO states that there is no alternative application route outside Stellis.
Application Deadline
There is no single closing date for all WHO Internship Program 2026 positions. WHO publishes internship vacancies continuously, and each position has its own application deadline and requirements. Candidates should therefore regularly check the official internship vacancies rather than relying on one general deadline.
Conclusion
The WHO Internship Program 2026 is a valuable opportunity for students and recent graduates who want international experience in public health, medicine, social sciences, administration, communications, management, and related fields.
The programme offers practical workplace exposure and, for eligible selected interns, financial support as well as medical and accident insurance. However, WHO internships are competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
