The World Health Organization (WHO) Internship Programme 2026 offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience in global public health, healthcare administration, communications and other professional fields. The programme helps young professionals understand how international health organizations operate while contributing their knowledge and skills to public health initiatives.
For students interested in international development, medicine, public health or administration, the WHO internship provides an opportunity to learn from professionals working in global health. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements and submit their applications through the official WHO recruitment system.
Here is everything you need to know about the WHO Internship Programme, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, benefits and important requirements.
1. Overview of the WHO Internship Programme 2026
The WHO Internship Programme is designed to help students and recent graduates develop professional skills and gain exposure to the work of an international health organization.
The World Health Organization recognizes that a skilled and diverse workforce is essential for improving health systems worldwide. Through its internship opportunities, WHO gives eligible candidates the chance to learn about technical programmes, administrative operations and international public health activities.
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Interns may be assigned to different WHO offices, depending on available vacancies and their qualifications.
WHO internship programme highlights:
- Organization: World Health Organization (WHO).
- Programme: WHO Global Internship Programme.
- Target applicants: Eligible university students and recent graduates.
- Fields: Public health, medicine, social sciences, management, communications and administration.
- Locations: WHO headquarters, regional offices and country offices.
- Application method: Online recruitment through the WHO Stellis system.
- Insurance: Medical and accident insurance during the internship period.
- Financial support: Living allowances may be available to eligible selected interns.
Applicants should check the official WHO Careers website for current vacancies, specific requirements and application deadlines.
2. WHO Internship Programme Eligibility Requirements
Before applying for a WHO internship, candidates should carefully review the eligibility criteria. Applicants must satisfy the organization’s requirements to be considered for available positions.
Age requirement
Applicants must be at least 20 years old on the date of application.
Candidates should confirm that they meet this requirement before submitting their applications.
Educational qualifications
Applicants must be enrolled in a course of study at a university or equivalent institution leading to a formal qualification. Eligible academic levels include undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate studies.
The programme considers applicants studying subjects related to WHO’s technical and administrative activities.
Relevant fields include:
- Public health and medicine.
- Social sciences and related disciplines.
- Health systems and other relevant technical subjects.
- Management and administration.
- Communications and external relations.
Applicants must also have completed at least three years of full-time university studies before starting the internship.
Recent graduates may also qualify. According to the stated eligibility criteria, individuals who have completed a formal qualification may be considered if they apply within 18 months of completing their studies.
Language requirements
Candidates must be fluent in at least one of the working languages used by the WHO office where they would be assigned.
Language requirements may differ depending on the position and location.
Nationality and passport requirements
Applicants must hold a valid passport issued by a WHO Member State.
Candidates should ensure their travel documents meet the applicable requirements before applying.
Family relationship restrictions
Applicants must not be related to a WHO staff member in the specified close family relationships, including as a son, daughter, brother, sister, mother or father.
Previous internship participation
Candidates who have previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme are not eligible under the stated criteria.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection. Each vacancy may have additional qualifications, experience requirements and selection criteria.
3. How to Apply for the WHO Internship Programme 2026
The WHO internship application process is conducted online. Applicants must submit their applications through the official vacancy announcements published on the WHO Careers website.
WHO does not accept internship applications outside its designated online recruitment system, Stellis.
Follow these steps to apply.
Step 1: Visit the official WHO Careers website
Open the and navigate to the internship opportunities section.
Step 2: Search for available internship vacancies
Review the available internship positions and identify opportunities related to your academic background, skills and professional interests.
Internship vacancies may be advertised throughout the year, so opportunities and deadlines can vary.
Step 3: Read the vacancy announcement carefully
Check the qualifications, required skills, language requirements, location and application deadline for your preferred position.
Do not assume that every internship has identical requirements.
Step 4: Apply through the Stellis recruitment system
Follow the application instructions provided in the relevant vacancy announcement and submit your application through the WHO online recruitment system.
Step 5: Review your application before submission
Ensure that all requested information is accurate and complete. Submit the application before the deadline specified in the vacancy announcement.
Important: There is no single application deadline for every WHO internship. Each vacancy has its own requirements and closing date, so applicants should regularly check the official recruitment portal.
4. Benefits of the WHO Internship Programme
The WHO Internship Programme offers professional learning opportunities for students and recent graduates interested in international health.
Practical experience in global health
Interns gain exposure to the technical and administrative activities of WHO. Depending on their assignments, they may learn about health programmes, organizational processes and the work of international public health professionals.
Professional development
The internship allows participants to apply academic knowledge in a professional environment while developing skills relevant to their future careers.
International workplace exposure
Internship opportunities may be available at WHO headquarters in Geneva, regional offices and country offices. The location depends on the specific vacancy.
Medical and accident insurance
WHO provides interns with medical and accident insurance coverage for the duration of their internship.
However, coverage before the internship begins and after it ends, including travel to and from the duty station, remains the intern’s personal and financial responsibility under the stated programme conditions.
Living allowance and possible additional support
WHO provides a living allowance to eligible selected interns who need financial support, subject to an assessment of their circumstances.
Candidates must complete a Declaration of Interests form and disclose relevant financial support, including grants, bursaries and scholarships. The information provided is used to assess eligibility for financial assistance.
Lunch vouchers may also be available at certain duty stations.
Note: A living allowance is not automatically guaranteed to every intern. Applicants should review the applicable financial support conditions before accepting an internship.
5. Which Fields Are Available for WHO Internships?
The WHO Internship Programme covers a range of technical and administrative areas.
Depending on available vacancies, opportunities may be relevant to students pursuing careers in public health, medicine, social sciences, management, communications and external relations.
Administrative placements may also provide experience in organizational support functions, including human resources.
Applicants should focus on vacancies that match their qualifications and demonstrate how their academic background relates to the responsibilities described in the position announcement.
6. Important Tips for WHO Internship Applicants
Candidates interested in the WHO Internship Programme 2026 should prepare carefully before applying.
First, verify that you meet the age, education, nationality and language requirements.
Second, check the WHO Careers website regularly because internship vacancies are published on a continuing basis.
Third, read every vacancy announcement carefully. Requirements and deadlines can differ between departments and duty stations.
Finally, ensure that your application clearly presents your education, relevant skills and interest in public health or the specific administrative field.
Submitting an application does not guarantee selection, and candidates should rely on official WHO communications for recruitment updates.
7. Where to Find WHO Internship Vacancies
The official WHO Careers website is the primary source for internship announcements, application instructions and recruitment information.
Apply and check available opportunities here:
Applicants should use the official vacancy notices to access the appropriate Stellis application process. They should also consult the frequently asked questions and vacancy-specific guidance for further information.
Conclusion
The WHO Internship Programme 2026 provides eligible students and recent graduates with an opportunity to gain professional exposure to international public health, healthcare administration and related fields.
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements, including the minimum age of 20, the relevant educational criteria, language proficiency and nationality requirements. Eligible candidates must apply through the official WHO recruitment system, Stellis.
With opportunities across different technical and administrative areas, the programme can help aspiring professionals develop valuable skills and better understand the work of a global health organization.
If you are interested in a WHO internship, visit the official WHO Careers website, review the available vacancies and apply before the deadline specified in your preferred position announcement.
Editorial note: Vacancy availability, deadlines and financial support conditions may change. Applicants should confirm the latest details directly with WHO before applying.
