The WHO Internship Programme is an opportunity for students and recent graduates seeking experience in global public health. Organized by the World Health Organization (WHO), the WHO Internship Programme helps public health leaders gain exposure to technical and administrative work while contributing to health programmes.
WHO Internship Programme 2026 – Quick Overview
Host Organization: World Health Organization (WHO)
Eligible Applicants: Students and recent graduates
Fields: Public health, medicine, social sciences, management, administration, communications and external relations
Duration: 6 to 24 weeks, full-time
Locations: WHO headquarters, regional offices and country offices
Application Method: Online through WHO Stellis
Deadline: Varies by internship vacancy
What is the WHO Internship Programme?
The WHO Internship Programme helps students and recent graduates understand how an international public health organization operates. Interns can gain knowledge, develop professional skills and contribute to WHO technical or administrative programmes.
WHO offers internships in public health, medical and social fields, management, administration, communications and external relations. Positions are available in different WHO offices, and vacancies are posted continuously. Because each WHO internship vacancy can have different requirements and deadlines, applicants should check the official internship page.
WHO Internship Requirements and Eligibility
To apply for the WHO Internship Programme, candidates must meet the WHO internship requirements:
Age: Applicants must be at least 20 years old on the date of application.
Education: Applicants must be enrolled in a university or equivalent institution leading to an undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate qualification in a field. Candidates who completed their qualification may also qualify if they apply within 18 months of completion.
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Study Requirement: Applicants must have completed at least three years of full-time university-level study before starting the internship.
Language: Applicants must be fluent in at least one working language of the office where the WHO internship is based.
Nationality: Applicants must hold a valid passport from a WHO Member State.
Family Relationship: Applicants must not be closely related to a WHO staff member, such as a parent, sibling or child.
Previous Internship: Candidates must not have previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme.
WHO Internship Programme Benefits
The WHO Internship Programme provides professional exposure. WHO provides medical and accident insurance coverage throughout the internship period. Eligible selected interns may also receive financial support through a living allowance, subject to the vacancy conditions and assessment of financial support needs.
Some duty stations may provide lunch vouchers. The WHO Internship Programme can also help students develop international experience, professional networks and a stronger understanding of global health systems.
How Long is the WHO Internship?
WHO internships are full-time and last a minimum of six weeks and a maximum of 24 weeks. The exact duration depends on the needs of the WHO technical unit and the individual vacancy. Internships are generally completed at one location.
How to Apply for the WHO Internship Programme
The WHO Internship application process is completed online. Applicants must apply through internship vacancy notices published on the WHO Careers website and processed through the WHO online recruitment system, Stellis. WHO states that there is no way to apply for a WHO internship outside Stellis.
To apply, candidates should review WHO internship vacancies, select positions matching their education and interests, create or update their Stellis profile, answer eligibility questions, provide education and language information, and submit a tailored application. WHO recommends checking the internship page because opportunities are published continuously and deadlines vary.
Documents and Candidate Obligations
Selected candidates may be asked to provide proof of university enrolment or proof of qualification completion. Before starting, interns must provide a WHO medical certificate of fitness for work and disclose relevant conflicts of interest, including financial support such as scholarships or grants. Applicants should not send documents unless WHO specifically requests them.
Important Note for Applicants
The WHO Internship Programme is highly competitive, and only a limited number of candidates are selected. An internship does not automatically lead to employment with WHO. However, interns may later apply for eligible WHO vacancies through the recruitment process.
WHO Internship Programme – Frequently Asked Questions
Can recent graduates apply for a WHO internship?
Yes. Applicants may qualify if they apply within 18 months after completing their formal qualification.
Is the WHO Internship paid?
Eligible selected interns may receive a living allowance or financial support, depending on the vacancy, duty station and eligibility assessment. Medical and accident insurance is provided during the internship.
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Where can I find WHO Internship vacancies?
WHO internship vacancies are published through the official WHO Careers system. Applicants should check regularly for new positions.
Final Thoughts
The WHO Internship Programme is an opportunity for students and recent graduates seeking experience in global public health. With technical and administrative opportunities, international exposure, insurance coverage and support, the WHO Internship can be a valuable step toward a career in public health and international development around the world.0
Official WHO Internship Application Link
Official Application Link
