For students and recent graduates who aspire to make a difference in global health, few opportunities are as prestigious as an internship with the World Health Organization (WHO). As the leading international agency for public health, WHO works with governments and partners to address disease outbreaks, strengthen health systems, improve emergency preparedness, and promote healthier lives worldwide.
The WHO Internship Programme 2026 provides an opportunity to gain practical experience while working alongside public health experts, researchers, policy specialists, and technical professionals. Interns contribute to real projects while learning how international health programmes are designed and implemented. The programme is open to students and recent graduates from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including public health, medicine, life sciences, communications, information technology, administration, economics, and international relations.
About the WHO Internship Programme
The WHO Internship Programme is designed to help students and recent graduates gain practical knowledge of international public health while supporting WHO’s technical and administrative work. Internships are offered at WHO headquarters, regional offices, and country offices, depending on organizational needs and available vacancies. Opportunities are published throughout the year, and applicants must apply through WHO’s official recruitment platform.
Why This Internship Is in Demand
Global health challenges continue to evolve, including disease prevention, health emergencies, climate-related health risks, digital health, and health equity. WHO requires talented interns who can assist with research, policy development, communications, data analysis, project management, and administrative support.
Because the programme offers exposure to international public health projects and collaboration with experts from around the world, it remains highly competitive among students and graduates seeking careers in global health and development.
Internship Areas
WHO regularly offers internship opportunities across multiple departments.
Public Health Internship
Support disease prevention programmes, health promotion initiatives, and public health research.
Research Internship
Assist with literature reviews, data collection, technical reports, and evidence-based research projects.
Health Policy Internship
Contribute to policy analysis, programme planning, and health system strengthening initiatives.
Digital Health Internship
Support projects involving digital health technologies, innovation, and health information systems.
Communications Internship
Prepare communication materials, social media content, publications, and awareness campaigns.
Administration Internship
Assist with human resources, finance, procurement, logistics, and administrative operations.
Internship Responsibilities
Depending on the department, interns may:
- Conduct research and literature reviews
- Collect and analyse public health data
- Prepare reports and presentations
- Support technical meetings and workshops
- Assist programme implementation
- Draft communication materials
- Organize project documentation
- Participate in virtual and in-person meetings
- Support monitoring and evaluation activities
- Collaborate with international teams
- Perform administrative support duties
- Contribute ideas to ongoing health initiatives
Assignments vary according to the office and technical unit.
Internship Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Living Allowance | Available for eligible interns requiring financial support |
| Medical and Accident Insurance | Provided during the internship |
| Professional Mentorship | Work alongside experienced WHO professionals |
| International Experience | Exposure to global public health programmes |
| Networking Opportunities | Collaborate with experts from different countries |
| Certificate | Available upon successful completion, upon request |
| Internship Duration | Generally 6 to 24 weeks (full-time) |
The exact benefits depend on the internship location and vacancy announcement.
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Typical Criteria |
| Education | Currently enrolled student or recent graduate (within the permitted eligibility period) |
| Academic Fields | Public Health, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Biology, Economics, IT, Communications, Administration, International Relations, or related disciplines |
| Age | At least 20 years old at the time of application |
| Language | Fluency in at least one working language of the duty station |
| Nationality | Citizen of a WHO Member State |
| Previous Internship | Applicants must not have previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme |
Additional eligibility requirements may apply depending on the vacancy.
Why You Should Apply
A WHO internship offers much more than academic experience. Interns gain practical exposure to international public health, strengthen research and analytical skills, and build professional networks with experts working on some of the world’s most important health challenges.
The experience can strengthen future applications for careers in:
- International organizations
- Government health ministries
- Public health agencies
- Medical research institutions
- NGOs
- Global health consulting
- International development organizations
Step-by-Step Application Process
Prepare Your CV
Highlight your education, research experience, volunteer work, technical skills, language abilities, and leadership activities.
Write a Tailored Motivation Letter
Explain why you want to work with WHO, how your academic background aligns with the internship, and how you can contribute to the specific role. WHO recommends tailoring your motivation letter for each internship application.
Prepare Supporting Documents
Applicants may be asked to provide:
- Updated CV
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of enrolment or graduation
- Passport
- Language qualifications (if requested)
Submit Your Application
Applications must be submitted through WHO’s official Stellis recruitment system. Internship vacancies are published throughout the year with different deadlines.
Interview Process
Shortlisted applicants may participate in an interview and, for some positions, a written assessment. Interviews typically assess communication skills, technical knowledge, motivation, teamwork, and understanding of the role.
Tips to Avoid Scams
- Apply only through WHO’s official careers portal.
- WHO does not charge application or recruitment fees.
- Never send money to anyone claiming to guarantee an internship.
- Verify vacancy announcements before sharing personal information.
Common Mistakes Applicants Make
- Using a generic motivation letter
- Applying without meeting eligibility requirements
- Submitting incomplete applications
- Ignoring language requirements
- Missing application deadlines
- Failing to highlight research or volunteer experience
- Not tailoring the CV to the internship
Related Career Opportunities
If you’re interested in global health and international development, you may also explore:
- UNICEF Research Internship Programmes
- UNDP Digital and AI Internships
- Public Health Research Fellowships with International Organizations
These opportunities can help build valuable international experience in research, policy, and humanitarian work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the WHO Internship Programme paid?
WHO provides a living allowance to eligible interns who require financial support, along with medical and accident insurance during the internship.
Can recent graduates apply?
Yes. Individuals who recently completed their qualification may be eligible if they apply within the permitted timeframe after graduation.
How long does the internship last?
WHO internships are full-time and generally last between six and twenty-four consecutive weeks, depending on the assignment.
Is previous work experience required?
No. Academic projects, volunteer work, research experience, and extracurricular activities can strengthen your application if you have limited professional experience.
Does completing a WHO internship guarantee a job?
No. The internship is a learning opportunity and does not automatically lead to employment, although it can strengthen your qualifications for future opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The WHO Internship Programme 2026 offers students and recent graduates an exceptional opportunity to gain hands-on experience in global public health, research, and international development. By working alongside experienced professionals and contributing to meaningful health initiatives, interns develop practical skills that can support long-term careers in international organizations, government agencies, research institutions, and the wider public health sector.
If you are passionate about improving global health, expanding your professional network, and gaining international experience, the WHO Internship Programme is an opportunity well worth considering.
