How to Apply for the WHO Internship Programme (2026/2027): Eligibility, Living Allowance, Requirements and Application Guide

How to Apply for the WHO Internship Programme (2026/2027): The Complete Guide

Every year, thousands of students and recent graduates dream of gaining hands-on experience at the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations agency responsible for coordinating international public health.

Whether your goal is to contribute to disease prevention, health policy, epidemiology, emergency response, communications, or global health research, the WHO Internship Programme offers an opportunity to learn from some of the world’s leading public health experts while working on projects that influence health outcomes across the globe.

Because internship vacancies are posted throughout the year, many applicants miss opportunities simply because they are unaware of how the programme works or where to apply.

This guide explains everything you need to know about the WHO Internship Programme, including eligibility requirements, the application process, living allowance, internship duration, and practical tips that can improve your chances of being selected.

What is the WHO Internship Programme?

The WHO Internship Programme is a structured learning opportunity designed for university students and recent graduates who want practical experience within an international public health organization.

Interns work alongside WHO professionals across a wide range of technical and administrative departments while gaining valuable insight into how global health programmes are planned, implemented, and evaluated.

Internship placements are available at:

• WHO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland
• WHO Regional Offices
• WHO Country Offices
• WHO Technical Centres worldwide

Rather than submitting one general application, applicants apply directly to individual internship vacancies published on the WHO Careers portal throughout the year.

Why Consider a WHO Internship?

A WHO internship offers more than a recognizable name on your CV.

Successful interns gain experience working in one of the world’s most respected public health institutions while developing professional skills that remain valuable throughout their careers.

Potential benefits include:

• Exposure to international public health programmes
• Experience working with multidisciplinary global teams
• Professional networking opportunities
• Practical experience in research, policy development, programme implementation, and health systems
• Stronger competitiveness for future roles with WHO, UN agencies, NGOs, ministries of health, universities, and research institutions

For many professionals, a WHO internship serves as an important stepping stone toward long-term careers in global health.

Internship Duration

WHO internships are full-time.

Internships normally last:

• Minimum: 6 weeks
• Maximum: 24 consecutive weeks

The exact duration depends on the hosting department and is clearly stated in each vacancy announcement.

Is the WHO Internship Paid?

One of the most common questions is whether WHO internships are paid.

The answer is partially.

Eligible interns may receive a living allowance, but it is important to understand exactly what this covers.

WHO may provide:

• A living allowance for eligible interns based on financial need
• Medical and accident insurance during the internship
• Lunch vouchers at certain duty stations such as Geneva

The amount varies depending on the duty station and the financial support already available to the intern.

For example, interns in Geneva may receive a higher allowance if their permanent residence is outside Switzerland.

However, applicants should note that WHO generally does not cover:

• International airfare
• Accommodation
• Visa costs
• Daily living expenses beyond the allowance

Since cities such as Geneva have a high cost of living, applicants should plan their finances carefully before accepting an offer.

Who Can Apply?

The WHO Internship Programme is open to applicants from WHO Member States who meet specific academic and professional requirements.

You may be eligible if you:

• Are at least 20 years old
• Hold a valid passport from a WHO Member State
• Are currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate programme relevant to WHO’s work
• Have completed at least three years of full-time university study before the internship begins

Applicants who have already graduated may also apply provided they submit their application within 18 months of completing their qualification.

WHO welcomes applicants from fields including:

• Public Health
• Medicine
• Nursing
• Epidemiology
• Pharmacy
• Environmental Health
• Health Policy
• Statistics
• Data Science
• Communications
• Administration
• International Relations
• Economics
• Social Sciences
• Information Technology
• Management

Language Requirements

Applicants must be fluent in at least one working language used by the office where the internship is located.

Different offices may require different languages depending on their operational needs.

Who Is Not Eligible?

You are generally not eligible if:

• You have previously completed a WHO internship.
• You are an immediate family member of a WHO staff member.
• You cannot commit to full-time participation.
• You do not meet the academic requirements.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted exclusively through the WHO Careers platform.

There is no universal internship application form.

Instead, WHO publishes internship vacancies throughout the year, each with its own deadline.

The application process typically involves:

Step 1: Create Your WHO Careers Profile

Visit the official WHO Careers website and create your applicant profile.

Official Careers Portal:

https://careers.who.int/

Complete every section carefully, including:

• Education
• Work experience
• Skills
• Languages
• References

A complete profile makes future applications much easier.

Step 2: Search for Internship Vacancies

Search the Careers portal using the keyword:

Internship

Review each vacancy carefully because responsibilities and eligibility vary by department.

Step 3: Tailor Your Application

Avoid using one generic application.

Instead:

• Customize your motivation letter.
• Highlight relevant coursework.
• Mention research experience.
• Demonstrate your interest in WHO’s mission.
• Show how your skills align with the vacancy.

Tailored applications are generally much stronger than generic submissions.

Step 4: Wait for Shortlisting

Successful applicants may be invited for:

• An interview
• A written assessment
• Additional documentation

Selection timelines vary depending on the department.

Documents You May Need

Depending on the vacancy, WHO may request:

• University enrollment confirmation
• Degree certificate
• Academic transcripts
• Passport
• Motivation letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Medical certificate before the internship begins
• Declaration of Interests form

Always read the specific vacancy announcement carefully.

Five Tips to Improve Your Chances

1. Apply Early

Because internship opportunities are posted continuously, applying soon after a vacancy appears may improve your chances before applicant numbers grow.

2. Tailor Every Application

Avoid sending identical motivation letters.

Each application should demonstrate why you are interested in that specific department.

3. Highlight Relevant Experience

You do not need years of professional experience.

Relevant experience may include:

• Research projects
• Volunteer work
• Community health programmes
• Student leadership
• Data analysis
• Laboratory work

4. Demonstrate WHO Values

WHO values professionalism, collaboration, integrity, respect, and technical excellence.

Where appropriate, illustrate these qualities through examples from your academic or professional experiences.

5. Monitor the Careers Portal Regularly

Since vacancies open throughout the year, checking the Careers website regularly helps you avoid missing opportunities.

Common Mistakes Applicants Make

Many otherwise qualified applicants weaken their applications by making avoidable mistakes.

Common errors include:

• Using generic motivation letters
• Applying without reading eligibility requirements
• Missing application deadlines
• Ignoring language requirements
• Submitting incomplete profiles
• Waiting until the last day to apply

Careful preparation can significantly improve the quality of your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the WHO Internship Programme open all year?

Yes. Internship vacancies are published continuously throughout the year, although each vacancy has its own application deadline.

Can recent graduates apply?

Yes. Graduates may apply within 18 months of completing their qualification.

Are internships available outside Geneva?

Yes. WHO offers internships at headquarters, regional offices, country offices, and technical centres worldwide.

Does WHO guarantee employment after the internship?

No.

Internships provide valuable professional experience but do not guarantee future employment with WHO.

Final Thoughts

The WHO Internship Programme remains one of the most prestigious internship opportunities available to students and recent graduates interested in global health.

Competition is intense, but strong preparation, a tailored application, and regular monitoring of new vacancies can substantially improve your chances.

If you are serious about building a career in public health, global policy, epidemiology, health systems, or international development, this programme deserves a place on your application list.

Official Resources

WHO Internship Programme

https://www.who.int/careers/internship-programme

WHO Careers Portal

https://careers.who.int/

WHO Internship Frequently Asked Questions

https://www.who.int/careers/internship-programme/frequently-asked-questions

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