The World Health Organization (WHO) offers internship opportunities to students and recent graduates who want to gain practical experience in global health and international development.
Through the WHO Global Internship Programme, successful applicants can gain exposure to the technical and administrative work of an international health organisation. The programme includes opportunities in public health, medical and social fields, communications, management, administration and external relations.
One important feature is that internship vacancies are published continuously. This means candidates can monitor the WHO careers platform throughout the year instead of waiting for one annual application period.
World Health OrganizationWhat Does the Internship Programme Cover?
WHO internships provide practical learning experiences in different departments and areas of work.
Depending on the available placement, interns may:
Support public health research and technical activities.
Assist with health-related projects and programmes.
Contribute to communications and public information activities.
Support administrative and management functions.
Participate in research, documentation and programme coordination.
Learn how international health programmes operate.
WHO provides medical and accident insurance coverage during the internship period.
The organisation also provides a living allowance to eligible selected interns who need financial support. This support is assessed according to the organisation's applicable financial-support rules and is not guaranteed to every intern.
World Health OrganizationWho Can Apply?
Applicants must generally meet the following conditions:
Be at least 20 years old on the date of application.
Be enrolled in a university or equivalent institution leading to a formal qualification.
Have completed at least three years of full-time university studies before starting the internship.
Study a field related to WHO's technical or administrative work.
Be fluent in at least one working language of the office where the internship is based.
Hold a valid passport from a WHO Member State.
Not have previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme.
Meet the programme's family-relationship and other eligibility conditions.
Applicants who have already completed their qualification may also be considered if they apply within 18 months of completing it.
World Health OrganizationHow to Apply
Visit the official WHO Internship Programme website.
Review the eligibility requirements carefully.
Open the WHO careers platform.
Search for internship vacancies.
Select a vacancy that matches your academic background.
Prepare the required documents and complete the online application.
Submit your application through the WHO recruitment system, Stellis, before the vacancy deadline.
WHO does not accept internship applications outside its official recruitment system.
World Health OrganizationImportant Information
Internship vacancies are published continuously, but each position has its own deadline.
Opportunities may be available at WHO headquarters, regional offices and country offices.
Applicants should check the location and requirements of each vacancy.
Financial support depends on eligibility and assessment.
Insurance coverage during the internship does not automatically cover travel to and from the duty station or periods outside the internship.
Meeting the general eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.
Official Application and Information Links
Source attribution: Information verified from the official WHO Global Internship Programme and careers information.