UNHCR Internship Programme 2026: Paid Internship Opportunities for Students and Recent Graduates Worldwide
Overview
The UNHCR Internship Programme offers practical humanitarian work experience for students and recent graduates worldwide. Participants work with the UN Refugee Agency to support its mission of protecting and assisting people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, and other emergencies. Placements span various operational activities connected to interns' academic backgrounds and career interests.
Who can apply
Applicants of all nationalities are welcome. Candidates must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme at a UNESCO-accredited higher education institution, having completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a relevant field, or have graduated within the previous two years. Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at a minimum B2 level and must not have immediate relatives working for UNHCR as staff members or affiliates at the time of application. Candidates also must not have exceeded UNHCR's maximum cumulative internship period.
What you get
Internships last between two and six months with possible extensions, up to a maximum cumulative period of eight months for full-time and 12 months for part-time placements. Eligible interns who lack external financial support receive a monthly allowance intended to help cover food, local transport, and living expenses, which is also provided for remote internships. UNHCR may additionally reimburse return travel costs from outside the duty station country via the most economical route, provided those costs are not covered by an external sponsor.
Requirements
Selected interns must arrange and cover their own visas, though UNHCR can provide supporting documentation. Participants are fully responsible for securing their own valid medical insurance covering the entire internship period for both accidents and illnesses, including emergency medical evacuation if working in areas with limited medical facilities.
How to apply
Opportunities are advertised throughout the year with no single application deadline. Interested individuals should review specific vacancy postings for location and working arrangements before submitting an application.