About this role
UNHCR Internship Programme 2026: Paid Internship Opportunities for Students and Recent Graduates Worldwide
UNHCR Internship Programme: Gain International Humanitarian Experience
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) offers internship opportunities to eligible students and recent graduates worldwide. Gain humanitarian work experience, receive a living allowance and contribute to supporting refugees and displaced communities.
Contents
- UNHCR Internship Programme: Gain International Humanitarian Experience
- About the Internship Opportunities
- Eligibility Requirements
- Internship Duration
- Financial Support and Allowances
- ALSO READ
- Medical Insurance Requirements
- Diversity and Inclusion
- How to Find and Apply for UNHCR Internships
- Why Consider an Internship with UNHCR?
- Important Recruitment Notice
- Final Overview
- APPLY VIA THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
- Join WhatsApp Channel
UNHCR Internship Programme: Gain International Humanitarian Experience
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) offers internship opportunities to talented, motivated and passionate students and recent graduates interested in developing careers in the humanitarian sector. Through its Internship Programme, the organisation provides practical work experience to individuals seeking to apply their academic knowledge while contributing to its mission of protecting people forced to flee.
The programme is designed to connect academic learning with professional experience. Interns have opportunities to work alongside experienced humanitarian professionals, develop practical skills and gain exposure to the challenges involved in refugee protection and humanitarian assistance.
UNHCR welcomes applications from qualified candidates around the world who bring different perspectives, knowledge and innovative ideas. The internships are aligned with participants’ academic backgrounds and future career aspirations.
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Unlike a single annual recruitment programme, internship opportunities are advertised throughout the year according to the needs and capacity of individual UNHCR offices.
About the Internship Opportunities
UNHCR internships are available across different departments and locations, depending on organisational requirements and the availability of meaningful assignments and supervision.
Interns may be placed at UNHCR headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, or at its Global Service Centres in Amman, Budapest and Copenhagen. Opportunities may also be available in country offices around the world.
Depending on the approval of their managers, interns may be permitted to work remotely within or outside their official duty station.
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The organisation offers opportunities in different areas of humanitarian work, allowing participants to gain experience relevant to their academic and professional interests.
Previous interns have contributed to community-based protection, procurement, energy and environmental activities, regional operations, administrative support and financial reporting.
Eligibility Requirements
The UNHCR Internship Programme is open to eligible university students and recent graduates who meet the organisation’s requirements.
To qualify, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
- Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme at a university or higher education institution accredited by UNESCO, or have graduated within the previous two years.
- Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a field relevant to, or of interest to, UNHCR’s work.
- Demonstrate English-language proficiency at a minimum B2 level.
- Not have an immediate relative, specifically a father, mother, brother or sister, working for UNHCR as a staff member under any contract type or as an affiliate at the time of application.
- Not have exceeded the maximum cumulative internship period permitted by UNHCR.
The maximum cumulative internship period is eight months for full-time internships and 12 months for part-time internships. Previous internships with UNHCR are included when calculating these limits.
Recent graduates are eligible provided they completed their studies within two years of submitting their internship applications.
Internship Duration
UNHCR internships can begin at different times throughout the year, depending on the needs of individual offices.
Most placements last between two and six months, with the possibility of extension within the organisation’s maximum permitted internship periods.
The maximum duration is:
- Full-time internships: Up to eight months.
- Part-time internships: Up to 12 months.
These limits apply cumulatively, meaning that previous internship placements with UNHCR count towards the maximum duration.
Financial Support and Allowances
UNHCR provides financial assistance to interns who do not receive financial support from an external organisation or sponsoring institution.
Eligible interns receive an allowance intended to partially support expenses associated with food, local transportation and living costs.
For full-time internships, the allowance is calculated according to the monthly net salary of a General Service (GS) level 3 step 1 employee at the relevant duty station.
The applicable rates are:
- 50% of the monthly net GS level 3 step 1 salary at duty stations classified as category H.
- 70% of the monthly net GS level 3 step 1 salary at all other duty stations.
Part-time interns receive an allowance calculated at 50% of the applicable full-time rate.
Remote internships are also compensated under the programme’s allowance arrangements.
In addition, UNHCR may reimburse eligible interns who travel from outside their country of duty station for return travel expenses. Reimbursement is based on the most economical available route and applies unless the costs are already covered by a sponsoring organisation.
Interns are responsible for arranging their own visas and paying any associated visa costs. UNHCR may assist by providing the necessary supporting documents.
Medical Insurance Requirements
Successful applicants must arrange valid medical insurance before beginning their internships.
Candidates are required to provide proof of insurance covering the entire internship period. The insurance should provide geographical coverage for both accidents and illnesses.
UNHCR does not cover interns’ medical insurance expenses or medical evacuation costs. Individuals undertaking internships in locations with limited medical facilities are therefore encouraged to ensure that their insurance includes emergency medical evacuation.
Diversity and Inclusion
The UNHCR Internship Programme is open to applicants of all nationalities. The organisation values diversity in nationality, culture, language, experience and perspectives.
Applications are encouraged from qualified candidates without discrimination based on race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.
UNHCR also welcomes applications from candidates with refugee or stateless backgrounds.
Through its inclusive recruitment approach, the organisation seeks to provide equal opportunities and maintain a working environment in which individuals from different backgrounds can contribute meaningfully to humanitarian work.