UNHCR Internship Programme [Worldwide; 2–6 Months; Financial Support]: Apply Online!

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, offers internships for eligible students and recent graduates interested in humanitarian work. Opportunities are advertised individually throughout the year, with locations, assignments and deadlines determined by each vacancy. Financial support is available under the programme’s conditions, rather than a blanket “fully funded” package.

About UNHCR

UNHCR supports people forced to flee. Its internship programme provides practical experience in humanitarian work related to participants’ education and career interests.

About the Internship

Assignments depend on the recruiting office, the intern’s academic background and their interests. Opportunities may involve protection, programmes, communications, media and other fields. Applicants should consult each vacancy’s description for specific responsibilities.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be current undergraduate or postgraduate students, or graduates who completed their studies within two years of applying.
• Study at an eligible accredited higher education institution.
• Have completed at least two undergraduate years in a relevant field.
• Have English proficiency of at least B2 level.
• Have no parent or sibling working for UNHCR as staff or an affiliate.
• Remain within UNHCR’s cumulative internship limits.

The programme welcomes all nationalities, although individual vacancies may impose additional requirements.

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Duration

Internships normally last two to six months. Extensions may bring the cumulative total to eight months for full-time internships or 12 months for part-time internships, including previous UNHCR placements.

Location

Placements are available at headquarters, service centres and country offices worldwide. The duty station is stated in each advertisement.

Work Mode

Teleworking within or outside the duty-station country requires managerial approval. Applying online does not mean every internship is remote.

Financial Support and Expenses

Interns without outside financial support receive an allowance contributing towards food, local transport and living expenses. Eligible travel reimbursement is also available under UNHCR’s conditions. Interns or their sponsors arrange travel and accommodation.

Visa costs and medical insurance remain the intern’s responsibility. Applicants must provide proof of suitable insurance. The programme should therefore not be described as universally fully funded.

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Application Timeline

Each advertised internship has its own closing date. There is no single programme-wide deadline or common 2027 application window; applicants must follow the relevant vacancy’s timeline.

How to Apply?

1. Visit the official UNHCR recruitment portal.
2. Search for internship vacancies and review the eligibility, location and deadline.
3. Register and complete your online profile.
4. Submit a complete application in English, following the vacancy’s document requirements.

UNHCR does not charge recruitment fees. Only shortlisted applicants are contacted for further selection stages.