UNHCR Internship Programme 2026 – Eligibility, Benefits and How to Apply

UNHCR

Internships
Multiple Location
November 1, 2026

The UNHCR Internship Programme 2026 offers international students and recent graduates a chance to gain practical work experience. Interns work with the United Nations Refugee Agency and learn about humanitarian work while receiving financial support under the programme’s allowance rules.

Quick Details

Category	Details
Host Organization	UNHCR
Host Country	Multiple countries
Programme Type	International Internship
Eligible Applicants	Students and recent graduates
Nationality	All nationalities
Study Background	Undergraduate or graduate studies
English Requirement	Minimum B2 level
Internship Duration	Normally 2–6 months
Financial Support	Living, food and local transport allowance
Application Opening	Throughout the year
Deadline	Depends on each vacancy
Application Method	Online UNHCR recruitment platform

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Internship Benefits

Selected interns may receive the following support:

Monthly Allowance: Financial support for food, local transport and living expenses.
Full-Time Allowance: 50% or 70% of the monthly net salary of GS-3 Step 1, depending on the duty station.
Part-Time Allowance: 50% of the applicable full-time allowance.
Travel Costs: Return travel may be reimbursed for eligible interns coming from outside the duty station country.
Remote Work: Remote internships are also compensated.
International Experience: Gain practical experience in a United Nations organization.
Professional Skills: Develop communication, teamwork and workplace skills.

Important funding information: The allowance provides partial financial support. It does not guarantee that all living expenses will be covered. Interns must arrange and pay for their own medical insurance and visa costs.

Who Can Apply?

Candidates must meet the following requirements:

Nationality: Applicants from all countries can apply.
Education: Current undergraduate or graduate students, or recent graduates.
University: The educational institution must be accredited by UNESCO.
Study Progress: At least two years of undergraduate studies must be completed.
Relevant Background: The field of study must relate to, or be of interest to, UNHCR’s work.
Recent Graduates: Applicants must have completed their studies within two years before applying.
Family Connection: Applicants cannot have a parent, sibling or other specified immediate relative working for UNHCR as staff or an affiliate at the time of application.
Previous UNHCR Internships: Applicants must not have reached the maximum total internship period.
English: Minimum B2 English proficiency is required.

Internship Duration and Locations

Normal Duration: Most internships last between two and six months.
Full-Time Maximum: Up to eight months in total.
Part-Time Maximum: Up to 12 months in total.
Starting Date: Internships can begin at different times throughout the year.
Geneva: Opportunities may be available at UNHCR headquarters.
Other Locations: Amman, Budapest, Copenhagen and field offices.
Remote Work: Teleworking may be possible with management approval.

Available Fields and Internship Areas

UNHCR does not publish one fixed list of subjects for all internships. Available positions depend on the needs of each office.

Examples of possible work areas include:

Refugee Protection: Support activities related to refugee rights and protection.
Programme Support: Help with humanitarian programmes and project activities.
Communications: Assist with writing, media and public information.
Administration: Support office activities and daily operations.
Legal Affairs: Assist with legal research and related activities.
Information Management: Support data collection, reporting and information systems.
Public Relations: Help with communication and external relations.

The exact duties and preferred academic background appear in each vacancy announcement.

Language Requirements

English: Minimum B2 proficiency is required under the general internship rules.
Application Language: Applications must be submitted in English.
IELTS: The general internship information does not specify an IELTS certificate requirement.
TOEFL: A TOEFL certificate requirement is not specified on the general programme page.
Other Languages: Some positions may require additional languages, depending on their location and duties.

Required Documents

The general programme page does not provide one complete document checklist for every internship.

Application Profile: Complete your profile on the UNHCR recruitment platform.
Other Documents: Follow the requirements listed in your selected vacancy.
Academic Certificates: The general application guidance does not require applicants to send copies of qualifications at the initial application stage.

Note: Check the specific vacancy before submitting your application. Requirements can differ between positions.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for a UNHCR internship:

Visit the Official Website: Open the UNHCR Internship Programme page.
Find Available Positions: Visit the official recruitment platform and search for internship vacancies.
Select an Internship: Choose a position that matches your education and interests.
Create an Account: Register on the UNHCR recruitment platform and complete your online profile.
Complete the Application: Read the vacancy instructions and provide the requested information in English.
Submit Your Application: Apply through the online platform before the vacancy closes.
Check Your Email: Look for the confirmation message after submitting your application.

Official Website

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