The UNHCR Internship Program 2026 is now accepting applications, offering an excellent opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience with one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations. Managed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), this fully funded program supports global efforts to protect and assist refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced communities. Interns are placed in multiple countries and receive benefits such as return travel support and a partial monthly stipend to help cover essential living expenses, including food and local transportation.
This international internship is open to candidates worldwide who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, as well as to those who have recently completed their studies. With a minimum duration of two months, the UNHCR Internship Program 2026 provides a highly valuable learning experience for individuals looking to build a career in humanitarian work, global development, or international organizations. It is an ideal chance to gain real-world exposure, strengthen professional skills, and contribute meaningfully to UNHCR’s mission.
Benefits
Interns who do not receive any support from other organizations, the UNHCR Internship Program 2026 will support them in:
- Stipend: Interns will receive a stipend to cover basic living costs and local transportation.
- Travel: UNHCR will reimburse return travel costs.
- Visa: UNHCR will assist with visa documentation. Interns are responsible for visa fees.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants from all countries can apply.
- Current student in a graduate/undergraduate program and studying at a university accredited by UNESCO (Search Your University Name). If your Institute Name appears, then you are eligible.
- Students and recent graduates are eligible for the UNHCR Internship.
- Recent graduates are those who have graduated in the last two years.
- IELTS or other language test is not required for the position.
How to Apply?
- Create an account on the UNHCR recruitment portal and set up your personal profile. All internship applications must be submitted through this platform.
- Search for current internship openings that match your interests. New positions are posted throughout the year, so check regularly.
- Open the internship posting you want and click the apply button to start your application.
- Fill out all required fields in English and make sure your information is accurate. Incomplete applications are not reviewed.
- Write a clear motivation statement that explains why you want to join UNHCR and what skills you can contribute.
- You usually do not need to upload certificates or transcripts at this stage unless the vacancy specifically asks for them.
- Submit your application before the deadline mentioned in the posting. Late submissions are not accepted.
- After applying, you will receive a confirmation email. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The UNHCR Internship Program 2026 offers hands-on experience in global offices, financial support when no external funding is available, and return travel reimbursement. Key criteria include being a current student or recent graduate, having medical insurance, and meeting eligibility rules.
Who is eligible for the UNHCR Internship Program 2026?
You must be a current undergraduate or graduate student, or a recent graduate (within two years) from a university or higher-education institution accredited by UNESCO. You also need to have completed at least two years of undergraduate study.
Where can I do an internship with UNHCR?
Internships may be offered at the UNHCR Headquarters in Geneva, at one of the Global Service Centres (Amman, Budapest or Copenhagen), or in various country or field offices worldwide. Remote teleworking may also be possible if approved by the manager.
How long does a UNHCR internship last?
Internships usually run between two to six months. For full-time internships, the period may extend up to a maximum of eight months cumulatively (including prior internships). For part-time, total cumulative internships may reach up to twelve months.
Does UNHCR pay interns or offer financial support?
If interns have no external sponsorship or funding, UNHCR gives an allowance to partially cover food, local transport, and living costs. For full-time roles, the allowance equals 70% of a GS-3 Step 1 net salary at most duty stations (50% in certain “H” duty stations).
Will UNHCR cover travel costs to the duty station?
Yes, for interns coming from outside the duty station country, UNHCR reimburses return travel costs using the most economical route available. This applies if you have no outside sponsorship covering travel.
Is medical insurance provided by UNHCR during the internship?
No, interns must arrange valid medical insurance covering the full internship period, including illness and accidents. UNHCR does not cover medical insurance costs or medical evacuation.
If you will be placed in a location with limited healthcare options, make sure your insurance also includes emergency evacuation coverage.
Are internships open to people of all nationalities and backgrounds?
Yes, UNHCR welcomes applicants from any nationality, background, religion, gender identity, disability, or refugee/stateless background. The programme promotes diversity and inclusion in its workforce. All eligible candidates, regardless of personal background, are encouraged to apply as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
Is there a hiring guarantee after the internship ends?
No, being selected as an intern with UNHCR does not guarantee employment after the internship ends. Interns are not considered UNHCR staff and their internship does not create entitlement to future hiring.
How do I apply to the UNHCR Internship Program 2026?
You must submit your application through the UNHCR recruitment platform. Create an account, complete your profile, and apply only to specific internship vacancies currently open. Do not send unsolicited or incomplete applications.
When are internship opportunities posted and how often?
Internships are posted throughout the year. UNHCR advertises them whenever offices have meaningful assignments and capacity to host interns. There is no fixed global deadline.
You should frequently check the recruitment platform and regional/country UNHCR websites for new postings relevant to your interests.
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