UNHCR Internship Programme 2026 | Apply for Paid Internship Opportunities
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is offering internship opportunities to eligible students and recent graduates interested in gaining practical experience in the humanitarian sector.
The UNHCR Internship Programme provides an opportunity to work with the UN Refugee Agency, contribute to initiatives supporting refugees and displaced people, and develop valuable professional skills. Applications are open to eligible candidates of all nationalities.
Interested applicants who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for the programme through the official UNHCR careers portal.
UNHCR Internship Programme 2026 Overview
- Host Organisation: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- Programme Type: Internship
- Eligible Applicants: Current university students and recent graduates
- Eligible Nationalities: All nationalities
- Duration: 2 to 6 months, with possible extensions
- Work Arrangement: On-site or remote, depending on the opportunity
- Financial Support: Monthly allowance, subject to applicable conditions
- Application Deadline: Check the official application portal for individual vacancies
- Application Portal: UNHCR Careers
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About the UNHCR Internship Programme
The UNHCR Internship Programme is designed to give students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience while contributing to the organisation’s humanitarian work.
Interns support different teams and departments, applying their academic knowledge to real-world assignments and projects. The programme also allows participants to develop professional skills and gain exposure to the work of an international humanitarian organisation.
Internship opportunities may be available in different fields, depending on the needs of UNHCR and the requirements of individual vacancies.
Responsibilities of UNHCR Interns
Successful applicants may be expected to:
- Contribute to assignments related to UNHCR’s work.
- Support teams and departments in their respective areas of responsibility.
- Apply academic knowledge to practical humanitarian activities.
- Assist with projects and tasks related to their academic backgrounds and career interests.
Specific responsibilities will depend on the internship position and the department to which the intern is assigned.
Requirements for the UNHCR Internship Programme 2026
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a current undergraduate or graduate student at a university or higher education institution accredited by UNESCO, or a recent graduate who completed their studies within the last two years.
- Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a field relevant to or of interest to UNHCR.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English at a minimum B2 level.
- Not have immediate relatives, including a father, mother, brother or sister, working for UNHCR.
- Not have exceeded the maximum cumulative internship period permitted by UNHCR: eight months for full-time internships or 12 months for part-time internships.
Applicants should review the specific vacancy announcement to confirm any additional requirements before applying.
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Benefits of the UNHCR Internship Programme
The programme offers several benefits to eligible interns, including:
- Monthly Allowance: Financial support to help cover food, local transportation and living expenses for interns without external financial support.
- Full-Time Internship Allowance: Equivalent to 50% of the monthly net salary of GS-3 Step 1 in H duty stations or 70% in other duty stations.
- Part-Time Internship Allowance: Calculated at 50% of the applicable full-time rate.
- Remote Internship Compensation: Eligible interns undertaking remote internships may also receive an allowance.
- Travel Support: Return travel costs may be reimbursed for eligible interns recruited from outside the country of their duty station, subject to applicable conditions.
- Practical Experience: Gain hands-on experience in humanitarian work and contribute to initiatives supporting refugees and displaced people.
- Professional Development: Develop relevant skills while working with an international organisation.
The applicable allowance and other benefits depend on the internship arrangement and the conditions specified by UNHCR.
Duration of the UNHCR Internship
The standard internship duration is between two and six months.
Extensions may be possible, subject to organisational needs and applicable conditions, up to a maximum cumulative period of eight months for full-time internships or 12 months for part-time internships.
How to Apply for the UNHCR Internship Programme 2026
Interested and qualified candidates can apply by following these steps:
- Visit the official UNHCR careers portal using the application link below.
- Search for available internship opportunities.
- Select an internship vacancy that matches your academic background, skills and interests.
- Carefully review the job description and eligibility requirements.
- Prepare the required application documents and complete the online application.
- Submit your application according to the instructions provided in the vacancy announcement.
Applicants should ensure that the information submitted is accurate and that they meet the requirements of their chosen internship position.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can access the official UNHCR careers portal to explore available internship opportunities and submit their applications.
Apply here
Conclusion
The UNHCR Internship Programme 2026 offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience, develop professional skills and contribute to humanitarian work supporting refugees and displaced people.
Eligible candidates from all nationalities are encouraged to explore available vacancies and apply for opportunities that match their qualifications and career interests.