UNHCR Internship Programme 2026

Applications are now open for the UNHCR Internship Programme, offered by the UN Refugee Agency to current students and recent graduates from around the world. Interns work at UNHCR headquarters in Geneva, at Global Service Centres in Amman, Budapest and Copenhagen, or in field country offices, and some may telework with manager approval.

The programme is open to undergraduate and graduate students who have completed at least two years of undergraduate study, as well as graduates who finished within the last two years. The application deadline depends on each internship posting, so check the platform for the date. UNHCR does not state any stipend or funding on its internship page, so confirm the terms in each posting before applying. There is no application fee at any stage. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Organization: UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
• Program Type: UNHCR Internship Programme
• Host Country: Switzerland (Geneva), Jordan (Amman), Hungary (Budapest), Denmark (Copenhagen) and field offices in many countries
• Application Deadline: Varies by posting. Check each role on the UNHCR recruitment platform.
• Open to All Nationalities: Yes
• Application Fee: None

What This Internship Offers:

• You gain practical work experience in a global organization that supports people forced to flee their homes.
• Offices offer interns assignments that matter, with supervision to guide your learning.
• The experience is matched to your academic programme and future career goals, so it strengthens your CV in your chosen field.
• You can gain experience at headquarters, a Global Service Centre or a field office.
• With your manager’s approval, you may telework from within or outside the country of duty station.
• You can apply without paying any fee at any stage.

Also Check: RISE Germany 2027 Paid Summer Research Internship

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be a current student or recent graduate of an undergraduate or graduate programme
• Study or have studied at a university or higher education institution accredited by UNESCO
• Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a field relevant to the work of UNHCR
• Have no immediate relatives (father, mother, brother or sister) working for UNHCR as staff on any contract type or as an affiliate at the time you apply
• Not have used up the maximum internship period with UNHCR, including any earlier internships
• Be proficient in English at B2 level or above

Who Counts as a Recent Graduate?

A recent graduate is someone who completed their studies within two years of applying.

Is Your University Accredited?

Check the World Higher Education Database to see whether your institution is accredited by UNESCO.

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How Long Can You Intern:

• 8 months for full time internships
• 12 months for part time internships

This limit includes any internships you have done with UNHCR before.

Where to Find Internship Openings:

Some regional and country offices post their own internship opportunities on their websites. Visit these pages often so you do not miss an opening. You can browse the UNHCR country websites here.

Also Check: KAIST Winter Research Internship in South Korea 2026/2027 (Paid)

How to Apply:

1. Visit the UNHCR recruitment platform.
2. Create an account on the platform.
3. Search for available internship roles that match your studies.
4. Read the Application and selection page to understand the process.
5. Read the internship FAQs before you apply.
6. Submit your application through the platform before the deadline shown on the posting.

Also Check: CaCTüS Research Internship by the Max Planck Institute in Germany (Paid Program)