UNHCR Internship Programme 2026 (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the UNHCR Internship Programme — a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN agency dedicated to protecting and supporting refugees and displaced people worldwide.

This paid internship (with allowances) is open to current undergraduate/graduate students and recent graduates (within the last 2 years) from any nationality and field relevant to humanitarian work. It is Fully funded — providing a monthly allowance to help cover food, local transportation, and living expenses (if you have no external funding), plus reimbursement for return travel costs in many cases. There is no application fee — UNHCR never charges for any part of the recruitment process. You can check out more Internships, BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Funding: Fully Funded
• Duration: Normally 2–6 months, extendable (max 8 months full-time or 12 months part-time, cumulative)
• Start Dates: Flexible — any time during the year, based on openings
• Locations: Global — Headquarters (Geneva), Global Service Centres (Amman, Budapest, Copenhagen), field offices, or remote/telework (with approval)
• Application Fee: None
• Deadline: Rolling/ongoing (deadlines vary by position)
• Open for all Nationalities

What This Internship Offers:

• 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.

Also Check: ITRI Taiwan Summer Internship 2026 (Fully Funded)

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be a current student in an undergraduate or graduate programme, or a recent graduate (studies completed within the last 2 years) from a university accredited by UNESCO/WHED.
• Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a field relevant to UNHCR’s work (or of strong interest to the organization).
• Not have immediate relatives (father, mother, brother, sister, son, or daughter) working for UNHCR as staff or affiliates.
• Not have exceeded the maximum cumulative internship period with UNHCR (8 months full-time or 12 months part-time, including any prior ones).
• Be proficient in English at least at B2 level (no formal test required, but demonstrated ability needed).
• Meet any specific requirements in individual job postings (e.g., additional languages may be desirable).

Also Check: DESY Summer Student Programme in Germany 2026 (Fully Funded)

How to Apply?

• Visit the official UNHCR recruitment platform.
• Register and create/complete your online profile.
• Search for “internship” or specific openings (use keywords like “intern” in the job search).
• Select an open position or talent pool, read the full description carefully.
• Click “Apply” and submit a complete application in English (tailor your motivation letter to highlight skills, experience, and passion).

Also Check: AIIB Global Internship Program 2026 (Fully Funded)