Location
Country: Switzerland
City: Geneva
Host Organization :
World Health Organization (WHO)
Duration:
Minimum: 6 weeks
Maximum: 24 weeks
About the Internship Program :
The WHO Internship Programme offers a unique opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain direct insight into the technical and administrative programs of the World Health Organization.
It is part of WHO’s mission to nurture a new generation of global health leaders from diverse backgrounds.
This internship equips participants with practical experience, broadens their knowledge of public health, and contributes to WHO’s vision of a healthier world.
Eligibility for Applicants :
Nationality: Open to candidates from most Arab and international countries.
Candidates are required to be no younger than 20 years old at the time of application.
Academic Status: Must be enrolled in or recently graduated from an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate program in:
- Public Health
- Medicine
- Social Sciences
- Communications
- Administration
- International Relations or a related field
Proficiency in one of the six official working languages of the WHO is essential (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian); IELTS scores are not required.
Additional Conditions:
- Must have completed at least 3 years of university studies.
- Those who have graduated must apply within 6 months of degree completion.
- Applicants must not be closely related to a WHO staff member.
- Previous WHO interns are not eligible.
- Valid passport from a WHO member country is required.
What’s Covered?
- Monthly living allowance for eligible candidates.
- Medical and accident insurance provided free of charge.
- Meal vouchers available at certain locations.
- Completion Certificate or Letter of Recommendation upon successful internship.
- No application fees.
- Travel opportunity within Europe.
- IELTS not required.
- A rare chance to gain hands-on international experience at one of the world’s most influential health organizations.
Required Documents :
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letter of Recommendation (from a professor or employer)
- Cover Letter
How to Apply :
- Visit the WHO careers portal and click “Apply Now”.
- Choose the internship program that best matches your background.
- Check deadlines carefully and complete the online application form.
- Upload all required documents as instructed.
Deadline :
Applications are open until all positions are filled.
FAQs
1 . Who can apply for the WHO Internship?
Anyone who meets the following criteria:
- At least 20 years old
- Enrolled in or recently graduated from an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate program
- Studying or having studied in a relevant field (e.g., public health, medicine, communications, admin, social sciences, etc.)
- From a WHO member country
- Not previously involved in a WHO internship
- Not related to a WHO staff member
- Currently enrolled in a university program OR
- A recent graduate (within 6 months of completing your degree)
2. Are travel expenses covered?
While WHO does not explicitly mention airfare coverage, selected interns often receive sufficient allowance and support to cover basic living and local travel expenses in Geneva.
3. . Do I need to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores?
No. An English proficiency test is not required. However, you must be proficient in at least one WHO working language (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian).