UNHCR Internship Program 2026 – Paid Internship with the UN Refugee Agency

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, offers internship opportunities for talented, motivated, and passionate individuals from around the world. This program allows eligible students and recent graduates to gain practical work experience in the humanitarian sector, aligning with their academic programmes and future career aspirations.

Internships are available at various locations, including UNHCR headquarters in Geneva, Global Service Centres in Amman, Budapest and Copenhagen, and field country offices. If you are looking for similar opportunities in Europe, explore fully funded scholarships in Switzerland for international students.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for an internship, candidates must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be a recent graduate (completed studies within two years of applying) or a current student in a graduate or undergraduate school programme from a university or higher education facility accredited by UNESCO

• Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a field relevant to, or of interest to, the work of the organization

• Not have immediate relatives (father, mother, brother, or sister) working for UNHCR as a staff member on any contract type or as an affiliate at the time of application

• Not have exhausted the maximum cumulative internship period with UNHCR, including any prior internships (8 months for full‑time and 12 months for part‑time)

• Be proficient in English at minimum B2 level

For students seeking other funded programs across Europe, check latest scholarships in Europe for all nationalities.

Internship Duration and Locations

Internships can begin at any time during the year and normally last between two to six months, with the possibility of extension. The maximum duration is up to eight months for full‑time internships or up to 12 months for part‑time internships.

These maximum periods apply cumulatively, including any prior internships at UNHCR. Internships are offered at various locations, including headquarters in Geneva, Global Service Centres, and field country offices. Subject to approval of their managers, interns may telework within or outside of the country of duty station.

Financial Support and Allowances

Interns who do not receive financial support from an outside party will receive an allowance to partially help support costs related to food, local transportation, and living expenses. The allowance for full‑time internships corresponds to 50% of the monthly net salary of the General Service level 3 step 1 in “H” duty stations, or 70% in all other duty stations. The allowance for part‑time internships is calculated at 50% of the applicable rate of the full‑time allowance at the respective duty station. Remote internships are also compensated.

Unless provided or paid by their sponsoring entities, UNHCR will also reimburse interns engaged from a location outside the country of the duty station for return travel costs to and from the duty station by the most economical route available. It is the intern’s responsibility to arrange for a visa and to cover related visa costs. UNHCR can provide support with the required documents.

Medical Insurance

Before the start of an internship, candidates are responsible for arranging medical insurance and providing proof to UNHCR of valid medical insurance covering the period of the contract. UNHCR accepts no responsibility for any costs connected to medical insurance of interns, nor does the organization cover the costs for medical evacuation of interns. Interns working in locations where medical facilities are inadequate are advised to ensure that their medical insurance covers emergency medical evacuation.

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Diversity and Inclusion

Internships are open to all nationalities. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.

Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity. UNHCR welcomes applications from candidates with a refugee or stateless background.

How to Apply – Step by Step

Step 1: Visit the main UNHCR recruitment platform.

Step 2: Create an account in the recruitment platform.

Step 3: Search for current internship opportunities. Internships are advertised on the main UNHCR recruitment platform, and new opportunities are regularly added. Some regional and country offices also post internship opportunities on their dedicated websites.

Step 4: Read the internship FAQs before submitting an application.

Step 5: Submit your application online. There is no application fee.

Important Note: UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing or training). Be aware of scams and fraudulent job offers.

For additional financial aid options across Europe, explore financial aids for students in Europe.

Final Thoughts

The UNHCR Internship Program is a valuable opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain hands‑on experience in the humanitarian sector while contributing to the vital work of protecting refugees worldwide.

With allowances for food, transportation, and travel costs, this paid internship opens doors to a career in international development and humanitarian affairs.

For a complete list of open internships and scholarships in Europe, visit list of all open scholarships in Europe.

Apply Now for UNHCR Internship Program