UNHCR Internship Programme: Eligibility, Financial Support and How to Apply

The UNHCR Internship Programme gives students and recent graduates experience in humanitarian work. Depending on the assignment, you could contribute to refugee protection, programmes, communications, media or other activities supporting the organisation’s work. Your responsibilities depend on the office’s needs and your background. 

Application deadline: Varies by vacancy. Opportunities are advertised throughout the year, and each announcement has its own closing date. 

Who can apply?

UNHCR welcomes applicants of all nationalities, including people with refugee or stateless backgrounds.

To qualify, you must:

• Be studying towards an undergraduate or graduate qualification, or have graduated within the previous two years.
• Have completed at least two years of undergraduate study in a relevant field.
• Meet UNHCR’s stated university or higher-education accreditation requirement.
• Have English proficiency of at least B2.
• Have no parent or sibling working for UNHCR as staff or an affiliate when applying.
• Have remaining eligibility under the cumulative internship limits below. Official eligibility requirements

UNHCR’s general recruitment guidance also excludes applicants whose children are UNHCR staff members. General application requirements

Check the individual vacancy for additional qualifications, language skills and location-specific requirements.

Location and duration

Placements include Geneva headquarters, service centres and country offices.

Internships normally last two to six months. Extensions can bring cumulative service, including previous UNHCR internships, to:

• Eight months for full-time internships.
• 12 months for part-time internships. Placement information

Working hours follow the host office’s arrangements. Part-time and flexible working options depend on the assignment and agreement with your supervisor. Remote working should therefore be confirmed for the particular role. Working arrangements

Financial support and expenses

Living allowance

Interns without outside financial support receive an allowance contributing towards food, local transportation and living expenses. Agreements with sponsoring institutions may involve different payment arrangements. Official funding FAQs

Amounts vary by duty station and working arrangement. Remote internships are also compensated. Allowance information

Before accepting an offer, request the applicable amount and compare it with your expected accommodation, food, transport and other expenses.

Travel and accommodation

Eligible interns recruited from outside the duty-station country can receive reimbursement for economical return travel, unless their sponsor already covers it.

You or your sponsoring institution remain responsible for arranging travel and accommodation. Travel and accommodation guidance, travel reimbursement conditions

Visas and medical insurance

You arrange and pay for visas; UNHCR can supply supporting documents.

You must also arrange and fund medical insurance covering your contract and location, including accident and illness. UNHCR does not pay insurance or medical-evacuation costs. Visa and insurance requirements

How to apply

1. Find a suitable vacancy. Search the UNHCR recruitment platform for internship opportunities.
2. Read the announcement carefully. Check the duties, qualifications, location and deadline.
3. Register and complete your profile. Provide accurate education, experience and language information.
4. Prepare your application in English. Tailor your letter of interest and provide the documents requested.
5. Submit before the closing date. Incomplete or late applications are not accepted.
6. Keep the confirmation. The system sends a notification after submission.

UNHCR’s current central guidance requires online applications; emailed CVs are not considered. It also states that copies of academic qualifications and previous employment contracts are not normally required at the initial stage. Follow any specific instructions in your vacancy. Official application instructions

Selection and future employment

Only shortlisted applicants are contacted. Depending on the position, selection may involve assessments and interviews. Recruitment guidance

Completing an internship does not guarantee a job with UNHCR. However, internship experience can count towards later employment applications under the applicable guidelines. Internship FAQs

When preparing, choose examples that demonstrate skills relevant to the advertised duties. Coursework, research, volunteering and previous placements can help you explain what you would contribute.

Official information and application

UNHCR does not charge recruitment fees. Official recruitment information

• Programme overview: UNHCR Internships
• Find vacancies and apply: UNHCR recruitment platform
• Application guidance: How to apply
• Programme questions: Internship FAQs