Internships

Apply Now for the 2025 UNHCR Internship: Stipend Offered to Candidates from All Nationalities


Making a meaningful impact on the lives of refugees and displaced individuals is truly within your reach. Therefore, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) invites talented, motivated, and passionate individuals from around the world to join its dynamic internship program. By participating in this opportunity, you not only gain invaluable experience in the humanitarian sector but also actively contribute to UNHCR’s mission of protecting and supporting those who are forced to flee.

Overview of the UNHCR Internship Program

The UNHCR Internship Program specifically caters to eligible students and recent graduates who are eager to align their academic pursuits with practical experience in humanitarian work. In this role, you will engage in meaningful assignments and, consequently, collaborate with highly qualified mentors. Furthermore, you will work within an international environment, which will enhance your skills and knowledge significantly.

Eligibility Criteria for the UNHCR Internship program

To apply for an internship at UNHCR, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

  • Be a recent graduate* or a current student enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program recognized by UNESCO.
  • In Addition to that, you must have completed a minimum of two years of undergraduate studies in a field relevant to UNHCR’s mission.
  • You should not have immediate relatives (parents or siblings) employed by UNHCR.
  • Finally, you must be recent graduates are defined as those who have completed their studies within two years prior to applying.

UNHCR Internship program Locations and Duration

The UNHCR Internship programs are available in various locations, such as:

  • UNHCR headquarters in Geneva
  • Global Service Centres in Amman, Budapest, and Copenhagen
  • Field offices around the world

Interns may work on-site or remotely, depending on their manager’s approval. Typically, placements last between 2 and 6 months, with the possibility of extending up to 8 months based on organizational needs.

Benefits of UNHCR Internship Programs

The UNHCR Internship programs offers several benefits, including:

  • Allowance: Financial support for food, local transportation, and living expenses for interns without external funding.
  • Travel Reimbursement: Coverage of return travel costs to the duty station for interns working outside their home country.
  • Professional Development: Gain real-world experience in humanitarian work, receive mentorship from experienced professionals, and enhance your CV significantly.
  • Networking Opportunities: Build valuable connections with influential figures in the humanitarian sector.
  • Medical Insurance: Interns must arrange their own medical insurance, covering accidents and illnesses, including emergency medical evacuation if necessary. Proof of valid insurance must be submitted before starting the internship.

Application Process

Current internship opportunities are regularly posted on the UNHCR recruitment platform, with additional roles shared by regional and country offices on their respective websites. To apply:

  1. Visit the UNHCR Recruitment Platform.
  2. Create an account and submit your application for positions that interest you.
  3. Review the internship FAQs to ensure you are well-prepared for the application process.

Current UNHCR Internship programs

Here are some of the latest roles available:

  • Communications Intern – Nicosia, Cyprus
  • Inter-Agency Coordination Intern – Barranquilla, Colombia
  • Legal/Protection Intern – Bern, Switzerland
  • External Relations Intern – Bern, Switzerland
  • Admin Intern – Ankara, Turkey
  • Strategic Communications and Outreach Intern – Washington, United States
  • CBI Intern – Cucuta, Colombia
  • Data Science Intern – Copenhagen (HQ), Denmark
  • Statistics Intern – Geneva, Switzerland
  • External Relations Intern – Seoul, Republic of Korea

For additional positions, please check the recruitment platform.

Contribute to Change with the

UNHCR values diversity and inclusivity within its workforce. As a result, it actively encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, nationality, or other distinctions. By joining as an intern, you will not only play a crucial role in advancing humanitarian efforts, but you will also acquire valuable skills and experiences that will, in turn, propel your career forward.

Begin your journey with UNHCR today and contribute to a global mission of compassion and support.

View Internship Programs Here


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