UNHCR Internship Programme 2027

The UNHCR Internship Programme 2027 offers eligible university students and recent graduates opportunities to develop professional experience in the humanitarian sector while contributing to the work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

UNHCR, also known as the UN Refugee Agency, works to protect people forced to flee their homes and supports refugees, displaced communities and stateless people worldwide.

The internship programme allows participants to gain experience in an international humanitarian organisation while developing skills relevant to their academic backgrounds and future professional interests.

Internship assignments may involve protection activities, programme support, communications, research, administration and other operational or technical functions, depending on the needs of the recruiting office.

Opportunities are available at different duty stations, including UNHCR Headquarters in Geneva, Global Service Centres in Amman, Budapest and Copenhagen, and country offices.

Internships generally last between two and six months. Extensions may be possible within the maximum permitted cumulative internship duration.

Some internships may also allow remote or hybrid working arrangements, subject to the approval of the relevant manager.

Unlike programmes with a single annual intake, UNHCR internships are advertised when individual offices identify a requirement and have the capacity to supervise an intern. Applicants must therefore apply for specific vacancies.

Applicants must meet UNHCR's official internship eligibility requirements:

• Academic Status: Be a current undergraduate or postgraduate student, or a recent graduate of an eligible higher education institution.
• Recent Graduation: Graduates must have completed their studies within two years of applying.
• Undergraduate Studies: Have completed at least two years of undergraduate study in a field relevant to or of interest to UNHCR's work.
• Institution: Be studying or have graduated from a university or higher education institution accredited by UNESCO.
• English Proficiency: Demonstrate English proficiency of at least B2 level.
• Nationality: Applicants from all nationalities are eligible.
• Family Relationship Restriction: Applicants must not have a father, mother, brother or sister working for UNHCR as staff or an affiliate at the time of application.
• Previous UNHCR Internship Service: Must not have exceeded the cumulative internship limit of eight months for full-time internships or 12 months for part-time internships.

The UNHCR Internship Programme provides the following benefits, subject to eligibility and individual assignment conditions:

• Monthly Allowance: Eligible interns without external financial sponsorship receive an allowance to help cover food, local transport and living expenses.
• International Travel Reimbursement: Eligible interns recruited from outside their country of assignment may receive reimbursement for return travel by the most economical available route.
• Humanitarian Experience: Practical experience working in an international refugee protection and humanitarian organisation.
• Professional Development: Opportunities to strengthen professional skills through assigned responsibilities and supervision.
• International Working Environment: Exposure to colleagues and activities across diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
• Remote Work Opportunities: Remote internships and teleworking arrangements may be available where approved.

Applicants should follow the document instructions provided in the specific vacancy. Commonly requested materials may include:

• CV/Résumé: Relevant education, skills and experience.
• Cover Letter or Letter of Interest: Motivation and suitability for the internship.
• Educational Information: Details of current studies or recent qualifications.
• Additional Supporting Documents: Any documents requested in the vacancy announcement.

Following selection, interns must provide proof of valid medical insurance covering their internship period and location.

UNHCR internship selection is based on the requirements of individual vacancies. Relevant considerations may include:

• Academic Eligibility: Compliance with the programme's student or recent-graduate requirements.
• Educational Relevance: Alignment between the applicant's studies and the assignment.
• Language Proficiency: Meeting the minimum English requirement and any additional languages specified.
• Relevant Skills: Technical or professional competencies identified in the vacancy.
• Application Requirements: Submission of the required documents and information.
• Assignment Suitability: Ability to contribute to the duties described in the specific internship announcement.

• Humanitarian Experience: Gain practical insight into UNHCR's refugee protection and humanitarian work.
• Professional Development: Develop skills relevant to international organisations and humanitarian careers.
• International Exposure: Work in a diverse organisation with operations worldwide.
• Academic Application: Apply relevant university knowledge to professional assignments.
• Career Exploration: Learn about professional functions such as protection, programmes, communications and operations.
• Professional Networking: Connect with colleagues working in international humanitarian environments.