WHO Internship For College Students: Eligibility Criteria, Stipend, And More – News18

Last Updated:April 09, 2025, 14:54 IST

WHO Internship: Students enrolled in UG or PG courses can apply for the internship on the official WHO website- who.int.

Are you a college student passionate about global health and eager to gain hands-on experience at one of the world’s leading health organizations? The World Health Organization (WHO) offers internship opportunities to students in various fields of work across its regional offices, country offices, and headquarters. These internships are an excellent way for students to apply their academic knowledge, acquire new skills, and contribute to WHO’s mission to promote health worldwide.

Eligibility Criteria for WHO Internship

Age Requirement: The applicant must be at least 20 years old on the date of application to be eligible for an internship with WHO.

Educational Background: To qualify, the applicant needs to be enrolled in a course of study at a university or equivalent institution that leads to a formal qualification (undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate). This qualification should be in a public health, medical, or social field related to WHO’s technical work, or in management, administrative, communications, or external relations-related fields.

If you’ve already completed your studies, you can apply for an internship within six months of receiving your formal qualification. Additionally, you must have completed at least three years of full-time studies at the university (equivalent to a bachelor’s degree) before starting the internship.

Language Proficiency: You should be fluent in at least one of the working languages of the office you are applying to. WHO’s primary working languages are English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and Chinese.

Family Relation: You must not be related to any WHO staff member (e.g., parent, sibling, child) to be eligible for the internship.

Nationality: Applicants must hold a valid passport from a WHO Member State.

Previous Experience: You must not have previously participated in WHO’s Internship Programme.

How To Apply For WHO Internship?

Internship positions at WHO are posted on a rolling basis, meaning new opportunities are regularly available. Each posting will contain specific requirements, deadlines, and details about the position. Therefore, it is crucial to check the official internship page regularly for updated opportunities.

To apply, visit the WHO internship page- who.int/careers/internship-programme, select a relevant position, and submit the required documents according to the instructions listed in the internship posting.

Direct Link To Apply For WHO Internship

Benefits Of The WHO Internship Programme

WHO provides a range of benefits to interns that can support both their professional growth and well-being during their time at the organization.

Insurance Coverage: All interns receive medical and accident insurance for the duration of their internship period. However, coverage before and after the internship, including travel to and from the duty station, is the responsibility of the intern.

Financial Support: WHO provides a living allowance to eligible interns who require financial assistance. To determine eligibility, interns must complete a legal Declaration of Interests form. This form asks for any relevant financial disclosures, including grants, scholarships, or other financial support. Based on this information, WHO will assess whether you qualify for financial assistance.

Lunch Vouchers: In some duty stations, WHO may offer lunch vouchers to interns, further easing the financial burden of your internship experience.

Experience and Exposure: Interns gain invaluable experience in a global health setting, work alongside leading professionals, and make meaningful contributions to health initiatives. This exposure can be a stepping stone for your future career in public health or related fields.