The UNHCR Internship Program 2026 is now open for applications—offering one of the most prestigious, fully funded global internship opportunities for students and recent graduates. The program is offered by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN agency responsible for protecting refugees and displaced communities around the world.
This internship provides candidates with hands-on humanitarian experience, allowing them to work with multicultural teams and contribute to life-changing refugee support operations.
UNHCR interns are placed in various countries, depending on project needs, making it a truly global internship.
This internship is Fully Funded, covering:
Return Travel Costs
Monthly Stipend for food, living expenses & local transportation
Visa Assistance (documentation support)
Below are complete details about the UNHCR Internship Program 2026, eligibility requirements, benefits, and application steps.
Details About UNHCR Internship Program 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) |
| Internship Locations | Multiple Countries Worldwide |
| Program Type | Fully Funded Internship |
| Duration | 2 to 6 Months |
| Eligible Applicants | Undergraduate students, graduate students & recent graduates |
| Financial Benefits | Fully funded (stipend, travel, visa support) |
Financial Benefits – What UNHCR Provides
For interns who do not receive financial support from other organizations, UNHCR offers:
1. Monthly Stipend
A partial stipend is provided to cover daily living expenses such as:
- Meals
- Local transportation
- Basic accommodation costs
2. Return Travel Reimbursement
UNHCR reimburses round-trip travel costs for selected interns.
3. Visa Assistance
- UNHCR supports interns with all required documentation for visa processing.
- Interns must pay the visa fee, which varies based on their home country.
This makes the UNHCR Internship 2026 one of the most accessible and affordable international internship opportunities.
Type of Work Interns Will Do
Your role at UNHCR will be directly related to your:
- Academic background
- Skills
- Areas of interest
- Team requirements
Possible work areas include:
- Refugee documentation & casework
- Research & data analysis
- Protection & community support
- Communications & social media
- Project management
- Education or health-related support
- Administration & reporting
- Monitoring & evaluation
📌 Tip: Mention your specific interest clearly in your cover letter to improve your chances.
Eligibility Criteria for UNHCR Internship 2026
To apply, candidates must meet the following requirements:
1. Nationality
- Applicants from any country can apply.
- No nationality restrictions.
2. Academic Requirements
Applicants must be either:
✓ Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program
✓ Currently enrolled in a graduate school program
✓ Recently graduated (within the last two years)
3. Accredited University Requirement
You must be studying (or must have graduated) from a university accredited by UNESCO.
You can search your university here: “UNESCO Accredited Universities List”.
4. Language Requirement
- IELTS or any language test is NOT required.
- Basic English communication skills are generally enough unless stated otherwise.
Required Documents
You must prepare the following documents before applying:
- Updated CV / Resume
- Cover Letter or Letter of Interest
- Additional documents (if requested by specific offices)
How to Apply for the UNHCR Internship Program 2026
The application process is completely online.
Steps:
- Visit the official UNHCR recruitment portal.
- Create an account or log in.
- Select the preferred internship location/department.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload the required documents.
- Submit your application before deadlines.
UNHCR may take a few weeks to review applications due to the high number of applicants.
👉 Link to the official UNHCR Internship website: Available on the official UNHCR portal.
Also Read: UNDP Internship 2026 in Denmark | $1000 Monthly Stipend | Apply Now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the UNHCR Internship fully funded?
Yes, UNHCR provides a stipend, return travel reimbursement, and visa assistance, making it a fully funded internship.
2. Can students from any country apply?
Absolutely. The program is open to students and graduates from all nationalities.
3. Is IELTS required for the UNHCR Internship 2026?
No. IELTS or any language test is NOT required.
4. What is the duration of the internship?
The duration ranges from 2 to 6 months, depending on the assignment.
5. Do recent graduates qualify?
Yes. Applicants who graduated within the last two years are eligible.
6. Does UNHCR provide accommodation?
Accommodation is not provided, but the stipend helps cover basic living expenses.
7. Can I apply to multiple UNHCR internship positions?
Yes, you can apply for multiple roles based on your qualifications and interest.
8. What is the selection process like?
Shortlisted candidates may undergo:
- Document verification
- Phone/video interview
- Assessment of motivation & background
9. When should I expect a response?
It may take 3–8 weeks depending on the department and number of applications.
10. What are the benefits of doing a UNHCR internship?
- International UN experience
- Professional development
- Exposure to humanitarian operations
- Networking with global UN professionals