WHO LEANERS Internship Programme : A Global Health Career Opportunity for Students and Graduates 2026

Introduction

Public health plays a critical role in protecting lives, strengthening health systems, and improving well-being across the world. One international organisation at the centre of global health efforts is the World Health Organization, commonly known as WHO.

WHO works with countries, institutions, and partners to address health challenges such as disease prevention, health policy, emergency response, and healthcare access. As part of its commitment to capacity building and knowledge sharing, WHO offers a structured Internship Programme for students and recent graduates interested in public health and related fields.

This article provides a detailed, evergreen, and factual overview of the WHO Internship Programme, including what it involves, who it is designed for, what interns typically do, and where to apply. This content is informational only and does not guarantee placement, funding, or employment.

What Is the WHO Internship Programme?

The WHO Internship Programme is a temporary, structured work-based learning opportunity that allows students and graduates to gain professional exposure within an international public health organisation.

The programme is designed to:

Support academic learning through practical experience
Develop professional and analytical skills
Introduce interns to global health systems and policy work
Build understanding of international health cooperation

Internships are fixed-term and focus on learning and contribution rather than permanent employment.

Why WHO Offers Internships

WHO offers internships to:

Develop future public health and health policy professionals
Strengthen research, technical, and operational capacity
Encourage knowledge exchange between students and experts
Promote diversity and inclusion in global health institutions

Interns contribute to meaningful health-related work while gaining real-world professional experience.

Areas of Work Covered by WHO Internships

WHO internships are offered across a wide range of technical and professional areas, depending on organisational needs.

Common areas include:

Public health and epidemiology
Health policy and systems strengthening
Disease prevention and control
Health research and data analysis
Emergency preparedness and response
Nutrition and health promotion
Environmental and occupational health
Communications and public information
Programme coordination and administration
Information technology and digital health

Available opportunities vary throughout the year and by department.

Who Can Apply for a WHO Internship?

Eligibility requirements may vary by role, but the programme is generally open to:

Students enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate studies
Recent graduates within the accepted timeframe
Individuals with academic backgrounds relevant to health or development
Applicants who can commit to the full internship duration

Applicants must meet the specific criteria outlined in each internship listing.

Academic Backgrounds Commonly Considered

Applicants often come from fields such as:

Public health
Medicine and health sciences
Epidemiology and biostatistics
Nursing and allied health fields
Environmental health
Social sciences
International relations and development studies
Data science and statistics
Communications and media studies
Information technology

Relevance to the internship role is more important than the exact qualification title.

Skills and Qualities WHO Values

Successful interns often demonstrate:

Interest in public health and global health issues
Strong analytical or research skills
Ability to work in multicultural environments
Clear written and verbal communication
Organisational and time-management skills
Willingness to learn and adapt

Previous professional experience is not always required.

📌 Internship Work Environment in an International Health Organisation

(One generic, royalty-free, stock-style image representing a professional international health work environment.)

Duration and Structure of the Internship

WHO internships:

Are fixed-term
Typically last several weeks to a few months
Follow structured learning objectives
Include supervision and professional guidance

Interns are expected to participate responsibly and complete assigned tasks throughout the programme.

What WHO Interns Typically Do

Intern responsibilities vary by department but may include:

Supporting public health research and analysis
Assisting with health programmes and initiatives
Preparing reports, briefs, and presentations
Supporting policy reviews and documentation
Assisting with communications or outreach activities
Providing administrative or coordination support

Tasks are designed to balance learning with meaningful contribution.

Do WHO Internships Pay?

Some WHO internships may include financial support or stipends, depending on programme structure and location. Any support provided is intended to assist interns with basic living costs during the internship period.

Details regarding financial support are communicated during the official application process.

What the Internship Does Not Guarantee

Applicants should clearly understand that:

Internships do not guarantee employment
Completion does not ensure job offers
Selection is competitive
Outcomes depend on individual performance and organisational needs

The programme is intended as a learning and exposure opportunity.

How Competitive Is the WHO Internship Programme?

The WHO Internship Programme is competitive due to:

Global interest from students and graduates
Limited internship placements
High relevance of academic and professional backgrounds

Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.

Documents Commonly Required When Applying

Applicants are usually required to submit:

An updated CV or résumé
Proof of enrolment or graduation
Supporting documents if requested

Each internship listing clearly outlines required documents.

Official WHO Internship Application Link

All legitimate WHO internship opportunities are published through the official WHO careers platform.

👉 Apply here:
https://careers.who.int/careersection/internship/jobsearch.ftl

This is the only official and trusted link to search and apply for WHO internships worldwide.

How the Application Process Works

Applicants generally need to:

Create an online applicant profile
Search available internship opportunities
Complete application forms
Upload required documents
Monitor application status through the platform

Each opportunity includes specific instructions and timelines.

Preparing a Strong Application

While selection cannot be guaranteed, applicants can prepare by:

Aligning their CV with public health or health-related skills
Highlighting academic, research, or project experience
Demonstrating interest in global health challenges
Following application instructions carefully

Preparation improves application quality.

Avoiding Internship Scams

To stay safe:

Apply only through the official WHO careers website
Avoid third-party sites promising guaranteed placement
Do not pay application or processing fees
Verify communications through official channels

Legitimate opportunities are transparent and process-driven.

Why Global Health Internships Matter

Internships in global health help individuals:

Understand real-world public health challenges
Build transferable analytical and professional skills
Gain international work exposure
Strengthen long-term career readiness

They contribute to stronger health systems and global cooperation.

Final Thoughts

The WHO Internship Programme offers students and graduates a structured opportunity to gain professional experience within a leading global health organisation. The programme prioritises learning, contribution, and skill development rather than guaranteed employment outcomes.

Applicants who meet the requirements and apply through official channels enter a fair and transparent process. Preparation, patience, and realistic expectations remain essential.

This article is intended to inform and guide — not to guarantee selection or employment.