UNHCR Internship Programme 2027: How to Apply

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is offering internship opportunities in 2027 for undergraduate students, postgraduate students and recent graduates interested in gaining practical experience in the humanitarian sector.

The UNHCR Internship Programme provides participants with an opportunity to work with the United Nations refugee agency and contribute their knowledge, ideas and skills to its work supporting people forced to flee their homes.

The programme is open to applicants from all countries, including Nigeria. Eligible interns who do not receive financial support from an external source will receive a monthly allowance to help cover food, local transportation and living expenses.

Internships normally last between two and six months, with opportunities for extension under specified conditions. There is no application deadline stated in the published programme information, as internships can begin at different times throughout the year.

About the UNHCR Internship Programme

The UNHCR Internship Programme is designed to give students and recent graduates practical work experience in the humanitarian sector.

The organisation seeks talented, motivated and passionate individuals from different countries who can contribute their academic knowledge, innovative thinking and fresh perspectives to its work.

Internships are intended to complement participants’ academic backgrounds and career aspirations while exposing them to the work of an international humanitarian organisation.

Successful applicants may be placed in different UNHCR offices, depending on available opportunities and organisational needs.

UNHCR Internship 2027 Benefits and Monthly Allowance

Interns who do not receive financial support from an external party are eligible for an allowance to partially cover expenses associated with their placement.

The allowance for full-time internships is calculated using the monthly net salary of a General Service (GS) level 3, step 1 employee.

The payment structure is:

• 50% of the monthly net salary: For internships at duty stations classified as “H” duty stations.
• 70% of the monthly net salary: For internships at all other duty stations.

The allowance is intended to help cover food, local transportation and living expenses.

The programme information also lists coverage of return travel costs among its benefits.

The exact monetary value of the monthly allowance is not provided in the published listing. It will depend on the applicable salary reference and duty station.

UNHCR Internship Duration

UNHCR internships can begin at any time during the year and normally last between two and six months.

Extensions may be granted under the following conditions:

• Full-time internships: May be extended up to eight months.
• Part-time internships: May be extended up to 12 months.

Applicants should consider the expected duration when assessing their availability for an internship.

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Where Are UNHCR Internships Located?

The programme offers placements at different UNHCR offices around the world.

Listed locations include:

• Geneva, Switzerland: UNHCR headquarters.
• Amman, Jordan: Global Service Centre.
• Budapest, Hungary: Global Service Centre.
• Copenhagen, Denmark: Global Service Centre.
• Field country offices: Various locations where UNHCR operates.

The specific location available to an applicant will depend on the internship opportunity.

Eligibility Requirements for the UNHCR Internship Programme 2027

Applicants must satisfy the following requirements to be considered:

1. Educational qualification

Candidates must be recent graduates or currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme at a university or higher education institution accredited by UNESCO.

2. Completed undergraduate studies

Applicants must have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a field relevant to, or of interest to, UNHCR’s work.

3. English language proficiency

Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English at a minimum B2 level.

4. Family relationship restriction

Applicants must not have an immediate relative working for UNHCR at the time of application. This restriction covers a father, mother, brother or sister employed as a staff member under any contract type or as an affiliate.

5. Previous UNHCR internship experience

Candidates must not have exhausted the maximum cumulative internship period permitted by UNHCR.

The maximum duration is:

• Eight months for full-time internships.
• Twelve months for part-time internships.

Applicants who have previously interned with UNHCR must take their earlier internship periods into account.

Who qualifies as a recent graduate?

UNHCR considers candidates to be recent graduates if they completed their studies within two years of applying for an internship.

How to Apply for the UNHCR Internship Programme 2027

Interested candidates should visit the official UNHCR careers and internship recruitment platform to identify available opportunities and review their individual application requirements.

Since internships can begin throughout the year, applicants should monitor the recruitment portal for vacancies that match their academic background, interests and qualifications.

Candidates should also confirm the location, duration, required documents and application instructions for each available position before submitting an application.

Application deadline: No general deadline has been specified. Individual internship vacancies may have their own closing dates.