UNHCR Internship Program 2026 (Fully Funded)

Applications are open for the UNHCR Internship Program 2026 — a practical, entry-level opportunity for students and recent graduates who want hands-on experience in refugee protection, policy, operations, and communications. This expanded article explains what the internship typically covers, who’s competitive, how to prepare a standout application, and practical logistics you should plan for (travel, visas, and living costs).

At a Glance

Why This Internship Matters

UNHCR is one of the core humanitarian agencies responding to displacement worldwide. An internship here is more than a résumé line: it’s a chance to build professional skills in high-stakes environments, learn from experienced protection officers, and contribute to programs that affect real people.

• Policy and protection exposure: Work touches on asylum law, refugee status determination, resettlement, and durable solutions.
• Program experience: Interns support project implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and community outreach.
• Communications & advocacy: Opportunities to help craft public messaging, draft briefings, and support media engagements.
• Career signal: A UNHCR placement can be a gateway to other UN roles, NGOs, or international development careers.

What the Internship Typically Covers

UNHCR internships vary by office and unit, but common responsibilities include:

• Research and reporting: Data collection, needs assessments, country reports, and briefings.
• Field support: Assisting with community consultations, registration, and beneficiary follow-up.
• Communications: Drafting social media posts, preparing photo captions, and supporting press outreach.
• Administrative & program support: Procurement follow-up, meeting notes, and project tracking.
• Protection-focused tasks: Case-processing support, monitoring human rights concerns, referrals to partners.

Expect to be given substantive tasks under close supervision. The learning curve can be steep but rewarding — treat it like a nine-to-five job with professional expectations.

Who Should Apply — Realistic Candidate Profiles

UNHCR seeks motivated learners with relevant academic backgrounds and some practical exposure. Competitive applicants often have:

• Academic preparation in international relations, law, public policy, social sciences, humanitarian studies, public health, data science, or communications.
• Volunteer or field experience with refugee groups, NGOs, or community organisations.
• Strong written English and basic professional digital skills (Excel, Google Workspace, or similar).
• Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work under pressure.

Example strong candidates:

• A master’s student in refugee studies who has volunteered at a local refugee resettlement centre.
• An undergraduate with a capstone project analyzing asylum policy and an internship at a legal aid clinic.
• A communications student with experience producing short documentary pieces about displaced communities.

If you lack direct field experience, highlight transferable skills such as project coordination, research, languages, or data skills.

Funding & Practical Logistics

UNHCR’s approach to funding internships varies by location and project funding. Typical support includes:

• A modest monthly stipend to help cover food and local transport (amount varies by duty station).
• Return travel to and from the duty station for many international internships (confirm on the vacancy).
• Visa assistance in the form of official invitation letters; visa fees may not always be covered.

Important notes:

• Stipends are not a salary — they’re to help interns meet basic costs. Copenhagen or Geneva will be more expensive than many field duty stations.
• Health insurance: Check whether the posting includes insurance; if not, arrange coverage before travel.

Documents & Application Materials (Prepare These Early)

Most UNHCR postings require the following:

• Online application through UNHCR’s careers portal or the hosting office’s page.
• CV (2 pages) emphasizing relevant experience and technical skills.
• Cover letter (one page): Explain your interest, specific unit preference, and what you’ll bring.
• Academic transcripts (unofficial often acceptable at application stage).
• Reference contacts (professors, supervisors, or NGO contacts). Some offices request one formal letter.

Optional but helpful:

• Work samples (short policy briefs, communications pieces, research notes).
• Short video introduction if the vacancy asks for it.

Insider Tips to Strengthen Your Application

1. Be specific about the position and duty station: Tailor your cover letter to the unit (e.g., Protection, Field Operations, Public Information) and the posting. Generic letters rarely pass shortlisting.

2. Highlight relevant, measurable experience: Instead of “volunteered with refugees,” try “organized language classes for 40 Syrian refugees over six months; tracked attendance and learning outcomes.”

3. Show procedural knowledge: Demonstrate familiarity with key humanitarian frameworks (e.g., the Global Compact on Refugees, Sphere standards, Protection principles) when relevant.

4. Demonstrate cultural humility: Avoid claiming to “save” communities. Emphasize listening, partnership, and accountability to affected people.

5. Prepare for remote interviews: Many selections include a short competency interview—practice STAR-format answers (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

Application Timeline & Process

• Ongoing vacancies: Many UNHCR internships are advertised year-round. Apply early and monitor the careers portal.
• Shortlisting: If shortlisted, you may receive an email within 2–6 weeks depending on the office’s timeline.
• Interview: Expect a 20–45 minute competency-based interview (video or phone).
• Pre-departure: If selected, secure your visa, book travel in coordination with UNHCR, and complete onboarding paperwork.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Generic applications: Not tailoring your CV and cover letter to the role and unit.
• Weak references: Choose referees who can speak to your practical skills and reliability.
• Missing documentation: Not providing required transcripts or up-to-date contact info can delay processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I do more than one UN internship? Yes — but some offices limit repeat internships in the same duty station.
• Do interns become staff? Internships are not a guarantee of employment, but strong performance and networking can lead to P/T or consultancy roles.
• Is prior UN experience required? No. UNHCR values practical experience, but not necessarily prior UN work.

How to Apply — Quick Steps

1. Search and review current UNHCR internship vacancies on the UNHCR careers portal.
2. Tailor your CV and write a concise, specific cover letter for the unit and duty station.
3. Submit the application and monitor your email for communications.

Official UNHCR careers page: https://www.unhcr.org/get-involved/work-us/careers-unhcr/types-contracts-and-appointments/internships

If you’d like, I can draft a role-specific cover letter template for UNHCR internships or review your CV for a stronger submission—tell me which duty station or unit you’re targeting and I’ll tailor it.