UNHCR Internship Programme 2026: Eligibility, Benefits and How to Apply

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency, offers internship opportunities to students and recent graduates who want practical experience in humanitarian work.

Interns may contribute to activities related to refugee protection, communications, programme support, administration and other areas, depending on the requirements of the recruiting office.

The programme is open to eligible applicants from different countries, including Nigerians. However, applications are made against specific vacancies, so there is no single application deadline for every UNHCR internship.

Internship Benefits

Eligible interns can receive:

• Practical work experience within the United Nations humanitarian system.
• Exposure to refugee protection and humanitarian operations.
• Opportunities to develop professional and technical skills.
• A financial allowance to help cover food, local transportation and living expenses, where applicable.
• Possible reimbursement of return travel costs for eligible interns recruited from outside the duty-station country, subject to UNHCR's rules.

The allowance is not necessarily a conventional salary. Interns are responsible for arranging and paying for their medical insurance and visa costs. Accommodation arrangements and other expenses should be checked against the individual vacancy.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered, applicants must generally:

• Be current students in an undergraduate or graduate programme at an accredited higher-education institution, or recent graduates.
• Have completed at least two years of undergraduate study in a field relevant to, or of interest to, UNHCR's work.
• Meet the language requirements stated in the vacancy.
• Not have an immediate relative, such as a parent or sibling, working for UNHCR in the circumstances specified by its internship policy.
• Meet any additional requirements for the specific position.

Recent graduates are generally considered eligible if they completed their studies within two years before applying.

Internship Duration

Internships normally last two to six months. Extensions may be possible within UNHCR's maximum internship periods and applicable conditions.

Placements may be available at headquarters, regional or country offices, and other locations. Remote arrangements depend on the needs and approval of the relevant office.

Required Documents

Requirements vary by vacancy. Applicants should prepare to provide documents such as:

• An up-to-date CV or résumé.
• An application or motivation letter, where requested.
• Academic information and evidence of enrolment or graduation.
• Any additional documents specified in the vacancy notice.

Applicants should follow the exact instructions provided for each position.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official UNHCR internship page.
2. Review the eligibility requirements.
3. Open the official recruitment portal and search for available internship vacancies.
4. Select a suitable position and read its requirements carefully.
5. Submit your application through the official recruitment system.

Official programme details: "UNHCR Internship Programme" (https://www.unhcr.org/africa/get-involved/work-us/careers-unhcr/types-contracts-and-appointments/internships)

Search for available vacancies: "UNHCR Careers" (https://www.unhcr.org/careers)

Application Deadline

There is no single deadline for the entire programme. Each internship vacancy has its own closing date, and applicants should check the relevant advert.

Important Information:

UNHCR does not charge applicants fees for recruitment, applications, interviews or training. Avoid third-party websites that request payment to secure an internship.