WHO Internship 2026 in Switzerland (Funded Internship)

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WHO Internship 2026 in Switzerland

Applications are now open for the WHO Internship 2026 in Switzerland. The World Health Organization (WHO) is inviting applications for its Health Emergencies Internship Programme 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. This funded internship is an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates who want to gain practical experience in global public health while working with one of the world’s leading international organizations.

The internship will run for 24 weeks, from 5 October 2026 to 19 March 2027. During the program, interns will work alongside experienced professionals, contribute to global health emergency projects, and receive financial support, including a monthly living allowance, insurance coverage, and daily lunch vouchers.

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WHO Health Emergencies Internship 2026 Overview

Host Country: Switzerland

Location: Geneva

Host Organization: World Health Organization (WHO)

Internship Program: Health Emergencies Internship

Duration: 24 Weeks

Internship Period: 5 October 2026 – 19 March 2027

Financial Coverage: Funded

Eligible Applicants: International Students and Recent Graduates

Application Deadline: 31 July 2026

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About the Internship

The WHO Health Emergencies Internship provides participants with hands-on experience in global public health, epidemic preparedness, scientific research, and emergency response.

Interns will join the Medical Countermeasures Unit, where they will support ongoing projects related to pandemic preparedness, vaccines, diagnostics, therapeutics, and scientific research. Participants will also collaborate with international experts while gaining valuable insight into how WHO responds to global health emergencies.

This internship is designed to help young professionals develop practical skills and gain experience in an international working environment.

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Financial Benefits

💰 Selected interns will receive:

Monthly living allowance of 1,680 CHF
Daily lunch vouchers
Medical insurance coverage
Accident insurance
Practical work experience with the World Health Organization
International networking opportunities
Professional development in global public health

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Internship Responsibilities

During the internship, participants may be involved in:

Conducting literature reviews on medical countermeasures
Researching vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics
Collecting and analyzing scientific data
Assisting with technical reports and policy briefs
Supporting workshops, conferences, and international meetings
Preparing background documents for WHO programs
Contributing to epidemic and pandemic preparedness projects

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Learning Outcomes

Participants will gain practical knowledge and experience in:

WHO global health operations
Medical countermeasure strategies
Pandemic preparedness and emergency response
Scientific research methodologies
Data analysis and reporting
International public health collaboration
Policy development and technical documentation

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Eligible Fields

Applicants from the following academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply:

Medicine
Public Health
Biology
Biochemistry
Microbiology
Virology
Bioinformatics
Statistics
Information Sciences
Medical Sciences
Related disciplines

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be citizens of any country.
Have completed at least three years of undergraduate study before the internship begins.
Be currently enrolled in a university program or have graduated within the last 18 months.
Be studying in one of the eligible academic fields or a related discipline.
Demonstrate strong English language skills.
Have good research, analytical, and communication skills.
Be familiar with Microsoft Office applications.

Applicants with knowledge of French or another UN language, as well as experience with statistical software or scientific research, will have an added advantage.

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Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

Updated CV or Resume
Motivation Letter or Cover Letter
Proof of enrollment or recent graduation
Academic transcripts (if requested)
Reference details (if requested)

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Why Apply?

The WHO Internship offers an exceptional opportunity to:

Gain practical experience at the World Health Organization.
Work with international experts in global health.
Develop research and analytical skills.
Learn about pandemic preparedness and emergency response.
Build an international professional network.
Strengthen your career in medicine, public health, research, or international development.
Enhance your understanding of global health policy and technical documentation.

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How to Apply

Interested applicants must apply through the official WHO Careers Portal.

Step 1

Visit the official WHO Careers website.

Step 2

Create or log in to your WHO Careers account.

Step 3

Complete the online application form.

Step 4

Upload all required documents.

Step 5

Review your application carefully and submit it before 31 July 2026.

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Official Website

WHO Careers Portal

https://careers.who.int/

Internship Information

https://www.who.int/careers/internships

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the WHO Internship 2026?

Students from all countries who meet the educational and eligibility requirements are welcome to apply.

Is the internship funded?

Yes. Selected interns receive a monthly living allowance, daily lunch vouchers, medical insurance, and accident insurance.

How long is the internship?

The internship lasts 24 weeks, from 5 October 2026 to 19 March 2027.

Where will the internship take place?

The internship will be held at the World Health Organization headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

What academic fields are eligible?

Students and graduates in medicine, public health, biology, microbiology, biochemistry, virology, statistics, bioinformatics, information sciences, medical sciences, and related disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Do I need to speak French?

No. Strong English language skills are required, while knowledge of French or another UN language is considered an advantage.

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Final Thoughts

The WHO Health Emergencies Internship 2026 in Switzerland is an outstanding opportunity for students and recent graduates who want to gain practical experience in global public health while working with one of the world’s most respected international organizations. With financial support, hands-on research experience, professional networking opportunities, and direct involvement in projects related to epidemic and pandemic preparedness, this internship can provide a strong foundation for a successful career in public health, medicine, scientific research, or international development.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, submit your application before the 31 July 2026 deadline and take the next step toward building a global career with the World Health Organization.

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