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, offering students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain practical experience in one of the world's leading international public health organizations.
The internship will take place at the WHO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, for 24 weeks, running from 5 October 2026 to 19 March 2027. Selected interns will receive a monthly living allowance of CHF 1,680, along with medical insurance, accident insurance, and daily lunch vouchers.
If you are passionate about global health, public health policy, medical research, or emergency preparedness, this internship provides valuable international experience while working alongside experts tackling global health emergencies.
Internship Summary
- Host Organization: World Health Organization (WHO)
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Location: Geneva
- Program Type: Internship
- Internship Department: Health Emergencies Programme
- Duration: 24 Weeks
- Program Dates: 5 October 2026 – 19 March 2027
- Financial Coverage: Funded
- Monthly Living Allowance: CHF 1,680
- Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
Financial Benefits
Selected interns will receive:
- Monthly living allowance of CHF 1,680
- Daily lunch vouchers
- Medical insurance coverage
- Accident insurance
- Practical experience at WHO Headquarters
- International networking opportunities
- Professional development in global public health
Internship Responsibilities
Interns will support the WHO Medical Countermeasures Unit by working on activities such as:
- Conducting literature reviews on medical countermeasures
- Researching vaccines, diagnostics, therapeutics, and pandemic preparedness
- Collecting and analyzing scientific data
- Assisting with technical reports and policy briefs
- Supporting international workshops, meetings, and conferences
- Preparing background documents for WHO programs
- Contributing to epidemic and pandemic preparedness projects
- Assisting with research and technical documentation
Learning Outcomes
During the internship, participants will gain practical knowledge and experience in:
- Global health operations
- Public health emergency preparedness
- Medical countermeasure strategies
- Scientific research methodologies
- Data collection and analysis
- International health policy development
- Technical report writing
- Collaboration with international health professionals
Eligible Nationalities
Applicants from all countries are eligible to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Open to applicants of all nationalities
- Have completed at least three years of undergraduate studies before the internship begins
- Be currently enrolled in a university degree program or
- Have graduated within the last 18 months
-
Be studying or have studied in one of the following or related fields:
- Medicine
- Public Health
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Bioinformatics
- Statistics
- Information Sciences
- Medical Sciences
- Demonstrate strong English language proficiency
- Knowledge of French or another UN language is an advantage
- Possess good analytical, research, and communication skills
- Be familiar with Microsoft Office applications
- Experience with statistical software or scientific research is desirable but not mandatory
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Updated CV or Resume
- Proof of university enrollment or graduation
- Academic transcripts (if requested)
- Motivation letter or Cover Letter
- Reference details (if requested)
- Any additional supporting documents required by WHO
Application Process
Interested applicants can apply by following these steps:
- Visit the official WHO Careers Portal.
- Create or log in to your WHO recruitment account.
- Search for the Health Emergencies Internship 2026.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all required documents.
- Review your application carefully.
- Submit your application before 31 July 2026.
Why Apply for the WHO Internship?
The WHO Internship offers numerous benefits, including:
- Hands-on experience in an international organization
- Exposure to global health emergency response
- Professional mentorship from WHO experts
- Research experience in public health
- International networking opportunities
- Development of analytical and technical skills
- Career advancement in medicine, public health, and international organizations
- Opportunity to contribute to global health initiatives
About the World Health Organization (WHO)
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting global health, coordinating international responses to health emergencies, supporting disease prevention, and improving healthcare systems worldwide. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, WHO works with governments, researchers, and international organizations to improve health outcomes across the globe.
Final Thoughts
The WHO Internship 2026 in Switzerland is an exceptional opportunity for students and recent graduates interested in global health, medicine, public health, research, and emergency preparedness. By working at the WHO Headquarters in Geneva, interns gain valuable international experience, develop professional skills, and contribute to projects addressing some of the world's most pressing public health challenges.
With financial support, hands-on learning, and the opportunity to collaborate with global health experts, this internship can be an excellent stepping stone toward a career in international public health and global development. Interested applicants should prepare their documents and submit their applications before the 31 July 2026 deadline.
Official Call: https://careers.who.int/careersection/intern/jobdetail.ftl?job=2602510&tz=GMT%2B02%3A00&tzname=Europe%2FZurich
