Introduction
Exploring internship opportunities at UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has been one of the most inspiring parts of my academic and career journey. As someone who cares deeply about humanitarian issues and the rights of displaced people, I’ve always admired organizations that work tirelessly to protect vulnerable communities. UNHCR stands out because of its global reach, its dedication to refugee protection, and its commitment to uplifting the voices of those who are often unheard.
For me, pursuing an internship here isn’t just about gaining professional experience. It’s about stepping into a space where I can contribute to meaningful work while learning from people who have devoted their careers to humanitarian service. I wanted to understand what it means to support refugees and asylum-seekers directly, and UNHCR’s internship programme offers exactly that kind of exposure.
Who Can Apply?
One of the things I appreciate about UNHCR is that its internship programme is open to a wide range of academically curious and socially conscious individuals. To be eligible, you need to be enrolled in a university programme or have graduated within the last two years. You must have completed at least two years of undergraduate study, and English proficiency is essential since it’s the main working language in most offices.
The programme welcomes applicants from all nationalities and backgrounds. That diversity is not only encouraged but celebrated, and it creates an environment where new perspectives are valued. The only restriction is that interns cannot have immediate relatives working for the organization.
Knowing that the programme is accessible to people from different walks of life made it feel welcoming and aligned with the values it promotes.
Where Interns Work and What the Programme Looks Like
UNHCR offers internship opportunities in a variety of locations around the world. Some interns work at the agency’s headquarters in Geneva, while others join Global Service Centres or field operations across different regions. There are also country offices where interns can be involved in day-to-day protection work, programme management, or communications. In some situations, remote internships are possible, depending on the needs of the specific team.
The duration of an internship typically ranges from two to six months, with potential extensions if the host office requires additional support. This flexibility allows interns to find opportunities that match their academic schedules or career timelines.
Interns receive a modest monthly allowance designed to cover basic costs such as food and local transport. For those relocating from another country, travel may be reimbursed, although interns must organize their own medical insurance. This is an important detail to keep in mind, as it requires preparation before starting the internship.
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What Kind of Work Interns Actually Do
One of the most exciting aspects of the programme is the variety of meaningful tasks interns get to engage in. Depending on the placement, interns might contribute to community-based protection efforts, helping understand the needs and capacities of refugees. Others might work on environmental or energy projects, such as supporting safer and more sustainable access to cooking or lighting in refugee settlements.
Some interns are involved in drafting reports, analysing data, preparing briefing notes, or supporting communication campaigns. Those placed in field offices may find themselves participating in assessments, meeting refugees, or learning about the immediate challenges faced by people who have been displaced.
No matter the role, interns have the chance to contribute to real projects that have an impact on the lives of displaced communities. This is one of the reasons the programme is so valued — it provides hands-on, purposeful experience rather than routine administrative tasks.
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Final Thoughts
Applying for an internship with UNHCR is more than just submitting a CV; it’s embracing the possibility of contributing to meaningful humanitarian work. The programme provides professional growth, multicultural exposure, and the opportunity to understand global displacement from a human-centred perspective.
For students and recent graduates who are passionate about human rights, refugee protection, or international development, a UNHCR internship can be a powerful and transformative beginning.
