WHO opens 2026 paid internship for Nigerian students and graduates
By Aboki Forex —
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has opened applications for its 2026 Paid Internship Programme, giving Nigerian students and recent graduates a chance to gain international work experience while receiving a monthly living allowance. Applications are accepted year-round, providing flexibility for candidates from various academic backgrounds.
Benefits and what interns get
Successful interns will gain valuable experience in diverse fields and receive a monthly living allowance, although the amount paid varies depending on the location of the internship. Interns will also receive medical and accident insurance coverage for the duration of the programme.
Beyond the financial support, participants will gain practical work experience by contributing to ongoing WHO projects, interacting with international experts and learning how global health policies are developed and implemented. The internship also offers networking opportunities that could open doors to future employment within international organisations and the wider health sector.
Who can apply
WHO says the programme is open to students currently pursuing undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate studies at recognised institutions, as well as recent graduates who completed their studies within the last six months. To qualify, applicants must be at least 20 years old when applying. Undergraduate candidates are also expected to have completed a minimum of three years of full-time study before the internship begins.
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in at least one of WHO's official working languages and must not have close family relationships with current WHO staff members.
Fields available
The internship programme covers a wide range of technical and administrative disciplines, making it accessible to candidates from different academic backgrounds. Opportunities are available in areas including public health, medicine, nursing, epidemiology, health policy, communications, human resources, information technology, data science, finance, administration, legal affairs, emergency preparedness and response, research, and programme management.
This broad range of opportunities means applicants are not limited to medical or health-related courses alone, as professionals in technology, finance, communications and administration are also encouraged to apply.
How to apply
Unlike many graduate programmes with a fixed deadline, the WHO Internship Programme accepts applications throughout the year. Vacancies are advertised as positions become available, with each opening carrying its own application deadline. Prospective applicants are therefore encouraged to monitor the WHO Careers portal regularly for newly published internship opportunities that match their qualifications and interests.
Interested Nigerians can apply by visiting the official WHO Careers portal, searching for available internship vacancies and submitting their applications online. Candidates are advised to prepare all required academic documents and ensure their applications are completed before the closing date specified for each internship opportunity.
For young Nigerians hoping to gain international exposure and practical experience with a globally respected organisation, the WHO Paid Internship Programme offers an excellent opportunity to build valuable skills while contributing to efforts aimed at improving public health worldwide.