UNHCR Internship Program | Humanitarian Internships Summer 2025

If you want to get real experience working with an international organization that makes a difference, there’s something you should check out. UNHCR Internships are a chance to learn about helping refugees and supporting global causes. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is known for protecting and helping people who have been forced to leave their homes. These internships offer different positions where you can learn about things like communications, legal work, administration, and even field support. What’s good is that some positions are fully funded and come with an allowance or stipend, which helps with living costs. You don’t always need a degree to apply, so it’s a chance for a lot of students or new grads.

A lot of people who join these internships end up interested in UNHCR jobs or other routes in the humanitarian field. There are also traineeships and summer programs that give you practical learning, both in person and in remote areas. The refugee agency is involved in a bunch of things, but if you want to focus on legal protection or direct help for refugees, there’s a place for you, too. Some trainees get to work with teams on real projects that matter. Whether you’re thinking about working in the field or you want to learn more about international organizations, these experiences can help shape your goals. Trying out these summer programs or internships is a smart way to get a start in humanitarian work.

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Fully Funded UNHCR Internship for Undergraduates | Application Form Details & More

About United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, known as UNHCR, was founded in 1950 and is a leading international organization that works to protect and support refugees worldwide. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the organization operates in over 130 countries and has helped millions of people forced to flee conflict and persecution. Every year, it supports more than 80 million displaced individuals, which include refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced people. Their main goal is to make sure everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe shelter.

UNHCR provides a wide range of services, such as emergency relief, shelter, healthcare, legal assistance, and education. They help people rebuild their lives through local integration or by supporting voluntary repatriation and resettlement in new countries. The organization is known for its commitment to humanitarian values and is recognized for responding quickly to emergencies. Many people who receive support from them have shared positive feedback about the organization’s dedication and the impact of its services, showing high levels of satisfaction with the help they receive.

Also, Check Out: UNESCO Internship for Undergraduate & Graduate Students

Types of UNHCR Internships

UNHCR has all kinds of internships for students and recent grads, no matter what you’re studying or what you want to do. If you want a quick summer job, something in humanitarian work, or a chance to help refugees face-to-face, there’s a program for you. Check out the different internships UNHCR offers below.

1. Summer Internships 

UNHCR summer internships usually last two to three months, happening at the Geneva headquarters or different field offices worldwide. They fit school breaks, so they’re good for students who want a meaningful summer. You might work on research, data, admin, communications, or refugee support. These are competitive, so a strong application is important. Some internships pay a stipend, but others might need outside funding.

Key Features:

Duration: 2–3 months

Eligibility: Undergrad and grad students

Location: Geneva & worldwide field offices

Roles: Research, data, admin, refugee help, communications

Salary: Some have stipends, some need outside funding

Best for: Students wanting global exposure in a short-term internship

2. Humanitarian Internships 

The Humanitarian Internship program at UNHCR is made for students and graduates who really care about helping others, refugee rights, and crisis response. Interns get to see how a big humanitarian group works every day and help out with emergency planning, advocacy, policy research, or supporting teams in refugee camps.

Key Features:

Duration: 3–6 months

Eligibility: Students/grads in international relations, human rights, or political science

Location: Headquarters, regional, or field offices

Roles: Emergency response, advocacy, refugee help, policy research

Salary: Most have stipends

Best for: Students wanting hands-on humanitarian field experience

3. Refugee Internships 

Refugee Internships at UNHCR let students and grads help displaced people with real projects like legal support, resettlement, and education. You can be placed at headquarters, regional, or field offices. Some roles come with a stipend.

Key Features:

Duration: Few months

Eligibility: Students/recent grads

Location: HQ, regional, field offices

Roles: Legal, resettlement, education, refugee support

Salary: Some stipends

Best for: Direct humanitarian work

4. Communications and Media Internships 

Communications and Media Internships at UNHCR are made for students and grads who like writing, media, or digital projects. Interns help create social media posts, write news updates, and share stories about refugees. These roles can be at headquarters or in the field. Some positions give a stipend.

Key Features:

Duration: Few months

Eligibility: Students/recent grads

Location: HQ or field offices

Roles: Social media, writing, digital content, storytelling

Salary: Some stipends

Best for: Those interested in media and communication

5. Legal and Protection Internships 

Legal and Protection Internships at UNHCR are for students and graduates who want to learn about refugee law and human rights. Interns help with legal research, case reviews, and support for people seeking protection. Placements can be at headquarters or in the field. Some positions offer a stipend.

Key Features:

Duration: Few months

Eligibility: Students/recent grads in law or related fields

Location: HQ or field offices

Roles: Legal research, case work, protection support

Salary: Some stipends

Best for: Anyone interested in law and refugee rights

Internships Overview

UNHCR Internship Interview Questions:

If you’re getting ready for a UNHCR Internship interview, you might get these common questions:

• Why do you want to intern with UNHCR?

I want to help refugees and learn more about humanitarian work.

• What do you know about UNHCR and its mission?

UNHCR works to protect and support refugees and displaced people around the world.

• Do you have any experience working with diverse groups or in tough situations?

I’ve volunteered with people from different backgrounds at a local shelter.

How to Apply for the UNHCR Internship?

Many students and graduates show real interest in UNHCR Internships because these roles offer valuable experience in humanitarian work. The recruitment process is simple, but it’s important to be ready and submit a strong job application that matches the position you want. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Hit ‘Apply Here‘ to go to the company’s webpage.
2. Find the vacancies section.
3. Review available internships and select the one that fits your interests.
4. Read the eligibility criteria for your chosen internship.
5. Create an account on the portal to proceed.
6. Prepare your resume and a customized cover letter.
7. Complete the online job application form with correct details.
8. Attach all required documents, like your CV and academic records.
9. Submit your form and wait for updates from the recruitment process.

Apply Here