WHO Internship and Volunteering Opportunities for Postgraduate Students in 2026

The World Health Organization (WHO) invites graduate and postgraduate students, as well as eligible experienced individuals, to apply for its Western Pacific Regional Office Internship and Volunteer Programme (IVP). Participants undertake practical assignments within WHO programme units and gain insight into the organization’s work in the health sector. Applications are accepted during four annual windows; the current window closes on November 30, 2026.

About the WHO Internship and Volunteer Programme

Assignments are based on agreed Terms of Reference (TORs) and may be placed in any programme unit at the Western Pacific Regional Office. Most placements are in health-related programmes, though other academic disciplines, including non-medical fields, may also be considered where appropriate. The programme is intended to complement participants’ education through practical work and to give WHO programmes input from students specializing in different fields.

After selection and agreement on the TORs, participants receive an orientation to WHO, including its culture and values. They then carry out their agreed assignments with supervisor guidance, coaching, mentoring and regular feedback. Programme activities may include an intern hour or hub, community or hospital exposure, visits to educational institutions, and brown-bag sessions and activities within the participant’s unit or division.

The selection process begins with a vacancy notice and shortlisting, followed by recruitment and selection, agreement on the TORs, processing of the application request and contracting. Vacancy notices are posted for 30 days four times a year, in February, May, August and November. Shortlisting is completed within seven days after the notice closes. Unit-led selection may take from one day to three months depending on the unit’s needs; it may include an initial interview and examinations where applicable. Processing the application request takes 14 days, and the contract and other documents are sent within five days after approval.

Applications are accepted from November 1 to 30, February 1 to 28 or 29, May 1 to 31, and August 1 to 31. Possible start dates are December 1, March 1, June 1 and September 1 onwards, respectively. At the end of an assignment, participants present their output at a unit or division meeting and make final presentations to WHO and their institution. The exit process also includes performance evaluation and debriefing.

Who Should Apply

The programme is intended for postgraduate students seeking practical exposure to international health work, as well as individuals whose education or professional experience fits a volunteer assignment. Applicants from a range of academic backgrounds may be considered, although most student placements are in health-related programmes. Volunteers should have relevant experience and a professional background that would enable them to contribute to a technical programme.

Key Highlights

• Provider and host: WHO Western Pacific Regional Office.
• Opportunity: internship and voluntary assignments across programme units.
• Application windows: February, May, August and November each year.
• Current application window deadline: November 30, 2026.
• Interns must be fluent in at least one working language of their office of assignment.

Explore other volunteer opportunities and relevant United Nations opportunities. To apply, use the WHO Stellis system during an open application month, search for “internship,” complete your CV and apply to the relevant vacancy notice.