UNHCR Internship 2025 | Humanitarian Sector Programs

When you are looking for an internship that goes beyond just adding another line to your resume, a UNHCR Internship Program might be exactly what you need. This is not your average office internship where you just sit behind a desk doing paperwork. Here, interns actually make a real impact by contributing to projects that help millions of refugees and displaced individuals around the world. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is one of the biggest and most respected humanitarian organizations on the planet. Their work focuses on providing protection, shelter, healthcare, and education to people forced to flee their homes due to war, violence, or persecution.

Interns at UNHCR get to work directly on programs that support refugees, advocate for human rights, and help with crisis response efforts. So, imagine being part of a team that is actively changing lives. Whether it is helping create policies for refugee support, working on media campaigns to spread awareness, or collecting crucial data for field operations, every role here has a bigger purpose. That is why students and recent graduates from all over the world apply for internships at UNHCR. If you are someone who wants to make a difference while gaining real-world humanitarian experience, then this is the kind of internship you should seriously consider.

💡 For More Government Internships: Click Here

UNHCR Internship Opportunities | Graduate Entry-Level Roles 

About UNHCR: A Quick Overview

UNHCR, or the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, was established in 1950 to help people who were displaced during World War II. Fast forward to today, and it has become one of the most important humanitarian organizations in the world, providing aid to millions of people affected by conflict, violence, and natural disasters. Its core mission is to protect refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced individuals, ensuring they have basic human rights, safety, and access to essential services. The organization works on everything from resettlement programs and legal protection to emergency response efforts in crisis zones. It does not just offer temporary help. It actively works on long-term solutions so that displaced individuals can rebuild their lives.

Global Presence

UNHCR is a massive organization with offices in over 130 countries. It operates in conflict zones, refugee camps, and disaster-affected areas, providing direct assistance to people in need. Some of the biggest refugee crises that it has been involved in include those in Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Sudan, and Myanmar.

Key Programs and Initiatives

Facts and Figures

UNHCR is not just a charity. It is an organization that actively fights for the rights of refugees and works to create long-term solutions. If you intern here, you are directly contributing to this mission.

UNHCR Summer Internship

If you are looking for a position that fits within your summer break, UNHCR offers an amazing summer internship program. Unlike traditional internships that run throughout the year, the UNHCR Summer Internship is designed specifically for students and fresh graduates who want to gain hands-on experience during their vacation. This is a short-term internship program that allows students to work with United Nations teams worldwide for a period of two to three months. It is perfect for those who are passionate about humanitarian work, human rights, refugee law, or international relations but do not have the time for a long-term commitment.

Why Students and Graduates Prefer Summer Internships?

Duration, Work Locations, and Flexibility

Types of Internships

If you are considering an internship with UNHCR, you are probably wondering what kind of roles are available. The cool thing about these internships is that they are not one-size-fits-all. There are different departments where interns can work, depending on their skills and career interests. Whether you are into human rights, media, data analysis, or policy-making, they have something for you. Let’s break down the top seven types of internships that you can apply for.

1. Humanitarian Affairs Internship 

If you are passionate about helping displaced individuals and providing emergency aid, then a Humanitarian Affairs Internship might be the perfect fit. Interns in this role work closely with UNHCR teams on the ground, assisting with crisis response, resettlement programs, and protection efforts. Some of the things you might be doing include:

• Monitoring refugee situations worldwide and helping draft reports on humanitarian crises.
• Assisting with relief distribution, ensuring that food, shelter, and medical aid are reaching refugees.
• Supporting the coordination of emergency response efforts, working alongside UN field teams.

This is the kind of internship where you get to see the real impact of humanitarian work. If you are someone who thrives in fast-paced, high-impact environments, this could be an incredible opportunity.

2. Communications & Media Internship 

If you have a passion for storytelling, media, and social impact, then a Communications & Media Internship at UNHCR could be a great match. The main goal of this role is to spread awareness about refugee issues, engage the public, and advocate for displaced communities. Here’s what you might be doing:

• Managing social media accounts and creating posts to engage global audiences.
• Writing articles, blogs, and press releases to highlight refugee stories and initiatives.
• Working on video and graphic design projects to support awareness campaigns.

This internship is great for students with a background in journalism, digital marketing, or public relations. If you love creating content and using media to make a difference, this is definitely a role to consider.

3. Legal Internship 

For those studying law, international relations, or human rights, a Legal Internship is a fantastic way to gain experience in refugee law and international human rights policies. This internship is all about protecting refugee rights and making sure that displaced individuals are treated fairly under international law. Some of the work legal interns do include:

• Researching international refugee laws and analyzing legal cases related to asylum seekers.
• Helping draft legal documents and policy recommendations for governments and UN agencies.
• Assisting with legal aid programs, making sure that refugees receive the protection they are entitled to.

This internship is perfect for anyone who wants hands-on experience in international law and policy-making. If you see yourself working for the United Nations or a global human rights organization in the future, this could be a great stepping stone.

4. Data Analysis Internship 

Numbers play a huge role in humanitarian work. UNHCR relies on data and research to improve its programs, allocate resources, and understand refugee crises better. If you love working with data, statistics, and analytics, then a Data Analysis Internship could be an exciting opportunity. Here’s what you might be working on:

• Collecting and analyzing data on refugee movements, asylum applications, and crisis responses.
• Creating reports and visualizations that help UNHCR teams make data-driven decisions.
• Using AI and machine learning models to predict migration patterns and improve relief efforts.

This role is ideal for students in data science, statistics, economics, or computer science who want to apply their skills to real-world humanitarian challenges.

5. Policy & Advocacy Internship

If you are interested in policy-making, government relations, and global diplomacy, then a Policy & Advocacy Internship is a great choice. This internship is all about working on high-level strategies that influence refugee protection laws and humanitarian aid policies. Your tasks might include:

• Researching policies and drafting recommendations for governments and international organizations.
• Analyzing political and social issues that affect refugee protection.
• Helping develop advocacy campaigns to push for better refugee rights and legal protections.

This is a perfect fit for students in political science, international relations, public policy, or development studies who want to gain experience in global policy-making.

6. Finance & Administration Internship 

Behind every successful humanitarian project, there is a finance and logistics team making sure everything runs smoothly. A Finance & Administration Internship focuses on managing funding, budgeting, and logistics for refugee programs. As an intern in this department, you might:

• Assist with budgeting and financial reporting for projects.
• Help manage donor contributions and ensure funds are used efficiently.
• Coordinate logistics for field operations, making sure aid supplies reach refugees on time.

This internship is ideal for students in finance, business administration, logistics, or accounting who want experience in humanitarian project management.

7. Field Operations Internship 

If you want to work on the frontlines of humanitarian aid, then a Field Operations Internship is probably the most hands-on experience you can get at UNHCR. This internship places you directly in refugee camps, emergency response centres, or disaster-affected regions, where you help with relief efforts and program implementation. Your tasks might include:

• Distributing food, medical supplies, and shelter materials to displaced families.
• Coordinating refugee registrations and documentation in camps.
• Supporting education and livelihood programs that help refugees rebuild their lives.

This internship is for students who are ready for a challenging but rewarding experience in the field. If you want to be part of direct humanitarian action, this is one of the most impactful roles you can take on.

Education Requirements 

UNHCR does not require a specific major for all internships, but your field of study should match the internship role you are applying for. Here are some common degrees that fit different internships:

• Humanitarian Affairs, International Relations, and Political Science – Great for roles related to refugee policy, advocacy, and field operations.
• Law and Human Rights – Needed for legal internships where you work on asylum cases and international refugee law.
• Communications, Journalism, and Media – Best for roles in public awareness campaigns and content creation.
• Finance, Business Administration, and Logistics – Perfect for finance & administration internships where interns manage budgets and funding.
• Data Science, Statistics, and Computer Science – Great for roles in data analysis and AI-driven research.

If you are studying something else but have relevant skills or experience, you can still apply. UNHCR focuses more on your abilities and interest in humanitarian work rather than just your degree title.

Skills and Experience Needed

You do not need prior humanitarian work experience to apply for most UNHCR internships, but having some relevant experience will make your application stronger. The best way to stand out is by showing volunteer work, research projects, leadership roles, or coursework that align with their mission. Here are some skills that can improve your chances:

• Strong research and writing abilities – Needed for policy, legal, and communications roles.
• Project management and organizational skills – Helpful in administrative and field roles.
• Data analysis and technical skills – Valuable for research and operations internships.
• Communication and public relations experience – Useful for media-related positions.

Age Restrictions and International Student Eligibility

UNHCR internships are open to students and graduates of any nationality, which means international students can apply. The only age requirement is that you must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit, so recent graduates can also apply as long as it has not been more than two years since completing their degree.

Language Requirements – Which Languages Are Preferred?

English is the main language used in most UNHCR offices, so you must be fluent in spoken and written English. However, knowing additional languages can increase your chances of getting selected, especially if you apply for field positions. Some of the most in-demand languages include:

• French and Spanish – Highly valuable for roles in Africa, Latin America, and Europe.
• Arabic – Important for Middle Eastern operations.
• Russian – Useful for refugee programs in Central Asia and Eastern Europe.

Internship Salary: How Much Do Interns Get Paid?

Now, let’s talk about money. Do UNHCR interns get paid? The answer is yes, but not always. Some internships are paid, while others are unpaid or offer financial assistance in the form of stipends or travel reimbursements.

Breakdown of the Average Stipend or Salary for Interns

The amount interns receive depends on the location, role, and funding available. On average, UNHCR interns receive a stipend of $700 to $1,000 per month, but this varies. Here is a rough idea of what interns might earn:

• Interns at UNHCR Headquarters (Geneva, New York, Washington D.C.) – Usually receive higher stipends, around $900 to $1,200 per month.
• Interns in field offices (Africa, Asia, Middle East, and Latin America) – Stipends may range between $700 to $1,000 per month, depending on the funding available.
• Remote Interns – Some remote positions offer stipends, while others are volunteer-based.

Does UNHCR Offer Paid Refugee Internships?

Yes, UNHCR does have paid refugee internships, where displaced individuals and asylum seekers can apply for positions within the organization. These internships are part of its inclusion and empowerment initiatives to help refugees gain professional experience and financial independence.

How to Apply for a UNHCR Internship?

Getting into a United Nations High Commission for Refugees internship is competitive, so you need to make sure your application is strong. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you apply.

1. Check the UNHCR Internship Page for the latest openings. It updates its listings throughout the year, so keep checking.
2. Highlight relevant skills, coursework, volunteer experience, or research related to humanitarian work on your CV. Keep it clean, professional, and to the point.
3. Write a strong cover letter and explain why you want to work at UNHCR, what skills you bring, and how you align with their mission. Keep it concise and impactful.
4. Apply directly through their online portal or email (if specified in the job description).
5. If shortlisted, you will go through a screening process, in which UNHCR reviews applications and selects the top candidates.
6. Upon selection, you will receive an internship offer with details on your role, stipend (if applicable), and start date.

Apply Here

Summary

An internship with the UNHCR is an amazing opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in humanitarian work, refugee rights, policy-making, and international development. With roles in legal affairs, communications, field operations, and data analysis, there is something for everyone. While some internships are paid, others offer stipends, travel reimbursements, or career development opportunities. The selection process is competitive, so having relevant skills, a strong resume, and a well-written cover letter can improve your chances.