The World Health Organization (WHO) Internship Programme provides students and recent graduates with an opportunity to gain practical experience in international public health while contributing to the work of WHO technical and administrative teams.
For applicants interested in WHO internships in Manila in 2026, it is important to understand that WHO does not operate one single Manila-wide internship application with one universal deadline. Internship vacancies are posted individually through the WHO Careers system, and each position can have its own requirements, duty station and closing date.
WHO states that internships are offered across different organizational locations, including regional offices, country offices and headquarters, and that opportunities are posted on a continuous basis. WHO Internship Programme
WHO Internships 2026 at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | World Health Organization |
| Programme | WHO Global Internship Programme |
| Location | Various WHO offices, including Manila opportunities when advertised |
| Target applicants | Students and eligible recent graduates |
| Minimum age | 20 years |
| Study level | Undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate |
| Minimum prior study | Three years of full-time university study |
| Internship duration | 6–24 weeks |
| Working arrangement | Full-time |
| Nationality | Citizen of a WHO Member State |
| Previous WHO internship | Applicants must not have previously participated |
| Insurance | Medical and accident insurance |
| Financial support | Living allowance available to eligible selected interns |
| Application | WHO Careers/Stellis |
| Deadline | Varies by vacancy |
What Is the WHO Internship Programme?
The WHO Internship Programme is designed to give students and recent graduates exposure to the technical and administrative work of the world’s leading international public health organization.
WHO explains that the programme aims to help develop a diverse pool of future public health leaders while allowing WHO programmes to benefit from the knowledge and skills of students from different academic backgrounds.
Internships can be available in areas including:
- Public health
- Medicine
- Social sciences
- Communications
- External relations
- Human resources
- Management
- Administration
- Other technical areas connected with WHO’s work
This makes the programme relevant beyond traditional medical and public-health degrees.
WHO Internships in Manila
Applicants searching specifically for WHO internships in Manila should monitor the WHO Careers platform for vacancies associated with the relevant WHO office or duty station.
Rather than applying through a separate general Manila form, WHO directs candidates to apply to specific internship vacancy notices through its online recruitment system, known as Stellis.
WHO Careers – Internship Vacancies
Because vacancies are published continuously, the availability of Manila-based internships can change. Applicants should therefore check the official vacancy database regularly.
Who Can Apply for WHO Internships?
WHO sets several eligibility conditions for its internship programme.
1. Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 20 years old on the date of application.
2. University Enrollment
You must be enrolled in a university or equivalent institution leading to a formal qualification.
Eligible fields can include:
- Public health
- Medicine
- Social sciences
- Management
- Administration
- Communications
- External relations
- Other fields related to WHO’s technical or administrative work
3. Recent Graduates May Also Qualify
Applicants who have already completed their qualification can still be considered if they apply within 18 months of completing the formal qualification.
This is useful for recent graduates who are no longer formally enrolled.
4. Three Years of University Study
Before beginning the internship, applicants must have completed three years of full-time university study at undergraduate level or its equivalent.
5. Language Skills
Applicants must be fluent in at least one of the working languages of the WHO office where the internship is based.
For a specific Manila vacancy, candidates should therefore examine the language requirements stated in that vacancy.
6. Nationality
Applicants must hold a valid passport from a WHO Member State.
7. Family Relationship
Applicants cannot be related to a WHO staff member in specified close family relationships, including being the son, daughter, brother, sister, mother or father of a WHO staff member.
8. Previous WHO Internship
Applicants who have previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme are not eligible to participate again.
WHO Internship Duration
WHO internships are full-time assignments lasting between:
6 weeks and 24 weeks
The exact duration depends on the needs of the WHO technical unit and the particular vacancy.
Interns must be available for the full duration of their assigned internship.
Is the WHO Internship Paid?
Yes, WHO provides a living allowance to eligible selected interns who need financial support.
However, applicants should avoid assuming that every intern automatically receives the same fixed amount.
WHO states that the exact living allowance should be checked in the relevant vacancy notice, and eligibility for financial support is assessed based on information declared by the intern.
Applicants must complete a Declaration of Interests form and disclose relevant financial support, including grants, bursaries and scholarships.
Therefore, the WHO internship should not be described as universally offering one fixed stipend to every participant.
Other WHO Internship Benefits
In addition to the potential living allowance, WHO provides interns with medical and accident insurance coverage for the duration of the internship.
Other support can depend on the duty station.
For example, WHO notes that lunch vouchers may be provided at some duty stations.
Interns should also understand that insurance before the internship, after the internship and during travel to and from the duty station is their own personal and financial responsibility.
What Documents Do You Need?
WHO requires successful internship candidates to provide certain documentation before beginning the assignment.
This can include:
- Proof of enrollment in a course of study
- Proof of completion of the most recent qualification, where applicable
- WHO medical certificate of fitness for work
- Declaration of Interests information
WHO specifically advises candidates not to send documents until they are asked to do so.
This is an important application-safety point: candidates should submit documents through the official process and only when requested.
How to Apply for WHO Internships 2026
The application process is completed online.
Step 1: Visit WHO Careers
Start by accessing the official WHO internship vacancy search.
Search WHO Internship Vacancies
Step 2: Search for Available Internships
Look through the current internship vacancies and identify positions that match your:
- Academic background
- Skills
- Experience
- Language abilities
- Preferred location
For Manila-based opportunities, carefully check the duty station listed in each vacancy.
Step 3: Read the Full Vacancy Notice
Do not rely solely on a vacancy title.
Read the complete description for:
- Specific academic requirements
- Skills
- Languages
- Assignment duration
- Duty station
- Responsibilities
- Application deadline
- Any additional requirements
Step 4: Apply Through Stellis
WHO states that all internship applications must be submitted through its online recruitment system, Stellis.
There is no alternative process for submitting a general WHO internship application outside the Stellis system.
Step 5: Submit Before the Vacancy Deadline
There is no single deadline for all WHO internships.
Each internship vacancy has its own application deadline.
Consequently, applicants should apply as early as possible rather than waiting until the closing date.
How Competitive Are WHO Internships?
WHO explicitly warns that its internships are very competitive and that only a small number of applicants are selected each year.
This means meeting the basic eligibility requirements is only the starting point.
A competitive application should demonstrate a clear relationship between your academic background, professional interests and the responsibilities described in the internship vacancy.
For example, an applicant interested in a public-health internship should explain relevant coursework, research, projects, volunteer activities or other experiences that demonstrate genuine interest in the assignment.
Tips for a Strong WHO Internship Application
Tailor Your CV
Your CV should make relevant qualifications easy to identify.
Highlight:
- Relevant academic training
- Research experience
- Public-health projects
- Data or analytical skills
- Communications experience
- Administrative abilities
- International or community-focused activities
Prioritize experiences that relate directly to the vacancy.
Match Your Application to the Job Description
Avoid sending the same generic application to every WHO internship.
Instead, identify the main competencies requested in the vacancy and demonstrate where you have developed them.
Check the Language Requirement
Language requirements can differ depending on the WHO office and internship.
Make sure you meet the stated language requirement before applying.
Prepare Your Documents Early
Although WHO asks candidates not to send documents until requested, you can prepare your academic records and other supporting materials in advance so they are ready if you progress in the recruitment process.
WHO Internship Application Deadline 2026
There is no universal WHO Internship Programme deadline for 2026.
WHO publishes internship positions continuously, with each vacancy carrying its own application deadline.
Therefore, applicants interested in WHO internships in Manila should regularly check the official WHO Careers internship search rather than relying on an old deadline from another website.
Important Note About the Manila Location
The WHO Internship Programme is global, but not every internship is available in every WHO office.
If your goal is specifically to intern in Manila, check that the vacancy lists Manila or the relevant WHO office as its duty station before applying.
A general WHO internship vacancy should not automatically be presented as a Manila opportunity.
Final Thoughts
The WHO Internship Programme 2026 is a valuable opportunity for eligible students and recent graduates seeking exposure to international public health and the operations of a major global health organization.
Applicants must be at least 20 years old, have completed three years of full-time university study before starting the internship, meet the relevant academic and language requirements, hold a passport from a WHO Member State and have not previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme.
WHO internships last between six and 24 weeks, and eligible selected interns may receive a living allowance, while medical and accident insurance is provided during the internship.
For candidates specifically targeting Manila, the key is to monitor the official WHO Careers system for vacancies listing the appropriate duty station. Since positions are posted continuously and deadlines vary, there is no single application deadline for all WHO internships.
Apply for WHO Internship Opportunities
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