10 Fully Funded Internships for International Students and Fresh Graduates in 2026
If you’re an international student or a recent graduate dreaming of real-world experience abroad without breaking the bank, 2026 could be your golden year. Fully funded internships like CERN, OIST Japan, and NATO are not just prestigious programs — they cover your living expenses, travel costs, and even accommodation.
These internships don’t just add lines to your resume; they open global career doors and connect you with leaders in science, policy, research, and international development.
Based on previous year trends, here are 10 fully funded internships for 2026 that should be on your radar right now.
1. CERN Internship Program (Switzerland)
Fields: Engineering, Physics, Computing, or Administration
Benefits: Fully funded with monthly stipend, travel, and health insurance
Duration: 2–12 months
CERN offers both Administrative and Technical Internships, allowing international students to work with one of the world’s most advanced research organizations. With over 160 nationalities represented, CERN is a powerhouse for scientific discovery and cultural exchange.
Why Apply: Ideal for tech or research students eager to gain hands-on lab and project experience in Switzerland.
2. Max Planck Institute Internships (Germany)
Fields: Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science
Benefits: Fully funded including travel and housing
Duration: 12–14 weeks
Germany’s Max Planck Institutes host some of the most competitive and research-driven internships globally. Selected students receive stipends, free housing, and airfare support.
Why Apply: Offers pure research exposure under top scientists — perfect for those considering graduate studies or research careers.
3. OIST Research Internship Program (Japan)
Fields: Science, Technology, Engineering
Benefits: Free accommodation, daily stipend, and round-trip airfare
Duration: 3–6 months
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) welcomes global students to join its international research labs. Interns get access to cutting-edge facilities and a multicultural environment.
Why Apply: Japan’s combination of innovation and cultural richness makes this a career-boosting opportunity.
4. World Health Organization (WHO) Internship
Fields: Public Health, Medicine, Policy, Communications
Benefits: Travel and living support in selected postings
Duration: 6–24 weeks
WHO internships introduce students to public health challenges and real-world global health governance. While funding may vary, many offices offer full coverage for international candidates.
Why Apply: Perfect for students in medicine or global health who want hands-on experience in international health systems.
5. UNICEF Internship Program
Fields: International Development, Education, Policy, Communications
Benefits: Monthly stipend, travel allowance, and visa support
Duration: 6–26 weeks
The UNICEF Internship provides practical exposure to humanitarian work focused on children’s rights and global development. It’s highly competitive but immensely rewarding.
Why Apply: Gain real experience with one of the most respected UN agencies while working toward meaningful global goals.
6. IMF Fund Internship Program (USA)
Fields: Economics, Finance, Data Science
Benefits: Competitive salary, travel allowance, and housing
Duration: 10–12 weeks (usually summer)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) offers its prestigious Fund Internship Programme for master’s and PhD students. Interns work directly with IMF economists on critical research.
Why Apply: A dream opportunity for those studying economics or finance to understand macroeconomic policy at a global level.
7. UNDP Internship Program (Global Locations)
Fields: Economics, Governance, Environment, Communications
Benefits: Stipend (funded in select offices)
Duration: 3–6 months
The United Nations Development Programme provides exposure to global policymaking and sustainability projects. Funding varies, but many 2026 calls will include living support.
Why Apply: A stepping-stone into international development careers and networking with global policymakers.
8. NATO Internship (Belgium)
Fields: International Relations, Defense, Security, Communications
Benefits: Monthly stipend, travel assistance
Duration: 6 months
The NATO Internship Programme 2026 offers fully funded positions in Brussels. It’s one of Europe’s best-known international internships combining policy, defense, and diplomacy.
Why Apply: Perfect for students pursuing political science or international affairs — plus, you’ll gain exposure to Europe’s defense and policy environment.
9. Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (Canada)
Fields: STEM, Economics, Humanities
Benefits: Travel, housing, stipend, and health insurance
Duration: 12 weeks
The Mitacs Globalink Internship brings international students to Canadian universities for supervised research projects. It’s co-funded by Mitacs and partner countries.
Why Apply: You’ll work under Canadian professors, gain publication-worthy research experience, and explore Canada’s top institutions.
10. World Bank Internship Program
Fields: Economics, Finance, Law, International Development
Benefits: Travel allowance, monthly salary
Duration: 1–4 months
The World Bank Internship offers a platform for students to contribute to real projects in economic development and global policy. Applications usually open twice a year.
Why Apply: A great way to enter the global development ecosystem with exposure to international finance and sustainability operations.
Quick Comparison Table
| Internship | Country | Field | Funding Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CERN | Switzerland | Tech / Admin | Fully Funded | 2–12 months |
| Max Planck | Germany | Research | Fully Funded | 12–14 weeks |
| OIST | Japan | STEM | Fully Funded | 3–6 months |
| WHO | Global | Health | Partially / Fully Funded | 6–24 weeks |
| UNICEF | Global | Development | Fully Funded | 6–26 weeks |
| IMF | USA | Finance | Fully Funded | 10–12 weeks |
| UNDP | Global | Development | Funded in select offices | 3–6 months |
| NATO | Belgium | Security | Fully Funded | 6 months |
| Mitacs | Canada | Research | Fully Funded | 12 weeks |
| World Bank | Global | Policy | Fully Funded | 1–4 months |
How to Prepare for These Internships?
- Start early: Most 2026 programs open between August–December 2025.
- Build a strong CV: Emphasize research, volunteer work, or academic achievements.
- Tailor your motivation letter: Link your goals to the organization’s mission.
- Check funding details carefully: Ensure coverage for travel, housing, and stipends.
- Gather recommendation letters early: Many programs require academic or professional references.
- Prepare for interviews: Especially for organizations like IMF, World Bank, and CERN.
- Verify visa processes: Each host country may have unique intern visa requirements.
Conclusion
Fully funded internships are more than just short-term experiences — they are your passport to a global career. Whether you’re crunching data at the IMF, assisting scientists at CERN, or helping policy experts at the UNDP, these programs give you hands-on exposure and international recognition.
Start preparing your applications now — because opportunities like these don’t just shape careers; they build futures.