Thinking about starting a career in international relations, humanitarian aid, or global policy? An internship with the International Organization for Migration (IOM)—the United Nations’ leading agency in migration—is one of the most recognized gateways into the UN system.
Before you apply, it is essential to understand the financial reality, stipend policies, and potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Are There Any Hidden Application Charges?
No. IOM explicitly states that it never charges any fee at any stage of the application, interview, selection, or recruitment process.
If an agency or website asks for an “application fee,” “document processing charge,” or “interview placement deposit,” it is a recruitment scam. Applications are always 100% free when submitted through official channels.
Do IOM Interns Get Paid?
Yes, IOM provides financial support to assist interns:
- Monthly Subsistence Allowance (MSA): IOM grants a monthly stipend calculated based on the duty station’s cost of living, education level, and distance of residence.
- Occupational Insurance: Interns are covered against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Staff Compensation Plan free of charge for the duration of the internship.
- Travel & Visa Support (For Selected Programs): Under special initiatives—such as the IOM Global Access Internship Programme—IOM also covers travel arrangements and visa-related costs.
Note on Exceptions: Interns who already receive an allowance, grant, or scholarship from a university or external sponsor that includes financial remuneration or academic credits are not eligible for the IOM stipend.
What Out-of-Pocket Expenses Should You Plan For?
While there are no fees paid to IOM, interns are usually responsible for personal logistics depending on the specific post:
- Non-Occupational Medical Insurance: Interns must provide written proof of comprehensive medical insurance covering non-occupational illness/accidents prior to starting work.
- Passport & Visa Fees: Unless covered under a specific funded pathway like the Global Access Programme, passport and visa procurement costs are the applicant’s responsibility.
- Living Costs Beyond the Stipend: The MSA is intended to partially offset housing and daily expenses, but depending on the city (e.g., Geneva or Bangkok), living expenses may exceed the allowance.
Can International Applicants Apply?
Yes! IOM accepts applicants from all over the world.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age: Must be between 20 and 36 years old at the time of application.
- Education Status: You must be enrolled in the final academic year of a Bachelor’s degree, currently pursuing a Master’s/PhD, or have graduated within the last 12 months.
- Work Experience: Applicants should have less than two years of relevant work experience.
- Language Proficiency: Working knowledge of at least one official IOM language (English, French, or Spanish) is required.
UN IOM Internships (Rolling & Year-Round Calls)
Unlike standard programs with a single yearly intake, IOM internships operate on a rolling basis:
- Regular IOM Vacancies: Posted continuously throughout the year on the IOM Careers Portal. Each posting remains open for 2 to 4 weeks from its publish date.
- Global Access Cohort Calls: Special funded calls for under-represented Member States open in specific periodic cycles during the year.
How to Apply Safely
- Visit the official IOM Careers Portal or the IOM Oracle e-Recruitment system.
- Filter available opportunities by location and functional area.
- Complete your candidate profile and submit your CV and cover letter directly through the portal.
Special Note: The IOM Global Access Internship Programme
If you are a citizen of one of the unrepresented or under-represented Member States (including Angola, Armenia, Botswana, Cambodia, Chile, Czechia, Guatemala, Kazakhstan, Mozambique, Paraguay, Uruguay, Viet Nam, and others), you are eligible for the IOM Global Access Internship cohort.
Why this matters: For applicants from these countries, IOM covers 100% of your round-trip travel and visa fees in addition to providing the standard monthly living stipend—removing all financial barriers to working with the UN!
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