As Westminster enters the fifth year of its partnership with the United Nations’ (UN) International Organization for Migration, the University gets ready to open its applications for the 2026 internship cycle.
For five years, the University of Westminster’s partnership with the UN has opened doors for students to step beyond the classroom and into the heart of global policymaking, humanitarian response and international cooperation. What began as an ambitious institutional collaboration has evolved into a flagship programme that places Westminster students in the International Organization for Migration (IOM) offices around the world, equipping them with the skills, confidence and networks required to navigate complex global challenges.
With the 2026 cycle of the internships opening to applications this month, the programme continues to demonstrate sustained impact and progression. The 2025 cohort saw Westminster interns placed across IOM offices in Austria, Senegal, Switzerland, Tunisia, Botswana, Costa Rica, Burundi, Jordan and Greece, reflecting the geographic reach and operational diversity of the partnership.
Through funded, long-term placements, students have contributed to projects spanning migration governance, health programming, crisis response, policy evaluation and climate-related initiatives. The programme has grown in both scale and depth, creating structured pathways into international careers while maintaining a strong focus on equitable access to global mobility opportunities.
For Jean Munongo, a recent Diplomacy and Global Politics MA graduate who interned at IOM Headquarters in Geneva, it was the connections forged across the organisation that proved particularly transformative.
Drawing on his experiences he shared: “The most underrated skill is the network and the relations you build along the way. From interns, to colleagues, to directors, to delegates, to ambassadors, it is crucial to exchange with all. An opportunity can come from a chat at the cafeteria or a walk to the bus stop.”
Westminster interns contributing to field-based initiatives in Kenya, Costa Rica, Bangladesh and beyond.
At the IOM Regional Office for West and Central Africa in Dakar, Iqra Akhtar, an Global Public Health with Data Science MSc student, worked at the intersection of migration and health, contributing to regional programming and crisis response initiatives.
Reflecting on her placement, she said: “Contributing to regional work across West and Central Africa through crisis response planning, proposal and concept note development, and stakeholder engagement has shown me how well-coordinated health programming can strengthen access, continuity of care and preparedness for mobile populations, particularly in crisis-affected contexts.”
From regional coordination to operational implementation, the programme also provides space for students to assume leadership responsibilities in complex field environments.
In Tunisia, Kamilah Abou-Elmajd, an International Relations MA student, supported IOM Libya’s work in a politically sensitive and operationally demanding context and received a consultancy offer when her internship came to an end.
She said: “One of the highlights of my experience was serving as the focal point for our colleague workshop where I coordinated logistics, supported programme teams and ensured smooth communication across departments.”
She added: “Receiving a consultancy offer at the end of my internship has been both affirming and motivating, and it marks an important step towards building a career at the intersection of migration, diplomacy and development.”
The partnership between Westminster and IOM continues to deepen and expand. Last semester, Michael Emery, IOM’s Director of Human Resources, visited the University to deliver workshops on international careers and interview techniques, both within academic modules and as extracurricular sessions open to all students. During his visit, he met with Vice-Chancellor and President of the University Professor Peter Bonfield to explore further strengthening the collaboration.
Building on this relationship, new opportunities have emerged beyond IOM placements, with Westminster celebrating its first intern at the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) this year, and students now becoming Impactpool Fellows, gaining access to specialised tools and networks for careers in the international sector.
Dr Sahar Taghdisi Rad, Director of Employability and Project Lead at the University, said: "Seeing Westminster students step into IOM offices around the world, contribute to complex projects and build lasting professional networks is incredibly rewarding. These internships go beyond skills development – they immerse students in global challenges, foster leadership and open pathways into international careers. Our goal has always been to make these transformative experiences accessible to students from all backgrounds, contributing to an inclusive global policy environment and ensuring the next generation is equipped to shape global cooperation with purpose and impact.”
The IOM internships are financially supported by a combination of University resources dedicated to outward mobility as well as the support of Westminster alumnus and donor Ken Subraj. Later this month, Subraj will host a fundraising event in New York to bring together philanthropists and partners committed to supporting the continuity and long-term impact of the internship programme.
Applications for the 2026 United Nations Internship Programme will open on 9 March. The programme is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students across the University, except those in their first year of undergraduate studies.
This partnership directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, 10: Reduced Inequalities and 17: Partnership for Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
For more information regarding this internship programme, contact Dr Sahar Taghdisi Rad.
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