WIPO Internship Programme 2026: Earn Up to CHF 2,170 Monthly in Switzerland
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) offers internship opportunities for students and recent graduates seeking international professional experience. Based primarily at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the programme allows interns to develop practical skills while contributing to work related to innovation, creativity and intellectual property.
Internships last between 2 and 12 months and are open to applicants from diverse geographical backgrounds and all genders. Opportunities cover a wide range of academic and professional disciplines, making the programme relevant to candidates interested in international organizations and global cooperation.
WIPO Internship Programme Overview
- Organization: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Duration: 2–12 months
- Monthly stipend: CHF 1,645–2,170
- Eligible applicants: Students and recent graduates
- Fields: Law, international relations, economics, IT, communications, translation and more
Fields of Internship
WIPO welcomes applications from candidates with backgrounds in various fields, including:
- Law and intellectual property
- International relations and political science
- Economics and statistics
- Information technology
- Technical cooperation and project management
- Administration
- Translation
- Marketing and communications
Applicants should indicate their preferred area of work when creating their online recruitment profile.
Eligibility Requirements
WIPO’s Internship Programme is designed for students completing a master’s degree, students in the final year of a bachelor’s degree, and recent graduates.
The programme has two categories: Undergraduate Internship (Category I) and Graduate Internship (Category II). Applicants should consult the official internship roster for the detailed requirements applicable to their category.
Meeting the general eligibility criteria does not guarantee placement. Applications are reviewed against the qualifications and competencies specified by WIPO.
Benefits of the WIPO Internship Programme
Monthly Stipend
Interns receive a monthly stipend ranging from CHF 1,645 to CHF 2,170, depending on the applicable arrangements.
Travel Reimbursement
Eligible interns who are nationals of developing, least developed or transitioning countries and who reside in their home country at the time of recruitment may receive reimbursement of round-trip travel expenses of up to CHF 1,500.
Visa Assistance
WIPO provides assistance with Swiss visa formalities where necessary.
Annual Leave and Holidays
Interns receive 10 official holidays per year and accrue 2.5 days of annual leave for every month of the internship.
Medical and Accident Insurance
WIPO provides comprehensive medical and professional accident insurance and pays the full insurance premium.
How to Apply for the WIPO Internship Programme
WIPO uses an internship roster through which applications are reviewed and shared with relevant departments on a rolling basis. The roster is general and is not linked to one specific internship vacancy.
Follow these steps to apply:
1. Check the internship roster. Visit WIPO’s official career portal and review the current roster and its eligibility requirements.
2. Create your online profile. Register on the recruitment system and complete all relevant sections. Indicate your preferred field of work.
3. Submit your application. Your application should include a detailed profile, responses to the job questionnaire and a motivation letter. Submit it before the applicable deadline.
4. Wait for a response. You will receive an email confirming receipt of your application. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the application is retained for one year.
5. Attend an interview or test. Suitable candidates may be invited to an online interview or assessment. Interviews usually last between 30 and 45 minutes.
6. Receive an offer. Selected candidates are contacted by email and asked to confirm acceptance and a tentative starting date before receiving an official internship contract.
A new internship roster is advertised each year, so applicants should check the career portal for current opportunities and deadlines.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Applicants should carefully review the roster requirements and prepare a detailed motivation letter explaining their interests, qualifications, and preferred area of work.
Final Thoughts
The WIPO Internship Programme offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain international experience in Geneva while developing professional skills in intellectual property and related fields. With a monthly stipend, insurance coverage, annual leave and potential travel reimbursement for eligible candidates, it may be worth exploring for those seeking experience in an international organization.
Important: The programme information describes the general internship roster. Applicants should check WIPO’s official website for current application requirements, available opportunities and deadlines.
