WIPO Internship Program 2026: Paid Opportunities in Geneva
Overview
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a specialized United Nations agency working on intellectual property, innovation and creativity, runs an internship programme for students and recent graduates. Most internships are at WIPO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and remote internships are not offered. Fields include law, international relations, political science, economics, statistics, information technology, technical cooperation, project management, administration, translation, marketing and communications. Assignments support legal, economic, technical, administrative and communication functions.
Who can apply
There are two categories. Category I suits undergraduate-level candidates: those with a bachelor's degree obtained in the previous two years, those in the third or fourth year of an undergraduate programme, those needing an internship to complete degree requirements, or those studying toward a first advanced degree without having finished coursework or the final thesis. Category II is for graduate-level candidates: those with a master's degree obtained in the previous two years, those who finished graduate coursework but not the thesis, or those with a first advanced degree who are pursuing another. Professional written and spoken English and/or French is required for both categories. Anyone who has already completed a WIPO internship cannot apply for another.
What you get
Category I internships last between two and six months and pay a monthly stipend of CHF 1,645. Category II internships last between two and twelve months and pay CHF 2,170 monthly. The stipend contributes to lodging, board and local transport. Eligible interns from developing, least developed or transitioning countries who live in their home country when recruited may receive reimbursement of roundtrip travel of up to CHF 1,500, and WIPO can help with Swiss visa formalities. Interns receive ten days of official holidays per year and 2.5 days of annual leave for each month, and WIPO pays the full premium for comprehensive medical and professional accident insurance.
How to apply
Candidates check the current Internship Roster and confirm they meet the requirements, then create a profile in WIPO's online recruitment system, complete the relevant sections, indicate a preferred area of work, answer the job questionnaire and provide a letter of motivation. Applications are shared with relevant areas on a rolling basis. Human resources reviews them against the requirements and motivation letter, and suitable candidates may be invited to an online interview or test, usually 30 to 45 minutes. The roster does not guarantee placement, and WIPO contacts suitable candidates when opportunities arise.