WTO Internship 2026: Apply for Paid Internship Opportunities in Geneva

Overview

The World Trade Organization (WTO) runs internship programmes at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, for postgraduate students and recent graduates interested in international trade, economics, law and policy. Interns are placed in divisions according to the organization's needs and their qualifications. Assignments can cover trade law, economics, statistics, trade policy, languages, administration, procurement, finance, human resources, communications, external relations, information management and information technology. The main programme lasts up to six months.

Who can apply

Applicants to the main programme must be nationals of a WTO member or of a country or customs territory in accession negotiations. They must have completed undergraduate studies in a relevant discipline and meet one postgraduate condition: currently enrolled in a master's degree with at least one year completed; completed a master's and enrolled in a higher postgraduate programme, including doctoral studies; or completed a master's or PhD within the two years before selection. Applicants must be at least 21 years old.

What you get

Interns in the main programme receive a daily allowance of CHF 60, including weekends and official holidays within the period. The WTO does not pay travel to and from Geneva, and interns must arrange mandatory medical health insurance in Switzerland beforehand.

The WTO also has programmes sponsored by the Government of China for recent graduates and young professionals from least-developed countries and developing economies, offering up to ten internships a year. Participants receive a daily allowance of CHF 90, economy-class travel to and from Geneva and an extra CHF 100 per month toward health insurance, and must meet nationality, education and age requirements, including being no older than 30.

How to apply

Applications for the main programme go through the WTO external jobs platform and are accepted on an ongoing basis. The WTO keeps a roster of suitable candidates for one year, and only those selected for interview are contacted. The China General Internship Programme accepts applications from 1 June to 31 August, while the China WTO Accessions Internship Programme can accept applications at different times during the year.