Organization: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
Host country: Switzerland
Degree level: Undergraduate, Masters, Doctoral
Funding: Paid Internship
Deadline: July 3, 2026
Fields of study: Law / IP Law, Economics, Statistics, Information Technology, Technical Cooperation Services, Project Administration, Administration, Finance, Human Resources, Procurement, Program Planning, Patent/Trademark Examination, Copyright, Translation, Other Areas (Communications / Conference Services / Security)
The WIPO Internship Program supports WIPO's mission to lead the development of a balanced and effective international intellectual property system. It provides a unique opportunity for students and recent graduates from all regions of the world to complement their educational experience and develop their professional skills in an international context. Interns are placed in various departments at WIPO to learn about the organization's core values and initiatives. The program consists of Category I and Category II internships, typically lasting between two to twelve months depending on the level of study and departmental needs.
Benefits
Monthly stipend allowance intended to contribute towards the cost of lodging, board, and local transportation in Switzerland
Reimbursement of round-trip travel expenses up to a maximum of 1,500 Swiss francs for eligible interns from developing, least developed, or transition countries residing in their home country
Hands-on professional experience and skills development in a prestigious international organization
Eligibility
Must be pursuing a first-level university degree (in their third or fourth year), pursuing an advanced degree, or have obtained a university degree less than two years prior to the application
Must have a background in law (particularly intellectual property), science and technology, finance, human resources, economics, communications, information technology, or translation
Must possess very good knowledge of English and/or French
Must be a competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and have the ability to adapt quickly to new systems
Requirements
Submission of an online application through the WIPO recruitment system, including a detailed profile and responses to the job questionnaire
Submission of a formal letter of motivation
Participation in an online interview or test if shortlisted by the human resources team
Required Documents
Detailed online profile/CV created in the WIPO recruitment system
Letter of motivation
Proof of university enrollment or recent degree completion (verified during the selection process)
Programs of Study
Category I Internship (Undergraduates and recent First-Level Graduates)
Category II Internship (Postgraduates and recent Advanced Degree Graduates)
Application Process
Check the Internship Roster (26011-INT) on the WIPO career page to ensure you meet all necessary requirements
Create an online profile on the WIPO recruitment system and fill in all relevant sections, including your preferred area of work
Submit your application by providing a detailed profile, answering the job questionnaire, and uploading your letter of motivation
Wait for the application to be reviewed on a rolling basis; you will receive an email confirming receipt
If selected, participate in a 30 to 45-minute online interview or test to assess your alignment with WIPO's organizational competencies
How to Apply
Ensure that your online profile is completely filled out, as only the information entered into the online recruitment system will be used to assess your application
Understand that the Internship Roster is generic and not linked to a specific position; your application will be shared with relevant areas at WIPO on a rolling basis
Submit your application strictly before the July 3, 2026 deadline, as late submissions will not be considered
Selection Process
The human resources team reviews all applications against the qualifications outlined in the Internship roster and the motivation letter
Applications are shared with relevant departments on a rolling basis throughout the year
Suitable candidates are invited for an online interview or test to evaluate their skills and competencies