The WIPO Internship Program 2026 offers international students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain professional experience at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, Switzerland. The program offers internships lasting between 2 and 12 months, depending on the internship category and position. Most WIPO internship positions are based at the organization’s headquarters in Geneva.
The WIPO Internship Program is open to students and recent graduates from different academic backgrounds. Eligible fields include law, international relations, political science, economics, statistics, information technology, project management, administration, translation, marketing, communications, and technical cooperation. Applicants do not need to specialize in intellectual property to be considered for opportunities at WIPO.
WIPO provides a monthly stipend of CHF 1,645 for Category I internships and CHF 2,170 for Category II internships. Eligible interns from developing, least developed or transition countries who are living in their home country when recruited may also receive reimbursement of round-trip travel expenses of up to CHF 1,500. WIPO provides medical and professional accident insurance and assistance with Swiss visa formalities when necessary.
WhatsApp ChannelQuick Overview of the WIPO Internship Program 2026
- Host Organization: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Program: WIPO Internship Program
- Duration: 2 to 12 months
- Nationality: All
- Application Deadline: Varies by internship; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
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WIPO Internship Program Benefits
The WIPO internship provides practical work experience in an international organization. Interns can work on projects related to intellectual property, innovation, administration, technology, economics, communications and other areas.
The main benefits include:
- Monthly stipend of CHF 1,645 for Category I interns.
- Monthly stipend of CHF 2,170 for Category II interns.
- Round-trip travel reimbursement of up to CHF 1,500 for eligible interns from developing, least developed or transition countries who are residing in their home country at recruitment.
- Assistance with Swiss visa formalities, when required.
- Comprehensive medical and professional accident insurance.
- 10 days of official holidays per year.
- 2.5 days of annual leave for each month of the internship.
- Professional experience within a United Nations specialized agency.
- Opportunities to work with international teams and professionals.
WIPO does not provide accommodation for interns in Geneva. The stipend is intended to contribute to accommodation, food and local transportation costs. WIPO may provide resources and guidance to help interns find accommodation.
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WIPO Internship Categories
WIPO has two main internship categories based on the applicant’s education level and academic status.
Category I Internship
Category I is designed for undergraduate students, recent bachelor’s degree holders and certain master’s students.
Applicants can qualify if they:
- Have obtained a first-level university degree, such as a bachelor’s degree, within the last two years before applying.
- Are in the third or fourth year of an undergraduate degree.
- Need to complete an internship as part of their degree requirements.
- Are studying for a first advanced university degree, such as a master’s, but have not completed their coursework or final thesis.
Category I internships normally last 2 to 6 months, depending on the position. The monthly stipend is CHF 1,645.
Category II Internship
Category II is intended for graduate students and recent master’s degree holders.
Applicants can qualify if they:
- Have obtained a master’s or other advanced university degree within the last two years before applying.
- Have completed their graduate coursework but have not completed their thesis.
- Have obtained their first advanced university degree and are pursuing another degree.
Category II internships normally last 2 to 12 months, depending on the position. The monthly stipend is CHF 2,170.
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Who Can Apply for the WIPO Internship?
The WIPO Internship Program is open to students and recent graduates from a range of academic and professional backgrounds.
Relevant fields include:
- Law
- International relations
- Political science
- Economics
- Statistics
- Information technology
- Technical cooperation
- Project management
- Administration
- Translation
- Marketing
- Communications
WIPO also states that applicants do not need to be specialized in intellectual property. The organization offers opportunities in areas such as IT, human resources, library sciences, economics, finance and translation.
WIPO Internship Language Requirement
Applicants need professional written and spoken knowledge of English and/or French.
WIPO’s internship FAQ also states that applicants whose English is not excellent can still apply, provided they have working knowledge of English and/or French.
How to Apply for the WIPO Internship Program
Interested students and recent graduates should check the current WIPO Internship Roster and complete the online application through the official recruitment system.
The WIPO Internship Program 2026 provides an opportunity to gain professional experience in Geneva while working with an international organization. Applicants should carefully review the category requirements, language requirements and current internship roster before submitting an application.
