Internship Program
Developing talent through professional experience and learning
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that will shape not only your career, but also the world around you?
WIPO offers internship opportunities between 2 and 12 months to students (those completing a master's or in the last year of their bachelor’s) and to recent graduates. Interns work in a variety of roles at the forefront of innovation and creativity. Most of our internship positions are based at our headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
We welcome applicants of diverse geographical backgrounds and all genders.
Benefits
- Innovative and creative projects
- Hands-on contribution to protect and promote IP
- Multicultural-experiences
- Valuable networks
- Best training to develop and grow
Important info about the program
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Duration: 2 - 12 months
- Stipend: 1,645 to 2,170 CHF
"We’re investing in young, talented persons from diverse backgrounds, giving them the exposure needed to understand IP at both a technical and strategic level, as well as nurture them in leadership and administrative skills. In this way, we are not only providing a pathway to an enriching career, but also allowing them to contribute to the future economic growth of their countries and regions."
Director General Daren Tang
Who are we looking for
We are looking for students or recent graduates in various fields, among others:
- Law
- International relations
- Political Science
- Economics
- Statistics
- Information Technology (IT)
- Technical cooperation
- Project management
- Administration
- Translation
- Marketing
- Communications
- Law
- International relations
- Political Science
- Economics
- Statistics
- Information Technology (IT)
- Technical cooperation
- Project management
- Administration
- Translation
- Marketing
- Communications
Requirements and benefits
Learn about the key requirements and benefits of WIPO's Internship Program. Gain valuable experience, enhance your skills, and contribute to global innovation and creativity while working in a dynamic and international environment.
Undergraduate Internship (Category I)
- Holders of a first-level degree (bachelor's degree) obtained within the last two years prior to the internship application date; or
- Undergraduate students in their third or fourth year of study, and/or who need to complete an internship as part of their degree requirements; or
- Students of a first advanced university degree (master’s) who have neither completed the coursework nor the final thesis.
Professional (written and spoken) knowledge of English and/or French.
Between 2 and 6 months in duration depending on the position.
A monthly stipend intended to contribute towards the cost of lodging, board and local transportation of 1,645 Swiss francs.
Graduate Internship (Category II)
- Holders of an advanced degree (master's degree) obtained within the last two years prior to the internship application date, or
- graduate students who have completed their coursework but have not yet completed their thesis, or
- graduate students who have obtained their first advanced university degree and are pursuing an additional degree.
Professional (written and spoken) knowledge of English and/or French.
Between 2 and 12 months in duration depending on the position.
A monthly stipend intended to contribute towards the cost of lodging, board and local transportation of 2,170 Swiss francs.
Other benefits (Category I and Category II)
- Reimbursement of travel expenses (roundtrip) of up to 1,500 Swiss francs for interns who are nationals of developing, least developed or transitioning countries, and who are residing in their home country at the time of recruitment.
- Assistance with visa formalities for Switzerland, if necessary.
- 10 days of official holidays per year and 2.5 days of annual leave during each month.
- WIPO will provide comprehensive medical and professional accident insurance coverage and pay the full insurance premium.
Application process
1. Check the Internship roster
Explore the current Internship Roster on our career page, and make sure you meet the necessary requirements to apply before you submit an application.
Please note that the Internship Roster has a generic character and it is not linked with any internship position in particular, the applications are shared with relevant areas at WIPO on a rolling basis.
2. Create a profile
Register on our online recruitment system and set up your profile to start applying. You only need to do this once, and you can edit it as needed.
Fill in each relevant section. Only the information you have entered into the online recruitment system will be used to assess your profile.
Remember to indicate your preferred area of work.
3. Submit your application
Once your profile is created you can submit your application.
Your application should include a detailed profile, responses to the job questionnaire, and a letter of motivation. Please make sure to submit your job application before the indicated deadline.
Your application will be saved for a period of one year.
4. Wait to be contacted
After submitting your application, it will be registered in WIPO’s recruitment system, and you will receive an email confirming receipt.
Every year a new Internship Roster is advertised. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
5. Interview / Test
Our human resources team will review all applications against the qualifications outlined in the Internship roster and your motivation letter.
Suitable candidates may be invited for an online interview or test. Interviews usually last between 30 and 45 minutes. Candidates are assessed against WIPO’s organizational competencies [PDF].
6. Offer
If you are the selected candidate, you will then receive an email to inform you about the decision and asking you to confirm acceptance and a tentative starting date. If you accept, you will then receive an official Internship contract.
Still have questions?
or
Are you ready to apply?
Frequently asked questions
While there is no specific age limit, the internships are learning and training opportunities for students and fresh graduates.
Yes, you can apply if you graduated within the last two years.
No, former interns cannot apply for another internship regardless of its category. Former interns are however welcome to apply to any of our other professional opportunities.
Yes, prior experience with another UN organization does not disqualify you from applying for a WIPO internship.
Still have questions? Check the FAQs or contact us.
Dear Applicant,
Thank you so much for your interest in our program! If your application is successful, we'll be thrilled to inform you promptly. We strive to get back to everyone, but please understand that due to the fast-paced nature of the program, it might take us a bit longer to reach out to those who haven't moved to the next stage.
We truly appreciate your patience and enthusiasm!
Warm regards,
WIPO Recruitment Team
Meet some of our Interns
Hear firsthand their experience of WIPO’s Internship Program
“WIPO has offered me a unique opportunity to support recruitment, HR coordination and client-oriented engagement activities. This experience has deepened my interest in people-focused work and further developed my ability to contribute in an international HR environment.”
Charlaine, HR Talent Partners Unit, Ghana
“A registered nurse by training, with a background in government, I’ve embraced new opportunities at WIPO, which have opened doors to exciting new horizons.”
Wenzao, Global Challenges Division, Australia