The World Trade Organization (WTO) offers a range of prestigious internship programmes designed to build professional experience, expand global trade expertise, and strengthen diversity within the organization. These programs provide post-graduate students and young professionals with the opportunity to work at the center of international trade policy in Geneva, Switzerland.
The WTO hosts three internship programmes:
- WTO Internship Programme – open to candidates from all WTO member states and accession countries
- China LDCs & Accessions Internship Programme – for applicants from developing and least-developed countries
- WTO Support Programme for Doctoral Studies (PhD Internship Programme) – for PhD students from developing countries
1. WTO Internship Programme
Overview:
This flagship internship allows post-graduate students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in areas such as trade law, economics, statistics, IT, languages, communications, and administration.
Key Features:
- Work in specialist divisions aligned with your background
- Assignments that deepen understanding of trade policy and WTO operations
- Duration: up to 6 months
- Stipend: CHF 60/day
- Health insurance required (self-arranged)
- Open to all WTO members and accession territories
Eligibility:
- At least 21 years old
- Completed a relevant undergraduate degree
- Currently enrolled in, or recently completed, a Master’s or PhD
- Application via WTO External Jobs Platform (ongoing intake)
2. China WTO Accessions & General Internship Programmes
Funded by the Government of China, these programmes support capacity building for young professionals from developing and least-developed countries.
Tracks:
- Accessions Programme – placements in the Accessions Division (up to 10 months)
- General Internship Programme – placements across various WTO divisions
Key Features:
- Stipend: CHF 90/day
- Economy-class travel covered
- Additional CHF 100/month for health insurance
- Duration: up to 10 months
- Designed to strengthen trade law, economic, and policy skills
Eligibility:
- Nationals of a developing or LDC WTO member, or accession observer
- Completed undergraduate studies and at least one year of postgraduate study
- Under age 30
How to Apply:
- Submit application through WTO Jobs Platform
- Email additional documents to:
- Accessions Programme: ChinaProgramme@wto.org
- General Programme: ChinaInternship-gen@wto.org (applications accepted 1 June–31 August)
3. WTO Support Programme for Doctoral Studies (PhD Internship)
This programme supports doctoral students from developing countries conducting research related to trade and WTO disciplines.
Key Features:
- Duration: 3–6 months
- Stipend: CHF 60/day
- Economy-class travel covered
- Dedicated WTO mentor
- Opportunity to present your research at a WTO seminar
Eligibility:
- National of a WTO member or accession territory
- From a developing country or LDC
- PhD student in economics, law, international relations, or related discipline
- At least 75% thesis completion
How to Apply (All Programs)
Applications are submitted through the WTO External Jobs Platform.
Only shortlisted candidates are contacted. Internships do not guarantee future employment, but interns may apply for external vacancies.
Why Apply?
A WTO internship offers an unparalleled opportunity to:
- Gain real-world experience in global trade policy
- Work with leading economists, lawyers, and trade experts
- Build an international network
- Contribute to global discussions shaping future trade governance
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