Applications are now open for the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Internship Program 2026 in Switzerland. This prestigious international internship programme offers students and recent graduates from around the world the opportunity to gain professional experience within one of the leading United Nations specialized agencies focused on intellectual property, innovation, creativity, and global development.

The WIPO Internship Program 2026 is designed to help young professionals strengthen their academic and professional skills while working in a multicultural international environment at WIPO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and other WIPO external offices worldwide.

The application deadline for the 2026 WIPO Internship Roster is July 3, 2026.

Selected interns will receive monthly stipends of up to 2,170 Swiss Francs, professional exposure, international networking opportunities, and hands-on work experience across multiple fields including law, economics, technology, communications, translation, project management, administration, intellectual property, and more.

About the WIPO Internship Program

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to promoting innovation and creativity for the economic, social, and cultural development of all countries through a balanced and effective international intellectual property system.

The WIPO Internship Program supports WIPO’s mission by providing students and graduates with opportunities to:

• Gain practical international work experience
• Develop professional competencies
• Learn about global intellectual property systems
• Work in multicultural environments
• Contribute to international development initiatives
• Engage with global innovation and policy issues

According to WIPO, the programme also benefits the organization by bringing in young talents with fresh perspectives, current academic knowledge, and innovative ideas.

Internship Location

Most internship opportunities are based at:

• WIPO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland

However, internships may also be available at:

• WIPO external offices outside Geneva

Please note that WIPO internships cannot be conducted remotely. Interns are expected to work full-time onsite.

Internship Categories

The WIPO Internship Program is divided into two major categories depending on the educational level of applicants.

Category I Internship

Eligible Applicants

This category is open to:

1. Students pursuing a first university degree who are in their third or fourth year of study
2. Students required to complete internships as part of their academic programme
3. Recent graduates who completed their first-level university degree within the past two years
4. Students pursuing advanced degrees who have not completed coursework or thesis

Duration

• Minimum: 2 months
• Maximum: 6 months

Stipend

Selected Category I interns receive:

• 1,645 Swiss Francs per month
• Local transportation allowance included

This applies to interns assigned to WIPO Headquarters in Geneva.

Category II Internship

Eligible Applicants

This category is open to:

1. Students pursuing advanced university degrees who have completed coursework but not final thesis
2. Graduates who obtained advanced degrees within the last two years
3. Individuals with advanced degrees currently enrolled in further postgraduate studies

Duration

• Minimum: 2 months
• Maximum: 12 months

Stipend

Selected Category II interns receive:

• 2,170 Swiss Francs per month
• Local transportation allowance included

This applies to interns assigned to WIPO Headquarters in Geneva.

Internship Fields and Areas

WIPO offers internships across a broad range of disciplines and professional sectors.

Internship Areas Include:

1. Law and Intellectual Property Law
2. Economics and Statistics
3. Information Technology
4. Technical Cooperation Services
5. Project Administration
6. Finance
7. Human Resources
8. Procurement
9. Program Planning
10. Patent and Trademark Examination
11. Copyright
12. Translation
13. Communications
14. Conference Services
15. Security
16. Other administrative and technical areas

This wide variety of internship sectors allows students and graduates from multiple academic backgrounds to apply.

Main Responsibilities of Interns

Intern responsibilities vary depending on the department and assignment.

Generally, interns may:

• Support ongoing projects and research
• Assist with policy analysis
• Contribute to intellectual property initiatives
• Draft reports and communications
• Participate in administrative tasks
• Conduct data analysis
• Support event coordination
• Assist in legal or technical research
• Collaborate with international teams

Specific Terms of Reference are provided by each hiring office.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

Educational Requirements

Candidates must:

• Be currently pursuing a university degree, or
• Have completed a university degree within the last two years

For undergraduate applicants:

• Must be in third or fourth year of study, or
• Be in a programme requiring internship completion

For graduate applicants:

• Must meet Category II educational requirements

Required Skills

Applicants should possess:

• Good analytical skills
• Strong communication abilities
• Interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in multicultural environments
• Adaptability to new systems and technologies

Technical Skills

Applicants should have:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to quickly learn new software and systems

Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Working knowledge of English and/or French

For most internship opportunities:

• Excellent English drafting and communication skills are required

Additional knowledge of WIPO working languages is considered an advantage:

• Arabic
• Chinese
• French
• German
• Japanese
• Korean
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Spanish

Diversity and Inclusion

WIPO strongly values diversity and equal opportunity.

The organization particularly encourages applications from:

• Underrepresented regions
• Unrepresented WIPO member states
• Diverse cultural and geographic backgrounds

This makes the programme especially valuable for international students and graduates seeking global exposure.

Travel and Accommodation Information

Interns are responsible for:

• Travel arrangements
• Visa processing
• Accommodation
• Living expenses

However, WIPO provides limited travel reimbursement support for eligible applicants.

Travel Reimbursement

Interns from:

• Developing countries
• Least developed countries
• Transition countries

may receive:

• Round-trip travel reimbursement
• Up to 1,500 Swiss Francs

This applies to candidates residing in their home countries at the time of recruitment.

Selection Process

The WIPO Internship Roster is not linked to one specific internship vacancy.

Instead:

• Applications are stored in a roster database
• Profiles are reviewed when suitable internship opportunities arise
• Selected applicants are contacted for interviews

Interview Methods

The selection process may include:

• Telephone interviews
• Video interviews
• In-person interviews
• Written assessments
• Pre-recorded video tasks

Due to the large volume of applications:

• Only shortlisted candidates are contacted

If applicants are not contacted within six months after the deadline, their application was either unsuccessful or no suitable position matched their profile.

Required Application Documents

Applicants are expected to submit:

1. Online application
2. Cover letter or motivation letter
3. Academic information
4. Professional background details
5. Supporting documentation where applicable

The motivation letter is an important component of the application process.

Application Deadline

July 3, 2026
9:59 PM

Applicants are encouraged to apply early and carefully tailor their applications to their fields of expertise and career interests.

Click HERE to start your application

Why You Should Apply for the WIPO Internship Program

The WIPO Internship Program is one of the most competitive and respected international internship programmes within the United Nations system.

Participants gain:

• International work experience
• Exposure to global policymaking
• Professional mentorship
• Networking opportunities
• UN system experience
• Career development
• Practical skills
• Multicultural collaboration experience

For students and graduates interested in international law, innovation, intellectual property, public policy, technology, economics, or international development, this internship can significantly strengthen future academic and professional opportunities.

Click HERE to learn more about the WIPO Internship Program 2026 in Switzerland.

Conclusion

The WIPO Internship Program 2026 provides a remarkable opportunity for students and young professionals worldwide to work within a globally recognized international organization in Switzerland.

With competitive stipends, international exposure, professional development opportunities, and experience within the United Nations system, the programme offers a strong foundation for future careers in law, policy, technology, development, communications, administration, and intellectual property.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the July 3, 2026 deadline.

Discover more global Internship opportunities on OFY HERE.