Applications are now open for the 2027 WTO Internship Programme for students from developing countries.
The WTO Internship Programme offers post-graduate students from WTO member and observer countries the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the WTO Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland. Selected interns receive structured training, professional mentorship, and a monthly stipend of CHF 1,800.
Below is everything you need to know to successfully apply.
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Programme Summary
Host Organisation: World Trade Organization (WTO)
Category: Internships
Eligible Countries: Developing countries (WTO members and observer states)
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Duration: Up to 6 months
Benefits:
CHF 60 daily allowance (approx. CHF 1,800 monthly)
Medical health insurance coverage
Professional training and mentorship
Deadline: December 31, 2026
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About the WTO Internship Programme
The WTO Internship Programme provides post-graduate students with the opportunity to work at the WTO Secretariat in Geneva and gain first-hand experience in international trade policy and administration.
There are three internship tracks:
1. WTO Internship Programme – Open to post-graduate students from all WTO members and countries/customs territories engaged in accession negotiations.
2. China LDC and Accessions Programme (China WTO Accession Internship Programme) – Targeted at least-developed countries (LDCs) and accession countries.
3. WTO Support Programme for Doctoral Studies – Designed for doctoral candidates.
The nature of assigned tasks depends on the division where the intern is placed.
Areas of Work
Interns may be assigned to departments covering:
Trade Law
Economics
Statistics
Trade Policy
Languages
Administration (Procurement, Finance, Human Resources)
Information, Communication and External Relations
Information Management
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the 2027 WTO Internship Programme, applicants must:
Be nationals of a WTO member state or a country/customs territory engaged in accession negotiations.
Have completed undergraduate studies in a relevant discipline.
Have completed at least one year of postgraduate studies.
Be between 21 and 30 years old during the internship period.
Duration and Benefits
The internship runs for a maximum of six months.
Interns receive a daily allowance of CHF 60 (including weekends and official holidays within the internship period).
Medical health insurance coverage is provided.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
Completed online application form
Statement of Purpose
Updated CV/Resume
Letter of Recommendation
Valid Passport
Academic Transcript
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
1. Visit the official WTO careers webpage.
2. Submit your application through the WTO external jobs platform.
3. Follow all instructions carefully and upload required documents.
4. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
5. Successful applications are placed on a roster, valid for one year.
Note: Intake into the WTO Internship Programme is ongoing. There is no specific recruitment period.
The WTO Internship Programme is highly competitive. Applicants are advised to prepare a strong statement of purpose highlighting academic excellence, interest in international trade, and alignment with the WTO’s mandate.
Application Deadline: December 31, 2026.
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