The WTO Secretariat maintains a variety of internship programmes for postgraduate students. Internship selections are based on merit, taking into account eligibility criteria, academic qualifications, and expertise.
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When is the Application Deadline:
December 31, 2025 (for the general WTO Internship Programme). China General Internship Programme: June 1 – August 31. China LDC and Accessions Programme: rolling, no fixed deadline.
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Tell Me About The Award:
The WTO Internship Programme allows postgraduate students and PhD candidates to gain hands-on experience at the WTO Secretariat in Geneva. Interns participate in research, policy analysis, and operational tasks across areas such as trade law, economics, statistics, trade policy, administration, communications, and information management. The programme is designed to deepen academic knowledge, build professional experience, and provide exposure to international diplomacy and trade governance.
Which Fields are Eligible?
- Trade law
- Economics
- Statistics
- Trade policy
- Languages
- Administration (finance, HR, procurement)
- Information, communication & external relations
- Information management
- For PhD programme: economics, law, international relations, or closely related WTO disciplines
Type:
Postgraduate Internship / PhD Internship
Who can Apply?
- Nationals of WTO member countries or observer states engaged in accession
- General Programme: completed undergraduate studies + at least 1 year postgraduate studies, aged 21–30
- China LDC/Accessions Programme: graduates or postgraduates from least-developed countries or developing WTO members, aged ≤30
- PhD Programme: doctoral candidates from developing countries at writing-up stage (≥75% completed), working in English, French, or Spanish
How are Applicants Selected?
Selection is merit-based, considering academic qualifications, eligibility, and expertise. Shortlisted candidates are contacted for interviews; a roster of suitable candidates is maintained for one year.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- WTO member countries
- Observer countries engaged in WTO accession
- Least-developed countries for China LDC/Accessions and PhD programmes
Where will the Award be Taken?
WTO Secretariat, Geneva, Switzerland
How Many Awards?
- General Programme: number not specified
- China LDC/Accessions Programme: up to 10 internships annually (5 in Accessions Division, 5 in other WTO divisions)
- PhD Programme: limited, based on individual arrangements
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- General Programme: daily allowance CHF 60 (incl. weekends & holidays), medical insurance
- China LDC/Accessions Programme: daily allowance CHF 90, travel expenses covered, CHF 100/month health insurance subsidy
- PhD Programme: daily allowance CHF 60, travel expenses covered, medical insurance
How Long Will the Award Last?
- General Programme: up to 6 months
- China LDC/Accessions Programme: up to 10 months
- PhD Programme: 3–6 months
How to Apply:
Candidates who wish to participate in the WTO Support Programme for Doctoral Studies are invited to fill out the application form and submit the required documents.
Visit the Award Webpage for Details: https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/vacan_e/iypp_e.htm
