Apply for the WIPO Internship 2027 in Switzerland (Fully Funded) - paid internship opportunities with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a United Nations specialized agency. Most placements are at WIPO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, with roles across innovation, creativity, and intellectual property.
WIPO recruits through an annual Internship Roster. Internships last 2 to 12 months. Selected interns receive a monthly stipend of CHF 1,645 - 2,170 intended to contribute toward lodging, board, and local transportation. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
This Opportunity Station guide covers categories, stipend details, eligibility, documents, and how to apply via WIPO’s online recruitment system.
Quick Facts - WIPO Internship 2027 Switzerland
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host country | Switzerland |
| Host city | Geneva (WIPO headquarters; some external offices may apply) |
| Organisation | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) |
| Type | Paid internship / Internship Roster |
| Duration | 2 - 12 months (depending on category and position) |
| Monthly stipend | CHF 1,645 (Category I) to CHF 2,170 (Category II) |
| Format | Full-time, on-site learning opportunity |
| Nationality | Open internationally (students and recent graduates) |
| Languages | Working knowledge of English and/or French required |
| Review style | Rolling (new roster advertised each year; applications kept ~1 year) |
| Roster deadline | 4 January 2027 (confirm on current vacancy notice) |
| Official apply | WIPO Internship Roster (Taleo) |
Why Apply for a WIPO Internship in Geneva?
- Work inside a UN specialized agency at the centre of global IP policy
- Monthly stipend to help cover living costs in Geneva
- Hands-on experience across law, science/tech, finance, HR, communications, IT, translation, and international relations
- 2 - 12 month placements suited to study or early-career plans
- Strong professional network in innovation and creativity ecosystems
Internship Categories & Stipend
Undergraduate Internship (Category I)
- Typical duration often between about 2 and 6 months (confirm vacancy)
- Monthly stipend: CHF 1,645 toward lodging, board, and local transport
Graduate Internship (Category II)
- Duration between 2 and 12 months depending on the position
- Monthly stipend: CHF 2,170 toward lodging, board, and local transport
Important: The stipend is a contribution to living costs. Interns are usually responsible for arranging visas, travel, and housing unless a specific vacancy states otherwise. Always read the official vacancy and FAQs.
Eligibility Overview
Category I (Undergraduate / early graduate path)
- Bachelor’s degree obtained within the last two years; or
- Undergraduate students in their third or fourth year, and/or needing an internship for degree requirements; or
- Master’s students who have not yet completed coursework and final thesis
Category II (Graduate path)
- Master’s (or advanced) degree obtained within the last two years; or
- Graduate students who finished coursework but not the thesis; or
- Graduates pursuing an additional advanced degree after a first master’s
Additional notes from WIPO FAQs:
- Working knowledge of English and/or French is required
- Former WIPO interns generally cannot reapply for another internship
- Prior UN internship experience elsewhere does not disqualify you
- An internship does not guarantee future WIPO employment
Required Application Materials
- Online profile in WIPO’s recruitment system
- Responses to the job / internship questionnaire
- Letter of motivation
- At least two references (as required in the online form)
- Any additional documents listed on the Internship Roster vacancy
How to Apply
- Read the official WIPO Internship Program page and FAQs.
- Open the current Internship Roster on WIPO’s careers system.
- Create or sign in to your profile and complete all mandatory sections.
- Upload / paste your motivation letter and answer the questionnaire.
- Submit before the roster deadline (4 January 2027 - verify on the live vacancy).
- Monitor status in “My Submissions”; selections are made on a rolling basis as units need interns.
Official Links
Apply - WIPO Internship Roster
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
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FAQs - WIPO Internship 2027 Switzerland
Is the WIPO internship fully funded?
It is a paid internship with a monthly stipend (CHF 1,645 - 2,170) meant to help with lodging, board, and local transport. Travel and housing are typically arranged by the intern unless otherwise stated.
What is the deadline?
The current roster closing date commonly listed is 4 January 2027. Confirm on the live Taleo vacancy; applications are reviewed rolling within the roster period.
Where will I work?
Most internships are at WIPO HQ in Geneva, Switzerland.
How long is the internship?
Between 2 and 12 months, depending on category and the specific assignment.
Can recent graduates apply?
Yes - generally if your most recent degree was obtained within the last two years (see Category I/II rules).
