The WTO Internship Program for 2026 is a fully financed chance for young professionals and graduate students from all over the world. This highly regarded program gives chosen applicants the chance to get hands-on experience in international trade, take part in WTO activities, and interact with experienced experts in many parts of the organization.

The World Trade Organization is providing this competitive internship program to recent graduates and graduate students who want to learn more about the multilateral trading system and get some hands-on experience. The program's goal is to help the WTO achieve its goals by bringing in skilled people from a wide range of backgrounds, especially from developing and least-developed nations Interns are given particular jobs in different WTO divisions where they help with the organization's technical work and learn how to work in a professional setting with people from other countries.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is based in Geneva, Switzerland It is the place where trade discussions, trade monitoring, and settling disputes happen amongst its 164 member countries. As an intern at the WTO, you'll be at the center of international trade policy, working on topics that have an impact on the economy around the world. The company offers interns a fast-paced, diverse workplace where they may use what they've learned in school to solve real-world problems and make connections that can help them start careers throughout the world. 

What are the benefits of the WTO Internship Program? 

This is a one-of-a-kind chance to learn about international trade policy and help a big multinational organization with its activities Interns in this program gain real-world experience, learn more about global trade issues, and make useful professional connections that can lead to jobs in international organizations, government trade ministries, academia, and private sector trade-related jobs

Summary of the Internship

• Organization: World Trade Organization (WTO)
• Location: Geneva, Switzerland
• Duration: Up to 6 months
• Areas of Work: Various WTO divisions, such as trade policy, dispute resolution, economic research, technical cooperation, and administration
• Program Period: Throughout 2026 (multiple intakes) Click here to check courses 
• Number of roles: Up to 80 competitive roles per year
• Deadline:
  • Applications accepted year-round
  • Recommended to apply 9–12 months before desired start date
  • Hiring timetables depend on the needs of each division

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Internship Coverage

The WTO Internship Program gives certain candidates the following benefits:

• Monthly Stipend: CHF 1,800 per month (approx. $2,000)
• Travel Costs: Economy class airfare from home country to Geneva at the beginning and end of the internship (for some programs)
• Health Insurance: Full health and accident insurance coverage
• Visa Support: Help with getting a Swiss work permit
• Professional Development: Access to WTO seminars, workshops, and training sessions
• Networking Opportunities: Meeting and talking with WTO professionals and other interns
• Mentorship: Help from experienced WTO staff members
• Certificate: An official internship certificate when you finish

Requirements to Apply for the WTO Internship Program

To qualify for the WTO Internship Program, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

• Nationality: Must be a citizen of a WTO member state Click here to check eligibility 
• Age: No specific age limit, but typically recent graduates
• Education: Must have finished undergraduate studies and be enrolled in a graduate program (Masters or PhD) OR have recently finished graduate studies (within one year of applying)
• Areas of Study: Business administration, economics, law, political science, international relations, or other subjects linked to trade
• Language Skills: You must be fluent in English Knowing French or Spanish is a plus
• Technical Skills: Good at doing research and analysis; knows how to use Microsoft Office well
• Availability: You must be available for at least three months and no more than six months
• Professional experience: Having relevant job experience is helpful but not needed

Divisions and Focus Areas That Are Available

1. Policy and Analysis of Trade
   • Statistics and Economic Research
   • Trade and the Environment
   • Agriculture and Commodities
   • Market Access
2. Legal Issues
   • Settling Disputes
   • Legal Services
   • Reviewing Trade Policy
3. Cooperation in development and technology
   • Accessions
   • Technical Help
   • Training Programs
4. Help and Administration
   • Technology
   • Communications
   • Human Resources
   • Finance

How do you apply for the WTO Internship Program?

To apply for the WTO Internship Program, please complete these steps:

1. Step 1: Make sure you are eligible and get your papers ready
   • Make sure you meet all the conditions to be eligible
   • Make changes to your CV or resume (no more than two pages)
   • Write a letter of motivation (one page)
   • Get your diplomas and academic transcripts together
   • Find possible references
2. Step 2: Fill out the online application
   • Go to the WTO E-Recruitment System
   • Make an account for yourself
   • Fill out all the parts of the application form that are required
   • Upload the documents you need:
     • A letter of motivation
     • A copy of your academic transcripts
     • A copy of your passport
     • Proof of enrollment or graduation
3. Step 3: Send in your application
   • Check all the information to make sure it is correct
   • Send in your completed application through the site
   • Get an email with your application number and keep it for future reference
4. Step 4: The process of reviewing applications
   • HR checks for basic requirements
   • Technical assessment by the right departments
   • Making a list of qualified applicants
   • The process could take two to four months
5. Step 5: The Interview
   • Candidates who made the shortlist were asked to come in for an interview
   • Video conferencing is the most common way to do interviews
   • Could include technical questions and conversations based on real-life situations
   • If needed, an examination of language skills
6. Step 6: Choosing and onboarding
   • Candidates that do well get a formal offer
   • Do all of the checks before hiring someone
   • Get a work permit for Switzerland
   • Plan your trip and where you'll stay
   • Go to the orientation program in Geneva

How to Choose and What to Look For

The process of choosing is quite competitive and is based on:

• Academic Excellence (30%): How good and relevant your academic background is
• Technical Competence (25%): How well you know the skills and knowledge needed for your division
• Motivation and Fit (20%): How well you fit with WTO's work and values
• Language Skills (15%): How well you speak English and other official languages
• Interview Performance (10%): How well you communicate and how professional you are

Parts of Professional Development

1. Training at Work
   • Being given specific projects and tasks to work on
   • Being supervised by experienced WTO staff
   • Getting regular feedback and performance reviews
2. Chances to Learn
   • Going to WTO meetings and discussions (if suitable)
   • Going to WTO seminars and workshops for members only
   • Research opportunities in your field of study
3. Making connections
   • Talking to professionals from different WTO divisions
   • Networking events for intern groups
   • Making connections with other international organizations in Geneva
4. Building a career
   • Sessions on career advice
   • Workshops on how to write a CV and prepare for an interview
   • Information on job openings in the future

Important Tips for Using

1. Apply early: Send in your application 9 to 12 months before you want to start
2. Make sure your application fits the needs of the different divisions and their present goals
3. List any trade-related classes and research you've done that are relevant
4. Show that you know how to speak a language by giving particular instances or test scores
5. Look at current concerns with the WTO and address them in your letter of motivation
6. Get excellent academic references who can vouch for your skills
7. Study WTO's current work to get ready for interviews

Important Dates and a Timeline

• January 2026: Applications for jobs in 2026 open
• March to December 2026: Applications for jobs in 2026 are reviewed on a rolling basis
• 2–4 months before the start date: time for interviews
• 1–2 months before the start date: making choices
• During 2026: Several start dates, usually every three months

Effects on careers and chances

Interns at the WTO have gone on to do the following:

• Get jobs at the WTO and other international groups
• Work for the government in trade ministries and diplomatic services
• Go to school to get a job in international trade
• Get a job in the private sector that has to do with trading
• Keep studying international economics and law at a higher level

Follow our YouTube channel for a step-by-step guide to the application process

Site

To learn everything there is to know about the WTO Internship Program, go to the official websites:

Official Page for the WTO Internship Program https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/vacan_e/iypp_e.htm 

Jobs & Careers at the WTOhttps://wto.org/careers

WTO E-Recruitment System https://erecruitment.wto.org/public/

For questions about internships, please emailinterns@wto.org

Please note that the deadlines for applications and the requirements may vary Always check the latest information through official WTO outlets There are thousands of applications each year for a small number of internship opportunities, making the program quite competitive To be successful, you need to plan ahead and do a lot of work