Country: Switzerland
City: Geneva
Organization: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
Category: Internship
Duration: 2–12 months
Stipend: 1,645 to 2,170 CHF per month
The World Intellectual Property Organization offers internship opportunities for students and recent graduates through its WIPO Internship Program. The official page explains that interns contribute in different roles related to innovation and creativity, and that most internship opportunities are based at WIPO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Who the Program Is For
WIPO says the program is designed for students and recent graduates. The page specifically mentions students completing a master’s degree, students in the last year of their bachelor’s degree, and recent graduates. It also states that applicants from diverse geographical backgrounds and all genders are welcome.
Academic Backgrounds
The official page lists a range of fields from which applicants may come. These include law, international relations, political science, economics, statistics, information technology, technical cooperation, project management, administration, translation, marketing, and communications.
Internship Categories
WIPO presents the internship program in two categories.
Category I
For Category I, eligible applicants include holders of a bachelor’s degree obtained within the last two years prior to the internship application date. Undergraduate students in their third or fourth year of study are also eligible, including those who need to complete an internship as part of their degree requirements. In addition, students of a first advanced university degree, meaning a master’s degree, may apply if they have not completed their coursework or final thesis.
Category II
For Category II, eligible applicants include holders of a master’s degree obtained within the last two years prior to the internship application date. Graduate students who have completed their coursework but not yet their thesis may also apply. The same applies to graduate students who already obtained their first advanced university degree and are pursuing an additional degree.
Language Requirement
The official WIPO page states that applicants need professional written and spoken knowledge of English and/or French. This requirement applies to both internship categories.
Internship Length
The internship program overall is described as lasting between 2 and 12 months. WIPO further states that Category I internships last between 2 and 6 months depending on the position, while Category II internships last between 2 and 12 months depending on the position.
Financial Support
WIPO provides a monthly stipend to selected interns. The official page states that Category I interns receive 1,645 Swiss francs per month, while Category II interns receive 2,170 Swiss francs per month. These stipends are intended to contribute to lodging, board, and local transportation costs.
Benefits
The internship page also lists additional support for interns.
Travel Reimbursement
WIPO offers reimbursement of roundtrip travel expenses of up to 1,500 Swiss francs for interns who are nationals of developing, least developed, or transitioning countries and who are residing in their home country at the time of recruitment.
Visa Support
If necessary, WIPO provides assistance with visa formalities for Switzerland.
Holidays and Leave
Interns receive 10 days of official holidays per year and 2.5 days of annual leave during each month.
Insurance Coverage
WIPO provides comprehensive medical and professional accident insurance coverage and pays the full insurance premium.
How Applications Are Handled
According to the official page, candidates should review the current Internship Roster on the WIPO career page and confirm that they meet the requirements before applying. WIPO also explains that the Internship Roster is generic and not tied to one specific internship position, and that applications are shared with relevant areas of the organization on a rolling basis.
FAQ Note
WIPO’s FAQ states that there is no specific age limit for internships. The same FAQ also confirms that candidates who graduated more than a year ago may still apply if they graduated within the last two years.
