The World Trade Organization (WTO) offers a range of prestigious internship opportunities for post-graduate students and young professionals. These programmes are designed to expose participants to the world of international trade policy, foster diversity, and build global expertise. World Trade Organization (WTO) Internship Programmes 2025
There are three main internship programmes under the WTO: WTO Internship Programme, China LDCs, Accessions, and General Internship Programme, WTO Support Programme for Doctoral Studies (PhD Internship Programme)
1. WTO Internship Programme
Purpose: World Trade Organization (WTO) Internship Programmes 2025, offers post-graduate students from WTO member states or accession countries an opportunity to gain practical experience working within the WTO Secretariat.
Key Areas of Work:
- Trade Law
- Economics
- Statistics
- Trade Policy
- Information Management
- Administration (Finance, HR, Procurement)
Duration: Up to 6 months
Remuneration: CHF 60 daily allowance (covers weekdays, weekends, and official holidays)
Travel: Not covered
Eligibility:
- National of a WTO member or accession country
- Completed an undergraduate degree and at least one year of postgraduate study
- Aged 21 to 30 during the internship period
Application Process: Apply via the WTO’s external jobs platform. The process is ongoing and operates on a roster basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
2. China LDCs, Accessions, and General Internship Programme
Target Group: Post-graduate students from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and developing WTO member or observer countries.
Key Areas of Work:
- WTO Accessions Division
- Other divisions based on interest and need, including:
- Agriculture
- Dispute Settlement
- Intellectual Property Rights
- Competition Policy
- Trade Development
- Trade Facilitation
Duration: Up to 10 months, Remuneration & Support: CHF 90 daily allowance, Economy-class travel to/from Geneva,CHF 100/month health insurance subsidy
Eligibility:
- National of an LDC or developing WTO member/observer country
- Completed undergraduate degree and at least one year of postgraduate study
- Aged 30 or younger
Application Process:
- General applications: Via WTO external jobs platform
- Accessions Division: Email ChinaProgramme@wto.org
- Other Divisions: Email ChinaInternship@wto.org
3. WTO Support Programme for Doctoral Studies (PhD Internship Programme)
Purpose: Supports PhD candidates from developing countries to advance their research using WTO resources.
Key Activities:
- Work on PhD thesis
- Receive mentorship from WTO experts
- Interact with trade policy professionals and researchers
Duration: 3 to 6 months, Remuneration & Support: CHF 60 daily allowance Economy-class travel to/from Geneva, Health insurance is required but not provided
Eligibility:
- National of a WTO member or accession country
- From a developing country or LDC
- At least 75% completion of PhD
- Fluent in English, French, or Spanish
Application Process: Apply via the WTO website with all required documents.
Additional Notes for All Internships
- Accommodation: Not covered
- Health Insurance: Mandatory, except partially subsidized in the China Programme
- Multicultural Environment: Interns will be exposed to diverse work teams across various WTO departments
- Employment: Internship participation does not guarantee future employment
The WTO Internship Programmes 2025 present incredible opportunities for ambitious post-graduate students and young professionals to deepen their understanding of global trade. Whether you’re conducting doctoral research or starting your career in international policy, these programmes offer a unique path to real-world experience and professional growth.
