WTO Internship Programme 2025
Passionate about international trade and policy? The World Trade Organization (WTO) Internship Programme 2025 offers postgraduate students from WTO member and observer countries a unique chance to gain hands-on experience in global commerce at its Geneva headquarters. With a daily allowance of CHF 60 (~R1,100), this 3–6-month internship is your gateway to shaping trade policies and building a career in international economics.
What Is the WTO Internship Programme?
The WTO, the world’s leading authority on international trade with 164 member states, offers three internship tracks to promote diversity and skills development:
- WTO Internship Programme: Open to postgraduate students from all WTO members and countries in accession negotiations.
- China’s LDCs and Accessions Programme: For students from least-developed countries (LDCs) and developing countries, offering a higher CHF 90 daily allowance and travel support.
- WTO Support Programme for Doctoral Studies: For PhD candidates from developing countries/LDCs, focusing on thesis work with mentorship.
Interns work in areas like trade law, economics, or communications, contributing to real WTO projects while deepening their understanding of global trade.
Visual Idea: Pair with a vibrant image of a young professional presenting in a WTO meeting room to grab attention on Discover.
What You’ll Do
Depending on your assigned division, tasks include:
- Conducting trade law or policy analysis
- Performing economic and statistical research
- Supporting translation, communications, or language services
- Assisting in HR, IT, finance, or procurement
- Managing library resources or public affairs projects
Pro Tip: Highlight your academic background in your application to align with specific WTO divisions like trade policy or dispute settlement.
Why Join?
- Paid Experience: Earn CHF 60/day (~R1,100, totaling ~R33,000/month) or CHF 90/day (~R1,650) for the China Programme, with travel covered for some tracks.
- Global Exposure: Work at WTO’s Geneva headquarters alongside experts shaping 98% of global trade.
- Career Boost: Gain skills in trade law, economics, or policy analysis, with many interns securing roles in international organizations.
- Inclusivity: Prioritizes diversity, especially for LDC/developing country candidates.
Note: Interns must cover their own travel (except for China Programme/PhD tracks) and mandatory Swiss health insurance (~CHF 36.62/month via WTO’s plan).
Am I Eligible?
You qualify if you:
- Are a national of a WTO member state or country in accession negotiations (see list)
- Have completed an undergraduate degree and at least one year of postgraduate studies (e.g., Master’s) in economics, law, political science, international relations, or related fields
- Are 21–30 years old during the internship
- Are fluent in English, French, or Spanish (WTO’s official languages)
- Have no prior full-time work experience (academic projects in trade are a plus)
For the PhD Programme:
- Be from an LDC/developing country
- Be in the final stage of your PhD (75% complete)
How to Apply
- Visit the WTO e-Recruitment platform and submit:
- Updated CV
- Cover letter detailing your interest in trade and career goals
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of nationality (e.g., passport copy)
- Optional: Recommendation letter or language proficiency certificate
- For Accessions Division roles, email accessions@wto.org; for others, contact humanresources@wto.org.
- Apply anytime—intake is rolling, with a candidate roster maintained for one year. Only shortlisted candidates are contacted for interviews (via phone/Skype, ~30 minutes).
Engagement Tip: Add a poll like “Which WTO field excites you? Trade Law, Economics, or Communications?” to boost Discover interaction.
Where Can It Take You?
Work in Geneva with experts in trade law, dispute settlement, or agriculture, gaining skills for roles in international organizations, governments, or NGOs. Success stories include interns joining UN agencies or trade ministries. With digital trade and sustainability trending in 2025, your expertise will be highly sought-after.
Does It Work?
The WTO trains a select group annually, with interns gaining unparalleled exposure to global trade governance. Industry leaders praise the programme’s hands-on approach, preparing participants for careers in trade policy and economics.
Act Now
Applications are open year-round, but early submission to the WTO e-Recruitment platform boosts your chances. Verify opportunities on official WTO channels to avoid scams. Prepare your documents and apply today to join a global leader in trade.
Call-to-Action: Share this guide with a friend passionate about global trade—it could be their big break. Need application tips? Drop your field of interest below (e.g., “I’m into trade law”), and I’ll suggest ways to shine.
