Rolling programme guide, checked 4 October 2026. The China-sponsored WTO Accessions Internship Programme offers CHF90 daily, economy return airfare to Geneva and CHF100 monthly towards health insurance. Interns must arrange their own insurance; the contribution is not a complete insurance policy.
Programme and eligibility
Placements last up to ten months and support work in the Accessions Division, including research, meetings and reports.
Applicants must be aged 21–30, have a relevant undergraduate degree and at least one completed year of postgraduate study. Eligible nationality covers developing or least-developed WTO members and countries or customs territories in the accession process.
How to apply
Complete the general internship application on the WTO recruitment platform, then follow the Accessions programme’s email instructions with your CV and motivation letter. The careers guidance also requests a copy of the online application. Applications are accepted throughout the year; selection can include a written test and interview.
Read the official Accessions programme and application instructions.
Choose the correct application route
The China General Internship Programme is separate and has a different application window. Do not use its timetable for Accessions. Check the programme name before submitting.
Preparing a focused motivation letter
Explain why accession work interests you and connect that interest to one specific piece of study or experience. A clear discussion of a trade-law issue or an economics research question is more useful than a broad statement that you want an international career.
Describe your own contribution to any project you mention. If you prepared a report, explain its audience and the evidence behind it; if you analysed data, state what you checked and what you learned. Do not submit confidential material as a work sample without permission.
Before accepting a placement, compare its dates with your academic commitments and plan a personal budget. These are editorial preparation suggestions, not extra WTO eligibility conditions.
Summary
Daily support: CHF90. Other support: airfare and insurance contribution. Recruitment: rolling.
Topics: WTO Accessions internship, international trade, postgraduate policy experience.
