The Center for International Environmental Law is accepting applications for its Spring 2027 legal internship in Geneva. The programme combines environmental and human rights work with supervised legal research.
Applicant information
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland; in person
- Basic stipend: CHF 2,660 monthly for eligible full-time interns; part-time support is prorated
- Duration: 12–24 weeks, at least 24 hours weekly
- Deadline: 16 October 2026, 11:59 p.m. CET, as stated by CIEL
Eligibility and responsibilities
Applicants must remain enrolled in an accredited graduate degree programme throughout the placement and be pursuing or have completed a legal degree. Relevant environmental or human rights law coursework or experience matters. Work can include research, policy analysis, advocacy support and contributions to legal publications.
Funding and international applications
Stipend eligibility depends on the applicable jurisdiction and university rules. Student-visa support may be possible depending on citizenship; it is not guaranteed. Check both arrangements before making travel commitments.
Prepare a focused application
The following preparation advice is from Opportunities Feed, not an additional CIEL selection requirement.
Start by identifying one or two pieces of work that demonstrate careful research and clear writing. A strong example should show how you framed a legal question, selected relevant material and reached a supported conclusion. Explain your personal contribution if the work was collaborative.
When describing your interest, connect a specific area of environmental or human rights law to evidence from your studies or experience. Avoid simply listing topics. A short explanation of a question you have investigated gives the reader more useful information than an unsupported statement that you are passionate about the field.
Check any writing sample for confidentiality. Choose material you are entitled to share, remove information that should remain private and explain the context briefly. Proofread citations, headings and page numbering as carefully as the main text.
Plan your availability and budget
Write down your proposed start and end dates, university commitments and the number of hours you can reliably work. Discuss any academic-credit or attendance requirements with your institution early. These practical checks can prevent a successful application from becoming difficult to accept.
Build a personal budget covering housing deposits, accommodation, transport, insurance, food and initial travel. Compare the timing of those costs with the timing of any confirmed stipend. A monthly allowance does not necessarily cover the cash you need before arrival.
How to apply
Use CIEL’s application portal to confirm the requested documents and submit before the deadline. Keep a copy of your final submission and confirmation.
Conclusion
Applicants should prioritise a clear account of their research and writing skills, realistic availability and a careful check of enrolment and funding conditions. Prepare these elements before beginning the online form so the final submission is consistent and complete.
Stay connected
Follow Opportunities Feed on Facebook | Join our WhatsApp Channel | Join WhatsApp Group 32
Keywords: CIEL legal internship 2027, Geneva internships, environmental law internship, human rights law, paid legal internships Switzerland
