WIPO Fellowship Program 2026–2027

The World Intellectual Property Organization Fellowship Program is a professional development programme based at WIPO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. WIPO is a specialised agency of the United Nations working on intellectual property, innovation and creativity at the international level.

Rather than offering one annual fellowship intake, WIPO advertises fellowship positions according to organisational needs. Opportunities may be published through calls for expressions of interest, the WIPO recruitment portal, LinkedIn or other official WIPO channels.

The programme is intended to strengthen professionals working in specialised disciplines by providing practical international experience, professional development and opportunities to contribute to WIPO's work.

WIPO currently identifies four broad fellowship categories:

• Translation Fellows
• Legal Case Manager Fellows
• Visiting and Research Fellows
• Other Specialised Fellows

Translation fellowships may involve terminology, translation, post-editing and translation technology. Legal case fellowships are particularly relevant to young law graduates interested in areas such as Internet dispute and trademark law. Research and visiting fellowships can suit applicants with backgrounds including economics or statistics, while specialised fellowships may cover a wider range of professional disciplines.

The precise responsibilities, degree requirements, professional experience, languages and technical skills are specified in each vacancy announcement. Applicants should therefore treat the general WIPO Fellowship Program page as an overview rather than as a single open application call.

• Applicants must have at least a first-level university degree, such as a Bachelor’s degree.
• Some fellowship categories may require a Master’s degree, PhD or other advanced qualification.
• Professional experience requirements vary according to the individual fellowship vacancy.
• Applicants must meet the essential competencies and technical requirements stated in the relevant vacancy announcement.
• There is no specific age limit for WIPO fellowships.
• Applicants who graduated more than one year ago may still apply.
• Former WIPO interns may apply provided they satisfy the fellowship eligibility requirements.
• Former participants in WIPO's Young Experts Program cannot apply for another WIPO position during the one-year period immediately following completion of YEP.
• Language requirements vary by vacancy.
• WIPO uses English and French as its principal working languages, but applicants are not universally required to be fluent in both.
• A formal IELTS certificate is not listed as a general Fellowship Program requirement.
• Specific fields of study vary according to the fellowship position.

• Monthly stipend ranging from CHF 3,000 to CHF 8,000, depending on academic background and experience relevant to the fellowship.
• Fellowship contract of up to 12 months initially, with possible renewal for a total duration of up to three years.
• Travel expenses covered by WIPO at the beginning and end of the fellowship.
• Assistance with Swiss visa formalities where necessary.
• Comprehensive medical insurance support.
• Professional accident insurance coverage.
• 2.5 days of annual leave for each full month of fellowship.
• 10 official holidays per year.
• Access to professional learning and development opportunities.
• Access to relevant internal training programmes offered by the WIPO Academy.
• Up to six study-leave days per year.
• WIPO-funded UN official-language training when required by the fellow's duties.
• Professional experience in an international and multicultural working environment in Geneva.

For the initial application, WIPO's general recruitment process requires or may include:

• Completed online WIPO recruitment profile
• Responses to vacancy-specific screening or job questions
• Letter of motivation
• Information demonstrating relevant qualifications and professional experience

Applicants should also have the following available because WIPO may request them during the recruitment or onboarding process:

• University diploma(s) or degree certificate(s)
• Proof of professional experience
• Letters of recommendation, where requested
• Passport copy after selection
• Medical certificate after selection, where required
• Relevant employment documents after selection

Selection criteria depend on the individual fellowship, but WIPO's official recruitment process evaluates candidates against the qualifications and competencies stated in each vacancy. Relevant factors may include:

• Meeting the essential educational requirements
• Relevant professional experience
• Relevant specialist or technical knowledge
• Quality and completeness of the online application
• Alignment between the applicant's experience and the fellowship responsibilities
• Performance in any vacancy-specific assessment or technical test
• Performance during the competency-based interview
• Effective communication
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Integrity and responsible conduct
• Ability to value diversity
• Results orientation
• Service orientation
• Ability to adapt to change and innovation

• Gain professional experience within a specialised United Nations agency.
• Develop practical expertise in intellectual property and international cooperation.
• Work in an international and multicultural environment in Geneva.
• Build professional networks with specialists from different countries and disciplines.
• Access WIPO Academy and internal professional-development opportunities.
• Strengthen specialist knowledge through hands-on professional assignments.
• Gain experience that may support future careers in IP, international organisations, research, law, economics, technology, translation and related fields.
• Receive substantial financial and relocation support during the fellowship.