WIPO Fellowship Program in Geneva, Switzerland
The WIPO Fellowship Program gives professionals an opportunity to gain practical experience in intellectual property and international cooperation. Fellowships are based in Geneva, Switzerland, and may last from 12 to 36 months. Selected fellows receive a monthly stipend, insurance coverage, travel support and professional-development opportunities.
Quick Overview
Programme: WIPO Fellowship Program
Opportunity Type: Professional fellowship
Host Organization: World Intellectual Property Organization
Country: Switzerland
Location: Geneva
Duration: 12–36 months
Minimum Qualification: First-level university degree
Financial Support: CHF 3,000–8,000 monthly stipend, insurance and travel assistance
About the WIPO Fellowship Program
The WIPO Fellowship Program supports the professional development of people working in specialised disciplines. Fellows can gain hands-on experience, expand their knowledge, build professional networks and contribute to work related to innovation and creativity.
Fellowship contracts may initially last for up to 12 months. WIPO may renew a contract for a total fellowship period of up to three years.
WIPO Fellowship Categories
WIPO classifies fellows into four categories according to the functions performed and the organisation’s operational requirements.
Translation Fellows
The PCT Translation and Terminology Fellowship Program accommodates:
• Assistant terminologists
• Translators
• Post-editors
• Translation technologists
• Technical specialists
The programme provides training and on-the-job experience within an international organisation.
Legal Case Manager Fellows
The WIPO Domain Name Fellowship Program accommodates young law graduates.
The fellowship helps participants strengthen their knowledge of Internet dispute and trademark law.
Visiting and Research Fellows
The Research and Visiting Fellowship Program accommodates candidates with a background in economics or statistics.
It provides learning opportunities that help fellows develop knowledge and professional experience relevant to their field.
Other Specialised Fellows
Other specialised fellowships accommodate candidates from different educational and professional backgrounds. Selected fellows may work across various areas of the organisation.
Benefits and Financial Support
WIPO fellows may receive the following confirmed benefits:
✓ Monthly stipend ranging from CHF 3,000 to CHF 8,000
✓ Contract of up to 12 months with possible renewal
✓ Up to 10 official holidays each year
✓ 2.5 days of annual leave for each complete month of the fellowship
✓ Medical insurance coverage
✓ Professional accident insurance coverage
✓ Travel expenses at the beginning and end of the fellowship
✓ Assistance with visa formalities when required
✓ Access to internal training programmes offered by the WIPO Academy
✓ Up to six study-leave days per year
✓ UN official language training when required by the fellow’s duties
The monthly stipend depends on the fellow’s academic background and experience relevant to the fellowship.
For contracts shorter than 12 months, WIPO pays 100% of the medical insurance premium. For contracts lasting 12 months or extended to at least 12 months, WIPO pays 75% of the medical insurance premium.
WIPO pays 100% of the professional accident insurance premium.
Also read: DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship Program 2027 at SDU
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must possess at least a first-level university degree, such as a bachelor’s degree.
Specific fellowship categories may establish additional requirements, including:
• A minimum level of professional experience
• An advanced university degree, such as a master’s or PhD
• Particular technical or professional competencies
WIPO does not set a general age limit for its fellowship positions. The fellowships are intended for young professionals, but there is no specified period within which candidates must apply after graduation.
Former WIPO interns may apply when they meet the eligibility requirements for the relevant fellowship position.
Check: Wilson Center Research Fellowship 2027–2028
Application Process
WIPO fellowship vacancies may be announced through calls for expressions of interest.
These calls may be published through:
• The official WIPO careers website
• WIPO’s official LinkedIn page
• Other WIPO social media channels
Candidates should review the requirements of the relevant fellowship category before applying. They should then follow the application instructions included in the applicable call for expressions of interest.
Explore: Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship Program 2027–2028
Important Conditions
A WIPO fellowship does not guarantee employment with the organisation after the fellowship ends.
Any later employment opportunity remains subject to WIPO’s regular recruitment and selection procedures.
WIPO informs successful applicants about their application outcomes. However, communication with applicants who do not advance may take longer.
Official Link
Review the official programme details and follow the application instructions provided on the official page.
