ILO Internship Programme

International Labour Organization (ILO)

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

In the final year of a Master's (or equivalent graduate) degree or a relevant higher degree, or a recent graduate from the preceding year. No age limit. Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish. Close relatives of ILO officials, current or former ILO staff and past ILO interns are not eligible. Only three applications are accepted per advertisement period.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

The ILO, the UN agency for labour standards and decent work, takes graduate-level interns for 3 to 6 months at its Geneva headquarters and field offices. Applicants register in the internship roster, which opens twice a year, and departments pick interns from it for their needs.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. In the final year of a Master's (or equivalent graduate) degree or a relevant higher degree, or a recent graduate from the preceding year. No age limit. Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish. Close relatives of ILO officials, current or former ILO staff and past ILO interns are not eligible. Only three applications are accepted per advertisement period.
2. Note the deadline. Apr and Oct (the internship roster normally opens twice a year, in April and October - check the ILO jobs page for the exact dates) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. CV; Cover letter or motivation statement; Proof of current enrolment or recent graduation; Academic transcript; Passport or national ID copy; English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Tailor your CV to the role: lead with the skills and projects the posting asks for.
2. Write a short, specific motivation statement. Name the team or project you want to join and why.
3. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
4. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
5. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
6. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.

Quick answers

Who can apply for ILO Internship Programme?

In the final year of a Master's (or equivalent graduate) degree or a relevant higher degree, or a recent graduate from the preceding year. No age limit. Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish. Close relatives of ILO officials, current or former ILO staff and past ILO interns are not eligible. Only three applications are accepted per advertisement period.

What does ILO Internship Programme cover?

A 3 to 6 month internship at the ILO in Geneva or an ILO office; interns cover their own costs or are sponsored by their institution, and if no institution sponsors you the ILO pays a stipend for basic subsistence (amount not stated on the page)

When is the deadline for ILO Internship Programme?

Apr and Oct (the internship roster normally opens twice a year, in April and October - check the ILO jobs page for the exact dates) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with ILO Internship Programme?

Host countries: Switzerland.

What documents do I need for ILO Internship Programme?

CV; Cover letter or motivation statement; Proof of current enrolment or recent graduation; Academic transcript; Passport or national ID copy; English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).

How much work is the ILO Internship Programme application?

High: ILO Internship Roster online application + CV + motivation + degree details