Frequently Asked Questions on the Fellowship Program
There is no specific age limit for our fellowships.
Yes, our fellowships are envisaged for young professionals and there is no specific period after graduation to apply for our fellowship positions.
Former interns are welcome to apply for our fellowship positions, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. However, YEPs are not allowed to apply for any position at WIPO within the two years after finishing the Young Experts Program.
A fellowship at WIPO does not guarantee future employment. Any subsequent employment would be subject to WIPO's regular recruitment and selection processes.
Fellowship contracts can be extended one or more times, provided that the maximum cumulative length of the fellowship does not exceed a period of three years.
The amount of a fellow’s stipend will be set prior to the start of the fellowship, and it will be maintained at the same level throughout the duration of the fellowship.
WIPO is an international organization that belongs to the UN system. Exchanges are primarily in English. For this program, successful candidates need to demonstrate an excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
Fellows are responsible for any local taxation and social security obligations that may arise from their contract with WIPO. Guidance will be available upon taking up duties.
No, WIPO does not offer remote fellowship opportunities. Most of the fellowship positions are based at our headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
While WIPO does not directly provide housing, we provide resources and guidance to help you find suitable accommodation in Geneva.
Fellows are not entitled to any relocation allowance. However, WIPO bears the costs of travel expenses at the start and end of your fellowship.
Fellows must declare any remuneration, grant, bursary or scholarship received from another source (e.g., from an employer, university or government), the amount of which may be deducted from the stipend paid by WIPO.
The Fellowship program supports visa arrangements for the selected individual. As such, WIPO does not provide visa assistance for fellow family members, and they will not be entitled to receive a Swiss legitimation card.
WIPO contributes to a health insurance coverage for Fellows. Pregnancy is therefore covered. On the other hand, the insurance does not include children.