University students who want international work experience can apply for the OECD Internship Programme, which accepts applications throughout the year.
The programme gives bachelor’s, master’s and PhD students an opportunity to work alongside policy experts and specialists on projects covering areas such as finance, taxation, artificial intelligence, climate change, education, healthcare, trade, technology, employment and economic policy.
Internships can be completed in person, in a hybrid format or fully remotely, depending on the needs of the team. Most in-person opportunities are based at the OECD headquarters in Paris, France.
Interns based in Paris receive a €1,000 contribution towards living expenses for each full month worked.
There is no single annual closing date because applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
What is the OECD Internship Programme?
The OECD Internship Programme gives university students practical experience inside an international organisation that works with governments on economic, social and public policy.
Successful candidates can support policy development, research and analysis or work in one of the OECD’s corporate functions.
The exact work depends on the directorate and team where the intern is placed. This makes the programme relevant to students from a wide range of academic backgrounds rather than only those studying economics or international relations.
Interns may help with:
- Preparing studies and documents
- Conducting research
- Reviewing existing material
- Collecting and organising data
- Analysing information
- Drafting notes and technical documents
- Supporting working papers and publications
- Attending meetings and seminars
- Communicating with government officials and researchers
- Supporting events and communications
- Assisting with planning and evaluation
For students interested in public policy, finance, economics, technology or international development, the internship provides exposure to work that can influence policy across multiple countries.
Which study fields are suitable for OECD internships?
The programme covers a broad range of policy areas.
Students may support OECD teams working in:
- Agriculture and fisheries
- Climate change
- Development
- Digital policy
- Economy
- Education and skills
- Employment
- Energy
- Environment
- Finance and investment
- Governance
- Health
- Industry and entrepreneurship
- Regional development
- Science and technology
- Society
- Taxation
- Trade
- Transport
There are also opportunities within corporate functions such as:
- Audit
- Communications and public relations
- Event management
- Finance, budget and accounting
- Human resources
- Information technology
- Legal services
- Office administration
- Translation
This range makes the programme suitable for students studying subjects including economics, accounting, finance, law, computer science, data analysis, international relations, business, public administration and communications.
Who can apply for an OECD internship?
Applicants must remain enrolled in a full-time accredited degree programme for the duration of the internship.
Eligible programmes include bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and PhDs.
Applicants should also:
- Be available for at least one month
- Have excellent English or French
- Have working knowledge of, or willingness to learn, the other OECD official language
- Have good quantitative skills
- Have good IT skills
- Have strong writing and communication skills
- Be comfortable working in an international and multicultural environment
Online courses or programmes that do not lead to a recognised degree do not qualify.
The OECD primarily allocates internships to nationals of OECD member countries, although students from non-member countries may also be considered for specific programmes and projects.
How long does the OECD internship last?
Internships normally run for between one and six months.
They can be renewed up to a total of 12 months.
Most internships are full-time and require 40 hours per week. In exceptional circumstances, part-time arrangements of at least 20 hours per week may be possible.
The OECD encourages students to consider an internship of at least four months where possible so that they have enough time to become involved in the work of their team.
Can OECD internships be completed remotely?
Yes.
Selected candidates may work:
- In person
- In a hybrid arrangement
- Fully remotely
The arrangement depends on the requirements of the team and the position.
Most physical internships take place at the OECD headquarters in Paris, but the availability of remote and hybrid options makes the programme more accessible to students who may not be able to relocate for the entire internship period.
How much are OECD interns paid?
Interns who are based in Paris receive a €1,000 contribution towards living expenses for every full month worked.
They also receive annual leave calculated at two and a half working days for every full month worked.
French public holidays are observed for interns based in France.
Students considering an in-person internship should still plan carefully for accommodation, transport and other living costs associated with staying in Paris.
How does the OECD internship selection process work?
The selection process has four main stages.
First, candidates complete an online application and provide a cover letter. The cover letter is entered in the Message to Hiring Manager section of the application.
Applications are then screened by the OECD Internship Office. Suitable candidates are added to a shortlist that can be accessed by OECD directorates looking for interns.
A hiring team may then invite shortlisted candidates to complete:
- An interview
- A written test
- Or both
Candidates who are selected receive an internship offer and are required to sign an internship agreement before starting.
When can you apply for the OECD Internship Programme?
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
The programme operates on a rolling recruitment system, which means students do not need to wait for one specific annual application period.
Applicants must provide their availability when applying.
The selection process can take up to three months, so students who want to begin an internship during a particular period should apply well in advance.
Internship start dates depend on both the availability of the selected candidate and the needs of the hiring team.
Why is the OECD internship useful for students interested in finance and policy careers?
The OECD works across many areas that directly affect global economies, financial markets, businesses and governments.
Students placed in areas such as finance and investment, taxation, trade, digital policy, economic policy or governance can gain practical exposure to research and policy work connected to international economic decision-making.
The programme can also be useful for students planning careers in:
- Banking and finance
- Economic research
- Tax consulting
- Government
- International organisations
- Management consulting
- Data analysis
- Public policy
- Technology policy
- Corporate strategy
The opportunity to work with international policy specialists can help students strengthen their analytical, research and professional communication skills before completing their degrees.
How do you apply?
Applications must be submitted online through the OECD internship application system.
Candidates should prepare their application carefully and make sure their cover letter clearly explains their academic background, interests, relevant skills and availability.
Because recruitment takes place throughout the year, there is no fixed closing date.
Students who meet the eligibility requirements can submit an application at any time and should apply early if they want to be considered for a specific internship period.
Apply for the OECD Internship Programme
