The OECD Internship Programme accepts applications throughout the year from eligible students enrolled in accredited Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degree programmes. Most internships are based at OECD headquarters in Paris, while selected placements may be in-person, hybrid or fully remote depending on the needs of the hiring team.
OECD Internship Programme 2026 at a Glance
| Organisation | Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN / ROLLING |
| Application cycle | Applications accepted throughout the year |
| Eligible study levels | Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD students enrolled in accredited full-time degree programmes |
| Typical location | Primarily OECD headquarters in Paris, France |
| Working arrangement | In-person, hybrid or fully remote for selected placements, depending on team needs |
| Initial duration | 1–6 months |
| Maximum duration | Renewable up to 12 months total |
| Standard workload | 40 hours per week |
| Exceptional part-time | Minimum 20 hours per week, subject to hiring-team agreement |
| Paris contribution | €1,000 per full month worked |
| Last verified | 28 September 2026 |
Eligibility Requirements
OECD internships are open to students who meet the programme’s current eligibility conditions.
| Student status | Must remain enrolled in a full-time accredited degree programme for the entire internship. |
|---|---|
| Study level | Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD. |
| Field of study | Must relate to the work of the OECD. |
| Minimum availability | At least one month. |
| Languages | Excellent command of English or French, plus working knowledge of or willingness to learn the other. |
| Skills | Good quantitative, IT, drafting and communication skills. |
| Team environment | Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and international environment. |
Nationality Rule
Internships are primarily allocated to nationals of OECD Member countries. Non-member nationals may also be considered for specific programmes and projects, including work linked to OECD-affiliated bodies and agencies.
Duration, Workload and Working Format
| Initial internship | 1–6 months |
|---|---|
| Renewal | Possible up to a total of 12 months |
| Full-time workload | 40 hours per week |
| Part-time exception | Minimum 20 hours per week when exceptionally agreed with the hiring team |
| OECD recommendation | Internships of at least four months are encouraged to make the most of the experience |
| Working format | In-person, hybrid or fully remote for selected interns depending on team needs |
There is no single fixed internship start date. Applicants indicate their availability in the online application, and the final start date is agreed with the hiring team if selected.
Allowance, Leave and Costs
OECD interns do not receive a salary. For interns located in Paris, OECD provides a €1,000 contribution to living expenses per full calendar month worked.
| Salary | No salary |
|---|---|
| Paris living-expense contribution | €1,000 per full calendar month worked |
| Annual leave | For internships longer than two full-time months, 2.5 days per calendar month worked |
| Public holidays | OECD-observed public holidays apply |
| Travel to/from Paris | Not paid or reimbursed by OECD |
| Paris public transport | Not paid by OECD |
| Accommodation | Not provided; OECD supplies information on finding housing in Paris |
| Medical insurance | Not provided by OECD; interns must provide proof of medical insurance |
| Visa support | Selected interns who require a visa can receive assistance from the OECD visa team |
What OECD Interns Work On
Depending on the directorate, interns may contribute directly to policy work or support corporate functions.
Policy Areas
- Agriculture and fisheries
- Climate change
- Development
- Digital policy
- Economy
- Education and skills
- Employment
- Environment
- Finance and investment
- Governance
- Health
- Industry, business and entrepreneurship
- Regional, rural and urban development
- Science, technology and innovation
- Society
- Taxation
- Trade
- International Energy Agency
- Nuclear Energy Agency
- International Transport Forum
Corporate Functions
- Audit
- Communications, media and public relations
- Event management
- Finance, budget and accounting
- Human resources
- Information technology
- Legal services
- Office administration
- Translation
Typical Internship Tasks
Typical activities may include research, literature and document reviews, data collection and analysis, drafting notes or technical annexes, supporting working papers and publications, participating in meetings and seminars, networking with officials and researchers, and assisting with events and communications.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official OECD online internship application. OECD does not accept spontaneous CV submissions for the Internship Programme.
| Step 1 | Complete the online application with personal, academic and previous work-experience information. |
|---|---|
| Step 2 | Answer the screening questions used to assess programme eligibility. |
| Step 3 | Attach a resume. A resume is mandatory. |
| Step 4 | Complete the “Message to Hiring Manager” field as the cover letter. |
| Step 5 | Keep the cover letter within 4,000 characters, including spaces. |
| Step 6 | Clearly state your preferred internship start date and duration of availability. |
What the Cover Letter Should Address
OECD asks applicants to explain why they want to intern at the Organisation, how they could contribute to its work, and how the internship would support their career objectives.
OECD Internship Selection Process
| Stage 1 | Online application and cover letter |
|---|---|
| Stage 2 | Pre-screening by the OECD Internship Office |
| Stage 3 | Interview and/or written test by the hiring team |
| Stage 4 | Internship offer and agreement for selected candidates |
Only shortlisted applicants are contacted. If an applicant is not contacted within six months of submission, OECD states that the application was not retained on that occasion and the applicant may apply again.
OECD reported in August 2026 that it welcomes more than 700 interns each year across its directorates.
CareerAidHub Application Guidance
The points below are CareerAidHub guidance and do not add to the OECD eligibility rules.
- Lead with policy fit: identify two or three OECD policy areas that genuinely match your degree, methods and previous work.
- Use the 4,000 characters carefully: show motivation, contribution and career relevance rather than repeating your CV.
- Make availability explicit: state your preferred start date and realistic duration clearly.
- Highlight analytical evidence: projects involving data, research, policy writing, statistics, economics, law or programme analysis can strengthen fit when relevant.
- Apply early enough: OECD says selection can take up to three months, so do not wait until shortly before your intended start date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the OECD Internship Programme open now?
Yes. OECD accepts internship applications throughout the year on a rolling basis.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants are Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD students who remain enrolled in a full-time accredited degree programme for the entire internship and meet the programme’s language, skills and availability requirements.
How long does an OECD internship last?
The initial internship lasts from one to six months and may be renewed up to a total of twelve months.
Do OECD interns receive a salary?
No. OECD states that interns do not receive a salary. Paris-based interns receive a €1,000 contribution to living expenses per full calendar month worked.
Does OECD pay travel or accommodation costs?
No. OECD does not reimburse travel to and from Paris, does not pay Paris public-transport tickets and does not provide accommodation.
Can non-OECD-country nationals apply?
Internships are primarily allocated to OECD Member-country nationals, but non-member nationals may be considered for specific programmes and projects, including work with affiliated bodies and agencies.
Official Sources and Application Links
| OECD Internship Programme | Current eligibility, duration, working arrangements, allowance, work areas and selection process |
|---|---|
| OECD Internship FAQ | Travel, accommodation, insurance, visa support, leave and application timing |
| OECD SmartRecruiters Application | Mandatory resume and 4,000-character “Message to Hiring Manager” cover-letter instructions |
CareerAidHub verified the programme against current OECD internship, FAQ and application pages on 28 September 2026. Applicants should recheck official conditions before submitting because OECD may update programme rules or recruitment arrangements.
