The Organization for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD) Internship Programme inviting motivated undergraduate, master’s and PhD students from diverse academic backgrounds to contribute to impactful global policy-making. Whether your passion lies in economics, climate change, digital government, education, innovation, or health, this internship provides direct exposure to high‑level policy environments with global relevance.
At Travel to Abroad, we believe that true education goes far beyond the classroom. Whether you intend to study or intern abroad, our platform assists you in making every encounter a life-changing educational opportunity. Beyond gaining job experience, an internship overseas enhances your cross-cultural competencies, exposes you to local customs, and increases your employability globally by providing access to global networks and career advancement opportunities.
Studying abroad, on the other hand, enhances your knowledge of global diversity, promotes independence, resilience, and increased self-awareness, and offers academic enrichment through top-tier institutions. At Travel to Abroad, we help you locate the best programs—study placements at top universities and internships in policy, development, innovation, or business—that will expand your horizons, improve your CV, and help you become a self-assured global citizen.
Who can Apply for OECD Internship Program? (Eligibility)
In order to be eligible, candidates must:
- Complete the internship while enrolled full-time in an approved bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program.
- Have a minimum of one month’s availability; internships can last up to six months and be renewed once for a maximum of twelve months.
- Possess a strong command of either French or English and be eager to learn the other language.
- Have excellent research, writing, quantitative, analytical, and IT (such as Excel, R, and Python) abilities; motivation in intercultural teamwork is crucial.
- Be a citizen of an OECD member nation, while certain positions are available to non-member nations through linked organizations such as the FATF or Nuclear Energy Agency.
- Between 500 and 700 interns from all around the world are accepted by the organization each year.
Duration, Locations & Work Modalities
There is no specific location for OECD Internship program but:
- Most positions are based at the OECD headquarters in Paris, with occasional opportunities at regional offices (Berlin, Mexico City, Tokyo, and Washington DC)
- Internships run year‑round on a rolling basis; applications can be submitted anytime throughout the year.
- Given the process can take up to three months, submitting your application early and clearly stating your availability window is strongly advised.
- Working arrangements may be in‑person, hybrid, or fully remote, subject to approval by your hiring Directorate and limitations tied to OECD‑privilege countries.
Application & Selection Process
The selection process for OECD internship program includes four main steps:
- Online Application & Cover Letter – Completed via the OECD’s Smart Recruiters platform. Your cover letter must be entered in the “Message to Hiring Manager” box and should be tailored to policy areas of interest.
- Pre‑screening – Internship Office houses screening and retains suitable candidates in a pool accessible to OECD Directorates.
- Interview and/or Written Test – Hiring teams may invite shortlisted applicants to online competency‑based interviews or technical writing tasks, depending on role specifics.
- Offer and Internship Agreement – Selected candidates receive email confirmation and must sign an internship agreement in coordination with their university.
If you are not contacted within six months, your application has not been retained. You may then update and resubmit it later.
What You’ll Do — Typical Intern Responsibilities
In OECD Internship Program depending on the Directorate or function, day‑to‑day duties often include:
Research & Data Analysis
- Conduct policy research and literature reviews.
- Gather, organize, and analyze data for reports or briefs.
Drafting & Publications
- Prepare policy briefs, working papers, technical annexes, and data-driven visuals (especially within STIP Data Lab or digital government teams).
- Contribute to the drafting of notes and publications.
Events & Communications Support
- Assist with seminar and event organization
- communications campaigns
- planning logistics
- Program evaluation.
Liaison & Networking
- Participate in meetings, seminars, and working groups.
- Liaise with officials from national administrations, researchers, member-country delegations, and international organizations.
Corporate Support Functions
Interns in corporate or administrative divisions may support:
- Communications & Media Relations
- Event Management, Finance, Budget, and Accounting
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Legal Services
- Office Administration & Translation
Allowance & Benefits
- €1,000/month living allowance for each full month worked — a contribution, not a salary.
- 2.5 days paid leave per month of full-time internship (for internships longer than two months), plus French public holidays.
- Interns must arrange their own health insurance, accommodation, travel, and visa — none of these costs are covered by OECD.
Tips for a Strong Application
To stand out in OECD internship program application:
- Tailor your CV and cover letter by linking your academic background and practical experience to specific OECD policy areas or project lines.
- Highlight analytical, quantitative and IT skills, and any prior research, data or policy-related experience.
- Demonstrate cross-cultural teamwork and adaptability, as OECD values multicultural environments.
- Clearly state your availability window, including start/end dates and preference for full-time or part-time, remote options, etc.
- Use the digital eligibility tester on the OECD site to pre-check your fit before applying.
Benefits beyond Stipend
Participating in the OECD Internship Programme offers:
- Experience in international policymaking: Participate in actual worldwide policy research on issues like as development, taxation, education, climate change, and artificial intelligence.
- Professional skill development: Develop your communication, cross-functional teamwork, data literacy, analytical writing, and event planning abilities.
- Networking and mentoring: Interact with OECD specialists, member country representatives, other interns, and outside parties.
- Career momentum: A large number of graduates go on to work for governments, think tanks, global corporations, or international organizations.
- The opportunity to live in a global city with a wealth of academic, cultural, and professional options is offered by the cultural immersion program in Paris (optional remote access).
Final Thoughts
For those interested in careers in international development, research, and policy, the OECD Internship Program provides a distinguished starting point. Rolling recruitment, flexible work schedules, and practical exposure to global policy issues make it an alluring prospect for driven students, including those applying from overseas.
Travel to Abroad assists students like you with creating professional cover letters, making the most of resumes, and effectively conveying your academic standing and availability. Let’s craft your application with grace, nuance, and impact to represent your global goals.
