OECD Internship Programme 2025‑26 – Global Policy Internships (Paris & Remote)
The Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD) offers internships year-round to full‑time enrolled students (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD) from around the world. Interns contribute to global policy research and corporate functions, supporting the OECD mission: “better policies for better lives.”
Who Can Apply?
- Enrolled in a fully accredited degree (Bachelor/Master/PhD) for the full duration of the internship
- Fluent in English or French, with a willingness to learn the other; knowledge of both is an advantage
- Strong analytical, communication, and IT/drafting skills; ability to work in a multicultural environment
- Open to all nationalities, though preference is given to OECD Member State nationals for most roles
- Flexibility or part‑time internships (minimum 20 h/week) in exceptional cases; full-time (40 h/week) preferred, 1–6 months, extendable to 12 months
Internship Format & Locations
- Most positions are in-person at OECD headquarters in Paris, though hybrid or fully remote roles are available depending on specific teams and projects
- Internships may also be hosted in OECD regional offices (e.g. Mexico City, Tokyo, Berlin, Washington D.C.) based on programme needs
What Interns Do
Typical internship duties include:
- Assisting with research, literature reviews, data collection, and writing policy briefs or working papers
- Supporting corporate functions such as communications, HR, finance, IT, translation, audit, legal, events, or administration
- Participating in seminars, staff meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagements
Internships cover a broad range of policy areas including economics, AI, climate, trade, finance, innovation, gender, migration, governance, education, and more.
Benefits & Allowance
- Monthly living allowance of €1,000 (taxable) for interns based in Paris
- 2.5 days of paid leave per full month and observance of French public holidays
- No salary; interns manage their own housing, travel, and visa arrangements
- Letter of internship agreement and support for visa procedures provided
Application Timeline & Process
- Rolling applications accepted year-round via the OECD SmartRecruiters platform; up to 28 Feb 2026 for current posting
- Process:
- Complete online application and include your cover letter in the “Message to Hiring Manager” box
- Pre-screening by Internship Office
- Interview and/or written test if shortlisted
- Offer extended, followed by signature of internship agreement
- Notifications may take several weeks; candidates not heard back within six months can reapply using the same profile
Insider Tips (from Reddit & Applicants)
- Internships are highly competitive—early application boosts visibility in candidate pools
- Reach out proactively to OECD teams or staff in your target policy area to express interest and gain insight
- Communication delays after interviews are common—wait times of 10+ days are not unusual and not necessarily negative
- Undergraduates can succeed—but most placements go to master’s/PhD students; strong academic and language credentials help