ICSID Internship Program 2026 in Washington, D.C. | International Investment Law Internship Opportunity

The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), a member of the World Bank Group, has officially opened applications for its prestigious 2026 Internship Program in Washington, D.C. This highly competitive international internship offers graduate students and law students a rare opportunity to gain direct exposure to global investment arbitration, international dispute settlement, and international investment law.

ICSID is globally recognized as the leading institution dedicated to resolving international investment disputes between investors and States. Through this internship, selected participants will work alongside experienced legal professionals and contribute to real international arbitration cases and institutional projects.

For students interested in international law, arbitration, dispute resolution, public international law, or global policy, the ICSID Internship Program is one of the most valuable career development opportunities available.

About the ICSID Internship Program

The ICSID Internship Program is designed for highly motivated graduate students who want practical experience in international investment dispute settlement.

Interns will work directly with ICSID Counsel and professional staff on legal research, case administration, institutional initiatives, and arbitration-related tasks.

The internship aims to:

• Provide practical exposure to international arbitration
• Strengthen academic and professional development
• Help students understand investor-State dispute settlement systems
• Offer opportunities to contribute innovative legal research and ideas
• Build future talent in the field of international investment law

The internship takes place at the ICSID headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Internship Duration

ICSID offers internships in three cycles each year:

1. September – December
2. January – April
3. May – August

Important details include:

• Minimum duration: 12 weeks
• Minimum workload: 10 hours per week
• Up to six interns selected every four months

Internship Location

Selected interns will work at the ICSID offices in:

• Washington, D.C., USA

Unless restrictions apply, internships are conducted in person.

What Interns Will Do

Interns are assigned either to:

• A case management team
• The institutional team

Case Administration Responsibilities

Interns assisting with arbitration cases may:

• Draft working papers
• Conduct legal and policy research
• Assist with drafting case correspondence
• Support hearing preparation and logistics
• Attend hearings with authorization from parties and tribunals

Institutional Research Responsibilities

Interns may also support:

• Institutional policy research
• Projects led by the ICSID Secretary-General
• Research on arbitration and investment law developments
• Administrative and legal initiatives

This hands-on experience allows participants to understand how international dispute resolution works in practice.

Benefits of the ICSID Internship

Although the internship is unpaid, it offers exceptional academic and career value.

Participants receive:

• Direct exposure to international arbitration proceedings
• Experience working with world-class legal experts
• Professional networking opportunities
• Practical legal drafting and research experience
• Academic credit upon successful completion
• Career advancement opportunities in international law and arbitration

The program is especially beneficial for students considering careers in:

• International arbitration
• International investment law
• Public international law
• Global governance
• International organizations
• Legal policy research

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the ICSID Internship Program, applicants must:

• Be enrolled in a graduate degree program
• Be eligible to receive academic credit or university sponsorship/stipend
• Meet university internship requirements
• Be able to work in Washington, D.C.
• Have or obtain an F1 or G4 visa, or hold U.S. citizenship/permanent residency

Applicants are also expected to cover:

• Travel expenses
• Accommodation
• Living expenses
• Medical insurance during the internship period

Required Qualifications

ICSID seeks candidates with:

• Demonstrated interest in investor-State dispute settlement
• Knowledge of international investment law
• Strong legal research abilities
• Excellent writing and legal drafting skills
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment

Preferred candidates include:

• Rising 3L students
• LLM students
• PhD students

Language requirements:

• Fluency in English is mandatory
• French and/or Spanish proficiency is highly desirable

Diversity and Inclusion

ICSID promotes diversity and inclusion across:

• Nationality
• Gender
• Educational background
• Culture

Students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Process

Applicants must:

1. Complete the official internship application form
2. Attach an updated CV/resume
3. Submit applications via email to:
   • icsidinternship@worldbank.org

Only complete applications will be reviewed.

2026 ICSID Internship Deadlines

Application deadlines depend on the internship cycle:

Fall Internship (September – December)

• Deadline: June 30

Spring Internship (January – April)

• Deadline: October 31

Summer Internship (May – August)

• Deadline: February 15

Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Why You Should Apply

The ICSID Internship Program is an exceptional opportunity for students seeking practical international legal experience inside one of the world’s most respected dispute resolution institutions.

Interns gain:

• Real-world legal exposure
• International professional experience
• Specialized arbitration knowledge
• Access to influential legal networks
• Valuable credentials for future careers

For aspiring international lawyers, policy professionals, and arbitration specialists, this internship can become a major stepping stone toward global legal careers.

For additional information regarding the internship programme, click here 

For more internship opportunities on OFY, click here