When students search for international internships, the same names come up repeatedly: the United Nations, World Bank, UNICEF, or big NGOs. While these are excellent opportunities, they are also highly competitive and heavily advertised.
What many students and early professionals don’t know is that some of the most prestigious and well-funded internships are hidden in plain sight, quietly hosted by global institutions that do not market themselves as “student-friendly.”
One of the rarest of these is the BIS Innovation Hub Internship, offered by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).
This internship is not widely discussed on social media, yet it places interns at the heart of global financial innovation, working with central banks and policymakers from around the world.
What Is the Bank for International Settlements (BIS)?
The Bank for International Settlements is often described as the “central bank for central banks.” It works directly with institutions like the European Central Bank, Federal Reserve, and other national central banks.
Its Innovation Hub focuses on cutting-edge topics such as:
• Financial technology (FinTech)
• Digital currencies and CBDCs
• Artificial intelligence in finance
• Cybersecurity and financial stability
• Cross-border payments
Interning here means exposure to global decision-making processes that very few students ever get to see.
About the BIS Innovation Hub Internship
The BIS Innovation Hub Internship is a paid, international internship designed for students and recent graduates interested in economics, technology, data, policy, or international affairs.
Interns are placed in Innovation Hub centres located in cities such as:
• Basel (Switzerland)
• London (UK)
• Paris (France)
• Frankfurt (Germany)
• Singapore
• Hong Kong
• Toronto
The exact location depends on project needs and availability.
What the Internship Covers
This is not a “volunteer” internship. BIS internships are professionally structured and financially supported.
Benefits include:
• Monthly allowance sufficient to cover living costs
• Exposure to international experts and policymakers
• Hands-on work on real-world innovation projects
• Access to BIS research, tools, and internal events
• A strong credential for future careers in finance, policy, or tech
While travel and accommodation are not always fully covered, the allowance is significantly higher than most international internships.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The BIS Innovation Hub Internship is open to applicants from all nationalities. You do not need to be from Europe or study at a “top” university.
Typical applicants include:
• Final-year undergraduate students
• Master’s students
• PhD candidates
• Recent graduates (depending on the intake)
Relevant fields include:
• Economics and finance
• Computer science and data science
• Public policy and international relations
• Engineering and applied mathematics
• Information systems and cybersecurity
What matters most is skills and interest, not your passport.
Why This Internship Is So Overlooked
Despite its prestige, this internship remains under-applied for several reasons:
1. Low visibility – BIS does not advertise heavily on social media
2. Misconceptions – many assume it’s only for economists or bankers
3. Intimidation factor – “central banks” sound unreachable to students
4. No viral hype – it’s not a TikTok-famous opportunity
Ironically, this makes it less competitive than many popular internships.
What You Actually Do as an Intern
Interns at the BIS Innovation Hub do real work. Depending on the project, tasks may include:
• Research and policy analysis
• Data collection and visualization
• Supporting pilot innovation projects
• Writing reports and briefing notes
• Collaborating with international teams
This is not a coffee-fetching role. Many interns leave with strong references and tangible project outcomes.
Career Value of the BIS Internship
Having the Bank for International Settlements on your CV signals:
• International exposure
• High-level institutional experience
• Analytical and research capability
• Professional maturity
Former interns often move on to:
• Central banks
• International organizations
• Policy think tanks
• FinTech companies
• Graduate programs and fellowships
For students interested in global careers, this internship can be a major turning point.
You may also be interested in:
- Fully Funded International Fellowships Most People Never Apply For (Open Worldwide!)
- UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship: A Rare Fully Funded Opportunity Most Students Miss
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the official BIS careers portal. Openings vary throughout the year, so it’s important to check regularly.
You will typically need:
• A CV
• A motivation letter
• Proof of enrollment or recent graduation
No application fee is required.
Final Thoughts
The BIS Innovation Hub Internship is one of those rare opportunities that quietly changes careers, not because it is flashy, but because it offers real access to global systems most people never see.
If you’re tired of applying to overcrowded internships and want something genuinely different, this is worth your time.
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