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🚀 Launch your career at the European Patent Office 

Are you student or a recent graduate eager to make an impact in a dynamic, multicultural environment? The Young Professionals Programme offers a unique opportunity to kick-start your international career in intellectual property (IP).  

The programme starts with a one-year placement, with the option to extend for up to two more years through a selection process. This gives you the chance to gain deeper experience and build your career over as much as three years. 

It offers placements across various business areas at the EPO. It is open to students and graduates from Young Professionals Programme following universities.

💼 Business Areas Offering Seats 

• Science and Engineering 
• Information Technology 
• Human Resources and Business Administration 
• International Relations and Communication 
• Economics and Finance 
• Law 

✅ Who can apply?

To be eligible, you must: 

• Be a national of one of the EPO’s member states 
• Hold a completed university degree from one of these universities at bachelor’s level or higher 
• Have excellent knowledge of one of the EPO’s official languages (English, French, or German) 

After you apply, your name will be shared with the university to confirm your application. 

📝 How to Apply

• Start your application online – this is the only way to apply. 
• Prepare your documents:  
  • Write a motivation letter explaining why you want to join the programme. 
  • Update your CV with your latest experience and achievements. 
  • Include your degree certificate (or a Add a Declaration Form of Completion of studies if your degree is not available yet.  
  • If selected, these candidates must submit their degree to the EPO before the start of the programme. 

Tip: 📌 You shall apply for only one vacancy within the PES YPP. However, if a suitable candidate is not found for a specific area, your application may be considered for other departments. 

🎥 Selection Process 

• Preselection
  After you submit your application, the preselection process begins. Your application will be reviewed and your university will be contacted for confirmation. 
• Pre-recorded Video Interview 
  If you are preselected, you will receive an invitation to record a short video interview. This is your chance to introduce yourself and share your motivation. 
• Online Interview(s) 
  Next, you may be contacted for an interview with a potential tutor. If several tutors express interest in your application, you may be interviewed for more than one role. 

Tip: 📌 Ensure a quiet environment with a stable internet connection and good audio-visual quality.

💻Processing your data: 

If selected, your name, field of study, and assigned EPO department will be shared with your endorsing university or EUIPO. 

📚 What Happens After You Apply? 

If selected, you will be invited to complete the following e-learning modules: 

• Introduction to the European patent system (mandatory for all)  
• Using CPC in classification (mandatory for science and engineering candidates)  
• The EPO as a PCT authority (mandatory for candidates from a non-engineering background)  

Tip: 📌 Certificates of completion must be uploaded to your application page. 

🗓️ Timeline for 2026 

The next application round will open in February 2026. 
Please find below the general programme timeline. Application dates for the upcoming editions follow.