Careers home page > Our areas of work > Young Professionals Programme and internships > Pan-European Seal
How to apply for the Pan-European Seal Young Professionals Programme
The Pan-European Seal Young Professionals Programme offers a unique opportunity to launch your career and gain valuable insights into what it's like to work in a dynamic, multicultural environment. Read on to find out everything you need to know to apply for the next round of the Pan-European Seal Young Professionals Programme at the European Patent Office, including application requirements and the selection process timeline. To learn more about the programme itself, have a look at our programme page.
Next programme edition will open applications in February 2024. The programme offers opportunities in the following areas:
- Science and engineering
- Human resources and business administration
- International relations and communication
- Information Technology
- Economics and finance
- Law
FRAMEWORK OF THE PROGRAMME
Can I apply?
To apply for the programme, you name shall be put forward by a university that is a member of the Pan-European Seal Young Professionals network.
Please check the minimum qualifications for recruitment of young professionals:
- National of one of the EPO's member states.
- Diploma of completed university studies at bachelor's level.
- Excellent knowledge of one of the EPO’s official language (English, German, French)
How do I apply?
Your application should be made online and must include:
- a letter of motivation expressing your reasons for applying
- your up-to-date CV
- your degree certificate (a provisional declaration may be submitted pending the conferral of your degree)
You meet all the requirements and have all relevant documents ready?
Important: Please note that you may apply for only one vacancy within the Pan-European Seal Young Professionals Programme, so be sure to indicate your area of choice in your application. However, this does not mean that you cannot be considered for other areas within the Office. If a suitable candidate cannot be found within the specific vacancy, then candidates from other areas may also be contacted.
Upon the completion of the selection process, your name, surname, field of study and the EPO area of work will be shared with the institution (your university or EUIPO) that shortlisted you as an eligible candidate for the Pan-European Seal Young Professionals Programme.
I've submitted my application, so what's next?
If you are selected, you will be invited to take the following e-learning courses and upload the certificates of completion to your application page:
- 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)
If you are curious to find out more about the EPO and IP in general, you are welcome to dip in and out of our course modules whenever you have the time.
Application process timeline 2023:
- Applications will be open until 15 March 2023.
- Virtual interviews will take place during April and May 2023.
- The results will be communicated by the end of June 2023.
- The programme will start on 15 September 2023.