Pan-European Seal

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 or equivalent.
• 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)

Candidates who have not yet obtained their degree or its equivalent may still be considered for selection, provided they declare that they expect to complete their studies before the programme starts. The declaration of completion of studies must be made by filling out this document and attaching it to their application.
If selected, these candidates must submit their degree to the EPO before the programme begins on 15 September 2025.

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.

Throughout the selection process you will be required to take part in pre-recorded video interview as well as online interviews with the business area. Please note that for both you will need to find a calm place with good internet connection and ensure good audio-visual quality.

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 2025:

• Applications will be open until 15 March 2025.
• Virtual interviews will take place during April and May 2025.
• The results will be communicated by the end of June 2025.
• The programme will start on 15 September 2025.