The Pan-European Seal Young Professionals Programme offers a one-year paid traineeship (first employment opportunity) at the European Patent Office (EPO), one of the largest and most influential European institutions in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.
As a programme participant, you will become part of an international community of over 6,300 employees and more than 200 Young Professionals from 28 countries, and from day one you will work on real projects that contribute to the protection of technologies and ideas shaping the future.
What does the programme offer?
- a one-year paid traineeship (12 months)
- a net monthly allowance of approximately €2,300 in the first year
- the possibility to extend the programme up to a total of three years (subject to internal selection)
- work in an international and multicultural environment
- structured development and training programmes
- mentoring and professional development
- a strong foundation for an international career within the EU and beyond
Who can apply?
The EPO is looking for excellent graduates (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent) in the following fields:
- science and engineering
- information technology
- human resources and business administration
- economics and finance
- international relations and communication
- law (including patent law)
The programme is intended for recent graduates from partner universities of the Pan-European Seal network, including the University of Rijeka.
Where does the programme take place?
EPO locations: Munich (headquarters), The Hague, Vienna, Berlin, or Brussels.
How and by when can you apply?
Applications are submitted online, directly via the official programme website.
Application deadline: 9 March 2026
More information and applications: https://epo.org/young-professionals
Note: The list of universities participating in the EPO Young Professionals Programme will be updated to include the University of Rijeka, as it has recently become a member.
ONLINE INFO SESSIONS
Students are invited to join the online info sessions “Discover the EPO Young Professionals Programme!”, organised by the European Patent Office (EPO).
During these interactive online sessions, the programme will be presented, current young professionals will share their experiences, and participants will gain first-hand insight into day-to-day work, project activities, and career development opportunities at the EPO.
To take part in an info session, please register via the relevant link below:
- 16 January – https://epo-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Pyxl8KnmSOK7p_GHv1kEMQ
- 23 January – https://epo-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_s3iooquEQ7m2Ev-8MzFyLA
- 29 January – https://epo-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IM8a0M3kTk-VE__RuUui2A
- 5 February – https://epo-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_h6YCezceTOWzYmFS8oGLTg
- 11 February – https://epo-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_92g_5xXqSA–IE9XasiP6A
- 18 February – https://epo-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9r0bqL-NTP6DsE5SPdN7Yg
You are also invited to register your interest via this link to stay up to date with key deadlines and programme updates: Register here.