Erasmus University is proud to be a partner of the Pan-European Seal Programme (PES), a prestigious initiative by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the European Patent Office (EPO). This program offers two separate programs for graduate students to get a jump start on their careers. Through this page you can apply to be shortlisted for one of these programmes, not both.
The PES Traineeship Programme at the EUIPO
The EUIPO is a growing organization dedicated to the registration of European Union trademarks and registered Community designs since 1994. The programme is located at the EUIPO headquarters in Alicante, with some roles in Brussels and Luxembourg.
The Pan-European Seal Traineeship provides recent graduates with:
- A paid 12-month traineeship (€1,200 per month/ € 1.400 per month depending on location) from September to September.
- Practical experience in an international and multicultural working environment.
- Mentorship by experts, access to training and courses, and participation in various events focused on intellectual property (IP).
- A comprehensive training plan, including access to the EUIPO Academy Learning Portal with over 530 courses.
Who can apply?
To be eligible, you must:
- Hold a degree from a PES partner university, such as Erasmus University, meaning that you have to graduate before the start of the traineeship (September).
- Have a minimum CEF level B1 in English, French, German, Italian, or Spanish.
- Have an interest in working in an international environment; prior participation in programmes like Erasmus+ is an advantage.
- Have additional skills in customer service, communication, problem-solving, innovation and leadership, teamwork and flexibility.
- Be eager to work in an international environment.
How to apply?
The application process consists of three steps:
- Pre-selection by Erasmus University: Submit your application here to be included in the shortlist
- Submission to EUIPO/EPO: Shortlisted candidates (only) submit their online applications through the EUIPO e-recruitment tool. Your application should contain:
- An English CV in Europass.
- Motivation letter, clearly indicating the EUIPO as their choice for the traineeship.
- Degree/Master diploma or proof of completion, indicating the final grade. This can be replaced by a provisional declaration, until the final diploma is issued.
- In addition, it is highly recommended that candidates complete at least one of the following courses to acquire a better understanding of the Office corebusiness in Trademarks and Designs and upload the completion certificate with their application: EUTM in a Nutshell and RCD in a Nutshell (this course will soon be updated to EUD)
- To complete the above courses, candidates must create a Pan-European Seal account and log in via the EUIPO Academy Learning Portal.
- Selection interviews: Selected candidates will be interviewed by EUIPO.
Key dates:
- Deadline for pre-selection: Erasmus shortlists candidates from 14 to 28 February 2025 (Registration box box ERASMUS University for Reference Letter/Shortlist nomination!!).
- Vacancies open for candidates: 1 – 31 March 2025
- Pre-selection process at EUIPO: 1 – 30 April 2025
- Candidates are interviewed and selected by the EUIPO: From May until July 2025
- Traineeship start date: 16 September 2025
Non-selected candidates remain in the Reserve List: Until 31 December 2025
The PES Young Professionals Programme at the EPO
The EPO Young Professionals Programme offers high-achieving graduates the chance to undertake challenging assignments in various departments at the EPO's headquarters in Munich or other sites in The Hague, Vienna, Berlin, or Brussels. The programme is designed to foster career growth through on-the-job training, professional development, and self-directed learning.
The PES Young Professionals Programme provides recent graduates with:
- A paid traineeship starting at 12 months, with the possibility of extension up to three years. The programme offers a salary starting at €2,300 net per month in the first year, rising to €3,300 net in subsequent years.
- Health insurance and pension contributions
- Tailored training and development programme
- A combination of on-the-job experience and professional training, which will give the opportunity to learn, develop your skills and increase your future employability.
Who can apply?
To be eligible for year 1, you must:
- Be nominated by a PES partner university, such as Erasmus University.
- Be a national of one of the EPO member states.
- Be excellent in at least one official EPO language (English, French or German).
- Hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
- There is no previous professional experience required.
To be eligible for year 1 and 2, you must:
- Have successfully completed Y1.
- Have passed the selection procedure.
- EPO official languages: be excellent in one and A2 in another.
How to apply?
The application process consists of three steps:
- Pre-selection by Erasmus University: Submit your application here to be included in the shortlist.
- Submission to EPO: Shortlisted candidates (only) submit their online applications through the EPO e-recruitment tool. The application should contain:
- 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)
- 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.
- Pre-selection by the EPO: 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.
Key dates:
- Deadline for pre-selection: Erasmus shortlists candidates from 14 to 28 February 2025
- Vacancies open for students: 1-15 March 2025.
- Pre-selection process by the EPO: April-May 2025.
- Communication of results to candidates: June 2025.
- Start of the programme at the EPO: 15 September 2025.
Why join one of these programmes?
- Unique experience: Work on significant projects in IP law and related fields.
- Networking opportunities: Build connections with professionals and fellow trainees.
- Career boost: Take a major first step in your professional journey.
Learn more and apply
Interested in applying or learning more about the programme? Visit the official pages of EUIPO and EPO:
Seize this opportunity to kick-start your career!