Calls for Applications for a Traineeship at the EPO and EUIPO are Now Open!
Are you a recent UM graduate, or are you nearing the end of your course? Are you wondering what to do next? Then apply for the Pan-European Seal (PES) Young Professionals Programme. The PES Young Professionals Programme, starting this September, provides exceptional university graduates with the opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on experience in a multicultural environment either at the European Patent Office (EPO) and the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), making it an excellent step forward after graduating!
The European Patent Office is the organ of the intergovernmental European Patent Organisation and is responsible for granting European patents, including drawing up European search reports and examination of European Patent applications. The European Union Intellectual Property Office is the European Union Agency responsible for registering European Union trademarks and European Union designs in the EU, and for running the EU Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights.
The Programme is open to University of Malta graduates who have obtained a full undergraduate, masters or doctorate degree or its equivalent no later than two years prior to the date of the application or University of Malta students who are currently enrolled in the final year of studies with all coursework and examinations due to be completed by September 2026. Students who are currently on exchange at the University of Malta must apply through their home institution and are not eligible to apply through the University of Malta.
No prior experience working in Intellectual Property is required and the opportunity is open to various fields including STEAM and law.
Applicants who are interested are requested to submit their CV and a motivation letter to the Knowledge Transfer Office (KTO) no later than Wednesday 11 February 2026. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited in for a meeting, between the 17-19 February 2026, with the KTO. In the case for the EUIPO, the KTO will submit a list of recommended candidates to the EUIPO. Nominated candidates will then receive further instructions to submit their applications directly to the respective institution, along with any additional required documents. Those applying for the EPO may do so directly following the meeting with the KTO.
The KTO shall be holding an online information session on Wednesday 4 February at 12:00. Interested applicants are recommended to register online.
The official applications are to be submitted through the respective websites within the periods noted below:
The EPO is open for applications between 16 February - 9 March 2026. More information can be found in their guidelines and on the slide deck available online.
The EPO is also holding sessions “Discover the EPO Young Professionals Programme!”. Current young professionals will share their experiences in a peer-to-peer format, offering an insider’s view of their day-to-day work and programme highlights across core business area and beyond. Students can view the session dates and register their interest so as to receive updates online.
The EUIPO is open for applications between between 1 March - 31 March 2026. More information can be found in guidelines, on the information brochure and on their Frequently Asked Questions brochure.
The EUIPO will also be holding an online information session on Wednesday 11 February 2026 at 10:30. Interested applicants can register online.
Applicants may only submit an application to one of the institutions and only those applicants who have been nominated by the UM will be reviewed by the respective institution.
For any further queries, kindly contact the Knowledge Transfer Office by email.
