The first step is to ensure your university is a member of the PES programme.
If this is the case, keep the programme deadlines in mind and apply with your university. The next step is to apply online with the EPO via the recruitment tool.
No. Applying for more than one vacancy is not possible.
Please note that you can only apply to one of the five available vacancies
Yes. The application closing date is always specified in the vacancy notice. For the 2021-22 programme, the deadline to submit all applications is 31 March 2021.
The application must be submitted by 23.59 hrs (CET) on the deadline date specified in the vacancy notice. You are encouraged to submit your application well in advance of the deadline to avoid any unforeseen technical issues.
The EPO’s official languages are English, German and French. You must have a very good knowledge of one of these working languages at a minimum of level of B1 following the Common European Framework of Reference for languages. Knowledge of any other working languages would be considered as an advantage.
The application must contain:
No. Your application will not be considered unless you submit it via the tool.
After you have submitted your application you will receive an email notification confirming the EPO has successfully received it. If you do not receive this email, please make sure you check your spam folder.
No. Once the deadline expires, it is not possible to submit an application and the any applications sent via email to the Pan European Seal mailbox will not be considered.
Yes, you will you will be informed on the selection outcome via email in June 2021 at the latest.
Once applications have been reviewed, a limited number of applicants will be contacted for an interview with a potential tutor. If several tutors express interest in your application, you may be interviewed for a number of traineeship roles.
The tutor will help you to further develop your skills and to have on-the-job coaching throughout the entire 12-month traineeship period.
The EPO will pay the trainee EUR 2000 per month subject to local taxes. You must declare any financial support received from other sources during your traineeship.
The EPO does not provide accommodation. Trainees will also be responsible for registering their new residence in the host state in accordance with the relevant national regulations.
Unless you have been recruited at the location where your traineeship is taking place, you can request a lump-sum subsidy of EUR 250 each way for travel expenses to and from the EPO at the beginning and end of the traineeship.
