Are you an ambitious early-career professional with a passion for innovation, creativity, and intellectual property (IP)? The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) invites applications for its prestigious Young Experts Program (YEP) 2026–2027 – a dynamic two-year fellowship that puts you at the heart of global IP operations in Geneva, Switzerland.
About the Program
Launched to shape the next generation of global IP leaders, the WIPO Young Experts Program offers a select group of talented individuals from diverse backgrounds a rare opportunity to work directly on WIPO’s projects. Over 24 months, YEP participants will gain valuable hands-on experience, engage in strategic and technical IP work, and develop professional skills that can contribute to the economic growth of their home countries.
This is not just a job. It’s a transformative journey. Participants will explore multilateralism, policy-building, and international collaboration — all while immersed in a high-level professional environment. However, it’s worth noting that the program is not a recruitment route into WIPO, and fellows are not eligible to apply for WIPO positions during the program or for one year afterward.
WIPO Fellowship Sponsorship Offer for 2026 Awardees
WIPO ensures that all selected participants can thrive during their Geneva-based fellowship with a generous support package:
- CHF 5,000/month stipend
- 75% coverage of medical insurance costs
- Accident insurance
- Travel expense contribution
- Support with visa entry to Switzerland
- Assistance with accommodation guidance.
Application Selection Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the 2026–2027 YEP cohort, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be under 35 years old at the time of application
- Hold a university degree
- Have at least two years of relevant work experience
- Be available full-time for the 24-month program duration
- Demonstrate excellent research, analytical, organizational, and communication skills
- Possess excellent English fluency (written and spoken)
- Show proven interest or experience in intellectual property, creativity, or innovation.
Apply: https://www.wipo.int/en/web/working-at-wipo/young-experts-program
The application timeline for the WIPO Young Experts Program 2026–2027 is designed to give candidates ample time to prepare and shine throughout each stage. Applications officially open on July 8, 2025, and candidates must submit their completed applications by August 14, 2025. Shortly after the deadline, selected applicants will be invited to take part in initial screening tests, scheduled for the end of August 2025.
Those who advance will be invited for virtual interviews between September and October 2025. Final selections will be announced in November 2025, followed by onboarding activities taking place in December 2025 and January 2026. The exciting journey officially begins on February 1, 2026, when the next cohort of Young Experts takes their place at WIPO headquarters in Geneva.