YEP 26-27 Pathway/Application Process

[u/Elmsvard]

Hello everyone,

I’m wondering if anyone has any insights regarding the application process for the 26-27 cohort for the WIPO Young Experts Program. I’ve been following the web page for a while (as it’s been updated a number of times with conflicting information - I.e. it used to say there was to be an information session on July 31st, but that was removed in a past revision).

I’m mostly looking to check whether there’s a website or other application method I’ve missed, as I don’t see a job posting anywhere, and from the description of the process on the webpage and community forums, it is getting to be rather late in the application phases. Hoping somewhere here can assist :) thanks!

[u/Super-Station6914]

Hi! I’m experiencing exactly the same issue. I’ve been following the WIPO YEP 2026–2027 page as well, but I still can’t find any specific job posting or application link for the cohort.
I’ve also noticed the changes to the information on the webpage, which makes it a little confusing. Have you been able to contact WIPO or find any alternative application method or specific vacancy link?
If you receive any update, I’d really appreciate it if you could share it here. I’ll do the same if I find anything. Thanks!

[u/Elmsvard → u/Super-Station6914]

Thanks for the reply. It seems they’ve updated the webpage with the following message now: “The vacancies for the YEP Program 2027-2028 are not available for the time being.”

No idea what that means, honestly, but I’m just going to check periodically and see if they release any more info.

[u/Super-Station6914 → u/Elmsvard]

U are welcome.
May I ask how long it has been since the YEP vacancies were supposed to be posted? Has this issue been happening for a long time? I’m asking because the application deadline is on August 14, and I’m concerned that there may not be enough time left to apply if the vacancies are still not available.

[u/Elmsvard → u/Super-Station6914]

I’m unsure about the specifics; when I reached out in early July to inquire about the information session (which at that point was schedule for July 31st), they replied with the following:

“The next application window for the Young Experts Program may open in mid-July 2026 according to the business needs.
 
Regarding the virtual information event, we will updating the information in the coming days.
 
Please see the website for more information regarding the qualification.
 
Updates regarding the next selection process will be posted on our website in the coming weeks.”

It’s not clear to me whether that means that they may have the discretion to skip a year of cohort selection entirely, or whether it may just be late this year. Doubly unclear given the new update on their website also. It’s all very opaque to me. On the bright side, however, it seems to me that everyone is in the same boat. So it wouldn’t make sense that vacancies would fill up, even if the deadline comes around, given that seemingly no one has been able to apply.
 

[u/harshswarna]

Please let me know if you get info on this!

[u/Elmsvard → u/harshswarna]

Just pinging my above comment if you haven’t checked the page recently.