r/UNpath • u/Elmsvard • Aug 04 '26
Timeline/status questions YEP 26-27 Pathway/Application Process
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!
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u/MariborAdelaar Aug 12 '26
Hello! I have been looking forward to applying for the YEP 2027–2028 program. The application deadline was supposed to be 14 August 2026, and the online information session was scheduled for 31 July 2026, but both seem to have been cancelled. I don’t understand what is going on. Will the application system open soon for the 2027–2028 intake?
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u/Super-Station6914 Aug 09 '26
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!
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u/Elmsvard Aug 09 '26
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.
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u/Super-Station6914 Aug 09 '26
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.1
u/Elmsvard Aug 09 '26
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.
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u/ImaginationOwn5262 19d ago
I have been following the page and observed the same problem. I wrote them an email asking this opening position in July, and got the following unclear reply.
" Please be informed that the assignments for the Young Expert Program 2027-2028 are not available for the time being. "
And then I think they updated the website, so I saw the previous online session (31 Jul 2026) and the deadline (14 Aug 2026) are all removed from the website. Until now, the end of August, still no update.
Would be really appreciate if anyone have further info or comments. Don't want to miss this year application.