WIPO PCT Fellowship Program 2026 for Graduate Students (5,000 CHF Monthly Stipend)

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is accepting applications for the 2026 Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Fellowship Program, offering graduate students and early-career professionals a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at an international organisation in Geneva, Switzerland.

The fellowship is hosted by WIPO’s PCT Translation Division and is designed to train participants in patent translation, terminology, post-editing, translation technology, and technical specialization. Fellows receive structured training, real-world exposure, and professional development in the global intellectual property system.

Fellowship Positions Available

WIPO offers five fellowship tracks under the PCT Fellowship Program:

1. Terminology Fellowship

Fellows are trained to create terminology entries for the PCT Termbase, which are later published in WIPO Pearl.

2. Translation Fellowship

Participants work on the translation of patent abstracts and patent examination documents.

3. Post-Editing Fellowship

Fellows gain experience in post-editing machine-translated patent texts (PEMT).

4. Translation Technology Fellowship

This track focuses on translation and terminology management systems, as well as machine translation tools.

5. Technical Specialist Fellowship

Designed for professionals with technical or scientific backgrounds who support patent translators while receiving training on the PCT system and patent translation processes.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• Monthly stipend of 5,000 Swiss francs (taxable)
• Medical insurance coverage
• Assistance with visa and travel arrangements
• Practical training and professional experience at WIPO headquarters

Note: Fellowships are on-site only and cannot be completed remotely.

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Eligibility Requirements by Fellowship Track

Terminology Fellowship

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a Master’s or Doctorate in terminology, translation, linguistics, or a technical field with strong language skills
• Native speakers of Arabic, Chinese, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish
• Excellent command of English

Translation Fellowship

• Graduate-level background in translation, terminology, linguistics, or a technical field
• Language combinations accepted in 2026:
  • Japanese → English
  • Korean → English

Post-Editing Fellowship

• Graduate-level background in translation, post-editing, linguistics, or related fields
• Language combinations accepted in 2026:
  • Chinese → English
  • English → French

Translation Technology Fellowship

• Graduate studies in translation technology, computational linguistics, IT, AI, or related disciplines
• Ability to work in English or French

Technical Specialist Fellowship

• At least a Bachelor’s degree in a technical or scientific field (engineering, textiles, mining, telecommunications preferred)
• Industry or research experience
• High-level proficiency in English plus one additional WIPO language

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the official WIPO Fellowship vacancy announcements corresponding to their chosen fellowship track.

• Applicants may apply for more than one fellowship, provided they meet the eligibility criteria
• A separate application must be submitted for each fellowship track
• Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete:
  • Terminology tests
  • Translation or post-editing tests
  • Aptitude assessments

Application Deadline

March 3, 2026

Apply for the WIPO (Patent Cooperation Treaty) PCT Fellowship Program