If you would like to get a taster of a career with the EU, why not apply for a traineeship?
Each year around 1,200 young people are offered the chance to increase their professional skills, develop their personal qualities, and enhance their EU knowledge through the EU trainee programmes. Most of the EU institutions organise traineeships for young university graduates, each lasting usually between 3 and 5 months.
Traineeships are available in a wide range of fields and offer a great insight into the work of the EU. The content of the job largely depends on the service you are assigned to. Opportunities are available in the fields of competition law, human resources, environmental policy, communication and many more.
The selection procedures for traineeships are run by the individual EU institutions and agencies. You can see below the different opportunities available.
Schuman Traineeships
The goal of the Schuman traineeships is to contribute to EU citizens’ European education and vocational training and to provide an insight into the work of the European Parliament.
Who can apply: University graduates aged 18 or over. Candidates should have a thorough knowledge of two of the official languages of the European Union and should not have worked for more than two consecutive months within an EU institution or body.
Duration: 5 months
Paid: Yes. Around 1,300 €
Starting Dates: 1 March and 1 October
Council of the European Union compulsory unpaid traineeships
Depending on the needs of the service, the daily work of a trainee would generally be equivalent to that of junior administrator officials at the beginning of their career e.g.: preparing meetings and drafting minutes, attending meetings of Coreper and Council preparatory bodies, researching on a particular project, translating documents, compiling documentation, writing reports. Trainees will also be invited to participate in a study programme that includes visits and conferences at other EU institutions in Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg.
Who can apply: These traineeships are reserved for third, fourth or fifth year university students of EU nationality who have to do a compulsory training period as part of their course.
Duration: 2 to 5 months
Paid: No. Reimbursement of travel allowance. GSC restaurant reduction card. Health/accident insurance.
Starting Dates: 1 February (application period around September/October - check at that moment for final dates) and 1 September (application period around February/March - check at that moment for final dates).
Council of the European Union Paid Traineeships
Depending on the needs of the service, the daily work of a trainee would generally be equivalent to that of junior administrator officials at the beginning of their career e.g.: preparing meetings and drafting minutes, attending meetings of Coreper and Council preparatory bodies, researching on a particular project, translating documents, compiling documentation, writing reports. Trainees will also be invited to participate in a study programme that includes visits and conferences at other EU institutions in Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg.
Who can apply: EU nationals who, by the deadline for submitting applications, have completed at least the first part of their university studies and have a degree certificate or equivalent.
Duration: 5 months
Paid: Yes. 1.176,84 € per month. Reimbursement of travel allowance. GSC restaurant reduction card.
Starting Dates: 1 February (application period around August/September - check at that moment for final dates) and 1 September (application period around February/March - check at that moment for final dates).
European Commission
The European Commission traineeship programme is open to university graduates, from all over the world.
Traineeships are available in a wide range of fields and offer a great insight into the work of the EU. The content of the job largely depends on the service to which you are assigned. Opportunities are available in the fields of competition law, human resources, environmental policy, communication and many more.
Trainees are given the same sort of tasks as newly-recruited graduates. In practice, that can mean organising working groups and meetings, compiling information and documentation, preparing reports and answering queries, as well as participating in unit meetings and other events. There will also be tasks more specific to the particular department – lawyers in the Commission will be doing quite different things to economists at the Court of Auditors or generalists in the Parliament.
Who can apply: Graduates of any discipline can apply as long as their degree has already been awarded (a transcript can normally be provided if the certificate has not yet been awarded). EU citizenship is not mandatory (a small number of places are reserved for non-EU citizens), but generally knowledge of two EU languages will be required. Work experience and postgraduate education is a plus, but not usually a necessity.
Duration: 5 months
Paid: Yes. 1,176.83 € as of 1st March 2018 and reimbursement of travel expenses.
Starting Dates: 1 March and 1 October
Court of Justice of the European Union Interpreting Traineeships
Interpreting traineeships are primarily aimed at newly qualified conference interpreters whose language combination is of interest to the Interpretation Directorate. The aim is to enable newly qualified interpreters to be supervised as they perfect their interpreting skills, particularly in legal interpreting, which involves the preparation of case-files, terminological research and practical exercises in a ‘silent booth'.
Who can apply: Newly qualified conference interpreters with a diploma in conference interpreting and the ability to read French
Duration: 10-12 weeks
Traineeships
Every year, the Court of Justice of the European Union offers a limited number of paid traineeships of a duration of five months. Traineeships are generally undertaken in the Directorate for Legal Translation, the Research and Documentation Directorate, the Communication Directorate, the Protocol and Visits Directorate, the office of the Legal Adviser for administrative cases, the Registry of the General Court or the Interpretation Directorate.
Who can apply: Graduates in law or in political sciences (majority content, law) with knowledge of French.
Duration: 5 months
Paid: Yes. Around 1,120 € per month
Starting Dates: 1 March and 1 October
European Central Bank
The ECB's traineeship programme offers you the opportunity to put into practice the knowledge you acquired during your studies and get a better understanding of what working for Europe entails. As a trainee you will gain an insight into the ECB’s activities and contribute to the ECB’s mission. The tasks performed by you as a trainee are supervised and vary according to the unit you join. Some examples include research, drawing up draft reports, compiling statistical data, performing operational tasks and participating in ad hoc studies.
Who can apply: Nationals of a Member State of the EU or of an acceding country who have completed at least a first cycle qualification (bachelor’s degree)
Duration: 3-6 months (can be prolonged once up to a total of 12 months)
Paid: Yes. Around 1,050€ per month
Starting Dates: Ongoing
European Court of Auditors
The European Court of Auditors organises three traineeship sessions per year in areas of interest to its work.
Who can apply: EU nationals who either hold a recognised university-level diploma or who have completed at least four semesters of university study in an area of interest to the Court (Audit, Budget, Accounting, Administration, Human Resources, Translation, Communication, International Relations, Legal).
Duration: 3, 4 or 5 months.
Paid: Yes. Around 1.350€ (depending on the budgetary appropriations available).
Starting Dates: 01 February, 01 May and 01 September, every year.
European External Action Service
The EU has a long tradition of offering traineeship opportunities in EU Delegations around the world. Traineeships are essentially established for the benefit of students and young graduates. It is an educational project that does not foresee any contractual or employment relationship with the Delegation.
Who can apply: Depending on a specific pillar, traineeships in EU Delegations are open to EU citizens, citizens from candidate countries that have concluded EU accession negotiations and nationals of the host country. For paid traineeships, applicants must have graduated from a university or equivalent higher-education establishment with at least a Bachelor's level; for unpaid compulsory traineeships, applicants shall be 3rd , 4th or 5th year students of a University or another higher-education establishment. Candidates must have the capacity to speak in the working language of the EU Delegation, knowledge of the official language of the host country would be an asset.
Duration: Maximum 6 months
Paid: for young graduates with less than one year of professional experience.
Unpaid compulsory traineeship: for students already residing and studying in the host country.
European Economic and Social Committee short-term traineeships
Unpaid traineeships for short periods are occasionally available with no age limit.
Who can apply: University students and recent graduates
Duration: 1 to 3 months
Paid: No
Starting Dates: ongoing
Traineeships
Twice a year the European Economic and Social Committee offers traineeships to university graduates. These periods of in-service training offer an opportunity to learn about the EESC's roles and activities and to acquire professional experience in a multicultural environment.
Who can apply: University graduates who are nationals of the Member States of the European Union.
Duration: 5 months
Paid: Yes. Around 1,190 € per month
Starting Dates: 16 February and 16 September
Committee of the Regions internships for governmental officials
These internships intend to bring stakeholder knowledge and experience to the policy processes of the CoR, while providing practical knowledge/feedback of the workings of the CoR to the local and regional levels. Interns will get a general idea of the objectives of European cooperation and integration through the work of the CoR and will have the opportunity to work in a multicultural, multilingual environment.
Who can apply: officials from local, regional or national authorities in Member States of the EU or from a country which is an official accession candidate. Candidates should be professionals working in a post with duties corresponding to the level of an EU Administrator.
Duration: 1 to 4 months (can be extended to 6 months)
Paid: No. Remuneration is provided by the sending institution.
Starting Dates: ongoing
Committee of the Regions short-term study visits
Study periods at the CoR allow the beneficiaries to complete a concrete project, while providing unique, first-hand experience of the workings of the CoR. The trainees acquire practical experience and knowledge of the day-to-day work of the Committee's departments and have the chance to work in a multicultural and multilingual environment.
Who can apply: EU nationals or of a State which is an official candidate for accession, who have obtained at least a Bachelor degree.
Duration: 1 to 4 months (it may be extended to 6 months depending on the resources available)
Paid: No
Traineeships
By doing a traineeship at the CoR you will be in the heart of the dynamics of a political assembly. You will familiarise yourself with CoR's objectives and work on European integration. Each trainee is assigned to a specific department of the CoR. The nature of the work depends largely on the unit. Some units are more politically oriented, others are more administrative. In general, the type of work assigned is equivalent to that performed by junior executive-grade officials (AD5).
Who can apply: University graduates from an EU member country or from a country which is an official candidate for accession, with thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the EU and a satisfactory knowledge of another EU-working language (French or English)
Duration: 5 months
Paid: Yes. Around 1,200 € per month
Starting Dates: 16 February and 16 September
European Investment Bank
The EIB offers a limited number of internships to university students and graduates who wish to acquire an understanding of the Bank’s work or gain experience in the field of their studies.
Who can apply: Nationals of the EU Member States and the Candidate Countries, with less than one year of professional experience
Duration: 1-5 months (6 months if requested by Universities)
Paid: Yes.
Starting Dates: 1 February, 1 July, 1 October
European Ombudsman
The European Ombudsman offers traineeships to university or higher education graduates with a keen interest in European Union public administration and, in particular, in how the EU administration relates to citizens.
The traineeships are intended to provide recent graduates with practical experience of the work of the European Ombudsman and to enable them to build on the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies. The tasks of trainees, depending on the stream of the particular traineeship will include assisting in the investigation of complaints, assisting in the area of media and communications, work on IT projects or on research relevant to the work of the Ombudsman. Trainees work under the direct supervision of an official or agent of the European Ombudsman, normally a Head of Unit or equivalent.
Who can apply: Nationals of a Member State of the EU, or of a candidate country for accession to the EU, with a degree or diploma of at least 3 years in one of the following disciplines: Political Science, European Studies, International Relations, European Public Administration, Human Resources, Law, Audit and Economics
Duration: minimum 4 months, with a possible extension of 8 more months (depending on performance) – for a total of maximum 12 months
Paid: Yes. Around 1.300€ per month in Brussels and around 1.500€ per month in Strasbourg.
Starting Dates: 1 January and 1 September
European Data Protection Supervisor
The EDPS offers recent university graduates the opportunity to put into practice the knowledge acquired during their studies, particularly in their specific areas of competence. Traineeships allow trainees to acquire practical experience of the EDPS’ day-to-day activities as well as in data protection.
Who can apply: Nationals of a Member State of the EU who have completed the first cycle of the higher education course (three years of university education) and obtained a full degree or its equivalent
Duration: 5 months
Paid: Yes. Around 950€ per month
Starting Dates: 1 March and 1 October
FRONTEX
Frontex welcomes applications from highly motivated candidates from a range of educational and professional backgrounds to contribute to the work of the agency in line with their expertise and interests. Frontex's traineeship programme provides an opportunity to gain practical working experience of cooperation in the field of external borders of the European Union, to acquire knowledge of the European Union, its institutions and activities and to put into practice knowledge acquired during studies or at work.
Who can apply: Nationals of the Member States of the European Union or of the Schengen Associated Countries, who have completed the first cycle and obtained a full degree or its equivalent (degree of at least 3 years of study - minimum a Bachelor or its equivalent) of a higher education course (university education, studies equivalent to university or law enforcement studies) relevant for the tasks of Frontex.
Duration: 3-12 months
Paid: Yes. Around €720 per month.
Starting Dates: Ongoing
EASA Graduate Traineeship Programme (GTP)
The Agency offers opportunities in all areas of the organisation both for recent graduates and university students. These opportunities aim to give an understanding of the Agency and its role within the activities of the European Union.
Who can apply: Nationals of one of the EASA Member States or of a country with observer status in the EASA Management Board whose background is relevant to the activities of the Agency
Duration: 12 months
Paid: Yes.
Starting Dates: Ongoing
(ECDC) European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
The purpose of the programme is to provide trainees with an understanding of the Centre and its role within the activities of the European Union while also providing an opportunity to acquire practical knowledge and professional experience.
Who can apply: Nationals of a Member State of the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, who have completed their studies and been awarded a full university degree
Duration: 3-9 months
Paid: Yes. Around 1,505€ per month
Starting Dates: Ongoing
(CEDEFOP) European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training
Cedefop's traineeship aims to provide university graduates and PhD students with a unique and first-hand experience of the workings of Cedefop, in particular, and of the EU institutions in general. In addition, it aims to provide an understanding of the objectives and goals of the EU integration processes and policies;
Who can apply: Nationals of the Member States of the European Union and of candidate countries, who have completed the first cycle of a higher education course (university education) and obtained a full degree or its equivalent.
Duration: 9 months
Paid: Yes. €919.4 per month for trainees from abroad, as well as trainees residing in Greece who need to move to Thessaloniki for the duration of the traineeship and €689.5 per month for trainees already residing in Thessaloniki.
Starting Dates: 1 October
(ECHA) European Chemicals Agency
There are up to 20 graduate traineeship opportunities per year in scientific fields such as chemistry, toxicology, biology, environmental science and technologies, and administrative duties such as law, communications, finance, human resources and ICT.
Who can apply: University graduates wh are nationals of a Member State of the EU or a national of the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein).
Duration: 3-6 months
Paid: Yes. Around 1,300€ per month
Starting Dates: March and September
(EFSA) European Food Safety Authority
EFSA offers paid traineeships as well as unpaid study visits to talented, highly qualified young professionals at the start of their careers, in a field of their choice.
Who can apply: University graduates who are nationals of EU Member States, EFTA countries, and of countries benefiting from the EU pre-accession programme.
Duration: 5-12 months
Paid: Yes.
Starting Dates: Ongoing
(EUROFOUND) European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions
Some of the aims of the traineeships with Eurofound are to provide fresh university graduates with a unique and first hand experience of the workings of Eurofound within the wider European and Institutional context and to enable them to acquire practical experience and knowledge of the dayto-day work of Eurofound.
Who can apply: Nationals of the Member States of the European Union and of candidate countries, who have completed the first cycle of a higher education course (university education) and obtained a full degree or its equivalent.
Duration: 6 months (may be extended for up to a further 6 months).
Paid: Yes. Around €1,410.
Starting Dates: Ongoing
European Institute for Gender Equality
The traineeships aim principally to: provide on the job training experience in key areas of the Institute's work; extend and apply knowledge acquired in the course of studies or working life; provide practical working knowledge of EU agencies and institutions; enable trainees to acquire work experience in an EU agency context.
Who can apply: University graduates who are either nationals of an EU member state or an EFTA country or an IPA qualifying country.
Duration: up to 6 months
Paid: Yes. Around 750 € per month
Starting Dates: Ongoing
European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy (Fusion for Energy)
F4E´s traineeships programme aims to promote awareness, knowledge and understanding of F4E's role in the ITER project and within the European context, as well as to provide training to university graduates – in the field of nuclear engineering, physics, administration and communication.
Who can apply: Nationals of one of the EU Member States or Switzerland who have a University degree of at least 3 years of study (minimum a bachelor’s degree) and very good knowledge of English.
Duration: 4 to 9 months
Paid: Yes. Around 1.000€ per month and reimbursement of travel expenses
Starting Dates: October
(EMSA) European Maritime Safety Agency
The traineeship programme aims to provide trainees with work experience in the field of maritime safety legislation, response to pollution at sea and cooperation among member states in safety at sea matters. In-service training enables trainees to acquire practical experience by means of their work and put into practice the knowledge they have acquired during their academic studies or professional careers in the areas of maritime safety, communication or administration.
Who can apply: Nationals of EU Member States, Iceland, Norway and candidate countries benefiting from a pre-acession strategy, who have a good knowledge of English. Candidates must have completed the first cycle of a higher education course (university education) and obtained a full degree.
Duration: 3-6 months
Paid: Yes. Determined case by case.
Starting Dates: 1 March and 1 September
(EMA) European Medicines Agency
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) operates a trainee programme aimed at university graduates at the beginning of their careers. The programme gives trainees an insight into EMA and its role within the EU and the European medicines regulatory network and provides valuable professional experience.
Who can apply: Nationals of a Member State of the EU or of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, who have a university degree (minimum Bachelor level)
Duration: 6-18 months
Paid: Yes. Around £1,550 per month
Starting Dates: April and October
(EMCDDA) European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction
Traineeships within the EMCDDA aim to provide trainees with practical knowledge of the workings of a European agency.
Who can apply: University graduates who are citizens of EU Member States, Norway and Turkey
Duration: 3-8 months
Paid: Depending on budget
Starting Dates: Ongoing
(ENISA) European Union Agency for Network and Information Security
Through its traineeship scheme, ENISA benefits from the input of enthusiastic graduates who can give a fresh point of view and up-to-date academic knowledge, which will enhance the everyday work of ENISA.
Who can apply: Nationals of a Member State of the EU or of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, who have completed the first cycle of a higher university education course and obtained a full degree or its equivalent
Duration: 3-12 months
Paid: Yes. Around 1,000€ per month
Starting Dates: Ongoing
(ERA) European Railway agency
At ERA we play an important role in the development of the Single European Railway Area (SERA), and invite you to help us achieving our ambitious goals. You will participate in real projects related to your specific background, along with the best professionals and within a welcoming and stimulating work environment.
Who can apply: University graduates (minimum 3 years of study), who have a very good knowledge of English and of a second language (for EU nationals, this must be an EU official language)
Duration: 3-5 months
Paid: Yes. Around 1,200€ per month
Starting Dates: 1 March and 1 October
(ETF) European Training Foundation
The objectives of the internships are to provide trainees with work experience in the administration of co-operation in the field of education and training, to gain an insight of the ETF' objectives and activities and to allow them to put their learning into practice.
Who can apply: Citizens of both the EU Member States and the ETF' partner countries.
Duration: 3-6 months
Paid: Yes
Starting Dates: Ongoing
(FRA) European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights
One of the aims of the traineeship at the FRA are to allow trainees to contribute to the Agency’s mission in helping to make fundamental rights a reality for everyone in the EU.
Who can apply: Graduates who have completed at least the first cycle of a higher education course (i.e. university education) and obtained a full degree or its equivalent by the closing date for applications. Trainees are selected from nationals of the Member States of the European Union and EU candidate (Albania, FYR Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Turkey) and potential candidate (Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo) countries.
Duration: 9 months
Paid: Yes.
Starting Dates: 1 October
(Europol) European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation
Europol offers valuable learning opportunities for graduates and professionals. Their internships give a chance to sample work at Europol and be part of a multicultural team. Every year Europol offers a number of internships that provide individuals with the opportunity to learn more about the agency's activities and put their learning and skills into practice by contributing to Europol's mission.
Who can apply: Nationals of Member State of the European Union, who have a level of education corresponding to completed or ongoing university studies or vocational training relevant for the tasks of Europol and very good knowledge of at least two European Union languages (of which one should be English).
Duration: 3-6 months
Paid: Yes. Around 790 € per month
Starting Dates: Ongoing
EUIPO - Junior IP Employees
The EUIPO offers grant-assisted traineeships to junior staff from national and international industrial property offices. These placements offer technical training in specific areas of IP administration, with particular regard to trade marks and designs. They offer the opportunity to learn about the EUIPO's e-registration services, observe management techniques and strategies and understand EUIPO's databases and technical knowledge. Trainees also work in other specific areas of expertise such as human resources, communications or information technology.
Who can apply: Nationals of EU Member States and from non EU countries, who have completed at least the first cycle of a higher education course certified by an official document from the University and have a working knowledge of one of Office's five working languages (English, French, German, Italian and Spanish).
Duration: 5 months
Paid: Yes.
Starting Dates: Ongoing
EUIPO - Pan-European Seal Programme
This scheme gives young university graduates a unique first-hand experience of the European Union in general and the Office in particular. It is also an opportunity to put into practice the knowledge acquired during their studies, in particular in their specific areas of competence. In addition, it helps them understand the objectives and procedures relating to the European Union trade mark and Community design system, as well as to IP infringement and enforcement matters.
Who can apply: Nationals of EU Member States and from non EU countries, who have completed at least the first cycle of a higher education course certified by an official document from the University and have a working knowledge of one of Office's five working languages (English, French, German, Italian and Spanish).
Duration: 12 months
Paid: Yes.
Starting Dates: Ongoing
EUIPO - Unpaid Traineeships
This traineeship programme is intended for university graduates who, in the course of their studies or in some other manner, have already gained some initial experience in the areas of work of the Office.
Who can apply: Nationals of EU Member States and from non EU countries, who have completed at least the first cycle of a higher education course certified by an official document from the University and have a working knowledge of one of Office's five working languages (English, French, German, Italian and Spanish).
Duration: 2-6 months
Paid: No.
Starting Dates: Ongoing
EUIPO - Young Professionals
This traineeship programme is intended to provide young professionals with practical experience of the European Union in general and the EUIPO in particular as well as to enable them to put into practice knowledge acquired during their studies and first professional experiences, and in particular in their specific areas of competence.
Who can apply: Nationals of EU Member States and from non EU countries, who have completed at least the first cycle of a higher education course certified by an official document from the University and have a working knowledge of one of Office's five working languages (English, French, German, Italian and Spanish).
Duration: 12 months and 2 weeks.
Paid: Yes.
Starting Dates: Between 1 September and 15 October.
(SatCen) European Union Satellite Centre
The traineeships at SatCen aim to enable trainees to acquire practical experience and knowledge of the day-to-day SatCen work and to provide the SatCen with the contribution of trainees performing specific tasks of utility to SatCen and receiving input from recent graduates bringing up-to-date academic knowledge.
Who can apply: Nationals of a Member State of the EU or third states having signed the Annex on the provisions on the association of third states with SatCen's activities
Duration: 2-6 months (may be extended up to 12 months)
Paid: Yes. Around 1,000€ per month
Starting Dates: Ongoing
Joint Research Centre
The JRC offers a stimulating, multicultural and multi-disciplinary research environment for trainees. There are two types of traineeship:
1. training related to the preparation of a thesis for a university degree;
2. training after university education (or its equivalent) within 5 years after the last university degree.
Who can apply: Nationals of the Member States of the EU, candidate countries benefiting from a pre-accession strategy and other countries contributing financially to the Framework Programme.
Duration: 3 to 5 months
Paid: Yes. Depending on place of recruitment.
Starting Dates: Ongoing
(EUROJUST) The European Union's Judicial Cooperation Unit
Throughout the year, Eurojust offers a number of internships to provide individuals with the opportunity to learn more about the activities of our organisation, and put their learning and skills into practice by contributing to Eurojust’s mission.
Who can apply: Nationals of the Member States of the European Union and candidate countries who have completed or are currently undertaking a level of education that corresponds to university studies or vocational training relevant to the tasks of the internship at Eurojust or, alternatively, have relevant professional experience that would benefit the internship.
Duration: 3-6 months
Paid: No.
Starting Dates: Ongoing
(CDT) Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union
The Translation Centre offers traineeships, especially to university students from the Member States of the European Union and to nationals from candidate countries who wish to acquire an understanding of the Centre’s areas of activity and gain personal experience in a multicultural and multilingual environment, with the opportunity to make contacts.
Who can apply: candidates who have completed at least four semesters of university studies or equivalent education in a field of interest to the Centre and who have some initial experience in one of the Centre’s areas of activity. Candidates should have a thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the European Union and a satisfactory command of another EU language.
Duration: 3-6 months
Paid: Yes. 25% of the basic monthly salary of a temporary member of staff in grade AD5, step 1.
Starting Dates: Ongoing