The European Commission organises twice a year in-service training period lasting five months for university graduates.

This does not exclude those who, in the framework of lifelong learning – have recently obtained a university diploma and are at the beginning of a new professional career. 

The training periods start on 1 March and 1 October each year.

Eligibility

The traineeship programme is open to all EU citizens, regardless of age (a limited number of places are also allocated to non-EU nationals) who:

• have completed a standard 3-year higher education degree (minimum EQF 6 level), corresponding to a complete Bachelor’s cycle, or equivalent
• have no prior work experience of any kind, in excess of 6 weeks in any EU institution, body or agency, delegation, with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), or Advocates General at the Court of Justice of the European Union (EUCJ)
• have a very good knowledge of two EU official languages, one of which must be a working language: English, French or German at C1 or C2 level as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and a second one at B2 level at least as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• For non-EU nationals, only one procedural language is required at C1 or C2 level.

Financial support

Trainees receive a grant of approximately EUR 1,418.20 per month and reimbursement of travel expenses. Accident and health insurance are also provided. Disabled trainees may receive a supplement to their grant.

How to apply

• Register on the European Commission Authentication Service (EU Login) to begin your application.
• Fill in the sign-up form.

Deadline: 17 March 2025, 10:00 CET (traineeship period October 2025). Registration will open on 17 February 2025.

Find out more here.