The European Commission organises an in-service training period twice a year, lasting five months, for university and vocational education and training (VET) 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 nationals of: 

• A member state of the European Union, or a candidate country participating in a pre-accession strategy.

Applicants must:

• old a valid passport or national identity card corresponding to the nationality declared in the application. 
• have completed a standard 3-year higher education degree (minimum EQF 6 level), corresponding to a complete Bachelor’s cycle, or equivalent or
• have successfully completed a VET degree (EQF level 3, 4 or 5), excluding qualifications of general education.
• 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).
• university graduates must 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.Non-EU nationals must demonstrate a very good knowledge of either English, French or German at C1 or C2 level at least (or mother tongue).
• VET graduates must have a very good knowledge of two EU official languages. The first one must be either English, French or German at a minimum B2 level (or mother tongue). The second one must be another official EU language at A2 level at least (or mother tongue).
• Non-EU must demonstrate a good knowledge of either English, French or German at B2 level at least (or mother tongue).

Financial support

Trainees receive a monthly grant and allowance for meals, public transport, accommodation, and general travel. Trainees with a disability are eligible for a supplementary allowance of up to 50% of the adjusted monthly grant.

How to apply

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

Deadline: 4 September 2026, 10:00 CEST (traineeship period March 2027).

Opportunity offered by: European Commission