How to apply for a traineeship

How to apply: step by step

The application procedure is the same for the main traineeship programme and the positive action programme.

1. 1

   Create an account to access the application system

2. 2

   Complete the application form

3. 3

   Select two areas that you wish to apply for

4. 4

   Explain your motivation

1. Create an account to access the application system
   The application form is available in English and French. To apply, you must have a thorough knowledge of one of these two languages.
2. Complete the application form
   You will have to provide your contact details and home address, as well as information on your digital, communication, organisational and language skills, education and training history and, if relevant, references to theses, articles, publications and professional experience.
   
3. Select two areas that you wish to apply for
   You have to choose two areas ('domains') that interest you the most for the traineeship.
   
4. Tell us why you would like to be a trainee with us
   You must share with us your motivation for applying for each area you have selected. Your text can be up to 1 000 characters long (including spaces).

• Description of traineeship domains
• Traineeship domains explained by trainees

Tips for your application

We receive several thousand applications for each application period. To improve your chance of success, please read the following guidelines.

Tell us why you are applying

Take the time to draft a motivational text that demonstrates your ability to organise your thoughts clearly, your knowledge of the area you are applying for and your interest in the EU.

Apply in time

To avoid overloading the system, please don't wait until the last day before submitting your application.

Update your address

Please ensure you update your profile if your address changes. This address will be used both in the traineeship offer and for the administrative processing of your file, and will be considered as your place of recruitment.

Check your spam folder

Emails from the traineeships office or 'traineeships' may end up in your spam folder – please check this folder regularly for incoming messages from 'traineeships'.

Provide supporting documents, if selected

You do not need to send supporting documents when applying online. If you are offered a traineeship, you will need to provide proof of all the information in your application form. Therefore, only include information for which you have supporting documents.

How the selection procedure works

Get a step-by-step overview of our selection procedure, from the submission of applications until the final selection of trainees.

1. Application
   The first step of the selection process is to submit your application before the application period ends.
2. Selection and shortlisting
   After the deadline, the traineeships office will review each application to ensure that the eligibility criteria are met and to shortlist candidates with the most suitable profiles.
3. Interview
   Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online or telephone interview to discuss their application. They will be contacted no later than December (for traineeships starting in February) or July (for traineeships starting in September). 
4. Offer
   If you are successful, you will receive an email offering you a traineeship. This will state the period of your traineeship and the department you will be assigned to.

What documents do successful candidates need to submit?

If you are a successful candidate, you will be asked to email the following documents:

• a legible copy of your passport or identity card
• a copy of your diplomas or official certificates
• where necessary, proof of your professional experience
• proof or a substantiated declaration of your knowledge of the languages stated on the application form

You will not be accepted for a traineeship unless you supply all the documents required.

Complaints procedure

We strive to offer the highest standards of service.

However, if you think that you have been subject to maladministration, you have the right to submit a complaint to the European Ombudsman. Please note that before the Ombudsman can accept a complaint from you, you need to first raise your concerns with the traineeships office.

See also

• Decision no. 14/25 on traineeships
• Example of diploma
• Privacy statement