One of the most prestigious entry points into EU careers — and it is paid. The Schuman Traineeship at the European Parliamentary Research Service gives graduates and selected vocational candidates direct, hands-on experience in EU policymaking, research, and institutional work. If you are serious about a career in European governance, international policy, or diplomacy, this is the placement that opens doors.
The European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) provides independent research, analysis, and policy support to Members of the European Parliament and its committees. As a Schuman Trainee, you work on real policy and research assignments — contributing to evidence-based policymaking at the heart of the EU.
What Is the Schuman Traineeship?
The traineeship places candidates within the EPRS for a five-month period, working across a wide range of thematic and operational areas. The programme is highly competitive, fully paid, and designed for people who want to do real work — not shadow work — inside one of Europe's most important institutions.
Traineeship Areas
🌐 Foreign and External Policies
🌎 Latin America
🇪🇺 Europe
🌍 Euromed and Middle East
🤝 Transatlantic Relations and Global Governance
🌍 Africa, Caribbean and Pacific
🌏 Asia, Australia and New Zealand
🏛️ Parliamentary Committees
🌐 Foreign Affairs (AFET)
🕊️ Human Rights (DROI)
🛡️ Security and Defence (SEDE)
📦 International Trade (INTA)
🌱 Development (DEVE)
🔍 External Policy Analysis & Support
🎯 Programme Focus Areas
🗳️ Election Observation
🏛️ Parliamentary Support and Capacity Building
✊ Human Rights Action
🕊️ Mediation and Dialogue Support
⚙️ Horizontal Services
📢 Communications and Outreach
💡 Strategy and Innovation
💻 Information Technology (IT)
👥 Human Resources
Who Can Apply?
🔹 Age: 18 years and above
🔹 Nationality: EU Member State nationals — a very limited number of positions are open to non-EU nationals
🔹 Holds a university degree (EQF Level 6) — or for limited positions, a vocational qualification (EQF Levels 3–5)obtained within the EU
🔹 Meets language requirements
🔹 Provides a valid criminal record certificate
🔹 Has not worked or completed a traineeship in an EU institution for more than 2 months
🔹 Has not carried out a study visit at the European Parliament Secretariat within the last 6 months
⭐ New update: the programme now includes expanded eligibility for candidates with vocational education qualifications (EQF Levels 3, 4, or 5) obtained within the EU — broadening access beyond traditional university graduates.
How to Apply
The application process is two steps:
Step 1 — Register
🖥️ Visit the Traineeship offers main page
🔍 Select an offer you would like to apply for
📝 Click Apply online and complete the registration form
Step 2 — Apply
🔐 Log in to your account
📄 Upload your CV in Europass format only
✍️ Upload a motivation letter — maximum one page per application
⚠️ You may apply for a maximum of 3 positions only. Applying to more than 3 roles will result in disqualification.
⚠️ Applications cannot be edited after submission. No additional documents or corrections will be accepted by email.
Application Timeline — October 2026 Start
📅 Application period: May 2026
⏰ Deadline: 31 May 2026 at 23:59 Brussels time
📋 Shortlisting: 1 July – 15 July
✅ Admissions: 1 July – 31 August
🎓 Start date: 1 October 2026
📅 End date: February 2027
Selection Process
After shortlisting by the relevant Directorates-General, candidates must upload within 14 days:
🪪 Passport or ID
🎓 Academic or vocational certificates
📋 Criminal record
Deadline
⏰ 31 May 2026
Apply & More Information
🔗 Traineeship portal and application: https://ep-stages.gestmax.eu/search
🌐 Programme information: https://ep-stages.gestmax.eu/website/application-informations
