Traineeships for university graduates are intended to enable trainees to build on the knowledge they acquired during their studies and to familiarize themselves with the activities of the European Union and, in particular, the European Parliament.

Three types of traineeships are available:

• the general option, open to any candidate who meets the criteria.
• the journalism option: candidates must provide proof of professional experience, as evidenced either by works published, or by membership of an association of journalists in an EU Member State, or by a qualification in journalism recognized in the EU Member States or in the applicant countries.
• the Sakharov Prize option: This traineeship program aims to enhance trainees’ knowledge of the European Parliament’s human rights work and international human rights standards. It is aimed at candidates with a particular interest in human rights.

Eligibility

• be nationals of an EU Member State or an applicant country;
• be aged 18 or over on their traineeship starting date;
• have a thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the European Union;
• not have been awarded any other traineeship or have been in paid employment for more than four consecutive weeks the cost of which was charged to the European Union budget.

Benefits

In Brussels and in Luxembourg, the scholarship is 1.252,26 € per month as of 1 January 2016. In Information Offices, the scholarship is weighted to reflect the higher or lower cost of living in different Member States. If you are receiving any earnings from another source, this amount will be deducted from your scholarship. If you are receiving an external allowance/scholarship, the responsible unit will ask for supporting documents and decide if the amount will be deducted or not

These traineeships are awarded for a period of five months which cannot be extended.

Every year, 25 000 people apply for a traineeship at Parliament and 600 of them are selected.

Official link

Deadline: 15th May 2017