The Council of the European Union Belgium Traineeships 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for recent graduates to work at the heart of EU policymaking. Taking place in Brussels, this fully funded traineeship is hosted by the General Secretariat of the Council of the EU (GSC) and runs twice a year for five months. Trainees gain professional experience in departments including policy development, communication, translation, administration, and legal services.
This highly respected program is designed for graduates from across the EU and includes a Positive Action Programme for individuals with disabilities, further enhancing its inclusiveness and accessibility.
Council of the European Union Traineeship 2026 Summary
| Host Country: | Belgium |
|---|---|
| Host Institution: | Council of the European Union (GSC) |
| Level of Study: | Traineeship (Postgraduate Level) |
| Eligible Degrees / Fields: | All disciplines (Policy, Law, Communications, etc.) |
| Scholarship Coverage: | Monthly stipend (€1,476.34), travel, meal card |
| IELTS Requirement: | Not Required |
| Eligible Regions / Nationalities: | EU Citizens (Disability Program open to third-year students) |
| Application Deadline: | 24 September 2025 (noon, Brussels time) |
| Destination Country: | Belgium |
| Category: | Fully Funded, Government Traineeship |
Benefits of the Council of the European Union Traineeship
- Monthly grant of €1,476.34 (net)
- Travel allowance
- €60 monthly meal card for Council cafeterias
- 2 days of leave per month
- Access to gym (€30/month)
- Accident insurance
- Partial health insurance reimbursement
- Participation in simulation games, EU summits, institutional visits
- Access to Council’s library and e-resources
Eligibility Criteria for Council of the EU Traineeship 2026
- Must be an EU citizen
- Must have completed at least a university degree (or be a third-year student for disability programme)
- Must have C1 level in English or French
- Must possess very good knowledge of another EU official language
- No prior work or internship experience exceeding six weeks in any EU institution
- No age limit
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Required Documents for Council of the EU Traineeship Application
- University degree certificate or proof of enrolment (certified or scanned)
- Europass CV
- Motivation letter
- Language proficiency details
- Proof of disability (only for Positive Action Programme applicants)
- All documents must be uploaded in PDF format in English or French
Application Timeline for Council of the European Union Traineeship
- Application Opens: 20 August 2025
- Deadline: 24 September 2025 (noon, Brussels time)
- First Session: 16 February – 15 July 2026
- Second Session: 1 September 2026 – 31 January 2027
- Application Format: Strict deadline, not on rolling basis
How to Apply for the Council of the EU Traineeship 2026
- Visit the official GSC traineeship portal
- Create an account and log into the application platform
- Complete the online application form
- Upload all required documents in PDF
- Select two preferred departments of placement
- Submit before the deadline (late applications are not accepted)
Tips for a Successful Application:
- Tailor your motivation letter to your chosen department
- Use the Europass CV template for standardization
- Don’t wait until the last day to apply
- Ensure all documents meet format requirements
FAQs about the Council of the European Union Traineeship
Who is eligible?
EU citizens who have completed at least a first university degree. Students with disabilities may apply in their third year.
Is IELTS required?
No. However, you need at least C1 level in English or French, and good command of another EU language.
Can I apply from outside the EU?
No. Only EU citizens are eligible, though third-country nationals may qualify through other EU traineeships.
When will the results be announced?
Applicants are typically notified between October and December 2025 for the February 2026 session.
Can I apply for both sessions in one year?
Yes, but a separate application is required for each session.
Final Thoughts on the Council of the European Union Traineeship 2026
If you aspire to work within European institutions, this is your chance to gain direct exposure to EU operations, policymaking, and administration. The Council of the European Union Traineeship Programme offers a competitive stipend, meaningful work, and an inclusive experience, especially through its Positive Action Programme.
📌Submit your application now before the deadline closes. Don’t miss this opportunity to study in Belgium.
Application Deadline: 24th September 2025
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