Council of Europe Traineeship Programme

The Council of Europe Traineeship Programme places about 80 graduates per session inside Europe’s oldest human rights organization, from the European Court of Human Rights registry to policy, legal and communication teams, mostly in Strasbourg with placements in seven other cities. Trainees are paid roughly EUR 1,320 gross per month for four to eight months, with a mentor, real casework and generous leave.

Eligibility covers nationals of the 46 member states, including Turkey and the whole of Europe, with a completed bachelor’s degree and English or French. The annual call for the 2026-27 sessions has closed, and the next call is expected in spring 2027.

• Nationals of the Council of Europe's 46 member states, which include Turkey, all EU countries, the UK, the Balkans and the Caucasus.
• At least 18 years old with a completed first-cycle (bachelor's or equivalent) degree by the application deadline.
• Very good English or French, the organization's two official languages.
• No previous traineeship, study visit or employment with the Council of Europe, since the traineeship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
• Not a parent, child, stepchild or grandchild of a serving Council of Europe staff member.
• Interest in human rights, rule of law, democracy or the support functions that make them run, from legal affairs to IT and communication.

• Join one of about 80 traineeship placements per session across the organization, from the European Court of Human Rights registry to legal, policy, health and communication teams.
• Support research, drafting of reports and legal analyses, and preparation of committee meetings.
• Work under an experienced mentor with real tasks in a 38.75-hour full-time week.
• Attend hearings and sessions where placements allow, including at the Court and Parliamentary Assembly.
• Contribute to Europe's oldest human rights organization at its Strasbourg headquarters or field offices.
• Use up to 50 percent telework where the mentor and role permit.

• Monthly remuneration of roughly EUR 1,320 gross for Strasbourg trainees.
• Sessions of four to eight months, longer than most institutional traineeships.
• 2.5 days of paid leave per month, accumulable across the stay.
• Placements also available in Brussels, Geneva, Budapest, Graz, Lisbon, Luxembourg and The Hague.
• Deep exposure to the European human rights system, gold for law and policy careers.
• An alumni network across European institutions, courts and ministries.

• Watch the Council of Europe careers portal for the annual call, which covers both sessions of the following cycle; the 2026-27 call has already closed, and the next call is expected in spring 2027 (recent calls closed around early June).
• Explore the published team descriptions and choose two preferred teams for your application.
• Apply online in English or French with a focused motivation for your chosen teams.
• Shortlisted candidates complete online interviews with the hosting teams.
• Selections are confirmed about two months before each session starts (October and April starts).
• Non-EU member-state nationals arrange visas with the organization's support documents.