Succeed with your EU traineeship application
Do you want to apply to one of the 60 internship programmes available at the EU's institutions, agencies, and bodies? To get an internship, you need to write a really good application. UHR shares advice and tips to help you succeed with your application. Every year, several thousand young people get the opportunity to learn more about the EU and develop their professional skills and personal qualities through the EU’s various internship programmes. Since demand is high, with applicants from all over the world, it is important to write a strong application. To be eligible for most EU internship programmes, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a university degree (minimum of a bachelor's degree at the time of application), and have excellent knowledge of at least two official EU languages—preferably Swedish and English. Other programme-specific requirements may include proficiency in other major EU languages, such as French or German, relevant work experience, or specific academic expertise. Start early and read the instructions carefully Read the information about the application process thoroughly and make sure you meet all general and programme-specific requirements. Also, read any available FAQ before you begin filling out your application. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact the Traineeship Office. It can be informative and helpful to follow EU intern groups on social media for tips and support. Check what documents and materials you need to include in your application, such as: Cover letter Police clearance certificate Reference letters from employers or similar Gather all documents, passports, ID cards, certificates, and diplomas that are required. Check the application deadline and exact submission time. Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. Technical issues due to heavy traffic can occur and cause you to miss the deadline. Filling in the application Click through the entire application form to get a complete overview of the information required before you start filling it out (if you are using an application form). Draft a version first. Ensure your application is complete and correctly filled out. Fill in every line, every text field, and tick all the boxes. Don’t be afraid to repeat the same information more than once if it's requested in different sections. Remember, no assessor will go looking for missing information in your CV or motivation letter. All the required information must appear where it is asked for. The information in your application should be relevant to the internship programme you are applying for. Don’t write that you’re a great baker if you’re applying for an internship in satellite navigation systems. Instead, write about your studies, internships, work experience, and even hobbies that are relevant to the programme. Make sure the information, especially all dates, matches the supporting documents. Have all documents on hand when you fill in the application to avoid mistakes. Institutions select their interns by scoring all applications. Note that you can get extra points for: Education – advanced, high-level, or unique (master’s level, PhD, subject-specific courses, studies in other countries) Grades – mention your grades, especially top marks in relevant subjects Language skills – include all languages you know. Can you read Russian or Arabic? Know the Chinese script? International experience – past studies, work, or internships abroad (been an exchange student? Participated in Erasmus? – remember relevance is key) Work experience – employment, leadership roles, volunteer work Publications, speeches – have you published an article? Given a speech at a conference? When your application is complete – proofread it several times. Ask someone else to read it through. Your application should be well-structured, well-written, and free from spelling mistakes. Formulate a strong motivation For each internship programme, you must explain why you’re applying and describe your choices of one or more DGs (Directorates-General), agencies, bodies, delegations, or units. Make sure your motivation is targeted and specific to the internship position you’re applying for. Avoid general statements and never copy text from institutional websites. Emphasize that you know what the specific DG, agency, body, delegation, or unit does and what their vision, priorities, goals, and mission are. It’s always appropriate to mention that your values align with the EU’s priorities and values. Your motivation should be short and concise but also demonstrate your knowledge of the EU. Write from the institution’s perspective, showing how your knowledge and experience can contribute. Never write from your own perspective by saying things like you want the internship to learn the language or make your CV more attractive. Choosing an internship Be strategic when selecting your internship (or area). You can usually choose up to three different internship positions in your application. These choices will affect what your EU internship will look like and how you will spend the next three to ten months in another country. Take your time during the selection process. Read the information about available internships. Choose several positions and read about each one you’re considering listing in your preferences. Learn what topics are prioritised in those roles and link them to your experiences and interests. Specify which concrete topics interest you. Example: Instead of saying you’re interested in working with transport issues, be more specific and say, for example, that you’re interested in working with aviation safety. In both your application and motivation letter, use the same keywords that are in the internship advertisement and on the directorate-general’s, agency’s, or unit’s website. Increasingly, internship offices use AI to screen applications initially. Therefore, using the right keywords and phrasing is important. Also remember that all institutions, agencies, and bodies have offices in different parts of Europe. EU internships are not limited to Brussels, Luxembourg, and Strasbourg. You could end up in Warsaw, The Hague, or even Stockholm. Make sure your motivation is structured. Start with a brief explanation of why you’re applying for an EU internship, then explain each internship choice. Usually, there’s a character limit in the text fields. That’s why each sentence needs to be meaningful and convey as much relevant information as possible. Ask someone else to read and evaluate your motivation. Last but not least: Don’t underestimate yourself! Highlight your skills and competencies. Remember that competition is tough, and you need to stand out to succeed with your application. After the application process Monitor your email or application account so you don’t miss important updates. These might include requests for additional documents or an invitation to a phone interview. Some internship programmes review applications on a rolling basis, while others, such as the Blue Book, may take two to three months before giving a response. Good luck with your application!