EU work experience and internship opportunities

I often receive queries from students about work experience opportunities in the European Union. Please find below some information which I hope you find useful:

Traineeships in the EU institutions

You can gain valuable work experience on traineeships within the EU institutions.

Competition for places is keen, but this scheme offers a unique opportunity to find out what working for the institutions is really like.

The European Parliament, the Council, the Commission, the Court of justice, the Court of Auditors, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Ombudsman all organise traineeships, each lasting between three and five months. Candidates must have a university degree.

 A trainee may receive a modest living allowance during his/her traineeship. There are also some unpaid traineeships, where a trainee receives a scholarship or other allowance.

How to apply:

For most competitions, candidates should apply online.

For people with a disability that prevents them from submitting their application online there are, of course, special arrangements.

 Further information about traineeships can be obtained online at:

Opportunities in the UK

There are a number of UK based internship opportunities available, which can be cheaper too.

  • You could offer to work in the UK Office of a local MEP

  • You could ask about work experience in the London, Cardiff or Edinburgh Office of the European Parliament and Commission. For more information on local European Parliament offices click here. For more information on local European Commission offices click here.

Peter Kirk European Student Research Scholarships

Each year up to twelve Peter Kirk travel scholarships are awarded to promote understanding of Europe amongst young Britons, and of Britain amongst young people from other European countries. They enable young people aged between 18 and 26 to carry out a study project of their own choice in another European country. The scholarships are endowed to commemorate the work of the late Sir Peter Kirk MP, who died in 1977.

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