Council of Europe Opens Applications for Paid Traineeship Programme 2026–27

The Council of Europe has invited applications for its Traineeship Programme 2026–27, offering students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain hands-on experience within one of Europe's leading institutions promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

The paid international traineeship programme will place selected candidates across various departments and institutions of the Council of Europe, primarily in Strasbourg, Brussels and Geneva.

Programme Details

• Host Organisation: Council of Europe
• Programme Type: Paid Traineeship/Internship
• Locations: France, Belgium and Switzerland
• Duration: Approximately 4 to 8 months (typically around 6 months)
• Session: October 2026 – March 2027
• Number of Positions: Around 80
• Application Deadline: June 17, 2026

Financial Benefits

Selected trainees will receive:

• Monthly allowance of €1,320 (gross)
• Health insurance coverage
• 2.5 days of leave per month worked
• Professional mentoring and supervision
• Exposure to international policymaking and governance
• Opportunities to work with multicultural teams

Areas of Traineeship

The programme offers placements across a wide range of departments, including:

• Human Rights
• Democracy and Governance
• International Relations
• Legal Affairs
• Public Policy
• Communications and Media
• Research and Analysis
• Information Technology
• Human Resources
• Finance and Administration
• Education and Youth
• Social Affairs and Inclusion

Roles and Responsibilities

Depending on the department, trainees may be involved in:

• Conducting research and policy analysis
• Drafting reports, studies and official documents
• Supporting conferences, meetings and events
• Assisting communication and outreach activities
• Preparing summaries and briefing notes
• Contributing to projects related to democracy, governance and human rights
• Collaborating with international experts and policymakers

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have completed a minimum of three years of university education
• Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle university qualification
• Demonstrate strong proficiency in either English or French
• Be a citizen of a Council of Europe member state
• Not have previously participated in a Council of Europe traineeship or study visit programme

Career Development Opportunity

The traineeship provides participants with practical experience in an international policy environment and exposure to issues related to governance, law, democracy and human rights. It is particularly valuable for those interested in careers with international organisations, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, research institutions and academia.

Participants also gain opportunities to build professional networks and develop skills in research, communication, public policy and international cooperation.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply through the official Council of Europe careers portal:

Council of Europe Careers Portal

Applicants may select up to two preferred departments or teams and must complete the online application form before the deadline.

The programme is regarded as one of the most sought-after internship opportunities in Europe for graduates seeking international exposure and experience in the fields of human rights, democracy and public policy.