Applications are now open for the Council of Europe Traineeship Programme 2026–2027, a prestigious international traineeship opportunity designed for students and recent graduates who want to contribute to the promotion of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across Europe.

The Council of Europe is offering approximately 80 traineeship positions for the October 2026–March 2027 session, providing participants with a unique opportunity to gain practical experience within one of Europe’s most influential international organizations. Trainees will work alongside experts, policymakers, legal professionals, researchers, and administrative specialists while contributing to meaningful projects that support the Council of Europe’s mission.

The programme offers hands-on professional experience, mentoring, networking opportunities, and financial support, making it one of the most attractive international traineeship opportunities available for young professionals interested in public policy, international affairs, law, governance, communications, human rights, technology, and organizational support services.

About the Council of Europe

The Council of Europe is Europe’s leading organization dedicated to promoting:

Human rights
Democracy
Rule of law

Founded in 1949, the organization works with its member states to strengthen democratic institutions, protect human rights, promote social cohesion, and uphold legal standards across Europe.

The Council of Europe is responsible for many landmark initiatives and institutions, including the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights.

Through its traineeship programme, the organization seeks to engage talented young people who are passionate about contributing to these values while developing their professional skills in an international environment.

Why Apply for the Council of Europe Traineeship Programme?

The Council of Europe Traineeship Programme is more than just an internship. It is a professional development experience that allows participants to become actively involved in the daily work of an international organization while learning directly from experienced professionals.

Participants gain exposure to:

International policy-making
Human rights protection
Democratic governance
International cooperation
Public administration
Legal affairs
Communications
Technology and innovation
Human resources
Organizational management

The programme is designed to help trainees build the skills, knowledge, and professional network needed for future careers in international organizations, government institutions, NGOs, academia, and the private sector.

Number of Traineeship Opportunities

For the 2026–2027 session, approximately:

80 traineeship positions will be available across various Departments and Institutions of the Council of Europe.

Traineeship Duration

The main traineeship session will run:

1 October 2026 – 31 March 2027

Duration:

6 Months

Parliamentary Assembly Traineeships

Some traineeships at the Parliamentary Assembly will follow a different schedule:

1 September 2026 – 28 February 2027

Traineeship Locations

Although most traineeships are based in Strasbourg, France, opportunities are also available in several European cities.

Potential duty stations include:

Strasbourg, France
Brussels, Belgium
Budapest, Hungary
Geneva, Switzerland
Graz, Austria
Lisbon, Portugal
Luxembourg
The Hague, Netherlands

Applicants should carefully review individual traineeship descriptions to identify available locations.

What Will Trainees Do?

As a Council of Europe trainee, participants become active members of their host teams and contribute to ongoing projects and organizational activities.

Depending on the department selected, trainees may:

Research and Policy Analysis

Conduct research on European affairs and public policy issues
Analyze legal and political developments
Support policy initiatives and programmes
Collect and synthesize information for reports

Drafting and Documentation

Contribute to studies and reports
Draft briefing notes
Assist with publications and official documents
Prepare background materials for meetings

Meeting and Event Support

Help organize international conferences
Coordinate committee meetings
Support expert consultations
Facilitate stakeholder engagement

Communications and Outreach

Develop communication materials
Create digital content
Support social media initiatives
Assist with awareness campaigns

Organizational Support Functions

Trainees may also work in support departments including:

Human Resources
Information Technology
Security Services
Catering Services
Administration
Legal Advice
Political Affairs

Mentorship and Professional Development

One of the strongest features of the programme is its mentoring component.

Every trainee receives support from an experienced mentor who helps them:

Navigate their responsibilities
Develop professional skills
Understand organizational processes
Expand their professional network
Maximize learning opportunities

This mentorship ensures trainees gain valuable guidance throughout their placement.

Benefits of the Council of Europe Traineeship

Selected trainees receive a range of benefits.

Financial Support

Trainees in Strasbourg receive approximately:

EUR 1,320 gross per month

Health Insurance

Participants are provided with:

Health insurance coverage

Leave Entitlement

Trainees receive:

2.5 days of leave per month worked

Flexible Work Arrangements

Where feasible, trainees may work remotely for:

Up to 50% of each two-week period

Professional Benefits

Participants gain:

International work experience
Access to European experts and policymakers
Mentorship support
Networking opportunities
Exposure to multicultural working environments
Professional skill development

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Council of Europe Traineeship Programme, applicants must satisfy all eligibility requirements before the application deadline.

Educational Requirements

Applicants must:

Have completed at least three years of university studies
Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent first-cycle degree under the Bologna Process Framework

Special Note:

For traineeships at the European Court of Human Rights, applicants must have completed:

The first year of a Master’s degree

Language Requirements

Candidates must possess:

Very good knowledge of English or French

These are the Council of Europe’s official working languages.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be:

At least 18 years old

Citizenship Requirement

Candidates must be citizens of a Council of Europe member state.

Previous Participation Restriction

Applicants must not have previously:

Completed a Council of Europe traineeship
Participated in a Council of Europe study visit
Worked for the Council of Europe in any capacity

Family Relationship Restriction

Applicants cannot be:

Parent
Child
Stepchild
Grandchild

of a serving Council of Europe staff member.

Skills and Competencies Sought

The Council of Europe values candidates who demonstrate:

Learning and Development

Curiosity
Adaptability
Commitment to growth
Continuous learning

Teamwork and Cooperation

Collaboration skills
Communication abilities
Respect for diversity
Ability to work in multicultural teams

Application Process

Applicants can indicate:

First-choice team
Second-choice team

during the application process.

Application Timeline

Applications Open:
4 June 2026

Application Deadline:
17 June 2026

Deadline Time:
23:59:59 CET/CEST

APPLY HERE

You may find out more information on how to fill in and submit an application on the Frequently asked questions page.

Selection Process

The process generally includes:

Online application submission
Eligibility screening
Review by selected teams
Online interview (if shortlisted)
Final selection decision
Notification of results
Signature of traineeship agreement
Start of traineeship

Applicants are typically informed of the outcome approximately two months before the traineeship begins.

For any questions, please contact traineeship@coe.int

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

The Council of Europe is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.

Applications are welcomed regardless of:

Gender
Sexual orientation
Ethnic origin
Social origin
Disability
Religion
Belief

The organization also provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities or specific needs throughout the recruitment process and traineeship period.

Why This Traineeship Stands Out

Few internship programmes provide the combination of:

International exposure
Paid professional experience
Human rights work
Policy engagement
Mentorship
Networking
Multicultural collaboration

available through the Council of Europe Traineeship Programme.

Participants gain first-hand experience supporting one of Europe’s most influential institutions while contributing to meaningful initiatives that shape policies and practices affecting millions of people across the continent.

Click HERE to learn more about the Council of Europe Traineeship Programme 2026–2027 in France and Europe.

Conclusion

The Council of Europe Traineeship Programme 2026–2027 represents an exceptional opportunity for ambitious students and graduates who want to launch an international career while contributing to the promotion of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. With approximately 80 paid traineeship positions available across multiple European locations, participants will gain invaluable professional experience, mentorship, networking opportunities, and practical skills in a world-class international organization. Whether your interests lie in law, policy, governance, communications, technology, administration, or international cooperation, this programme offers a unique pathway to professional growth and meaningful impact. Aspiring international professionals should take advantage of this opportunity and submit their applications before the 17 June 2026 deadline.

Discover more global Traineeship, Internship, and European opportunities on OFY.