An EDA traineeship will give you: 

  • a unique insight into the policies and processes for the development of European defence capabilities
  • an opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired during your studies
  • exposure to a multicultural and dynamic professional environment

What we look for

To be considered eligible, applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements by the deadline for submission of applications:

  • Nationality: be a national of a Member States participating in the Agency;
  • Educational qualifications:have completed at least the first (minimum three-year) cycle of a higher education course (university education) and obtained a full degree or its equivalent by the closing date for applications;
  • Languages: applicants must have a very good knowledge of at least two participating Member States languages of which one must be English as it is EDA’s main working language. The knowledge of additional participating Member States languages is an asset;
  • Background related to the EDA’s operational activities: educational background in a field relevant to the activities of the Directorate/Unit the trainee applies for and is allocated to;
  • Personnel Security Clearance Certificate (PSCC). For more info, see FAQs

Traineeships are open to applicants who have not previously undertaken a paid or unpaid traineeship or any kind of employment in another European institution or a body and which lasted for more than six weeks. 

Timing and duration

The Call for applications is usually published around March every year. Traineeships start in September and begin either on the 1st or on the 16th of the month. Placements are typically offered for a fixed period of twelve months. 

Financial matters

Trainees are awarded a monthly allowance that currently amounts to 1.363,26 EUR/month.

Trainees will also receive a fixed monthly meal allowance of 100 EUR/month.

Disabled trainees may receive a supplement to their monthly allowance equal to a maximum of 50% of the amount of the allowance, to help cover extra expenses (e.g. transport, cost of special accommodation) related to their disability.

Health and accident insurance is mandatory (see FAQs).

For additional information about the traineeship programme please refer to the FAQs or contact us by e-mail.
 

IMPORTANT

  • Multiple applications
    As stated in paragraph “9. APPLICATION PROCEDURE” of the traineeship vacancy notices, candidates may not apply for more than 3 trainee profiles and are requested to indicate an order of preference in their motivation letter. Candidates who submit more than 3 applications will not be considered.
  • Trainee Media and Communication – CORRIGENDUM
    A corrigendum of the vacancy notice “Trainee Media and Communication” has been published. Under section “5.2 Essential criteria” of the vacancy notice, the (b) Linguistic requirements have been revised as follows: “Very good knowledge of written and spoken French (level B2 minimum)” instead of “Excellent knowledge of written and spoken French (level C2)”.

Candidates can apply for a maximum of 2 traineeships and are requested to indicate an order of preference in their motivation letter