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EP Application Checklist 2025
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The European Parliament's Schuman Traineeship is a highly competitive and rewarding experience for university graduates looking to immerse themselves in the work of the European Union. Planning your application for the 2025 sessions requires meticulous attention to deadlines and documents. This long-format checklist will guide you through the process, from initial eligibility to final submission.
1. Key Application Dates for 2025 Traineeships
The Schuman Traineeships are generally offered for two sessions each year: the March session and the October session. Please note that these dates are based on previous cycles and are subject to change; always verify on the official European Parliament traineeships website.
| Session Start Date | Traineeship Duration | Typical Application Period | Shortlisting Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2026 (March 1 to end of July) | 5 months | October 1 – October 31, 2025 | December 1 – December 15, 2025 |
| October 2025 (October 1 to end of February 2026) | 5 months | May 1 – May 31, 2025 | July 1 – July 15, 2025 |
2. Eligibility Criteria: The Non-Negotiables
Before you even begin the application, ensure you meet the following core eligibility requirements. Failing to meet even one criterion will lead to disqualification.
- Age Requirement: Be aged 18 or over by the traineeship start date. There is no maximum age limit.
- Education: Hold a university degree awarded upon completion of at least three years of study (Bachelor's or equivalent). Your diploma must be obtained at least three months before the first day of the traineeship.
- Language Skills:
- EU Citizens: You must have a thorough knowledge of one official EU language and a good knowledge of a second official EU language.
- Non-EU Citizens: You must have a good working knowledge of English, French, or German.
- Prior Work/Traineeship Experience: You must not have worked for more than two consecutive months within an EU institution or body. You also must not have carried out a Study Visit in the Secretariat of the European Parliament within six months prior to the traineeship's start.
3. Pre-Application Checklist: Preparation is Key
This stage focuses on gathering information and preparing your essential documents in the correct format before the application window opens.
3.1 Account Setup and Offer Selection
| Status | Item | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| $\square$ | Create an Account | Register on the European Parliament's traineeship application platform. |
| $\square$ | Review Traineeship Offers | Thoroughly read the offers available for the campaign you are targeting (March or October session). |
| $\square$ | Select up to 3 Offers | You can only apply for a maximum of three traineeship offers per campaign. Choose strategically based on your profile. |
3.2 Document Preparation
The following documents must be prepared in advance for the initial application stage.
| Status | Item | Format & Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| $\square$ | Curriculum Vitae (CV) | Europass Format ONLY | This is a strict requirement. Your CV should be written in English or French to increase your chances. |
| $\square$ | Motivation Letter | Maximum one page | You must write a tailored motivation letter for each of the three traineeship offers you apply for. Write it in the language of the offer if possible. |
4. Final Application Checklist: Submission and Post-Submission
This stage covers the submission process and the steps you must take if you are shortlisted.
4.1 Submission Phase
| Status | Item | Action |
|---|---|---|
| $\square$ | Upload CV | Ensure it's in the required Europass PDF format. |
| $\square$ | Upload Motivation Letter(s) | Upload a specific letter for each of the maximum three offers you selected. |
| $\square$ | Review and Finalise | Double-check all sections of your application and uploaded documents for accuracy. Once submitted, you cannot make changes. |
| $\square$ | Confirmation Email | Ensure you receive a confirmation email after submitting your application. |
4.2 If You Are Shortlisted (Document Upload Phase)
If your application is successful in the initial shortlisting, you will be invited to upload supporting documents during the respective shortlisting period (July for the October session, December for the March session).
| Status | Item | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| $\square$ | University Diploma(s) | Copy of your university degree(s). If you have not yet received your diploma, an official statement from your university confirming completion may be required. |
| $\square$ | Valid ID / Passport | Copy of your valid identity card or passport. |
| $\square$ | Criminal Record | Copy of your criminal record, issued within the last six months before the starting date of your traineeship. |
| $\square$ | Translations (if necessary) | Any document not in an official EU language may need to be officially translated. |
5. Next Steps: From Shortlist to Selection
- Eligibility Check: After the document upload phase, the Competent Authority will check the eligibility of all shortlisted candidates based on the documents provided.
- Selection: The final selection is made from the pool of eligible shortlisted candidates. The Authority may apply gender and geographical balance criteria.
- Offer: If selected, you will receive an official traineeship offer.
- Visa/Permits (Non-EU citizens): If you are not an EU citizen and are selected, you will be responsible for applying for and covering the costs of any required visas, residence permits, and work permits.
Good luck with your EP Schuman Traineeship application!
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