European Committee of the Regions Traineeships (Cicero)

European Committee of the Regions (CoR)

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

EU citizens; non-EU citizens, including UK citizens, can apply and may be selected in exceptional cases if they meet Belgian immigration rules. A full bachelor's degree, or at least the third year of higher education, by the application deadline; fluent in one EU language and satisfactory English or French. Not eligible if you had more than 8 weeks of placement at, or any employment in, a European institution, body or delegation.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

The Committee of the Regions runs two five-month trainee sessions a year in Brussels. Late or non-electronic applications are not accepted.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. EU citizens; non-EU citizens, including UK citizens, can apply and may be selected in exceptional cases if they meet Belgian immigration rules. A full bachelor's degree, or at least the third year of higher education, by the application deadline; fluent in one EU language and satisfactory English or French. Not eligible if you had more than 8 weeks of placement at, or any employment in, a European institution, body or delegation.
2. Note the deadline. Jan – Mar and Jul – Oct (autumn session, starting 16 September: apply 6 January to 31 March; spring session, starting 16 February: apply 1 July to 1 October of the previous year; closing time is noon Brussels time) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. CV; Cover letter or motivation statement; Proof of current enrolment or recent graduation; Academic transcript; Passport or national ID copy; English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Tailor your CV to the role: lead with the skills and projects the posting asks for.
2. Write a short, specific motivation statement. Name the team or project you want to join and why.
3. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
4. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
5. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
6. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.

Quick answers

Who can apply for European Committee of the Regions Traineeships (Cicero)?

EU citizens; non-EU citizens, including UK citizens, can apply and may be selected in exceptional cases if they meet Belgian immigration rules. A full bachelor's degree, or at least the third year of higher education, by the application deadline; fluent in one EU language and satisfactory English or French. Not eligible if you had more than 8 weeks of placement at, or any employment in, a European institution, body or delegation.

What does European Committee of the Regions Traineeships (Cicero) cover?

A five-month, full-time traineeship in Brussels with a grant of about 1,538 euros a month

When is the deadline for European Committee of the Regions Traineeships (Cicero)?

Jan – Mar and Jul – Oct (autumn session, starting 16 September: apply 6 January to 31 March; spring session, starting 16 February: apply 1 July to 1 October of the previous year; closing time is noon Brussels time) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with European Committee of the Regions Traineeships (Cicero)?

Host countries: Belgium.

What documents do I need for European Committee of the Regions Traineeships (Cicero)?

CV; Cover letter or motivation statement; Proof of current enrolment or recent graduation; Academic transcript; Passport or national ID copy; English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).

How much work is the European Committee of the Regions Traineeships (Cicero) application?

Medium: Online application before the deadline