Call for interest - IPA Traineeships 2026

Who can apply?

The IPA traineeship programme is supported by funds of the European Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) and open to anyone who meets the following requirements:

• Be a national of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia or Turkey.
• Have a university degree according to national classification of the Bologna process or equivalent (minimum 3 years of study) or previous work experience in railways.
• Have a very good knowledge of the English language.

The applicant will have also to provide the following document:

• a recommendation letter by a national authority or a public university.
• a certificate proving health insurance coverage.

Traineeships will be offered in priority to applicants who have not yet been a trainee in a European institution, agency or body.

* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.

What do we offer?

An IPA traineeship can last up to 6 months. A mentor will guide you during your traineeship. You will receive a monthly grant, reimbursement of travel expenses, paid leaves and training opportunities reserved for the staff.

How to apply?

You need to fill in the application form below and to send it to: hr_traineesera [dot] europa [dot] eu (only in a pdf format).

The applicant must submit all supporting documents mentioned above simultaneously with the application form.

If selected, the applicant will need to apply for a visa within the required time frame. Any costs incurred will be reimbursed.

For additional information please consult the “Rules Governing Traineeships at ERA - ED Decision” file in the related documents.