*** The selection procedure for the FRA Traineeship programme 2021-2022 is now closed. For information on the indicative timeline of the procedure see the respective call on the page Previous vacancies. ***

What is a traineeship?

This traineeship scheme is addressed mainly to recent university graduates, without excluding those who – in the framework of lifelong learning - are at the beginning of a new professional career.

The aims of the traineeship at FRA are:

• To provide trainees an understanding of the objectives and activities of the Agency’s role in ensuring full respect for fundamental rights across the EU.
• To enable trainees to acquire practical experience and knowledge of the day-to-day work of FRA Units. To provide the opportunity to work in a multi-cultural, multi linguistic and multi-ethnic environment, contributing to the development of mutual understanding, trust and tolerance. To promote European integration within the spirit of new governance and through active participation to create awareness of true European citizenship.
• To enable trainees to put into practice knowledge acquired during their studies, and in particular in their specific areas of competence. To introduce these graduates to the professional world and the constraints, duties and opportunities therein.
• To allow trainees to contribute to the Agency’s mission in helping to make fundamental rights a reality for everyone in the EU.

Who can apply?

This type of traineeship is offered to graduates who have completed at least the first cycle of a higher education course (i.e. university education) and obtained a full degree or its equivalent by the closing date for applications.

Trainees are selected from nationals of the Member States of the European Union (27) and EU candidates (Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Turkey) and potential candidate countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo*). 

Trainees are requested to have a very good knowledge of English and another EU language.

Traineeship places are offered in the following FRA Units. The main tasks are mentioned in order to help making your choice of the unit most appropriate to your background:

• Corporate Services (PDF, 71 KB);
• Research and Data (PDF, 103 KB);
• Technical Assistance and Capacity Building (PDF, 72 KB);
• Communications and Events (PDF, 88 KB);
• Institutional Cooperation and Networks (PDF, 69 KB);
• Director's Office (PDF, 73 KB).

For detailed information about the eligibility criteria as well as the rights and duties of the trainees, please consult our Rules governing the traineeship programme at the FRA and the FAQ. We recommend you read them carefully before submitting your application.

FRA is an equal opportunities employer and ensures that its recruitment procedures do not discriminate on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Within the scope of application of the Treaty establishing the European Community and of the Treaty on the European Union, and without prejudice to the special provisions of those Treaties, any discrimination on grounds of nationality shall be prohibited.

How to apply

You can apply for the traineeship program using the links in the Vacancy page.

Promoting diversity

FRA is a multicultural workplace and recognises the important contribution diversity can make to the working environment. It especially welcomes applications from under-represented groups to give them a valuable working experience that may lead to future opportunities.

FRA encourages candidates with disabilities to apply. If you consider yourself to have a physical, mental, intellectual or sensory disability please tick the appropriate box on the on-line application form and indicate any adjustments or arrangements needed in relation to your disability.

*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.