6+1 Opportunities for you!

Last updated on Wednesday, 12/08/2026

You've probably heard of Erasmus+. But the EU has a lot more funded opportunities for you to study, travel, volunteer, get paid work experience, and even help shape the policies that affect your life. Here are six (plus a bonus) worth bookmarking and applying to! Happy International Day of Youth!

1. Erasmus+

Europe's flagship programme for education, training and youth, and it's much bigger than a semester abroad. Erasmus+ includes:

University exchanges & study abroad - spend part of your degree in another country, and receive a grant for your expenses! How to apply: Check with your university’s Erasmus+ office.

Traineeships abroad - paid work placements abroad for students and recent graduates. How to apply: Check with your university’s Erasmus+ office

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's degrees - prestigious international master's, scholarship included. How to apply: Check out the course catalogue and learn how to apply!

Youth Participation Activities - for 13–30-year-olds who want to speak up on the issues that matter, outside the classroom. How to apply:  through your Erasmus+ National Agency.

DiscoverEU — a free travel pass to explore Europe by train (for 18-year-olds). The next application round opens on 1 October 2026! How to apply: Directly through the European Youth Portal.

Image: Kameja-Lukoseviciute, from Lithuania, during their DiscoverEU trip.

2. European Solidarity Corps

For 18-30s (up to 35 for humanitarian aid) who want to make a difference:

Volunteering: Ready for a life-changing adventure and the chance to make a real difference? Explore new countries, learn new skills, gain work experience, and make friends - with expenses covered.

Humanitarian Aid: Engage as an active citizen, show solidarity to people in countries outside of the EU who have faced humanitarian disasters or need to increase their preparedness for possible disasters in the future!

Solidarity Projects: Got an idea to improve your community? Set up and lead your own local project with a small group, and receive funding to implement your idea!

How to apply: Directly through the European Youth Portal!

Image: Hugo, from Spain, volunteering through the European Solidarity Corps in Croatia

3. Blue Book traineeships

Paid five-month traineeships at the European Commission in Brussels or the Member States, offered twice a year (starting in March or October). A front-row seat to how EU policy is actually made, plus a monthly grant and a travel allowance.

How to apply: Applications are currently open until 4 September!

Learn how to apply

4. Pool of Young Journalists in Europe

This is a Eurodesk and European Commission project for young people who love to tell stories through articles, videos, photos or podcasts. Your work gets published on the European Youth Portal and Eurodesk's channels. You also get training and travel opportunities along the way.

The next application phase will open on 22 September, and young people aged 18-30 from France, Italy, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Ireland, Denmark, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Cyprus can apply!

Eligibility for 2028: Germany, Spain, Ukraine, Belgium, Greece, Austria, Serbia, Norway, Finland, North Macedonia, Estonia, Luxembourg, Moldova (TBC)

Eligibility for 2029: Turkiye, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden, Croatia, Slovenia, Georgia, Latvia, Malta, Iceland

Stay tuned for 22 September! More Information on the European Youth Portal!

2026 Pool of Young Journalists cohort

5. EU Youth Dialogue

The direct line between young people and decision-makers. Share your views, join discussions and help shape EU youth policy!

How to participate: Contact your national contact point to learn how to get involved!

Youth Delegates are writing their feedback and ideas for the EU Youth Conference.

Image: A sneak peek from the Governance Working Group - EU Youth Conference in Sweden © Josefine Stenersen, 2023

6. Youth Policy Dialogues

Sit down (literally) with a European Commissioner. Each year, Commissioners meet young people across the EU to hear their views on everything from housing and climate to skills and jobs. Takeaways from each Youth Policy Dialogue are published on the Citizens’ Engagement Platform, where everyone can comment and share their ideas!

How to apply: Keep an eye on the European Youth Portal. Sometimes, calls for participants open ahead of each Dialogue, usually with a short application. Learn more.

Image: Discussions during a Youth Policy Dialogue

+1 Bonus - Have your say on EU matters

You don't need to travel anywhere to make an impact. Through the Commission's "Have your say" platform, you can respond to public consultations on new EU laws and policies, often in around 10 minutes.

How to apply: pick an open consultation and fill in the online questionnaire.

Got questions?

Do you have questions about any of these opportunities? Contact the National Agency and Eurodesk in your country.

And don’t forget to tag @european_youth_eu and @eurodesk in your adventures!

Your journey starts here! Good luck!