The European Security and Defence College (ESDC) has opened applications for its 2027 Internship Programme, offering university students the opportunity to gain practical experience in European security, defence, and foreign policy. Based in Brussels, Belgium, the internship provides a monthly allowance of €1,500, mentorship, and hands-on involvement in the organisation of EU security and defence training activities.
About the ESDC Internship Programme
The European Security and Defence College (ESDC) is the European Union’s training institution for the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) within the broader framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). Operating as a network of universities, military academies, civilian institutes, and security organisations, the ESDC develops training programmes that strengthen cooperation among civilian and military professionals across the European Union.
During the internship, selected students will support the ESDC Secretariat in delivering courses, seminars, conferences, eLearning initiatives, and policy-related activities while gaining valuable exposure to EU institutions and international affairs.
Internship Duration
Applicants may choose one of the available internship periods for 2027:
| Intake | Dates |
|---|---|
| First Intake | 18 January – 14 May 2027 |
| Second Intake | 29 March – 30 July 2027 |
A third internship period (1 September – 31 December 2027) will be published separately in March 2027.
Internship Benefits
Successful interns receive financial support and professional development opportunities throughout their placement.
Benefits include:
- Monthly allowance of €1,500
- Reimbursement of official duty-trip expenses outside Brussels
- Two working days of leave per month
- Participation in ESDC courses, seminars, and conferences
- Opportunity to travel on official ESDC missions, subject to budget availability
- Official internship certificate upon successful completion
Students already receiving funding, such as an Erasmus+ grant, may receive a top-up from the ESDC up to the maximum monthly allowance of €1,500.
Eligibility Criteria
The internship is intended for students pursuing higher education in fields relevant to security, defence, international relations, public policy, political science, law, or related disciplines.
Applicants must:
- Be a national of a European Union Member State
- Be currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree programme
- Remain enrolled throughout the entire internship period
- Hold valid sickness and accident insurance for the duration of the internship
- Have an excellent command of English or French
- Knowledge of another EU working language is considered an advantage
Key Responsibilities
Interns will contribute to the daily work of the ESDC Secretariat through academic, administrative, and communications tasks.
Responsibilities include:
- Assisting with the preparation and delivery of CSDP courses and international seminars
- Drafting briefing notes, background papers, and reports
- Supporting meetings through coordination, note-taking, and post-processing
- Assisting with the revision of eLearning modules
- Maintaining the annual training catalogue
- Supporting the preparation of the ESDC Annual Report
- Contributing to knowledge management and lessons-learned initiatives
- Proofreading documents and drafting social media content
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated competitively based on:
- Academic achievements
- Relevance of the applicant’s academic profile
- International experience and outlook
- Previous professional or volunteer experience
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview with the ESDC selection panel.
How to Apply
Candidates must submit their application by email in English or French using the Europass CV format.
Required documents include:
- Europass Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Indication of the preferred internship period
- Contact details of an academic supervisor or university representative
Applications must be submitted electronically to the official ESDC vacancies email. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications is:
14 October 2026 at 12:00 CET
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Monthly Allowance: €1,500
VISIT THE OFFICIAL ESDC WEBSITE TO APPLY
Why This Internship Matters
The ESDC Internship provides students with first-hand experience inside the European Union’s security and defence framework. Participants gain practical skills in policy research, international cooperation, event management, and institutional coordination while working alongside experts in European foreign and security policy. It is an excellent opportunity for students seeking careers within EU institutions, international organisations, diplomacy, and public service.
