Stage Rémunéré Collège Européen de Sécurité et de Défense

Contexte

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.

Applicants may choose one of the available internship periods for 2027: First Intake (18 January – 14 May 2027) or Second Intake (29 March – 30 July 2027). A third internship period (1 September – 31 December 2027) will be published separately in March 2027.

Missions et responsabilités

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

Profil recherché

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 meet the following criteria:

• 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

Applications will be evaluated competitively based on academic achievements, relevance of the applicant’s academic profile, international experience and outlook, and previous professional or volunteer experience. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview with the ESDC selection panel.

Conditions et avantages

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.

Dossier de candidature

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

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Comment postuler

Applications must be submitted electronically to the official ESDC vacancies email. Visit the official ESDC website to apply.

Date limite : 14 October 2026 at 12:00 CET

Référence : ESDC Internship Programme 2027