Are you a young graduate interested in international relations, diplomacy, European affairs, international organisations, security, human rights or multilateral cooperation?

The European Union Delegation to the International Organisations in Vienna is offering funded traineeships for young graduates across several sections of its diplomatic mission. These traineeships provide an opportunity to gain practical experience inside an EU Delegation and to observe how the European Union represents its interests and values within international organisations based in Vienna.

The 2027 traineeship call covers several areas, including the United Nations Section, OSCE Section, Nuclear and Non-Proliferation Section, and Administrative/Head of Delegation Section. The traineeships can last for up to six months, subject to budget availability, with the earliest anticipated start in March 2027 and a possible additional intake during the second semester of 2027.

The application deadline is 30 September 2026.

Successful trainees receive a monthly grant to cover living expenses, although applicants should note that travel, visa, insurance and accommodation costs are to be borne by the trainee.

This opportunity is particularly relevant for graduates who want to build experience in European foreign policy, diplomacy, international organisations, multilateral affairs, international security, human rights, nuclear non-proliferation, public diplomacy or EU external action.

About the EU Delegation to the International Organisations in Vienna

The European Union maintains a Delegation in Vienna that works with several major international organisations headquartered or represented in the city.

Vienna is an important centre for multilateral diplomacy and international cooperation. Organisations and institutions connected to the Delegation’s work include bodies such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, United Nations Commission on International Trade Law, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, International Atomic Energy Agency and other international organisations.

The traineeship therefore provides exposure to an environment where international policy, diplomacy, security, development, human rights, international law and multilateral negotiations intersect.

The current call was published by the European External Action Service on 15 September 2026 as a new opportunity.

What the Funded Traineeship Offers

The EU Delegation is offering traineeships of up to six months, subject to budget availability.

The tentative starting period is the first semester of 2027, with the earliest possible starting date being March 2027. Depending on availability, traineeships may also begin during the second semester of 2027.

Selected trainees will receive a monthly traineeship grant intended to cover living expenses. The EEAS notes that the amount may be updated before the traineeship begins, meaning applicants should not assume that a particular historical grant amount will apply to the 2027 intake.

However, the financial support does not mean that every cost associated with relocating to Vienna will be covered.

Applicants are responsible for:

• Travel costs.
• Visa costs where applicable.
• Insurance costs.
• Accommodation costs.
• Other expenses that are not covered by the traineeship grant.

Candidates should therefore consider the full cost of living in Vienna and their personal financial circumstances before accepting a traineeship.

Traineeship Sections Available

The 2027 call covers several sections of the EU Delegation.

Applicants can express interest in one traineeship per delegation, although the Delegation states that, depending on an applicant’s profile, it may offer a traineeship in another section.

The sections include:

1. United Nations Section
2. OSCE Section
3. Nuclear and Non-Proliferation Section
4. Administrative and Head of Delegation Section

Each section offers a different type of professional experience.

1. Traineeship in the United Nations Section

The UN Section supports the Head of Delegation in the role of Ambassador of the European Union towards international organisations based in Vienna.

The section works across a broad multilateral agenda involving organisations and topics including:

• UNODC
• UNIDO
• UNOOSA
• UNCITRAL
• Drugs and crime
• Outer space
• Industrial development
• Multilateral cooperation
• EU statements and positions
• Outreach to international organisations
• Relations with third countries
• Public diplomacy

The section also prepares reports and information for the European External Action Service and the European Commission.

This makes the UN traineeship particularly relevant to graduates interested in diplomacy, international organisations, European foreign policy, multilateralism, international development, international law and global governance.

Main Tasks in the UN Section

Trainees may assist permanent staff with:

• Preparing meetings and diplomatic activities.
• Drafting briefings.
• Preparing reports.
• Drafting statements and other official documents.
• Participating in meetings.
• Taking notes during meetings.
• Supporting public diplomacy activities.

These responsibilities can help trainees develop practical skills in diplomatic writing, policy analysis, meeting reporting and international relations.

2. Traineeship in the OSCE Section

The OSCE Section supports the Deputy Head of Delegation in her role as EU Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

The OSCE’s work covers three broad dimensions of security:

• Politico-military security.
• Economic and environmental security.
• Human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The section follows a wide range of regional and thematic issues.

The current notice identifies Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine as an important part of the organisation’s current agenda, alongside issues such as:

• Trafficking in human beings.
• Transnational threats.
• Economic and environmental aspects of security.
• Human rights.
• Fundamental freedoms.
• Regional political developments.

The section represents the EU at OSCE meetings and events, prepares and coordinates EU statements and messages, engages with third countries and prepares reports and briefings for the EEAS and EU institutions. It also conducts public diplomacy activities highlighting EU achievements.

Main Tasks in the OSCE Section

A trainee may be expected to:

• Monitor developments across the OSCE’s three security dimensions.
• Attend OSCE meetings with permanent staff.
• Support work on regional and thematic dossiers.
• Assist with EU coordination and outreach activities.
• Help draft and review EU statements and messages.
• Take notes during OSCE and EU meetings.
• Prepare reports on meetings and consultations.
• Conduct background research on EU and OSCE topics.
• Support public diplomacy activities.

This section is particularly relevant to graduates interested in international security, European security policy, conflict and peace studies, human rights, international relations and multilateral diplomacy.

3. Traineeship in the Nuclear and Non-Proliferation Section

The Nuclear and Non-Proliferation Section, abbreviated as NNP, deals with a specialised area of international security policy.

Its work covers a dense multilateral agenda concerning nuclear issues and non-proliferation.

The section follows activities involving the:

• International Atomic Energy Agency.
• Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization.
• Nuclear safety.
• Nuclear security.
• Nuclear safeguards.
• Technical cooperation.
• Non-proliferation.
• Export controls.
• Nuclear-related international negotiations.

The current notice specifically refers to issues involving Ukraine, Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Syria, as well as nuclear safety, security and safeguards.

The section also coordinates the EU’s contribution to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty process.

Main Tasks in the NNP Section

Trainees may assist permanent staff with:

• Preparing meetings.
• Supporting diplomatic activities.
• Drafting briefings.
• Preparing reports.
• Drafting statements.
• Participating in meetings.
• Taking meeting notes.
• Supporting public diplomacy activities.

This traineeship can be particularly relevant to graduates interested in international security, nuclear policy, non-proliferation, international organisations, diplomacy, international law and European foreign and security policy.

4. Administrative and Head of Delegation Section

The fourth area combines work connected to the Administrative Section and the Head of Delegation Section.

This opportunity is different from the specialist political traineeships because the requirements are different.

For the ADMIN section, a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline is sufficient, while candidates also need B2 German language skills. Policy-document drafting experience is not required for this section, but numeracy is considered essential.

Administrative Section

The Administrative Section is responsible for essential operational processes that allow the Delegation to function effectively.

Its responsibilities include areas such as:

• Financial management.
• Budget management.
• Procurement.
• Document archiving.
• Protocol matters.
• Liaison with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• VAT exemption processes.
• Diplomatic cards.
• Administrative coordination.

Head of Delegation Section

The Head of Delegation Section provides strategic and organisational support to the EU Ambassador.

Its work includes:

• Internal coordination.
• Policy coordination across Delegation sections.
• High-level diplomatic visits.
• High-level meetings.
• Formal events.
• Social events.
• Official correspondence.
• Agenda management.
• Press relations.
• Public diplomacy.
• Cultural diplomacy.
• Digital communication.
• Website management.
• Social media.
• Public events and campaigns.
• Team Europe coordination.
• Administrative and financial tasks.

Main Tasks for ADMIN/HoD Trainees

A trainee may assist with:

• General administrative and office tasks.
• Protocol activities.
• Updating internal guides.
• Updating contact lists.
• Maintaining distribution lists.
• Meeting and visit logistics.
• Representation activities.
• Social events.
• Creating social media content.
• Updating the Delegation website.
• Payment files.
• Archiving.
• Ad hoc administrative requests.

This section may therefore be particularly useful for graduates interested in diplomacy, administration, communications, protocol, public diplomacy, event management and international institutional operations.

Before applying, you are requested to examine the dedicated website as well as the general eligibility criteria for a paid traineeship (Article 8 of the Decision ADMIN(2017)28 – Paid traineeship).

Source: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/vienna-international-organisations/funded-traineeships-young-graduates-eu-delegation-international-organisations-vienna-multiple_en?s=66

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The eligibility requirements differ slightly depending on the section.

For the UN, OSCE and Nuclear and Non-Proliferation sections, the Vienna call specifies that applicants must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline. Candidates without a Master’s degree are explicitly stated to be ineligible for these traineeships.

Relevant academic backgrounds include:

• International Politics.
• European Studies.
• International Relations.
• International Law.
• International Economics.
• Related disciplines connected to international affairs.

For the ADMIN section, a relevant Bachelor’s degree is sufficient.

Academic Requirements by Section

Section	Minimum qualification
UN	Relevant Master’s degree
OSCE	Relevant Master’s degree
Nuclear and Non-Proliferation	Relevant Master’s degree
ADMIN/HoD	Relevant Bachelor’s degree

Applicants should therefore select their preferred section carefully and verify that they meet the specific academic requirement.

Professional Experience Requirement

Candidates must have less than one year of professional experience after graduation by the time the traineeship agreement is signed.

This makes the opportunity particularly suitable for recent graduates who have completed their studies and are beginning their professional careers.

The EEAS general framework similarly establishes a maximum of one year of professional experience after graduation for the funded young-graduate traineeship pillar.

Applicants should therefore calculate their post-graduation professional experience carefully rather than assuming that being a recent graduate automatically makes them eligible.

Previous Experience in EU Institutions

Applicants must not have more than six weeks of previous experience in EU Institutions.

This restriction applies to previous training or employment in EU institutions and is part of the broader EEAS traineeship framework.

Candidates who have already accumulated more than the permitted period should review the rules carefully before submitting an application.

Language Requirements

Excellent English-language skills are required for the specialist sections.

The call specifically highlights English proficiency because trainees will be working in an international diplomatic environment involving meetings, policy documents, reports, statements and international organisations.

Additional language abilities can strengthen a candidate’s profile.

The Vienna notice indicates that experience working in other OSCE languages and the ability to work in other UN languages would be an asset.

For the ADMIN section, B2-level German is specifically required.

Therefore, language expectations can be summarised as follows:

• UN: Excellent English; additional relevant languages are an asset.
• OSCE: Excellent English; OSCE-language skills are an asset.
• NNP: Excellent English; additional international working languages can be beneficial.
• ADMIN: B2 German is required.

Additional Skills and Experience That Can Strengthen an Application

The Vienna Delegation is looking for candidates with demonstrated interest in the EU’s external action and international relations.

For the specialist sections, relevant areas include:

• Security.
• Human rights.
• International organisations.
• The United Nations.
• European foreign policy.
• International diplomacy.
• Multilateral affairs.

Applicants should also have experience in:

• Drafting policy documents.
• Taking meeting notes.
• Drafting meeting reports.
• Conducting background research.
• Preparing written briefings.

Previous experience with an international organisation or diplomatic mission is considered an asset, although the notice does not state that this experience is mandatory for every applicant.

What Are the Benefits of the Traineeship?

The opportunity provides several forms of professional and educational value.

1. Monthly Financial Grant

Selected trainees receive a monthly grant to cover living expenses.

The EEAS notes that the grant information may be updated before the traineeship begins.

Applicants should therefore consult the latest official financial information when preparing for the traineeship.

2. Practical Diplomatic Experience

The traineeship provides exposure to the daily work of an EU diplomatic mission.

Depending on the selected section, trainees can gain experience with:

• Diplomatic meetings.
• International organisations.
• Policy research.
• Briefing preparation.
• EU statements.
• Reporting.
• Public diplomacy.
• International security.
• Administrative operations.
• Communications.

3. Exposure to International Organisations

Vienna is an important centre for multilateral diplomacy.

Trainees in the UN, OSCE and NNP sections can gain practical exposure to the work of international organisations and the processes through which governments and international institutions address global issues.

4. Professional Writing Experience

Several traineeship tasks involve producing professional documents.

These can include:

• Briefing notes.
• Reports.
• Statements.
• Meeting records.
• Research summaries.
• Other diplomatic documents.

This can help graduates strengthen their policy-writing and analytical skills.

5. Networking and Professional Exposure

Working inside an EU Delegation can expose trainees to diplomats, EU officials, international organisations, government representatives and professionals working on international policy.

This can help trainees understand the professional environment of international affairs.

6. Public Diplomacy Experience

Several sections engage in public diplomacy.

Trainees may support:

• Public events.
• Communications activities.
• Social media.
• Website updates.
• Campaigns.
• Visibility activities.

This is particularly relevant to applicants interested in strategic communication and international public diplomacy.

What Costs Does the Trainee Need to Cover?

Although the opportunity is funded through a monthly grant, the financial arrangement does not mean that all expenses are covered.

The official notice states that travel, visa, insurance and accommodation costs must be borne by the trainee.

Applicants should therefore prepare a realistic budget that considers:

• Accommodation in Vienna.
• Transportation.
• Food and daily living expenses.
• Visa costs where applicable.
• Insurance.
• Travel to and from Vienna.
• Personal expenses.

The monthly grant is intended to contribute toward living expenses, but applicants should not assume it will automatically cover every cost.

How to Apply for the EU Delegation Vienna Traineeship

Applications must be submitted by email.

The designated email address is:

Delegation-Vienna-Trainees@eeas.europa.eu

Applicants must provide three key documents.

1. Europass Curriculum Vitae

The Delegation requires a detailed standard Europass CV.

Importantly, the notice states that CVs in other formats will not be considered.

Applicants should therefore use the official Europass format rather than sending a conventional personal résumé: https://europa.eu/europass/en

2. Cover Letter

Applicants must submit a cover letter explaining why they want to participate in an EU traineeship.

The cover letter should be specific to the opportunity.

Candidates should explain:

• Why they are interested in the EU.
• Why they are interested in international relations.
• Why they selected the relevant section.
• What academic experience they bring.
• What relevant professional or research experience they have.
• How their skills relate to the traineeship.
• What they hope to learn.

3. Application Form

Applicants must also complete the official application form provided with the vacancy notice.

The current application form is titled:

Austria UN OSCE – Vienna Application form for multiple funded traineeships 2027

Candidates should download and complete the correct form before submitting their application.

Important Email Subject Requirement

Applicants must use the required email subject line.

The subject should follow the format:

Funded Traineeship – Your Name/Acronym of the Section

This requirement is important because the Delegation states that applications without the specified subject line will not be considered.

Candidates should therefore avoid using generic subject lines such as:

• “Traineeship Application”
• “Application”
• “EU Internship”
• “Vienna Internship”

Instead, they should follow the format requested by the Delegation.

One Application Per Delegation

Candidates may apply for only one traineeship per Delegation.

However, the Delegation states that based on an applicant’s profile, it could offer the candidate a traineeship in another section.

Applicants should therefore select the section that best matches their:

• Academic qualifications.
• Professional interests.
• Language skills.
• Research experience.
• Career objectives.
• Previous international affairs experience.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the EU Delegation to the International Organisations in Vienna funded traineeships is:

30 September 2026

The opportunity is listed by the EEAS as a Trainee position in Vienna.

Because applications must be submitted by email, candidates should avoid waiting until the final day. Preparing the Europass CV, cover letter and application form in advance can reduce the risk of submitting an incomplete application.

Selection Process

The Delegation will evaluate the applications after the deadline.

According to the official notice:

1. Applications are evaluated.
2. Shortlisted candidates are contacted.
3. Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview.
4. Successful candidates must provide the required documentation.
5. Candidates who cannot provide required documentation may have their application rejected.
6. Unsuccessful candidates are notified by email.

Candidates should therefore monitor the email address used in their application after submission.

Nationality and Geographic Eligibility

The EEAS general framework states that funded traineeships in EU Delegations can be open to:

• Citizens of EU Member States.
• Citizens of EU candidate countries that have signed an accession agreement with the EU.
• Citizens of the host country, depending on the relevant traineeship pillar and applicable rules.

The specific Vienna notice additionally contains requirements concerning documentation for citizens of EU Member States, including proof of appropriate coverage and relevant visa or temporary residence documentation where applicable.

Because nationality rules can depend on the specific traineeship framework and host-country legislation, candidates should verify their individual eligibility against the latest EEAS rules before applying.

The opportunity should therefore not be assumed to be open to applicants from every country worldwide.

Requirements for EU Citizens

The Vienna notice states that citizens of EU Member States must:

• Provide proof of coverage against the risk of a pandemic and repatriation costs.
• Hold a relevant entrance visa and/or temporary residence permit where applicable.
• Ensure that these documents comply with the traineeship agreement and local legislation.

These requirements should be reviewed carefully by selected candidates before the traineeship begins.

Compliance With Local and National Legislation

The traineeships can only be offered in compliance with:

• Austrian legislation.
• Applicable EU rules.
• The legislation of the trainee’s country of origin.
• Relevant visa and residence requirements.
• The terms of the traineeship agreement.

Applicants should therefore understand that meeting the academic and professional requirements alone does not necessarily resolve immigration or legal requirements.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Although selection is competitive, applicants can improve the clarity and relevance of their application by carefully matching their profile to the selected section.

Step 1: Choose One Section Carefully

Do not apply indiscriminately.

Consider whether your background fits:

• UN and multilateral diplomacy.
• OSCE and international security.
• Nuclear and non-proliferation affairs.
• Administration and diplomatic support.

Step 2: Tailor Your Europass CV

The CV should make relevant experience easy to identify.

Highlight:

• Academic qualifications.
• Policy research.
• International relations experience.
• Diplomatic or international organisation exposure.
• Writing experience.
• Research skills.
• Meeting and reporting experience.
• Language skills.
• Relevant publications.
• Relevant internships.
• Relevant volunteering or extracurricular activities.

Step 3: Make the Cover Letter Specific

Avoid sending a generic cover letter that could be used for any internship.

Explain why you are interested in:

• The EU Delegation.
• Vienna.
• The specific section.
• International organisations.
• EU external action.
• The relevant policy area.

Step 4: Demonstrate Writing Ability

Many of the tasks involve drafting reports, briefings, statements and other documents.

Candidates should therefore demonstrate their ability to communicate complex information clearly and professionally.

Step 5: Show Relevant Research Experience

The OSCE section, for example, requires background research on EU and OSCE-related issues.

Applicants should demonstrate that they can:

• Locate reliable information.
• Analyse policy developments.
• Summarise complex issues.
• Identify relevant developments.
• Produce concise written outputs.

Step 6: Check the Email Subject

This is particularly important because the notice explicitly states that applications without the required subject line will not be considered.

Step 7: Submit the Complete Application

Before sending the email, verify that it contains:

• Europass CV.
• Cover letter.
• Completed application form.
• Correct subject line.
• Correct recipient email address.

Learn More HERE

Why Vienna Is an Important Location for This Opportunity

Vienna provides a particularly relevant environment for graduates interested in international affairs.

The city hosts several major international organisations and multilateral institutions, making it an important centre for diplomacy and international cooperation.

The Delegation’s work connects European Union policy with international organisations dealing with:

• Security.
• Nuclear issues.
• Non-proliferation.
• Human rights.
• International development.
• Drugs and crime.
• Industrial development.
• Outer space.
• International trade and law.
• Multilateral cooperation.

A traineeship in this environment can therefore expose young graduates to the practical workings of international diplomacy rather than limiting them to classroom-based study.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Opportunity	EU Delegation Vienna Funded Traineeships
Organisation	European External Action Service / EU Delegation
Location	Vienna, Austria
Duration	Up to 6 months
Expected start	First semester 2027; earliest March 2027
Sections	UN, OSCE, Nuclear and Non-Proliferation, ADMIN/HoD
Funding	Monthly grant for living expenses
Travel	Paid by trainee
Visa	Paid by trainee
Insurance	Paid by trainee
Accommodation	Paid by trainee
Deadline	30 September 2026
Application method	Email
Required CV	Europass format
Cover letter	Required
Application form	Required
Maximum prior EU institutional experience	6 weeks
Post-graduation professional experience	Less than 1 year

The details above are based on the current EEAS vacancy notice.

Official Application Information

Applicants should consult the official EEAS vacancy before submitting their application, particularly the detailed general eligibility rules for paid traineeships and any requirements related to nationality, immigration, insurance and local legislation.

The official vacancy is available on the European External Action Service website.

The EEAS also provides a general explanation of traineeships in EU Delegations, including the different traineeship pillars, nationality requirements, diploma requirements and restrictions on previous EU institutional experience.

Conclusion

The EU Delegation to the International Organisations in Vienna Funded Traineeships 2027 provide young graduates with an opportunity to gain practical experience in European diplomacy, international relations and multilateral affairs.

The programme offers placements across several specialised areas, including the United Nations, OSCE, Nuclear and Non-Proliferation, and Administrative/Head of Delegation sections. Depending on the section, trainees can participate in diplomatic meetings, conduct policy research, draft reports and statements, support public diplomacy, contribute to communications activities and assist with the organisation of international events.

For the specialist political and international affairs sections, applicants need a relevant Master’s degree, while the ADMIN section accepts a relevant Bachelor’s degree and requires B2 German. Candidates must also have less than one year of professional experience after graduation and must not have more than six weeks of previous experience in EU institutions.

Selected trainees receive a monthly grant for living expenses, but they are responsible for travel, visa, insurance and accommodation costs. Candidates should therefore evaluate both the professional benefits and the financial requirements before accepting the opportunity.

The application deadline is 30 September 2026. Interested candidates should prepare a detailed Europass CV, a tailored cover letter and the required application form and submit them to Delegation-Vienna-Trainees@eeas.europa.eu using the prescribed email subject line.

For graduates seeking early professional experience in diplomacy, international organisations, European foreign policy, security, human rights, non-proliferation, public diplomacy or international administration, the Vienna traineeship provides a direct opportunity to learn how an EU diplomatic mission operates within a major multilateral environment.

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