European Court of Human Rights - Traineeships (October 2025 - February 2026)

The European Court of Human Rights is an international court set up in 1959. It rules on individual or State applications alleging violations of the civil and political rights set out in the European Convention on Human Rights. Since 1998 it has sat as a full-time court and individuals can apply to it directly. In almost fifty years the Court has delivered more than 10,000 judgments. These are binding on the countries concerned and have led governments to alter their legislation and administrative practice in a wide range of areas. The Court’s case-law makes the Convention a powerful living instrument for meeting new challenges and consolidating the rule of law and democracy in Europe. Join us as a trainee and help defend human rights in Europe!

Legal professionals with a university degree in law and a sound knowledge of human rights issues, particularly in the context of the Convention, may apply for a traineeship at the Court.

In order to be eligible for a traineeship, you must meet the following criteria:

• Have the nationality of one of the Council of Europe member states;
• Have a bachelor's degree or equivalent (a diploma for the first cycle of higher education as defined in the Bologna Declaration).
• Have a desire to acquire practical experience and knowledge of the functioning and activities of the Council of Europe;
• Have a very good knowledge of one of the two Council of Europe official languages (English or French) together with good drafting ability. Good knowledge of the other official language is appreciated.

Please note that if you already were a trainee/study visitor within the Council of Europe (either in Strasbourg or in the field) you may not undertake another traineeship in the Organisation, whatever form it may take.

Flat-rate grant of 600 € in Strasbourg and in the field offices or 300 € in our field offices if the trainee is recruited locally. 

Conditions

• As of September 2020, trainees within the official traineeship programme receive a flat-rate grant.
• Specific measures apply to candidates who provide a certificate or attestation issued by an officially recognised body or professional to confirm the type and degree of disability or disabilities.
• Among different ways to self-finance the traineeship applying for a scholarship with different international funds is suggested (for ex. Erasmus+). 
• Please note that prior to applying for a scholarship you should be admitted to the traineeship programme.
• In order to enable the largest number of applicants to benefit from an opportunity for a traineeship at the Council of Europe, nobody may undertake more than one traineeship in the Organisation, whatever form it may take.