3. Traineeships abroad – also after graduation

Where and how long

• 2 to 12 months in a company, NGO, research centre, school or other organisation – almost anywhere in the world. The EU institutions and agencies are excluded.
• Short traineeships of 5 to 30 days are possible as blended mobility (combined with online work).
• The months count towards the same limit as study periods: up to 12 months per cycle of study.
• You can combine a traineeship with a study period abroad.

Money

• You get the monthly Erasmus+ grant for the country you go to, plus a traineeship top-up set in the Erasmus+ Programme Guide (150 euros a month in the 2021–2027 Programme Guide).
• Students with fewer opportunities get another 250 euros a month.
• Many host organisations also pay trainees a salary or allowance – ask before you sign.

After graduation

A traineeship as a recent graduate is a good first step into a job abroad. The rules are strict:

• your university must select you during your last year of study – after graduation it is too late to apply;
• you must complete the traineeship within one year of graduating;
• some universities do not offer graduate traineeships at all – check early.

How to find a placement

1. Ask your Erasmus+ office – some faculties have partner companies.
2. Search offers on ErasmusIntern, the traineeship portal recommended by the European Commission. erasmusintern.org
3. Agree the tasks in a learning agreement for traineeships, signed by you, your university and the host.

Tip: our guide How to find a job abroad helps with CVs and interviews.

Sources: European Commission – Traineeships abroad for students · Erasmus+ Programme Guide – mobility of higher education students. Checked: 1 October 2026.