Council of Europe Training Course 2026 in France | Fully Funded

Unlock your potential in youth advocacy and human rights by participating in the fully funded Council of Europe Training Course 2026. Hosted at the prestigious European Youth Centre in Strasbourg, France, this program is designed for young leaders actively involved in youth organizations and civil society. Participants will gain essential skills in democratic participation, policy shaping, and human rights advocacy, all while engaging with Council of Europe experts and members of the Parliamentary Assembly.

Quick Overview

• Host Country: France

• Location: European Youth Centre, Strasbourg

• Organizer: Council of Europe Youth Department

• Program Name: Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights

• Eligible Nationalities: Residents of countries party to the European Cultural Convention (exceptions possible)

• Coverage: Fully Funded (travel, visa, accommodation, meals)

• Degree Level: Non-degree (training course)

• Training Dates: September 28 – October 3, 2026

• Full Program Period: September 27 – October 4, 2026

• Deadline: August 14, 2026

Financial Benefits

The Council of Europe is committed to making this training accessible by covering all major expenses for selected participants. This comprehensive funding package ensures that financial barriers do not prevent talented young advocates from attending.

• Full reimbursement of international travel costs, adhering to Council of Europe regulations.

• Coverage of all necessary visa application fees.

• Complimentary accommodation provided at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg for the entire program duration.

• All meals will be provided throughout the training course.

• Opportunity to learn from leading experts and engage with high-level officials without personal financial burden.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Council of Europe Training Course, applicants must meet specific requirements that demonstrate their commitment and capacity for advocacy work.

• Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old. Justified exceptions may be considered.

• Must actively represent a youth council, youth organization, youth network, or another civil society group focused on youth.

• Should hold a leadership role within their respective organization, indicating their ability to implement advocacy strategies post-training.

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to the principles of human rights, democracy, the rule of law, and youth participation.

• Must be fully available to attend the entire training course from September 27 to October 4, 2026, and participate in subsequent follow-up activities.

• Possess strong working proficiency in the English language, as all training will be conducted in English.

• Generally, candidates should reside in a country that is a signatory to the European Cultural Convention. However, exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis if adequately justified.

Required Documents

Prospective participants need to prepare and submit specific documents to support their application for this training opportunity.

• Completed online application form.

• A formal support letter from your sending organization. This letter should confirm your affiliation and commitment to advocacy work.

How to Apply

The application process for the Council of Europe Training Course is straightforward. Ensure all steps are completed accurately and submitted before the deadline.

• Access the official online application form via the Council of Europe's dedicated application portal.

• Carefully fill in all required personal details, organizational information, and responses to essay questions within the online form.

• Submit the completed online application form.

• Request your supporting organization to draft and provide a formal letter of support for your application.

• Ensure the support letter is sent directly by email to [email protected].

• The subject line of the email containing the support letter MUST be formatted as: "TC ADVOCACY YOUR NAME SUPPORT LETTER" (replace "YOUR NAME" with your full name).

• Verify that both your online application and the organizational support letter are submitted by the deadline of August 14, 2026, at 14:00 Strasbourg time.