Fully Funded EU-India Young Leaders Exchange Programme 2025–26: Applications Now Open

This programme will deliver collectively 20 excellent younger leaders (10 from India and 10 from European Union Member States) underneath the age of 35 to have interaction in structured dialogue, share views, and co-develop youth-led coverage suggestions on key international challenges.

Through a collection of interactive coverage labs, workshops, and thematic discussions, members will interact straight with authorities officers, diplomats, think-tank researchers, and trade specialists on urgent international coverage themes, together with:

• Democracy within the Digital Age

• Climate Action and Green Transition

• Inclusive Growth and Social Equity

• Geopolitics and Global Governance

The initiative will foster cross-border partnerships, studying, innovation, and management. It will reinforce the EU’s dedication to constructing a dynamic EU-India relationship and empowering youth to form a sustainable and inclusive future.

 Eligibility Criteria 

• Citizen of an EU Member State or of India.

• Aged underneath 35 years on the date of application.

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s diploma and demonstrated curiosity in cooperation between particular person EU Member States and India, in a related subject equivalent to public coverage, political science, worldwide relations, economics, improvement research, social sciences, or associated disciplines. Note: This side might be evaluated in the course of the evaluation course of.

• Postgraduate qualification is fascinating however not necessary, if compensated by related skilled (together with internship) or management expertise.
  Note: Age might be thought-about when assessing related expertise.

• Relevant expertise in public coverage, diplomacy, worldwide relations, analysis, civic engagement, or social innovation by internships, voluntary work, skilled assignments, or analysis tasks.

• Focus on EU-India cooperation demonstrated by research, analysis, internships, or work tasks.

• Excellent command of English (written and spoken).

• International, analysis, or public talking expertise is a bonus.

• Availability to take part in all programme actions and on-line periods between February and April 2026.

Note: 
The programme strongly encourages functions from people of all genders, skills, ethnicities, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds. The programme will guarantee assist for chosen candidates with particular wants, equivalent to signal language interpretation or dwell captioning. While assembly all eligibility standards is most popular, exceptions could also be made/precedence given to candidates who exhibit management potential, dedication to EU-India relations, and the flexibility to contribute constructively to coverage discussions.

The choice course of will uphold the rules of range, fairness, and inclusion, guaranteeing balanced illustration by way of area (EU/India), gender id, {and professional} and cultural background. 

Why Apply?

• Gain publicity to EU-India policymaking processes and strategic partnership constructing.

• Collaborate with friends from various skilled, educational, and cultural backgrounds.

• Co-create coverage suggestions to be introduced to EU and Indian policymakers.

• Join the EU-India Young Leaders Network and develop into part of a rising group of changemakers.

• Contribute to shaping a sustainable and inclusive EU-India partnership.

Participation within the programme is solely freed from price.
There are no charges for application or participation at any stage.

Programme Format and Duration

The 2025-26 version might be carried out solely on-line, guaranteeing equal entry for members throughout all areas.

The programme will embody 10 interactive periods throughout three thematic areas – between January and April 2026, that includes expert-led workshops, thematic dialogues, and collaborative coverage labs, guided by senior specialists from each the EU and India.

Programme timeline:

• Mid-November 2025: Launch of the open name and application interval

• 7 December 2025, 23:59 IST: Application deadline

• 8 December 2025 – 10 January 2026: Selection of 20 members (10 from the EU Member States and 10 from India)

• January – February 2026: Programme design and setup

• March – April 2026: Online coverage labs, workshops, and thematic discussions

Participation in all scheduled periods is necessary. The digital assembly dates might be communicated properly upfront to assist chosen candidates plan their availability accordingly.

Note: 
Participants could also be featured in EU Delegation visibility supplies, equivalent to web site articles, social media posts, or video highlights, to showcase youth engagement in EU-India relations. Applicants’ consent for this might be obtained as part of the application course of.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit the next supplies by the hyperlink beneath:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) – most 2 pages, in Europass or EuropeAid format

2. Cover letter – most 1 web page (2,500 characters with areas), outlining your motivation and areas of curiosity in EU-India relations.

3. Video assertion – a one-minute video explaining why you wish to take part within the programme and the way it aligns along with your skilled or educational objectives

To apply, please use the next hyperlink: 

Application Deadline: seventh December 2025, 23:59 IST

Note: Applications might be collectively reviewed by representatives of the EU Delegation to India and the programme’s skilled workforce. Due to the anticipated excessive variety of functions, particular person suggestions won’t be offered to unsuccessful candidates.