The European Parliament announced the opening of registration for the Sakharov Fellowship 2026 program, a golden opportunity for young people wishing to enter Europe legally and fully funded. This program aims to attract talents from outside the European Union countries to spend a training and networking period at the heart of European institutions, ensuring coverage of all expenses from a Schengen Visa to flight tickets and free accommodation, making it an important step for those planning to build strong international relationships in their professional career.
This opportunity is considered an important travel path to Belgium, providing participants with the experience of living and working inside the European Parliament's headquarters in Brussels. The program does not require any registration fees and guarantees accepted candidates comprehensive health insurance and a daily living allowance, making it an ideal opportunity for every young person with a strong profile in the fields of defending rights and freedoms.
Travel Opportunity Location
- Country: Belgium (Belgique).
- City: Brussels (Bruxelles).
- Organizer: European Parliament (Parlement européen).
- Program Duration: Two weeks of intensive training.
- Funding Type: Fully funded (Prise en charge totale).
- Number of Seats: Only 14 seats for globally distinguished individuals.
Eligible Countries
The program is open to all young people from around the world, specifically:
- All Arab Countries: (Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, and other countries).
- Students and Professionals: Those active outside the borders of the European Union.
Program Description and Tasks
Program Nature
The Sakharov Fellowship is a high-level training program that brings together human rights defenders from all continents. Participants will benefit from in-depth training on EU international policies and mechanisms, working alongside international experts, which enhances their Curriculum Vitae (CV) and opens broad prospects for future cooperation with international organizations.
Benefits and Funding
- Schengen Visa: Full assistance in obtaining a visa to enter Belgium.
- Flight Tickets: Coverage of round-trip travel expenses from your country to Brussels.
- Accommodation: Provision of free accommodation throughout the program in the heart of the European capital.
- Living Allowance: Provision of daily amounts to cover meals and personal expenses.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage during the stay in Europe.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Educational Level: Applicants are preferably holders of a diploma or university degree (such as a Bachelor's or Master's) in Law, Political Science, or related fields.
- Field Experience: Applicants must have strong points in their professional or voluntary career, with a proven track record in community work or non-governmental organizations.
- Language: Very high proficiency in English is required, as communication and workshops within the Parliament are conducted in English.
- Political Aspect: Candidate selection is based on the alignment of their activities with the current political priorities of the European Union.
Required Documents for Application
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing professional and voluntary experiences.
- A strong motivation letter explaining the relevance of your work to the objectives of the European Parliament.
- Proof of field activity (photos, articles, or previous work reports).
- A copy of a valid passport.
Official Application Method
Applications are submitted electronically directly through the official portal of the European Parliament. You must fill out the form carefully and click "Next" to complete all stages. Tip: As the competition is very strong (only 14 seats), ensure that your profile clearly highlights your leadership skills and field impact.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications is February 15, 2026.
The Sakharov Fellowship 2026 program is a legal gateway to entering the European Union with full funding. If you have the necessary experience and a suitable diploma, this opportunity will grant you a "Schengen visa" and an invaluable professional experience within the European Parliament. Application is free, and benefits include everything from airfare to accommodation.