funding: Fully funded (travel + accommodation + pocket money)
location: EU and partner countries
eligibility: EU citizens and residents aged 18–30
host: European Commission
duration: 2 weeks–12 months
apply-url: https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity_en
The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is a European Union initiative that creates opportunities for young Europeans and residents to volunteer in projects that benefit communities across Europe and beyond. Whether you want to protect the environment, support disadvantaged communities, work with refugees, or contribute to cultural heritage projects, the ESC funds your placement — covering travel, accommodation, food, insurance, and a monthly pocket allowance.
What's Covered
The ESC covers everything: your international travel to and from the host organisation, accommodation throughout the placement, meals or a food allowance, health and accident insurance, a monthly pocket allowance (typically €150–€200), a language learning course before and during the placement, and pre-departure training. For placements longer than two months, you also receive a Youthpass certificate documenting your competencies and experience.
Types of Placements
Volunteer placements range from two weeks to twelve months. Short-term placements (under two months) are ideal for first-time volunteers or those with work or study commitments. Long-term placements (two to twelve months) offer deep immersion in a project and culture. Solidarity Projects allow teams of five or more young people to run their own community initiative without a hosting organisation. Virtual volunteering options are also available for some projects.
Who Can Apply
The European Solidarity Corps is open to young people aged 18 to 30 who are legal residents of an EU member state, a partner country, or a qualifying third country associated with the programme. EU citizenship is not required — legal residency in a participating country is sufficient. There are no academic or professional prerequisites; the programme welcomes participants of all educational backgrounds.
How to Find and Apply
Browse available placements on the European Youth Portal at youth.europa.eu/solidarity-corps. Create a profile, search projects by country, theme, and duration, and apply directly to hosting organisations. Hosting organisations — NGOs, social enterprises, local authorities, and cultural institutions — review applications and invite selected volunteers for online interviews. The ESC itself does not process applications; you apply to specific host organisations.
What You Gain
Beyond the practical experience, ESC volunteers consistently report transformative personal development — language skills, cross-cultural competence, professional networks, and a deepened sense of civic purpose. The Youthpass certificate, co-signed by the European Commission, formally recognises your learning and can strengthen applications for employment, graduate study, and further volunteering programmes.