The European Union has opened applications for its flagship graduate recruitment programme — the Graduate Administrators Competition (AD5). Often referred to as the EU “concours,” this highly competitive selection process is the main entry route into a permanent EU civil service career and is open to graduates from any field of study. Run by the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO), this intake is particularly significant: it is the first generalist administrators’ competition in seven years, making it a rare and timely opportunity for aspiring EU civil servants and diplomats. What Is the Graduate Administrators Competition? The competition aims to create a reserve list from which EU institutions, bodies, and agencies can recruit new Administrators (grade AD5). Successful candidates may go on to work at the European Commission, the European External Action Service (EEAS), the Council of the EU, and other EU institutions. No prior professional experience is required. The competition is open to graduates from all academic backgrounds, reflecting the EU’s commitment to diversity of skills, perspectives, and disciplines. The Role of an EU Administrator (AD5) EU administrators play a vital role in supporting decision-makers and shaping policies that affect millions of people across Europe. Working in multicultural and multilingual teams, successful candidates typically contribute to one or more of the following areas: Policy development and formulation Policy implementation and operational delivery Resource management The exact nature of the work varies depending on the institution and department. Detailed examples of typical duties are outlined in Annex II of the Notice of Competition. Who Should Apply? This competition is ideal for graduates who: Are interested in European public policy and governance Want to work in an international and multicultural environment Are motivated to contribute to projects with real societal impact Are considering careers in EU administration, policy-making, or diplomacy The EU actively promotes Diversity and Inclusion, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Application Timeline and Key Deadlines The application process follows a strict timeline: Application window opens: 5 February 2026 Application deadline: 10 March 2026 at 12:00 (midday), Brussels time By the application deadline, candidates must upload: A scanned copy of a valid identity card or passport By a later deadline: Supporting documents for all declarations made in the application must be uploaded by 7 October 2026 at 12:00 (midday), Brussels time Applicants are strongly advised to consult the Notice of Competition carefully to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements and understand the testing process. Testing and Selection The EPSO selection process is designed to assess a range of competencies relevant to EU administrative work. Full details of the testing phases, evaluation criteria, and selection methodology are provided in the official competition notice. Because this is a highly competitive process, early preparation is essential. Life Inside the EU Institutions EU careers often allow for mobility across roles and institutions. As one EU staff member explains: “Starting as a linguist and transitioning to an outreach officer, I use my humanities skills to shape communication at the Council of the European Union.” This flexibility highlights how graduates from diverse academic backgrounds can build dynamic and impactful careers within the EU system. Get Started For graduates aspiring to work at the heart of Europe’s decision-making — including those aiming for future diplomatic roles — this once-in-seven-years opportunity should not be missed. Full details, including eligibility criteria and application instructions, are available on the official EPSO application page under Graduate Administrators (AD5) VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is hiring for this position. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.