How does selection work in the European Solidarity Corps?
It helps to know one rule before you start. According to the European Solidarity Corps Guide 2026, organisations select their volunteers among the young people registered on the European Solidarity Corps Portal. You cannot sign up for a project directly with the EU: you are chosen by a host organisation, usually with the help of a sending (support) organisation in your country. A good profile and a good application are what get you selected.
Step 1: Create your profile on the Portal
Register on the European Solidarity Corps Portal (you can do it from the age of 17). Fill in your interests, the topics you care about, your skills and the countries you would like to go to. Write your profile in English, and keep your Portal reference number: organisations will ask for it.
While you are there, start the General Online Training on the EU Academy. It is free, it explains how the Corps works, and it shows organisations that you are serious.
Step 2: Find a project
Browse the open opportunities on this site and filter them by topic, destination country and duration. Each listing tells you the dates, the tasks, what is covered and the application deadline. Before you apply, check:
- that you are 18 to 30 on the start date (see Who can join);
- that the project is open to residents of your country;
- that the dates work for you, from departure to return.
Apply to projects that really interest you. Two or three well-prepared applications work better than twenty copies of the same letter.
Step 3: Choose your sending organisation
A sending organisation in your country of residence prepares you before departure, helps with travel and documents, and stays in touch during your placement. On this site you pick one from our network when you fill in the application form. If there is no network organisation in your country, choose that option in the form: the network will find one for you.
Step 4: Send your application
Applications go through the form on each opportunity page. You will usually need:
- a CV, ideally in the Europass format, focused on what you have done rather than on formal titles;
- a motivation letter for that specific project: why this topic, why this place, what you can bring and what you want to learn;
- your Portal reference number.
Some host organisations also ask you to fill in their own short form; the opportunity page tells you when.
Step 5: Interview and selection
If your application is shortlisted, the host organisation contacts you for an interview, usually online. Expect questions about your motivation, how you handle living with other people, and what you would do in some practical situations. Prepare a few questions of your own too: about your tasks, the accommodation, the team and a normal week. The organisation then offers the place through the Portal, and you accept it there.
Step 6: Before you leave
Once you are selected, there are a few things to complete:
- Sign the volunteering agreement, which sets out your tasks, rights, insurance and the financial contribution from the Corps.
- Get your European Health Insurance Card and enrol in the Corps insurance following the instructions you receive.
- Request a visa or residence permit if you need one, as early as possible: it can take several weeks.
- Agree your travel with the organisation before buying tickets.
- Start the Online Language Support course: the invitation arrives by email from your host organisation.
- Attend the pre-departure training with your sending organisation.
What if you are not selected?
It happens often, especially for popular projects, and it does not mean you are not suitable for the Corps. Ask for feedback if you can, improve your motivation letter and apply to other projects. Keep your Portal profile up to date: organisations can also find you there. Shorter formats, such as volunteering teams, are a good way to gain a first experience.
How much does it cost to apply?
Nothing. Applying is free, and so is taking part: travel, accommodation, food, insurance and pocket money are covered. See Is the European Solidarity Corps free? for the details, or go back to our European Solidarity Corps guide.