- Location
- Cologne · Germany
- Application deadline
- 31 December 2026
- Field of work
- Administration & policy
- Contract
- Trainee
- Listing language
- EN
- Last checked
- 25 October 2026
Salary / pay scale
Financial contribution: N/A. All expenses incurred during the study placement are to be covered by the student. No financial support is granted by the Agency.
As published by the recruiting institution.Job description
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Study Placement Scheme
Contract Type:
Trainee
Section:
Deadline for application:
31/12/2026 at 23:59
Experience Level:
Graduate
Approx. number of candidates on reserve list:
50
Location:
Cologne, Germany
Monthly gross compensation (€):
N/A
EASA is the leading aviation authority in Europe. A career at EASA means contributing to our vision for an ever safer and greener civil aviation. As an EASA employee, you will be making a difference to the lives of about 500 million fellow Europeans: this is our shared purpose and it could be yours, too. From our headquarters in Cologne, Germany, you will work with top experts in a multicultural work environment. Diversity and inclusion are part of our DNA and innovation is at the heart of what we do. We ensure that aviation is safe in all phases: beginning with the certification of the aircraft to the rules for the air operation and crew. For more information about the Agency please consult our website and take a look at our organisation structure. Are you interested to contribute to our mission? Then see below what it takes to accomplish the role.
We are an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity and non-discrimination. To further enhance the diversity of our workforce, we particularly encourage applications from female candidates.
About the Study Placement Scheme
The Study Placement Scheme (SPS) is mainly addressed to candidates who as part of their studies at a University or equivalent institution, or as part of their professional qualification, need to complete a compulsory placement or write a final thesis.
The call is open year-round, allowing candidates to update or withdraw their applications anytime. Please see more details on how to apply fruther down.
Job Overview
Through the SPS, you will acquire first-hand technical and operational experience by means of contact made in the course of your everyday work in the Agency and will further put into practice the technical knowledge you are gaining during your studies. Your accountabilities will depend on the needs of the Agency and on your profile (i.e. educational background and skills). You will be deployed in professionally enriching projects under the supervision of a study placement advisor and you will be involved in the day-to-day activities of your team.In addition to the on-the-job training, general and technical in-house training may be offered -if necessary- to support your tasks and learning objectives.
Eligibility and Selection criteria
To be admitted to the selection process you must meet the following criteria:
• In the context of your studies at University or equivalent institution, or as part of your professional qualification, need to complete a compulsory placement or write a final thesis.
• Be national of one of the EASA Member States or of a country with observer status in the EASA Management Board [1]. In exceptional cases and when in the interest of the service, nationals of other third countries may be considered.
• Have a very good knowledge of English and preferably of another language of the European Union [2].
The area of interest you indicate when submitting your application will be considered in assessing the relevant competencies required to align your profile with potential roles and units. While we strive to match candidates with suitable opportunities, the final assignment will be based on organizational needs and available positions.
[1] For the list of the EASA Member States and of the States represented by the EASA Management Board Observers, click here
[2] Mother tongue English speakers will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of a second EU language. English oral and written skills will be assessed throughout the assessment phase.
Behavioural competences
Communication
Teamwork
Learning Agility
Planning & Organising Skills
Conditions
Duration of the placement: Min. 6 weeks – max 6 months, as per mutual agreement between the student and the Agency
Location: Cologne, Germany
Weekly hours: 40
Financial contribution: N/A. All expenses incurred during the study placement are to be covered by the student. No financial support is granted by the Agency.
Accident and health insurance: EASA does not provide accident nor health insurance. Prior to the start date, students must provide proof that they are covered by sickness and health insurance as well as insured against accident risks for the entire duration of their stay at the Agency.
Selection Process & How to apply
Selection Process
The selection process is carried out in accordance with the EDD 2004-004. It encompasses the following steps:
Your application will be assessed against the eligibility criteria and required skills. If shortlisted, you will be contacted for an interview regarding your suitability and expectations. Only candidates interviewed will be notified of the outcome; those not selected will remain in the database for other opportunities until year-end. If offered a position, you must provide required documentation, including proof of identity and education, health insurance, criminal record checks, and visa (if applicable).
How to apply
When applying, please ensure that you select your areas of interest in your candidate profile via the EASA Careers Portal. Please choose them by order, your preferred area of interests under "Interests area 1" and so on. This information will help us guiding our evaluation process and help match you with the most relevant opportunities. However, if your skills align with other open positions, you may also be considered for additional roles beyond your chosen areas of interest. We can only accept applications that are submitted in English through our Recruiting tool. Before sending your application, make sure it is complete and contains the document(s) specified in the vacancy notice. IMPORTANT: Before submitting your application, ensure that your candidate profile, all the fields and answers to the pre-screening questions are correct. In case of questions or technical issues, email us at [email protected]. Attach a description and screenshot of the error.
Apply now »
Complete linked Study Placement Scheme rules https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/downloads/140560/en
ED Decision 2024/004/ED 25/03/2024
TE.GEN.00401-003 © European Aviation Safety Agency. All rights reserved. ISO9001 Certified. Proprietary document. Copies are not controlled. Confirm revision status through the EASA-Internet/Intranet.
An agency of the European Union Page 1 of 6 Executive Director Decision
DECISION N° 2024/004/ED OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE AGENCY
of 25th March 2024
ON THE RULES GOVERNING THE EASA STUDY PLACEMENT SCHEME (SPS)
AND REPEALING DECISION 2016/117/ED OF 14 DECEMBER 2016
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE EUROPEAN AVIATION SAFETY AGENCY
Having regard to the Regulation (EU) No 2018/1139 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2018 on common rules in the field of civil aviation and establishing a European Union Aviation Safety Agency,
WHEREAS:
(1) With Decision 2016/117/ED EASA established the rules governing the Study Placement Scheme. (2) Taking into account the experience and the lessons learnt during the first year s of the implementation of the afore-mentioned Decision it is necessary to review and update the rules under which EASA will organise and implement the Study Placement Scheme. (3) The aim of the study placements is to to enlarge and improve the understanding of the specific areas of competence of EASA, and therefore promote the role and the knowledge of the Agency among a large public. (4) A Study Placement Scheme enable students to acquire technical and operational experience by means of contact made in the cour se of their everyday work in the Agency and to further put into practice the technical knowledge they are acquiring during their studies. (5) Through the Study Placement Scheme, EASA benefits from the input of University students who provide up-to-date academic knowledge which will enhance the everyday work at EASA and creates a pool of people with first-hand experience trained in European and EASA specific procedures, who will be better prepared to collaborate with EASA in the future.
After consulting the Staff Committee
HAS ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING DECISION: Ref. Ares(2024)2386827 - 02/04/2024
ED Decision 2024/004/ED 25/03/2024
TE.GEN.00401-003 © European Aviation Safety Agency. All rights reserved. ISO9001 Certified. Proprietary document. Copies are not controlled. Confirm revision status through the EASA-Internet/Intranet.
An agency of the European Union Page 2 of 6 Article 1 – Type and duration of the study placement
The Study Placement Scheme (SPS) is mainly addressed to candidates from all academic disciplines (i.e. EASA technical and corporate domains) , who as part of their studies at a University or equivalent institution, or as part of their professional qualification, need to complete a compulsory placement or write a final thesis.
EASA offers a limited number of study placements depending on internal availability of resources.
Study placements shall last typically a minimum of six (6) weeks and a maximum of six (6) months and can start at any time of the year. The duration and the timeframe wi ll be agreed between the student and the hiring department.
The duration is set at the beginning of the study placement period. The study placement finishes automatically at the end of the given period and may only be extended by mutual agreement between th e student and the Agency.
Study placement periods cannot be extended beyond the maximum period as defined above nor repeated.
Article 2 – Eligibility criteria
To be admitted to the EASA Study Placement Scheme, candidates must:
• Be nationals of one of the EASA Member States or of a country with observer status in t he EASA Management Board[1]. However, in exceptional cases and when in the interest of the service, nationals of other third countries may be considered; • Have a very good knowledge of English and preferably of another language of the European Union; • In the context of their studies at University or equivalent institution, or as part of their professional qualification, need to complete a compulsory placement or write a final thesis.
EASA may amend or further specify eligibility and selection criteria according to the actual needs of the Agency. Any such changes will be published on the website.
Failure to comply with one or more of the eligibility criteria will result in disqualification of the concerned applicant.
Candidates should inform EASA of any change in their situation that might occur at any stage of the selection process.
Article 3 – Application Process
3.1 Submission of applications
Applications must be submitted in accordance with the rules and procedures published on the EASA website.
1 For the list of the EASA Member States, please check here. For the list of the States represented by the EASA Management Board Observers, please check here.
ED Decision 2024/004/ED 25/03/2024
TE.GEN.00401-003 © European Aviation Safety Agency. All rights reserved. ISO9001 Certified. Proprietary document. Copies are not controlled. Confirm revision status through the EASA-Internet/Intranet.
An agency of the European Union Page 3 of 6
3.2 Eligibility check and Screening
The eligibility will be examined based on the criteria as defined in Article 2 and the submission criteria published on the EASA website.
Based on the applications received, the hosting Department will identify the applicants who demonstrate the best suitability with the identified needs in terms of educational background, qualifications, competences, motivations and preferences.
Prior to the final decision candidates may be contacted to check availability, suitability, linguistic knowledge and to discuss reciprocal expectations.
3.3 Final selection
The hosting Department shall indicate the recommended candidate to the Human Resources Department for validation of the placement.
3.4 Notification
Only successful candidates will be informed on the outcome of their application.
Successful candidates will then receive all necessary information concerning the study placement, including further explanation regarding submission of the documents2 to be provided prior to the start of the placement. If a candidate is unable to provide the requested documents within the given deadline, EASA may consider the offer as withdrawn.
3.5 Withdrawal
At any stage of the application process, candidates may withdraw their application. In such case, they are excluded from any further stage of the process. They may reapply for a subsequent placement period by submitting a new application.
Article 4 – Rights and duties
4.1 General obligations for participants of the SPS (thereinafter “students”)
Students must comply with the following general obligations:
2 Example of documents that may be required include but are not limited to: proof of identity, education, health insurance, absence of criminal records, declaration of interest. Students are responsible for making sure that they have the correct visa, where applicable, and that they obtain all the documentation required by the relevant authorities (e.g. extract of police records) before comme ncing their study placement.
ED Decision 2024/004/ED 25/03/2024
TE.GEN.00401-003 © European Aviation Safety Agency. All rights reserved. ISO9001 Certified. Proprietary document. Copies are not controlled. Confirm revision status through the EASA-Internet/Intranet.
An agency of the European Union Page 4 of 6 • Students are requested to comply with the instructions given to them by their advisor or their superior in the department to which they are assigned, and with the existent EASA administrative guidelines including the rules concerning confidentiality and security , and with the internal rules applicable to study placement; • Students must respect the w orking hours and contribute to the work of the department to which they have been assigned in agreement with their advisor; • Students are allowed to attend meetings on subjects of interest to their work and receive documentation and participate in the work of the department to which they are attached at the level corresponding to their educational and professional background; • Students must exercise the greatest discretion regarding data, facts and information that come to their knowledge during the course of their placement. They must not disclose to any unauthorised person any document or information not already made public. Students are bound by this obligation after the end of their study placement . The Agency reserves the right to terminate the study placement and to take action against any person who does not respect this obligation; • Students must consult and inform their advis ors, Section Manager or Head of Department, or if unavailable, the HR Department on any action they propose to take on their own i nitiative relating to the Agency’s activities; • Students must not have any professional connection with third parties which might be incompatible with their placement and they are not permitted to exercise any gainful employment during the period of study placement which may adversely affect the work assigned during the study placement; • Upon engagement, students will be requested to sign appropriate documentation on confidentiality obligations, documentation on the code of conduct and to complete a declaration on the absence of any conflict of interest.
4.2 The role and duties of the study placement advisor
A study placement advisor will be appointed by the hosting unit for each student. The student will be under his/her supervision and responsibility during the placement. The study placement advisor shall: • Develop a specific work plan; • Instruct the student and advise on the performance of the work allocated; • Ensure that the student is involved in the everyday work of EASA as far as possible; • Supervise the student’s work throughout the study placement; • Help the student with any technical/administrative matters; • Inform the HR Department of any significant event occurring during the study placement (in particular professional incompetence, absences, illnesses, accidents, inappropriate behaviour, interruption of placement, etc.).
4.3 Status
Admission to a study placement does not confer on students the status of officials or other servants of the European Union nor does it entail any right or priority with regard to future engagement in the Agency. Students can apply to EASA selection procedures at the same conditi ons of any other candidate s. Students cannot benefit from any privileges and immunities granted to officials or other servants of the European Union.
ED Decision 2024/004/ED 25/03/2024
TE.GEN.00401-003 © European Aviation Safety Agency. All rights reserved. ISO9001 Certified. Proprietary document. Copies are not controlled. Confirm revision status through the EASA-Internet/Intranet.
An agency of the European Union Page 5 of 6 Article 5 – Financial matters
All expenses incurred during the study placement (e.g. travel from/to place of origin, transports, accommodation, etc) are to be covered by the student. No financial support is granted by the Agency.
5.1 Insurance
EASA does not provide accident nor health insurance.
Prior to the start date students must provide proof that they are insured against accident risks either privately or under the terms of their University’s insurance.
Students must also provide proof that they are covered by a sickness insurance scheme, e.g., through the European Health Insurance Card or through private insurance.
Prior to the start date, students must provide proof that they are covered by sickness and health insurance for the entire duration of their stay at the Agency.
If a student fails to provide such proofs, the study placement must be terminated.
Article 6 – Leave and absences
6.1 Working Time
The working hours and the official public holidays applicable to EASA staff members apply also to students. Part-time arrangements, flexible holidays, flexitime leave, home leave are not applicable to students. In principle, students are expected to be present in the premises to profit as much as possible of the physical interaction with colleagues. Teleworking arrangements, in the limits of the EASA rules for staff, shall be subject to individual agreement with the advisor and respective line manager.
6.2 Leaves and Absences
Students are entitled to 2 days leave per month. This entitlement is acquired pro rata to the months worked, counted from the first day of the month. Days of leave taken to participate to university exams will not be deducted from the leave entitlement under the condition that a certificate is provided. Leave requests must be submitted and agreed with the advisor and sent via email to the respective line manager for approval.
Students are entitled to the same official public holidays as EASA staff members.
In the event of illness, students must notify their advisor and respective line manager immediately.
When students are absent without justification or without notifying the advisor and line manager, they must provide as soon as possible written justification for the unauthorised absence. The Agency may decide following evaluation of the justification given, or if no justification is given by a given deadline, to terminate the study placement immediately.
ED Decision 2024/004/ED 25/03/2024
TE.GEN.00401-003 © European Aviation Safety Agency. All rights reserved. ISO9001 Certified. Proprietary document. Copies are not controlled. Confirm revision status through the EASA-Internet/Intranet.
An agency of the European Union Page 6 of 6
Article 7 – Missions and external training
Students are not entitled to be sent on mission or attend external training.
Article 8 – Early termination of the contract
8.1 Termination by the Agency
On the basis of a justified request from the advisor, the Agency may terminate the study placement if inter alia: a) the student breaches his/her obligations under these rules; b) the student knowingly makes wrong statements or submits false documentations at the time of the application or during the placement period; c) the level of the student’s professional performance or his/her knowledge of the working language turns out to be insufficient for the performance of his/her duties; d) the social behaviour or the conduct of the student does not prove to be satisfactory; e) the student does not comply with EASA’s rules concerning working conditions, security, safety , conflict of interest and confidentiality.
8.2 Termination by the student
If a student wishes to terminate his/her study placement earlier than the date agreed upon offer , the student must submit a written request to the HR Department for approval.
Article 9 – Protection of personal data
All applicants' personal data are dealt with as required by Regulation (E U) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 and Decision No 1247/2002/EC.
Article 10 – Repeal
Decision 2016/117/ED of 14 December 2016 “On the rules governing the EASA Study Placement Scheme (SPS)" is hereby repealed.
Article 11– Final provisions
This Decision shall be published on the website of the Agency and shall become effective on the day of its signature.
Done in Cologne, 25/03/2024 Luc TYTGAT Electronically signed on 25/03/2024 17:43 (UTC+01) in accordance with Article 11 of Commission Decision (EU) 2021/2121
Original application and guidance links https://careers.easa.europa.eu/talentcommunity/apply/1375118033/?locale=en_GB https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/home https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/the-agency/agency-organisation-structure https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/domains/international-cooperation/easa-by-country?ctype%5Beasa_mbm%5D=easa_mbm&easa_relationship%5B0%5D=field_easa_country_mbmo_target_id https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/downloads/140560/en http://careers.easa.europa.eu/ https://www.easa.europa.eu/the-agency/management-board/members https://www.easa.europa.eu/the-agency/management-board/observers
Original vacancy: European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) · Description checked 25 October 2026
The original vacancy sets the qualifications, nationality rules, pay, required languages and exact closing time. Read the full notice before applying.