Applications

Applications for the 14th Cohort are now open for the October - February 2026 period

The European Leadership Programme (ELP) opens an application period before each semester, however interested participants are welcome to apply all year long for upcoming cohorts. ELP is a residential post-graduate formation programme which requires the applicants to be based in Brussels to undertake the Fellowship. 

Apply now

Eligibility

  • Be aged between 22-35.
  • Hold a Bachelor’s Degree diploma.
  • Present an English proficiency certificate (min. B2 or equivalent) or a proof that at least 1 semester of studies were carried out in English.
  • Submit a CV, motivation letter and letter of recommendation.
  • We advise you to be enrolled in a traineeship/job/volunteering activity at any organisation in Brussels, but we also consider your application if you currently do not have an occupation or if you pursue a postgraduate study such as PhD. However, please be aware that by signing the Fellowship Agreement you commit to stay in the programme for the five month period, with or without an occupation.
  • Special note: for ELP candidates wanting to enrol in an EU traineeship (European Commission, European Parliament, etc.), please be aware that their application period runs usually 6 months before the desired period (e.g. traineeships starting in October have the application deadline by mid-May, and those starting in March have the application deadline in September/October of the previous year). For more information, check these traineeships’ websites in our Traineeships page, or register to receive the monthly Leadership Post newsletter, where those periods are regularly announced.

Minority groups are encouraged to apply: this includes but is not limited to racial, ethnic, geographic, and gender minorities.

You should apply if…

  • You value human-spiritual guidance and appreciate having a group to reflect on your own vocation.
  • You feel yet unconvinced about the job you do and prefer to discern your career direction and goals.
  • You feel somehow trapped between the academia and the labour market.
  • You are ready to invest into your personal development in order to become a leader for the European Common Good.
  • You have the curiosity to listen to other leaders and how they found mission and sense in what they are engaged in.
  • You are ready to appreciate the 500 years of experience of Jesuit tradition in formation.
  • You want to belong to an international Ignatian-affiliated community built on diversity, dialogue, acceptance, and open-mindedness.

Then we invite you to apply to this unique post-graduate non-accredited residential formation program.

  • Apply
  • Trust the process
  • Receive the invitation

Dates and Timeline

The ELP Programme takes place for a period of five months:

  • Fellowship period from October 1 to February 28/29 (Fall cohort)
  • Fellowship period from March 1 to July 31 (Spring cohort)

ELP Fellowship Timeline

Below is a general timeline for the ELP Fellowship Programme.

  • May/December: Applications Open
  • Continuously: Evaluation of application documents
  • Continuously: Selection interviews conducted on a rolling basis
  • Continuously: Notifications of selected Fellows via email
  • September/February: Onboarding of the selected Fellows
  • October/March: Beginning of the cohort
  •  

Application Documents

The Selection Committee will examine the documents provided and interview the applicants. The selection will be conducted on a rolling basis. The Committee will rank the applicants through the evaluation of the documents submitted.

Applicants will be given a total score from 0 to 10 from each of the ELP Selection Committee members. All scores from the ELP Selection Committee members will be put together and applicants with the highest scores will be selected. The ELP Selection Committee will ensure equal opportunities in the selection process. Applicants will be informed of the outcome of the selection in order to be able to proceed to formalize their enrolment to the Programme.

  • Fill in the Application Form
  • Maximum two-page resume that highlights your leadership skills 
  • Explain why you want to become an ELP Fellow
  • Highlight your motivations, as well as your background, experiences and skills that will help you succeed
  • If you are applying to an ELP specific traineeship please make sure your motivation letter is suited to both ELP and the vacancy
  • English language certificate (B2 or equivalent) or
  • Proof that your studies included at least one semester in English language
  • Select recommenders who can explain why you are uniquely qualified for the fellowship
  • If you were enrolled in a degree program within the last two years, the letter can be from a professor or faculty member who knows you
  • If you have been active in a youth council, volunteering organisation or your local community, the letter can come from a person who can give an account of your involvement and achievements
  • It can be from a representative of a Catholic recognised institution

Fees

The total value of the European Leadership Programme (ELP) is 13,500€ per Fellow for the full period of the five-month Fellowship. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are currently able to subsidise this fee. The amount payable remains the rent including utilities (living in the ELP community is a mandatory element of the programme) which is subject to yearly indexation and varies according to the size of the allocated room. Additionally, there is a one-time administrative fee of 250€ to be paid at the beginning. 

The cost of the rent is between 650-755 €/month.

For calculating living cost expenses let us draw your attention to the following website: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/

We are committed to offer the formation as equitably as possible. We have designed this Programme for future leaders who are ready to invest in their vocation timewise and as well as contribute with their engagement and motivation.

Interested in ELP specific traineeship offers? Click here.