Study sessions are international educational youth seminars co-organised by partner organisations and the Council of Europe Youth Department. Eligible youth organisations and networks propose a theme and work with the Department to prepare an activity at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg or Budapest.
A standard session brings together 20–40 participants for 4–8 working days to examine a youth issue linked to Council of Europe priorities and plan follow-up action. Applications are considered twice yearly; the first-semester 2027 call closed on 15 April 2026, while the next fixed deadline is 15 October 2026 for activities in July–December 2027.
Benefits & funding
- The Council of Europe almost fully finances study sessions through its youth-sector budget; detailed financial arrangements are provided by the Secretariat.
- The selected organisation receives educational support from a Council of Europe educational adviser and use of a European Youth Centre.
- A standard session may use two working languages with simultaneous interpretation when justified and accepted.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be a European or international non-governmental youth organisation with partners or branches in at least 7 European countries; a European network joining partners from at least 8 European countries; or a sub-regional network or national-youth structure covering at least 5 neighbouring countries.
- Applicants must work in an area relevant to Council of Europe youth policy and propose a 4–8-day activity for 20–40 participants.
- The participant group must include residents of at least 8 Council of Europe member states; no more than 20% may come from one country, up to 15% may come from non-member countries, and a majority must be under 30.
- Internal organisational meetings, school or university programme activities, vocational-only training, competitive activities and profit-making activities are ineligible.
Can you apply?
Open to all applicants
No nationality, residency, education, or experience limits are listed.
Appears to have an age limit “up to 15”
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Application process
- 1Match the proposed subject to the Council of Europe youth-sector priorities and define a single-session aim with concrete follow-up.
- 2Design a participatory non-formal education programme lasting 4–8 working days for 20–40 participants and assemble a predominantly young multicultural team.
- 3Complete the application form released with the relevant call and follow that call’s submission instructions; calls are announced during the four weeks before each deadline.
- 4The Youth Department Secretariat checks eligibility, formal criteria, educational quality and prioritisation before the Programming Committee on Youth makes the final decision.
Program timeline
Application deadline for study sessions in January–June 2027.
Apr 15, 2026
Fixed application deadline for study sessions planned for July–December 2027.
Oct 15, 2026
July–December 2027
Activity window for proposals submitted in the October 2026 cycle.