European Solidarity Corps (ESC): Fully Funded Volunteering in Europe — Eligibility, Benefits & Application
The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) gives young people the chance to volunteer in projects that help communities across Europe and beyond. Travel, accommodation, food, insurance and monthly pocket money are covered, so participation is free.
Budget
Fully funded placement
Co-financing
100%
Who
Young individuals aged 18–30
Who can take part?
Young people aged 18 to 30 can volunteer (up to 35 for humanitarian aid volunteering). You register on the European Youth Portal from age 17 and can start once you turn 18. Residents of EU Member States and associated countries such as Türkiye, North Macedonia and Serbia are eligible.
Types of activities
Individual volunteering lasts from 2 to 12 months (short-term placements of 2 weeks to 2 months are possible for young people with fewer opportunities). Volunteering teams bring groups together for a few weeks. Solidarity Projects let groups of at least five young people design and run their own local project with a grant.
What is covered?
Travel to and from the project, accommodation, meals or a food allowance, local transport, comprehensive insurance, online language support and monthly pocket money set per country. Volunteers also receive a Youthpass certificate recognising the skills they gain.
For organisations: the Quality Label
NGOs, municipalities and other bodies that want to host or send volunteers must first obtain an ESC Quality Label. Once accredited, they can apply for volunteering project grants that cover volunteers' costs and organisational support.
How to apply step by step
1) Create your profile on the European Youth Portal. 2) Browse the opportunities database and filter by country and topic. 3) Send a tailored motivation letter to hosting organisations. 4) Prepare for an online interview. 5) Work with your sending organisation on pre-departure training. Selection can take several months, so apply to multiple projects.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to speak the local language?
Usually not. Most projects work in English and the programme provides online language courses.
Is ESC volunteering really free?
Yes. Volunteers should never pay a participation fee; all core costs are funded by the programme.
Let's prepare your application together
Our Brussels team will assess your eligibility for free.