Are you a recent graduate or a postgraduate student looking to advance your career in legal affairs related to pharmaceuticals in Europe? The European Medicines Agency (EMA) Legal Traineeship 2026 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, offers a premium opportunity to gain valuable work experience, mentorship, and financial support. It is looking for motivated, qualified recent graduates or students on an Erasmus+ or other programme or PhD students or Master’s students (who posses a previous degree), who are interested in gaining experience and contribute to the Agency’s work for every patient in Europe. The purpose of a traineeship at the Agency is to perform tasks that are predominantly in the interest of the trainee’s training and principally serve to increase the trainee’s knowledge and to gain relevant experience. This blog details everything you need to know about the traineeship, including eligibility, benefits, application process, and living costs for international students.
Basic Information About the European Medicines Agency Legal Traineeship 2026
The EMA Legal Traineeship 2026 is a 10-month program running from 1 March 2026 to 31 December 2026 at the EMA premises in Amsterdam. The traineeship is designed for aspiring legal professionals to gain hands-on experience in pharmaceutical law within a leading European Union agency responsible for the evaluation and supervision of medicines across the EU.
- Application Deadline: 30 September 2025, 23:59 CET
- Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Duration: 10 months (full-time or part-time options available)
Expected selection timelines
| Deadline for applications | 30 September 2025 23:59 CET |
|---|---|
| Assessments (remote) | From mid-October 2025 to mid-November 2025 |
| Decision and offers | By end of November 2025 |
| Placement start | 1 March 2026 |
University/Institution Details
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is a decentralized agency of the European Union. Operating since 1995 in Amsterdam, EMA oversees the scientific evaluation, supervision, and safety monitoring of medicines throughout the EU member states. The Legal Department within EMA provides pivotal support on pharmaceutical regulations, litigation, and anti-fraud activities.
Study Areas and Program Names Available
Although focused on legal traineeships, EMA offers various traineeship programs including:
- Legal Department (Pharmaceutical Law, Litigation, General Affairs, and Anti-Fraud)
- International Affairs
- Data Science
- HR Digital Transformation
- Talent Acquisition
- Information Centre (Library)
- Customer Advocacy & Business Solutions
- Data Protection
For 2026, the Legal Traineeship provides exposure to legislation such as the New Pharmaceutical Legislation (NPL), litigation support, document access requests, and operational legal assistance.
European Medicines Agency Legal Traineeship Benefits
Selected trainees will receive a comprehensive benefit package to support them during the traineeship:
- Monthly stipend: Approximately €1,942.19 (about $2,150 USD)
- Travel contribution: To and from the Netherlands at the start and end of the traineeship
- Mentorship: Personalized mentoring and regular progress assessments
- Career development: Workshops, seminars, and professional growth opportunities
- Flexible working: Option for up to 40% teleworking from the Netherlands and occasional teleworking outside the country
- Paid leave: 20 days of paid leave for full-time trainees
- Networking opportunities: Multicultural environment with trainees across Europe
Benefits Not Included
- Accommodation and living expenses are not covered by the traineeship stipend.
- Health insurance and visa costs must be arranged and paid by the trainee.
- Language courses or relocation support beyond travel reimbursement are not included.
Eligibility Criteria for the European Medicines Agency Legal Traineeship
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following:
- Be a citizen of the European Union or European Economic Area (EU/EEA), including Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway
- Have a university degree obtained no longer than 12 months before application or be currently enrolled in Erasmus+ or similar programs, Master’s or PhD students with a previous degree
- Demonstrate proficiency in English at a C1 level and good knowledge of another official EU language (B2 level)
- Be highly motivated with a proactive attitude and strong interest in EU pharmaceutical law and regulation
Additional skills
In addition to the eligibility criteria, you will have:
- Knowledge of the EU law/EU pharmaceutical law obtained in the course of university studies/traineeship/working experience;
- Skills in writing official documents in English.
Behavioural Competencies
You will demonstrate the following behavioural competencies:
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Working with others
- Adaptability
- Research and analytical skills
- Learning and development
Required Documents for the Application
Applicants must submit:
- A completed online application form on the EMA Careers portal
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) in the Europass format
- Cover letter explaining motivation and relevant experience
- Proof of eligibility (degree or enrolment certificates)
- Language proficiency certificates (English C1 and another EU language B2)
- Any other documents required per the application instructions
European Medicines Agency Legal Traineeship Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare your documents: CV, cover letter, degree certificates, and language proof.
- Visit the EMA Careers Portal: Access the Traineeship vacancy for the Legal Department.
- Create a candidate profile: Enter your personal details and upload required documents.
- Complete the application questions: Answer eligibility and motivation questions carefully.
- Submit your application: Before the deadline on 30 September 2025, 23:59 CET.
- Application review and shortlisting: EMA reviews applications and conducts remote interviews.
- Written assessments and final offers: Successful candidates are offered the traineeship.
- Start the traineeship: Traineeship begins on 1 March 2026.
Tips for a Successful EMA Legal Traineeship Application
- Tailor your cover letter: Align your motivation and skills with EMA’s mission and the Legal Department’s work.
- Highlight relevant experience: Include internships, legal research, or regulatory work.
- Proofread thoroughly: Ensure error-free documents and clear, concise language.
- Demonstrate language skills: Provide strong proof of English and other EU languages proficiency.
- Meet deadlines: Submit well before the closing date to avoid technical issues.
- Prepare for interviews: Research EMA’s policy, recent EU pharmaceutical legislation, and current challenges in pharma law.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in the Netherlands (in USD)
Living in Amsterdam as an international trainee requires budgeting for accommodation, food, transport, and other essentials. The estimated monthly expenses in USD are:
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (USD) |
| Accommodation | $450 – $1,350 |
| Food and Groceries | $170 – $340 |
| Utilities and Internet | $170 – $230 |
| Transportation | $45 – $110 |
| Health Insurance | $90 – $130 |
| Leisure and Misc. | $60 – $180 |
| Total Estimated | $985 – $2,340 |
Note: Costs vary depending on the city, housing type, and lifestyle. Amsterdam tends to be on the higher side of the range.
Why Choose This EMA Legal Traineeship? Top 5 Reasons
- Prestigious EU Institution: Work with one of the foremost agencies regulating medicines in Europe.
- Hands-on Legal Experience: Gain experience in pharma law, litigation, and legal advisory roles impacting EU public health.
- Competitive Monthly Stipend: Financial support with nearly $2,150 USD monthly plus travel reimbursement.
- Mentorship and Professional Growth: Personalized guidance and development workshops to advance your career.
- Multicultural Work Environment: Collaborate with professionals from diverse EU member states, enhancing your international network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the EMA Legal Traineeship
Q1: Who can apply for the EMA Legal Traineeship?
Applicants must be EU/EEA nationals who are recent graduates, Master’s, or PhD students with required language skills.
Q2: Is the traineeship paid?
Yes, a monthly stipend of approximately €1,942.19 (about $2,150) is provided.
Q3: Can non-EU citizens apply?
Generally, it is restricted to EU/EEA nationals, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
Q4: What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 30 September 2025 at 23:59 CET.
Q5: Can I do the traineeship part-time?
Yes, part-time options (80% or 50%) are available, especially for those combining with studies.
Official Link:
This traineeship offers an unparalleled gateway into EU pharmaceutical legal affairs while supporting your living in the beautiful city of Amsterdam. Prepare your application today to embark on a rewarding professional journey with the European Medicines Agency Legal Traineeship 2026.