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The European Youth Assembly 2027 (EYA 2027) is an international youth leadership and policy gathering that will bring together young leaders, students, professionals, advocates, researchers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from around the world in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Organized by the Center for International Policy and Sustainability (CIPS), the four-day event is designed around leadership, international dialogue, policy discussions, networking, workshops, and youth participation. According to CIPS, EYA 2027 will take place from March 17–20, 2027. For applicants interested in attending, EYA 2027 offers several participation routes, including 30 fully funded seats, 20 partially funded seats, and 50 free Assembly passes. There are also paid Direct Access options for applicants who want to secure participation without going through the competitive funded-seat selection process. European Youth Assembly 2027 at a Glance Category Details Event European Youth Assembly 2027 Organizer Center for International Policy and Sustainability (CIPS) Location Amsterdam, Netherlands Dates March 17–20, 2027 Age range 17–47 Nationality All countries Fully funded seats 30 Partially funded seats 20 Free Assembly passes 50 Total funded/free opportunities 100 Funded application deadline December 20, 2026 Application fee for funded selection USD 17.99 *The main EYA page currently lists December 20, 2026 as the funded application deadline. What Is the European Youth Assembly? The European Youth Assembly is an international platform for young people to exchange ideas, develop leadership skills, participate in policy discussions, and build connections with participants from different countries and professional backgrounds. The 2027 Assembly is expected to include: The programme is multidisciplinary rather than restricted to one academic field or profession. Who Can Apply for EYA 2027? According to CIPS, EYA 2027 is open to applicants from all countries and nationalities. Applicants should generally: There is no specific academic discipline or professional background requirement. The organizers say applicants may include students, graduates, young professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, academics, NGO and civil society representatives, educators, journalists, technology professionals, social entrepreneurs, and community leaders. What Fully Funded Opportunities Are Available? EYA 2027 lists 30 Fully Funded seats. According to CIPS, selected fully funded delegates receive: Applicants should carefully read the official terms before applying because funded participation is awarded through a competitive selection process. Partially Funded Opportunities EYA 2027 also provides 20 Partially Funded seats. The official page describes these seats as providing the funded participation package while excluding international airfare support. The package includes accommodation, visa support, meals and coffee breaks during designated sessions, Assembly access, certificate, networking, workshops, speaking opportunities, and other listed programme activities. Free Assembly Passes There are also 50 Free Assembly Passes. These provide participation in the Assembly without the accommodation and airfare support associated with the funded categories. Applicants should carefully review the current official description of the particular pass before applying because the benefits differ between participation categories. Is EYA 2027 Completely Free? Not necessarily. CIPS states that applicants seeking consideration for the competitive funded-seat selection process are charged a USD 17.99 application fee. Payment of this fee does not guarantee selection for a funded place. This distinction is important: “fully funded seat” refers to the benefits received by selected delegates, while entering the funded selection process has an application fee. Applicants should therefore read the terms and conditions carefully before submitting payment. How Are Funded Participants Selected? CIPS describes the funded-seat process as a competitive, rubric-based evaluation. The organization says applications are assessed based on factors including: This means applicants should not rely only on academic qualifications. A strong application should clearly communicate what you have done, why you are interested in the Assembly, what you hope to learn, and what perspective or experience you could contribute. What Should You Highlight in Your Application? Before applying, prepare a clear record of your: Rather than simply listing activities, explain your actual role and contribution. For example, instead of writing that you participated in a community project, explain what problem the project addressed, what you personally did, what you learned, and what changed as a result of your involvement. What Can Participants Gain from EYA 2027? The Assembly is designed around several areas of professional and personal development. Participants can engage with international peers and professionals while developing communication, collaboration, leadership, and public-engagement skills. The programme also provides opportunities to discuss topics such as: Participants also receive a Certificate of Participation, according to the official programme information. Networking Opportunities International networking is one of the central components of EYA 2027. Participants are expected to come from different countries, academic fields, professions, and sectors. The event provides opportunities to meet students, researchers, entrepreneurs, NGO representatives, professionals, advocates, and other young participants. For young professionals and students interested in international affairs, development, sustainability, policy, civil society, or leadership, this can provide an opportunity to build professional connections beyond their local environment. Does EYA 2027 Require a Specific Academic Background? No. CIPS states that applicants from all academic disciplines and professional backgrounds are welcome. Therefore, applicants do not need to be studying international relations, political science, development studies, or another particular subject. The programme is intended to bring together people with different experiences and perspectives. Can Applicants From Outside Europe Apply? Yes. EYA 2027 is presented as a global opportunity and is open to applicants from all countries and nationalities. This means applicants from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, Europe, and other regions can apply, provided they meet the stated eligibility requirements. Visa Support for EYA 2027 CIPS states that visa support is available under the relevant participation categories. There is also a separate Visa Invitation Letter Only option for applicants who primarily need documentation to begin their Schengen visa preparation. According to CIPS, this option provides an official invitation letter, delegate confirmation, and confirmation of the event dates and location. However, receiving an invitation letter should not be interpreted as a guarantee that a Schengen visa will be issued. Visa decisions are made by the relevant authorities. Applicants should also check the exact terms of the visa-invitation option before paying for it. Direct Access Participation Applicants who do not want to