Apply for the CEPS Young Thinkers Training Programme 2025

The Young Thinkers Training Programme 2025, organised by the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) in Brussels, offers young people from around the world — including those from Nigeria — an exceptional opportunity to develop the skills, networks, and confidence needed to influence policy debates on some of today’s most pressing issues.

About the Programme

Launched in 2021, the CEPS Young Thinkers Training Programme has quickly become a recognised platform for empowering diverse and underrepresented voices in global policymaking. The initiative is designed to give students, young professionals, and emerging leaders a practical introduction to European policy debates while building their leadership, professional, and writing skills.

Unlike many traditional policy fellowships, this programme combines interactive online training, direct mentorship, and publishing opportunities. Participants not only learn from some of Europe’s leading researchers and policymakers but also contribute their own perspectives, ensuring that new and diverse voices help shape the future of governance.

What Participants Will Gain

Selected participants will participate in six online sessions led by CEPS experts, focusing on themes highly relevant to global and regional policy today. Topics include:

• Citizen participation in policymaking – exploring how ordinary people can meaningfully influence decisions.
• Global health policy – analysing how international cooperation can address challenges like pandemics, health equity, and sustainable systems.
• Foresight in EU policymaking – understanding how governments use future-oriented thinking to prepare for global trends and uncertainties.

Beyond the training sessions, participants will receive mentorship, opportunities to publish policy commentaries, and the chance to engage with European policymakers directly. This mix of academic knowledge, practical writing experience, and networking is a unique opportunity for young thinkers to strengthen their professional journey.

Benefits of the Programme

The Young Thinkers Training Programme goes far beyond lectures and seminars. Key benefits include:

• Access to a specialised training package that is not available anywhere else.
• Direct engagement with CEPS researchers and European policymakers.
• The opportunity to publish original policy commentary, showcasing your perspective on global issues.
• A digital certificate of completion adds valuable weight to your academic or professional profile.

For Nigerian participants in particular, this experience could provide a launchpad into the international policy space, bridging local expertise with global debates.

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Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to all nationalities, reflecting its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Applicants should:

• Be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Come from any academic or professional background – prior EU policy experience is not required.
• Have a passion for governance, leadership, and contributing new perspectives to policy debates.

Key Dates to Remember

Why This Matters for Nigerians

For Nigerian students and young professionals, the Young Thinkers Training Programme is more than just an academic opportunity. It is a chance to:

• Bring African perspectives into European policy debates.
• Gain practical exposure to policy analysis and leadership development.
• Build a network with international peers, mentors, and policymakers.
• Strengthen your profile for future roles in governance, NGOs, academia, or diplomacy.

In an increasingly interconnected world, this programme provides a platform for young Nigerians to learn, contribute, and lead on the global stage.

If you’ve ever imagined yourself shaping the policies that impact health, governance, and global cooperation, this is your moment to step forward.

APPLY FOR THE YOUNG THINKERS TRAINING PROGRAMME