The EPSO AD5 Graduates competition is the main entry point for university graduates who want a permanent career in the EU institutions. Each year, EPSO runs one or more generalist competitions at the AD5 level, and tens of thousands of applicants from all 27 member states take part.
What is the AD5 Graduates Competition?
The AD5 competition is open to candidates with a university degree (at least three years of study) in any discipline. Unlike specialist competitions, it asks for no prior work experience. That makes it the usual route for recent graduates and career changers who want to start in EU policy-making or administration.
Successful candidates are placed on a reserve list from which all EU institutions and agencies can recruit. The reserve list is typically valid for one to three years, and positions are available across Brussels, Luxembourg, and agency locations throughout Europe.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the AD5 Graduates competition, you must be a citizen of an EU member state, hold a university degree (at least three years of post-secondary study), and have thorough knowledge of at least two EU official languages: one at C1 level and one at B2 level. The second language is usually English, French, or German, since these are the working languages of the EU institutions.
The Selection Process
The competition unfolds in several stages over 12-18 months. First, candidates submit their applications through the EU Careers portal during a 4-6 week window. Next come computer-based tests (CBTs) at Prometric test centres worldwide, covering verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, abstract reasoning, and situational judgement. The top-scoring candidates are then invited to an Assessment Centre in Brussels, which includes a case study, group exercise, oral presentation, and competency-based interview.
How to Prepare
Start preparing well in advance. Practice the reasoning tests using EPSO's free sample tests on the EU Careers portal. Consider investing in preparation courses from established providers such as EU Training or Prepari. For the Assessment Centre, study the EU core competencies framework and prepare STAR-method examples from your professional, academic, or volunteer experience. Understanding EU institutions and current EU policies will also strengthen your performance.
AD5 Salary and Benefits
AD5 is the entry-level administrator grade with a basic monthly salary of approximately EUR 4,917 to EUR 5,565. Add the expatriation allowance (16% for staff working outside their home country), the household allowance, and other benefits, and the total package is well above most national civil-service pay. EU salaries are exempt from national income tax, with a lower EU community tax applied instead. The package also includes health insurance, pension rights, and generous annual leave.
Tips for Success
Competition for AD5 places is fierce, with success rates typically between 1% and 5%. Preparation is what separates most of the people who pass from those who do not. Focus on the computer-based tests, since that is where most candidates drop out. Practice under timed conditions, because speed matters as much as accuracy. For the Assessment Centre, structured answers matter more than a polished delivery. And if you do not get through the first time, try again. Plenty of current EU officials passed on their second or third competition.