Application process

Eligibility

1. Applicants must be Early Career Psychiatrists (psychiatrists under 40 years of age and/or within 5 years after passing the specialist exam). Residents and trainees are not eligible for this programme.
2. Applicants must reside in a country included in the World Health Organisation – European Region (Select “European Region” from the drop-down list) and cannot apply for a placement in the country he/she is currently living in.
   
3. The applicant should be fluent in English and should have notions of the host country language for clinical purposes.
4. The applicant must be familiar with the proposed speciality of the department/institution.

Administrative Procedure

• Dates and length of placements are discussed directly between the host institution and the selected candidate to find the best possible arrangement before making any arrangements. Placements should be organised in the course of 2025, ideally before 30 September 2025. The recommended duration for placements is between 2 to 8 weeks.
• Selected candidates should make their own travel and accommodation arrangements and initiate any necessary visa procedures sufficiently in advance of their visit to the host institution. They will also have to negotiate the terms with their own institution to go on leave.
• There is no application fee for the programme. For successful applicants, the EPA is pleased to offer scholarships of €850 to help with travel, accommodation and other expenses.
• Participants will receive the scholarship via wire transfer shortly after the end date of their placement once their obersvership report and evaluation form have been submitted to the EPA office.

Find all detailed information here:
>> Observership Positions
>> Frequently Asked Questions

Application

• Candidates may apply for one, two or three placements. If they select more than one, they will be asked to indicate their choice in order of priority when they fill in the online application form. 
• Interest in each placement should be explicitly explained in the motivation letter, as well as relevant experiences and aspirations. Applications are reviewed by the EPA Early Career Psychiatrists Committee to verify eligibility criteria and approve placement requests based on candidates profiles / proposed specialties of the host institution. 
• For your online application, you will be asked to provide:
  – Contact information
  – A professional CV in English
  – Proof of ID – including birthdate (passport or identity card, please black out the national identification numbers)
  – A motivation letter explaining how previous or current work and interests fit with the selected placement(s) and how this observership will help in terms of professional development.
  – A proof of fluency in the English language: an official certificate or a statement by the candidate’s supervisor confirming their English level.
  – A copy of the candidate’s certificate of completion of psychiatric training – in English
  – A recommendation letter from the candidate’s supervisor

2025 Gaining Experience Programme
— APPLiCATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED —
thank you to all applicants!