Would you like to be in a room with young leaders from across the globe and discuss issues that would define the next decade? The European Youth Assembly (EYA) 2027 offers you the opportunity. The event is set in Amsterdam, Netherlands and is providing an opportunity for funded seats as well as free passes. Individuals from any country can apply, no matter their age.
This guide will help you with every information you need on the conference. There’s info on the schedule, the seating arrangement and the exact steps to apply. Remember there are limited funded seats and the deadline is closer than you think.
What Is the European Youth Assembly 2027?
EYA 2027 is a four-day international youth gathering organized by the Center for International Policy and Sustainability (CIPS). CIPS is a Canada-based organization that helps young people take a bigger role in global policy conversations. The assembly runs from 17 to 20 March 2027 in Amsterdam.
This is what sets it apart. There’s no specific degree or job title you will need. Students, entrepreneurs, researchers, advocates and young professionals all sit around the same table. The idea is simple and it is that young people must not wait to inherit the future. Honest dialogues and practical thoughts should begin shaping it now.
CIPS has managed other youth summits such as the Youth Democracy Summit in Rome, so the team is aware of how to run big international events. It’s essential to have that experience when travelling across borders.
Curious about CIPS’s other youth gatherings? Read more about the Youth Democracy Summit 2026 in Rome.
What Will Happen During the Assembly?
Expect four busy days. You will not just sit and listen. The program includes:
- Panel discussions with policymakers and international experts.
- Hands-on workshops that build real-world skills.
- Policy dialogues where delegates share views from their own countries.
- Networking sessions designed to create lasting contacts.
- Leadership development activities.
- Cultural exchange with delegates from different regions.
Picture this: on day two, you debate a sustainability proposal with someone from another continent. By evening, you are swapping contact details over coffee. That kind of experience gives you far more than a certificate. It sharpens your public speaking, tests your ideas, and introduces you to people who may become future partners.
For a look at how CIPS runs a similarly packed schedule elsewhere, see our coverage of the Youth Democracy Summit 2026 in Rome.
How Many Seats Are Available?
CIPS offers 100 competitive seats, split three ways:
- 30 Fully Funded seats, which cover the biggest share of costs.
- 20 Partially Funded seats, which cover part of the costs while you handle the rest.
- 50 Free Assembly Passes, which give you entry to the event without a funding package.
Do the math and the challenge is clear. Only 30 seats carry the full package, and applicants will compete from all over the world. That is why the other two categories matter. They give you a realistic route if a full package does not come through.
There is also a backup plan. CIPS lists 150 Direct Access seats, split evenly between 75 without accommodation and 75 with accommodation. These go on a first-come, first-served basis, so you do not compete for them. If you only need paperwork to start your Schengen visa process early, CIPS also offers a Visa Invitation Letter Only option.
What Is Included in Each Category?
A fully funded seat is the richest package. According to CIPS, it includes:
- International airfare support.
- Hotel accommodation during the assembly.
- Visa support.
- Designated meals and coffee breaks.
- Full access to all sessions.
- A certificate of participation.
- Event merchandise.
- Networking and speaking opportunities.
Partially funded delegates receive the same package minus the international airfare. That means you book and pay for your own flight. Free Assembly Passes get you into the event, but you should not expect travel or hotel coverage with them.
Before you celebrate any offer, ask CIPS to confirm exactly what your category covers. Details can change from one edition to the next.
Benefits of Attending EYA 2027
Money is only one part of the story. Here is what you can gain:
- Global exposure: You share a room with people whose cultures and career paths look nothing like yours. That widens your thinking fast.
- Real skills: Panels and workshops train you in public speaking, negotiation, and critical thinking. You can use those skills at work and in your community.
- Lasting contacts: Many delegates stay in touch for years. Some turn into collaborators or job references.
- A stronger profile: A certificate from an international assembly adds weight to your CV or your next scholarship application.
- Lower financial barriers: With 50 free passes and 20 partially funded seats, the cost of joining drops sharply for many people.
- A voice in the room: You take part in the conversation instead of watching from the audience.
Looking for other fully funded youth summits to compare? Check out the Korea Youth Summit 2027, a similar leadership and cultural exchange program held in Seoul.
A Few Things To Keep In Mind
Plan carefully before you apply. These points can save you money and stress:
- Do not book flights or hotels until CIPS confirms your offer and your funding category.
- Read the funding breakdown line by line so you know what is covered.
- Start your visa paperwork early. The Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area, and processing can take a few weeks depending on your passport.
- Save copies of your application and your payment receipt.
- Treat the fee with care. The USD 17.99 fee lets you enter the evaluation, but it does not guarantee a seat.
Also check the official CIPS website yourself, and do it again a week before you apply. Third-party blogs, including this one, can miss updates.
Why Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is a smart pick for a youth policy event. The city is compact, so you can walk or cycle almost anywhere, and trams, metros, and trains cover the rest. It has a long tradition of open debate and welcomes visitors from around the world.
March is still cool and often rainy, so pack a warm jacket and an umbrella. Step outside the session halls and you can visit canal-side cafes, museums, and markets. Those unplanned conversations often teach as much as the official program. Try to arrive a day early if your budget allows. You will settle in and walk into the opening session feeling calm instead of rushed.
Who Can Apply?
CIPS keeps the rules open. You qualify if you:
- Are between 17 and 47 years old.
- Live in any country. There are no nationality restrictions.
- Have any academic background, or none at all.
- Care about leadership, policy, sustainability, innovation, human rights, entrepreneurship, education, technology, or community development.
- Are ready to speak up in sessions instead of sitting quietly.
- Want to learn, collaborate, and connect across cultures.
That range makes EYA a great fit for university students exploring international affairs and community organizers who want to bring fresh ideas home. A 30-year-old project coordinator can apply just as easily as a 19-year-old undergraduate.
How Applications Are Reviewed
Funded seats are limited, so CIPS runs a competitive review. Reviewers may look at your motivation or your leadership/community involvement, how clear your goals are, and how well you fit the assembly themes.
Your motivation statement carries a lot of weight. Skip vague lines like “I want to change the world.” Instead, tell a short, true story. Maybe you started a recycling club at your school or organized a food drive in your neighborhood. Then explain what you would share and learn in Amsterdam. Specific beats fancy every time. Keep it honest, keep it focused, and read it aloud before you submit.
Want to see how another CIPS-run event handles its review process? Take a look at the Youth Democracy Summit 2026 in Rome.
Step-By-Step: How To Apply for EYA 2027
Follow these six steps:
- Visit the official EYA 2027 page run by CIPS and read the latest requirements.
- Pick your category: Fully Funded, Partially Funded, or Free Assembly Pass.
- Fill in the application form with your background, interests, and motivation.
- Pay the USD 17.99 application fee, and only on the official site.
- Submit before the deadline. Reports list 20 December 2026 for funded seats.
- Wait for the outcome. Funded applicants go through a review before any offers go out.
🔗 Official Application Link: Apply for the European Youth Assembly (EYA) 2027 on the official CIPS website
Fees and dates can change, so confirm everything on the live page. Aim to apply weeks before the deadline, not hours. Last-minute rushes lead to typos, weak answers, and payment errors, and none of those help your chances.
Final Thoughts
EYA 2027 stands out because it offers several ways in. You can chase a fully funded seat, aim for a partially funded spot, take a free pass, or secure a Direct Access place and skip the competition. Few international youth events give you that much choice. Whichever route you pick, you walk away with a network and stories worth telling.
Still, the numbers are tight. Thirty fully funded seats will not stretch far. Start early and verify every detail with CIPS before you spend a single dollar on travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the European Youth Assembly 2027?
It is a four-day international gathering for young leaders and professionals, organized by CIPS. It takes place in Amsterdam from 17 to 20 March 2027 and focuses on leadership, policy dialogue, and global engagement.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants from all countries and academic backgrounds can apply. Participants should be between 17 and 47 years old and show a genuine interest in leadership or innovation.
How many funded seats are available?
There are 100 competitive opportunities: 30 fully funded, 20 partially funded, and 50 free passes.
Does the application fee guarantee a seat?
No. The USD 17.99 fee only places you in the competitive evaluation.
What is the application deadline?
Reports list 20 December 2026 for funded seats. Confirm the date on the official CIPS page.
What is Direct Access?
It is a set of 150 first-come, first-served seats for people who want to confirm participation without competing for funding.