CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026: 8 Places Open Worldwide, Deadline Dates Conflict

CEPS has opened applications for eight young climate leaders worldwide, with travel, visa and accommodation covered for a Brussels week; applicants should use 10 November as the deadline because its call lists two different dates.

The CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026–27 is accepting applications from people aged 20 to 30 who already take part in climate policy, advocacy or entrepreneurship. The open call offers online training from December 2026 to February 2027 and an in-person programme in Brussels from 28 February to 6 March 2027. CEPS’s application form and call text give 10 November 2026 as the deadline, while a key-dates box on the same call page says 11 November. Submitting by the earlier date is the safer course. The CEPS programme call confirms the status and conditions.

At a glance: CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026

• Status: Applications open as of 3 November 2026.
• Deadline: 10 November 2026 at 23:59 CET on the call text and form; the call’s key-dates box lists 11 November.
• Places: Eight participants, aged 20–30.
• Who can apply: Applicants worldwide with active involvement in climate policy, advocacy or entrepreneurship, a concrete initiative and good English.
• Funding: CEPS covers travel, visa and accommodation for the Brussels week.
• Official action: Complete the application questionnaire and email a CV and reference letter in English to CEPS application email.
• Last checked: 3 November 2026.

How does the CEPS Climate Leadership Programme work?

The programme pairs remote learning with a short in-person period in Brussels. Online masterclasses and skills sessions run from December 2026 through February 2027, with subjects including EU climate governance, climate diplomacy, policy writing and communication. CEPS describes these sessions as mandatory, so applicants should be able to attend throughout the online period.

The Brussels week runs from 28 February to 6 March 2027. It includes participation in the CEPS Ideas Lab on 4 and 5 March. The programme builds practical knowledge and peer connections among young people already working on climate initiatives.

Who can apply for the CEPS Climate Leadership Programme?

Applicants must be 20 to 30 years old and show existing involvement in climate policy, advocacy or entrepreneurship. The form asks applicants to bring a concrete initiative, such as a proposal, campaign or venture, that they want to develop. Good English and availability for both the remote sessions and the Brussels week also form part of the call.

The opportunity is open worldwide. CEPS says it particularly welcomes applicants from a broad set of countries and regions, including Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, India, Brazil, China, Colombia, Morocco, Palestine and Ukraine. That welcome list highlights regions CEPS wants to encourage while the call stays open worldwide.

Why do the CEPS programme deadline dates conflict?

The same official call presents two dates. Its application instructions and the linked Microsoft form say applications should arrive by 10 November 2026 at 23:59 CET, while the key-dates section on the call page says 11 November at 23:59 CET. The form also asks for a CV and reference letter by 10 November.

Applicants should plan around 10 November, the earlier date repeated in the action instructions. That leaves time for the email documents to reach CEPS alongside the online questionnaire. The stated time zone is CET, one hour ahead of London time on that date.

What costs does CEPS cover in Brussels?

CEPS says it covers travel, visa and accommodation costs for the Brussels programme week. Those details matter for applicants weighing the in-person commitment: the programme expects attendance in Brussels, and the call names these three covered cost areas.

The call specifies travel, visa and accommodation coverage for the Brussels week. Applicants can ask CEPS about meal and local expenses through the programme contact address before committing to travel.

How to apply for the CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026

1. Read the official programme call and confirm you can attend the online sessions and Brussels week.
2. Complete the application questionnaire. The form is open and gives 10 November 2026 at 23:59 CET as the submission deadline.
3. Email your CV and reference letter in English to CEPS application email with the subject line “Climate Leadership Programme – [Full Name]”. The call gives the same 10 November deadline for these documents.

CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026: frequently asked questions

Is the CEPS Climate Leadership Programme open to applicants worldwide?

Yes. CEPS describes the call as open worldwide and especially welcomes applications from named countries and regions, including Nigeria and other countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America.

What is the CEPS Climate Leadership Programme deadline?

The application form and application instructions give 10 November 2026 at 23:59 CET. CEPS’s key-dates box lists 11 November, so applicants can use the earlier date shown in the form and instructions.

Does CEPS pay travel and visa costs?

CEPS says it covers travel, visa and accommodation costs for the Brussels week from 28 February to 6 March 2027. The call specifies coverage for travel, visa and accommodation during the Brussels week.

What documents do applicants need?

Applicants should complete the online questionnaire and email a CV and reference letter in English to [email protected]. The subject line should read “Climate Leadership Programme – [Full Name]”.