The initial application
Fill out a quick online form to confirm your eligibility: country, age, and availability.
A career
accelerator for
the top 1%
A 6-month paid career opportunity abroad where you fast-track your career. No fluff, just real business challenges.
Apply now →
Applications open year-round
Where our participants have been placed
01 — The offer
Programme at a glance
A 6-month paid career opportunity at a partner company, somewhere in Europe. You’ll work on real challenges in the track you choose, with the institute behind you the whole way. It costs you nothing.
€0
cost to you. No tuition, no fees.
0
months of paid career opportunity
0
partner companies across Europe
0
career tracks to choose from
Where
Across Europe
placement matched to you
Start date
Rolling
matched when you’re ready
The internship
6 months, paid
real responsibility
Who applies
Ages 18–30
EU, UK, USA, Canada
02 — The work
Not your typical opportunity
Shapers Academy is designed to let selected participants completely bypass the entry-level struggle, or in some cases switch career paths entirely.
You will
- ✓ Solve real commercial and technical problems for companies entering new markets
- ✓ Build and execute go-to-market strategies that drive actual revenue and growth
- ✓ Work directly with decision-makers and receive hands-on mentorship
You won’t
- ✕ Prove yourself by doing coffee runs or filing documents
- ✕ Be treated like “just an intern” whose ideas are ignored and who is left out of important meetings
- ✕ Be stuck doing mindless data entry without seeing the big picture
03 — How it works
How it works
The assessments
Two parts: a self-assessment (working style and team fit), and a problem-solving challenge that tests raw research ability and adaptability. This is where you prove you belong in the top 1%. Note: copy-pasted AI answers result in automatic rejection.
The vibe check
A quick, relaxed chat with our team. We already know you have the skills. Now we just want to meet the human behind them and make sure the program is a genuine fit.
The match: company interview
Meet your potential host company. At this stage it’s about finding the right mutual fit. Nail this and your placement is confirmed. That’s it — you’re in.
04 — The tracks
Pick your lane
Tell us the discipline you want to build a career in. We match you to a partner company that needs exactly that.
Engineering & Data
- Frontend
- Backend
- Data & Analytics
- AI & Automation
- DevOps & Cloud
- Cybersecurity
Product & Design
- Product Management
- UX/UI Design
Growth & Communications
- Sales & Business Development
- Digital Marketing & Growth
- Communications & PR
- Social Media & Content
Operations & Finance
- Project & Operations
- Logistics & Supply Chain
- Finance & Accounting
05 — The community
You won’t be navigating this alone
Most international programs drop you in a new country and leave you to figure out bureaucracy, logistics, and housing on your own. Not this one. When you get selected, Institute Global Shapers, a global network of young leaders, steps in as your immediate local community.
01
Complete logistical support
Pre-arrival housing help, legal registrations, and handling administrative hurdles so you can focus entirely on your career.
02
No “lonely traveller” phase
From day one, you’re plugged into an instant network of high-achieving, like-minded young leaders.
03
Full community perks
Direct mentorship from industry experts, specialised monthly workshops, and invite-only networking events.
04
Local buddy system
A local buddy from our institute to help you navigate and prosper in your new city and professional environment.
06 — The experience
More than a job
You arrive to a flat that’s already sorted, a local buddy who knows the city, and a network of people your age doing the same thing. The logistics are handled so you can focus on the work.
Weekends are yours. Monthly workshops, invite-only events, and a community that keeps going long after the six months are up.
Placements across Europe ✦
Housing sorted before you land ✦
A local buddy from day one ✦
Free info session
Still on the fence?
Join our free live webinar where we walk through the full programme, answer every question you have, and help you figure out if Shapers Academy is the right move for you.
Reserve your spot →07 — FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is there a catch? Do I have to pay for the Academy?
No. There is no tuition, no fee and no deposit. Applying is free and taking part is free.
We make our money by being useful to the companies we place you with — not by charging the people we’re trying to help. The only barrier here is selection.
Will the financial support actually cover my living expenses?
Yes. The financial support provided during your 6-month internship is designed to cover your day-to-day living costs (rent, groceries, etc.) and more.
Does the Academy provide me with housing?
No. Our Institute does not own dorms (yet), but we will 100% help you sort out the living situation prior to your arrival, if you’re selected.
Which regions can apply for Shapers Academy?
Europe, USA, Canada, United Kingdom.
Do I need a visa?
Not if you are an EU citizen or can travel freely across the EU. If you are applying from the USA, UK or Canada, our team will guide you through the necessary visa and legal requirements once you are officially selected.
Is a university degree required to apply?
No, a university degree is not required. We firmly believe in equal opportunity for all, no matter your age or financial status. Whether you are in university, on a gap year, or pursuing another path, you are encouraged to apply. Final selection is highly competitive and based on the overall merit of your application.
Can I apply if I’m over 30 years old?
No (in most cases), however we are willing to make an exception for an exceptional applicant.
Is prior experience in marketing, sales or business development required?
No. We look for potential, mindset, grit and your ability to think outside the box, and we prioritize those over prior technical mastery. We prepare you before you start, so you walk in able to tackle whatever the role puts in front of you.
Can I do this alongside my university degree or another job?
Only if your current commitments are completely remote and you happen to be a productivity monster fueled by espresso and pure ambition. Otherwise, no. This is not a side-hustle. You are expected to be fully on-site in your placement city.
What kind of companies will I be working with?
Companies across a range of industries; you can see some of them on this page (Akrapovič, EYE, Autobrief, Gatom). We only take partners who are ready to give you real responsibility and a seat at the table from day one. If a company just wants someone for data entry, they don’t get an intern from us.
What happens if there is no fit with the company?
No worries. You keep your status as an accepted candidate, and the second a new spot opens up in our network of partner companies you’ll be next in line to claim it. It costs you nothing to wait.
One shot at
the top 1% .
Applications are open year-round. Selection is not.
Apply now →