Italy's Ministry of Sport and Youth has announced a new recruitment round for the Universal Civil Service for 2026. Applications for one of 65,964 positions, including about 1,500 located abroad, are open until April 8. The program is aimed at young people aged 18 to under 29. The service lasts from 10 to 12 months, and volunteers receive a monthly allowance.

New civil service recruitment

The youth policy department published the annual call for applications to the Italian Universal Civil Service, with a submission deadline of April 8, 2026.

Over 65 thousand positions

This year's call offers 65,964 positions for volunteers, of which approximately 1,500 are allocated for projects abroad in Europe and beyond.

Conditions and remuneration

The service lasts from 10 to 12 months with about 25 hours of work per week. The monthly financial equivalent is 519.47 euros.

Minister Abodi announces the program

The recruitment was announced by the Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, who emphasized the initiative's importance.

Italy's Department for Youth Policy and Universal Civil Service announced on Monday, February 24, 2026, a new annual recruitment for volunteers. The call is open to young people aged 18 to under 29, both Italian citizens and legally residing foreigners. The application deadline is April 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM. A total of 65,964 positions are available.

Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi provided details of the recruitment. „„Aperto nuovo bando volontari per 65.964 posti”” — Andrea Abodi. Italy's Universal Civil Service replaced earlier forms of alternative service for conscripts and civil service for women. Its transformation into a completely voluntary program, open to both genders, occurred in the second decade of the 21st century, becoming a key instrument of the state's youth policy. Approximately 1,500 of the available positions are located abroad, both in European and non-European countries. The remaining majority will be carried out within Italy. The Universal Civil Service projects have a defined duration.

According to the announcement, the standard weekly working hours for a volunteer are about 25 hours. For this activity, participants receive a monthly allowance of 519.47 euros. 65 964 — Positions for volunteers in this year's recruitment. The new recruitment continues the policy of Minister Abodi regarding youth activation. Details concerning specific projects, host institutions, and qualification criteria should be available in the official announcement published by the department.

Mentioned People

  • Andrea Abodi — Italy's Minister for Sport and Youth, announcing the new civil service recruitment