The Universal Civil Service is much more than just a formal commitment. It’s a real chance to do something useful for the community while living an experience that actually stays with you. It usually takes place within public institutions or non-profit organizations and lasts between 8 and 12 months.

Young people between 18 and 29 can apply, whether they are Italian, European or non-EU citizens, as long as they have a valid residence permit.

Joining the Civil Service means starting a path that mixes personal growth, learning and active citizenship. You don’t just “help out”: you work alongside professionals, take part in structured projects and slowly gain more confidence and responsibility.

In this kind of environment, everyone has the chance to understand their own strengths better, discover new abilities and build skills that can be useful later in life.

The fields you can work in are many: education, social inclusion, schools, culture, sport, health, environment, civil protection, and projects with elderly people, minors, people with disabilities, women or in intercultural settings. This variety makes it easier to choose something close to your interests, but you can also try something completely new if you’re not sure about your future yet!

There is also a monthly allowance of €520, which helps make the experience more sustainable.

Choosing the Civil Service means giving yourself time: time to understand who you are, what you like, and what direction you want to take in your life and work. 

It’s a concrete experience made of relationships, teamwork and responsibility, and it helps you grow not only as a citizen, but as a person.

The civil service also includes general training and specific training linked to the activities you’ll carry out. At the end of the service, you receive a certificate of participation and a certification of the skills you’ve gained. 

In addition, there is a 21-hour mentoring programme designed to support participants after the end of the service. This helps you reflect on your experience, build a clearer professional plan and learn practical tools for job searching.

Also, in some cases, the experience can be recognised as a university internship and may also give extra points in public competitions.

The weekly commitment is 25 hours over five days, for a total duration of twelve months. Activities usually take place in the morning or afternoon, depending on the organisation, with occasional evening commitments.

No specific qualifications are required to apply. 

Selection is based on a score out of 100, combining an interview and the evaluation of previous studies and experiences. During the interview, motivation, awareness of the Civil Service, teamwork skills, openness to multicultural contexts and basic organisational and communication skills are assessed.