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The Europass CV is a free CV format from the European Union that you can build online at europass.europa.eu. It is one of the best-known CV formats in Europe, and students use it to apply for scholarships, master’s programmes, internships and jobs. You can create, store and download it in 31 languages.
This guide explains when to use a Europass CV for a scholarship, how to create one step by step, what to put in each section, and how to keep it short enough for scholarship page limits.
What is a Europass CV?
Europass is an official EU website. You first build a free Europass profile with your education, training, work experience and skills. From that profile you can make as many CVs as you like, choose a design, and download each one as a file to upload to an application portal.
Because European universities and employers know the format well, a Europass CV is easy for a selection committee to read.
Do I need a Europass CV for a scholarship?
Only if the call asks for it. Most scholarships just ask for “a CV”, and some set a page limit or their own template. Read the call first. Some real examples from our blog:
- CaCTüS Summer Internship: CV of up to 2 pages
- IWA & Grundfos SDG 6 Fellowship: CV of up to 2 pages
- Impact AI Fellowship: CV of up to 4 pages
- Stanford Summer Fellows: one to three pages, in Word or PDF
If the call says “CV” with no format, a Europass CV is a safe choice for European scholarships. For US programmes, a short US-style resume is often better.
How to create a Europass CV, step by step
- Go to europass.europa.eu and create a free account.
- Fill in your Europass profile: personal details, education, work experience, languages and skills.
- Click to create a CV and pick the information from your profile you want to show.
- Choose a design and language.
- Preview it, then download it as a PDF.
- Keep your profile updated. Next time you can build a new tailored CV in minutes.
What to put in each section
Personal information
Your full name as it appears on your passport, a professional email address, phone number with country code, and your city and country. Europass suggests a professional photo. If a call asks for an anonymous CV or no photo, leave it out.
About me
Two or three lines that match the scholarship. Example: “Public health nurse with four years in primary care in northern Nigeria, applying for a master’s in global health to strengthen maternal care systems.”
Work experience
List your most recent job first. For each role give the dates, employer, city and two or three bullet points that start with strong verbs such as “managed”, “trained” or “increased”. Add numbers where you can.
Education and training
Your degrees, from most recent, with the university, dates and your final grade or GPA as it appears on your transcript. Add a short course or certificate only if it supports your application.
Language skills
Europass uses the European levels from A1 (beginner) to C2 (near-native). Be honest. If you have an IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo score, add it here.
Digital skills, projects, volunteering and awards
Add only what supports your application: a research project, a volunteering role, a prize, a publication. Leave out hobbies unless they show leadership or teamwork.
How to keep a Europass CV to 2 pages
- Delete sections the scholarship does not need.
- Use bullet points, not long paragraphs.
- Drop school-level education if you have a degree.
- Show only the last 10 years of work.
- Download and check the page count before you upload.
Europass CV mistakes to avoid
- Filling every box. Europass offers many sections, but a short, focused CV reads better.
- Using an unprofessional email address.
- Gaps with no explanation. Europass itself advises explaining long gaps in work or study.
- Spelling and grammar errors. Read it aloud, or ask a friend to check it.
- Uploading the wrong file type. Check whether the portal wants PDF or Word.
Europass cover letter
Europass also has a free cover letter builder. For scholarships, though, most calls ask for a motivation letter. See our full guide on how to write a motivation letter for a scholarship, with a sample.
Where to use your Europass CV now
These European opportunities are open now and ask for a CV:
- Swedish Institute Scholarship 2027 (Sweden)
- Erasmus Mundus GLOCAL 2027/29 (Europe)
- CaCTüS Summer Internship 2027 (Germany)
- Summer@EPFL 2027 (Switzerland)
Have a question?
Ask in the comments, and we’ll help you shape your CV for the scholarship you’re applying to.
Related reading
- How to Write a Motivation Letter for a Scholarship (Sample and Template 2027)
- Fully Funded Scholarships for African Students 2027 (12 Open Now)
- Paid Internships Abroad 2027 for International Students (12 Open Now)
- Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals 2027 (Fully Funded Master’s in Sweden)
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