Welcome to EU Graduate
Your complete preparation system for the EU AD5 Graduate Programme 2026. Everything you need in one place, built by a candidate, for candidates.
Part 1 Readiness
Verbal · Numerical · Abstract
0%
Path to AD5
EPSO/AD/427/26 · where you stand right now
✓
Applied
Early 2026
2
Part 1
~November 2026
3
Results
~December 2026
4
Part 2
~April 2027
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Reserve List
2027
Estimated test timeline
Earliest possible · Awaiting EPSO confirmation
Part 1 · Verbal, Numerical, Abstract
,
weeks
~1 November 2026
Verbal ≥10/20 standalone · Num+Abs ≥10/20 combined
Part 2 · EU Knowledge, Digital, Essay
,
weeks
~1 April 2027
Invited only if both Part 1 thresholds cleared
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Free Access
Insider Blog
Updates on competition news, strategy insights, and a live preparation diary from the founder.
→ Read Blog
Preparation Checklist
28 tasks across 5 categories. Full timeline from application to Reserve List. Track your progress.
→ Open Checklist
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Part 1 Pass · November 2026
PRO
Adaptive Study Plan
10-week two-part plan. Part 1 (November 2026): reasoning tests. Part 2 (2027): EU Knowledge, Digital Skills & essay.
→ Open Study Plan
Flashcards
133+ EU Knowledge flashcards across 11 categories. Add your own cards. Flip mode and quiz mode.
→ Open Flashcards
PRO
Practice Tests
Timed Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning and Abstract Reasoning. Authentic EPSO format with full explanations.
→ Start a Test
PRO
Part I Mock Exam
Full 65-minute simulation: 20 Verbal + 10 Numerical + 10 Abstract. Per-section timers, question navigation and EPSO pass/fail thresholds.
→ Start Mock Exam
PRO
TAO Mock Exam: Platform Replica
Train on a replica of EPSO's real TAO testing interface: fullscreen, timer, question navigation, highlighter, line reader, elimination, scratchpad and calculator. No going back between sections.
→ Enter TAO Simulator
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Full Competition · Part 2 expected 2027
PRO
Essay Trainer
Timed EU policy essay practice with source documents, 90-minute timer, model answer and marking rubric.
→ Practice Writing
PRO
Digital Skills
EU AI Act, GDPR, data governance and cybersecurity, in official EU institutional framing.
→ Start Digital Skills
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Key Preparation Tips
Use a wired ethernet connection on test day, TAO proctoring requires stable upload.
Target under 2 min/question for numerical reasoning. Scan the question before the data table.
Verbal reasoning: answer only from the passage. Your prior knowledge is the enemy here.
Abstract reasoning: cover the answer options first, form your hypothesis, then reveal them.
German applicants: the Auswärtiges Amt euphorum offers official prep seminars at eu-karriere.org.
Written test structure: Context → Analysis → Recommendation. 15 min read, 25 min write. Practice timed.
Digital Skills is based on the EU's official DigComp 2.2 framework. Read it free: JRC128415.
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EPSO AD5 Test Format
Full scoring breakdown
Verbal 35% · EU Knowledge 25% · Digital Skills 25% · Written 15% · NR & AR pass/fail
| Verbal Reasoning | 35% final · 40% preliminary |
| EU Knowledge | 25% final · 30% preliminary |
| Digital Skills | 25% final · 30% preliminary |
| Written Essay | 15%, final only |
| Numerical + Abstract Reasoning | Pass/fail, ≥10/20 combined |
Official EU Materials
EU Careers Material Hub
Official portal from the EU Publications Office with all preparation guides, brochures, and competition overviews.
EPSO Official Sample Tests
Free PDFs from EPSO covering the new 2024+ format, Reasoning tests and EU Knowledge sample questions with answers.
EU Knowledge E-Book (600+ pages)
Comprehensive free e-book covering EU institutions, Treaties, policies, AI Act, Green Deal and exam strategy. Free with Academia.edu account.
The Ultimate EU Test Book 2025
Europe's #1 EPSO preparation book by András Baneth. 440 pages covering all test types for the new format. Highly recommended as the companion to EU Graduate.
Free Practice Test Platforms
Multiple platforms offer free EPSO practice questions for all test types in the new format, great for timed practice sessions.
Auswärtiges Amt – euphorum Prep Seminars
Official preparation seminars and training for the EU Concours organized by the German Foreign Ministry. Highly recommended for German-speaking candidates.
DigComp 2.2, EU Digital Competence Framework
The official JRC framework that underlies the EPSO Digital Skills test. Covers AI literacy, data literacy, digital safety, and problem solving. Free PDF from the EU Publications Office.
Official EPSO & EU Careers Portals
The official portals for competition notices, your EPSO account, test schedules, and the current AD5 2026 competition details.
Missing a resource or found an error? Tell us about it. We update the platform weekly.