DiscoverEU by rail – a lifechanging opportunity
UK 18 year olds can apply for the last time for this amazing opportunity to explore Europe. Young people (born between 1 July 2001 and 31 December 2003) can apply for travel passes to explore Europe as part of DiscoverEU. Applications are open until 11am (UK time) on 26 October 2021.
DiscoverEU is an initiative of the European Union giving young people the opportunity to experience travel around Europe. Travel is predominantly by rail, but there are exceptions to allow those living on islands or in remote areas to participate. 70,000 young people have been awarded a travel pass since June 2018.
Young people can use their travel pass to discover Europe’s stunning landscapes and its variety of cities and towns. Young people will be able to explore the diversity of Europe, learn about European cultural heritage and history, and connect with people from all over the continent. Furthermore, DiscoverEU enables you, as a young person, to develop life skills of value to your future, such as independence, confidence, and openness to other cultures.
UK nationals can take part in this round of DiscoverEU. This is because the DiscoverEU rounds in 2020 were postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic and the funding moved to 2021. As UK nationals were eligible in 2020, the UK eligibility will still apply for this DiscoverEU round in 2021.
Can I travel with my friends?
Yes you can! It really is up to you. You can go solo or add up to 4 friends in your group provided they meet the eligibility conditions above. They will use your application code to submit their own application. Check out the FAQs B.5 to B.11 to know more.
You can also organise meet-ups and combine travel plans with other DiscoverEU travellers! The DiscoverEU Facebook Group is a good platform to do this. Join the Group now to chat with other participants.
Share experiences
As a DiscoverEU Ambassador, we will invite you to share your travel experiences through social media tools – Instagram, Facebook and/or Twitter – using #DiscoverEU. You may decide to give a presentation at your school or local community. Moreover, you could participate in the #DiscoverEU photo/video #Competition and win great prizes.
I want to know more
Interested in the previous application rounds? Check the DiscoverEU factsheets to read more about the initiative and the experiences of some of young DiscoverEU travellers.
Travel for a month March 2022-Feb 2023
The successful applicants will be able to travel between 1 March 2022 and 28 February 2023, for a maximum period of one month.
How to apply
DiscoverEU applications must be made through a form on the European Youth Portal. Applications will close on Tuesday 26 October 2021 at 11:00 (UK time). Notification of results is expected by 6 January 2022.
- Click here for full details of how young people can take advantage of DiscoverEU and the rules for applying
- Online support is available on the DiscoverEU Facebook group.
- An ‘Apply Now’ button will appear on this page on 26th October
To be eligible, you need to:
- Have been born between 1 July 2001 (included) and 31 December 2003 (included)
- Have the nationality of one of the Member States of the European Union (or the UK) at the time of the award decision
- Complete the correct ID or passport number on the online application form.
Then you will need to participate in a quiz (unless you apply as a group member).
If you are selected, you can travel for a period of minimum 1 day and up to 30 days between 1 March 2022 and 28 February 2023.
Note that if you have a disability or a health problem that makes your trip challenging, you will receive assistance and support to help you take part in DiscoverEU. Check the FAQ C.13 to know more.