EPSO ICT AD8 2026 Competition: 494 places in AI and Cybersecurity
The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) has published a new open competition for ICT administrators at grade AD8 in two high-demand fields: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity. It is one of the most significant openings of the year for technical profiles aiming to work in the EU institutions, and applications are already open.
What is the ICT AD8 2026 competition?
It is an open competition (reference EPSO/AD/430/26) to build reserve lists of grade AD8 administrators specialising in information technology, with around 494 places shared between the two fields. The EU institutions, bodies and agencies recruit from these reserve lists over the following years.
One key point from the outset: you may apply for one field only. Each field (AI and Cybersecurity) has its own reference number, its own reserve list and its own field-related test, so choose carefully based on your profile.
The two fields: AI and Cybersecurity
The Artificial Intelligence field covers several specialisations: a technical AI specialisation (designing, building, validating and operating end-to-end AI solutions); AI governance, compliance and enablement (ensuring compliant, defensible and scalable use of AI); and an AI policy specialisation (policymaking and policy enforcement). The Cybersecurity field covers profiles focused on protecting the systems, networks and information infrastructure of the EU institutions, with its own field-related test.
Eligibility: not an entry grade
AD8 is not an entry grade: it requires relevant professional experience on top of your qualification, with a minimum of seven years of relevant experience. The notice sets out several routes combining studies and experience (for example 4+6 or 5+5 for a degree in the field, and a 3+9 route for career-changers with a degree in a different field). The exact number of years depends on the length and subject of your studies, so read the notice of competition carefully before applying.
How are the tests structured?
The selection process combines three blocks: online reasoning tests (verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning); a field-related test, specific to each field; and a free-text essay on EU matters. Tests may take place on the same or on different days, with dates confirmed after the application deadline. You may choose two of the 24 official EU languages for the tests.
Key dates
- Application period: 8 September to 13 October 2026 (12.00 midday, Brussels time).
- Supporting documents: by 14 January 2027 (12.00 midday, Brussels time).
What does an AD8 post pay?
AD8 is a senior technical role. The basic salary is roughly €7,300–8,200 gross per month depending on the step, plus allowances and the “correction coefficient” that adjusts pay according to the country of employment. It is one of the best-paid profiles accessible through this route.
How to prepare with EU Campus
The ICT AD8 structure — reasoning + field-related test + EU-related essay — is exactly what we train at EU Campus. For this competition we have prepared two dedicated programmes, covering reasoning, the field-related test and the EUFTE essay:
- Complete Programme: ICT Experts AI AD8 — €489
- Complete Programme: ICT Experts Cybersecurity AD8 — €489
Applications close on 13 October, so start early — methodical preparation makes the difference. You can also browse our full offering in the course catalogue.
Official source: EU Careers — Apply for the ICT competition (AD8). Notice of open competition EPSO/AD/430/26 (Official Journal of the EU).