03/11/2025
826 Scene
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Space is within reach! The European Space Agency is inviting students to apply for its 2026 Student Internship Programme. Whether you are into engineering, science, IT, business, economics or social sciences, there is room for you among the stars.
Step into half a century of space innovation and join a global leader in the industry. Collaborate with experienced professionals, contribute to groundbreaking projects and start building your future in the space sector.
Explore opportunities and apply by November 30
Visit our recruitment website to browse this year’s internships. Once you find a good partner:
- Create your candidate profile.
- Upload your CV.
- Add a short, compelling motivation letter.
- Submit your application 30 November 2025,
Don’t wait – your journey to space starts now.
Who can apply?
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a university student, ideally in the last or final year of your master’s program.
- Hold citizenship of one of the ESA Member States or Associate States (the full list of eligible countries is published in the footer of each ESA vacancy).
internship timeline
- November 2025: Internship opportunities published.
- December 2025 – January 2026: Candidate shortlisting and selection.
- From February 2026: Internship starts.
- Start date: Between February and October 2025, agreed with your ESA tutor.
- Duration: 3 to 6 months.
- Requirement: You must be enrolled at the University for the entire duration of the internship.
ESA Student Internship
What is it like interning at ESA?
ESA interns benefit from all of the following – and much more:
- Practical learning at world-class facilities.
- Research opportunities that can enrich your thesis.
- Networking and community: Collaborate with fellow trainees, build lasting relationships and enjoy a vibrant social environment.
“ESA internships are often a student’s first step into the space industry. They are a chance to learn, grow and connect with space and each other.”
-Andrew Kane, ESA Entry-Level Program Coordinator
“Working at ESA, based at ESTEC, has given me a deep knowledge of the wide range of activities carried out by ESA. Although I have always been passionate about space and follow the work of both ESA and NASA, I was still impressed by the various projects launched by ESA that I was not aware of. Having completed five months as an intern and almost a year as a graduate trainee, I can say with confidence that this will lead directly to satellite missions. It has been an invaluable and unique opportunity to contribute and gain hands-on experience in the space sector. I also value the international working environment and the opportunity to build a professional network.”
– Alexander Rosell, 2024 intern working on the Copernicus Hyperspectral Imaging Mission for the Environment (CHIME)
“My ESA internship in one word: amazing! Spending six months in a work environment full of passion and excitement for spaceflight, working independently on fascinating projects was an amazing opportunity and experience. The things I learned and the people I met during this time have shaped and fueled my future path.”
– Katrin Schirm, 2023 Product Assurance and Safety Intern
Tips for a Stellar Application
- Choose wisely: Choose a maximum of two internships that align with your studies and goals.
- Be authentic: Share your passion and inspiration clearly and concisely.
- Reply thoughtfully: Your responses help us understand your educational background and interests.
- Don’t wait until the last minute to apply! You can adjust your application until the vacancies are closed and offline.
learn more
Visit our Student Internships page for complete information on the program and selection process, or see our Internship FAQ page.
Good luck—and we look forward to seeing you at ESA!
