ESA Student Internship Scholarship 2026

The European Space Agency (ESA) offers student internship opportunities lasting from three to six months for students in their final or second‑to‑last year of a Master’s degree.

Internships are available in both technical and non‑technical domains, providing a unique chance to gain hands‑on experience within Europe’s space sector.

If you are looking for similar opportunities in Europe, explore scholarships in Europe .

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for a student internship at ESA, you must meet the following criteria:

• Student status: You must be a student, preferably in your final or second‑to‑last year of a university course at Master’s level. You must remain enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.

• Citizenship: You must be a citizen of one of the ESA Member States, Associate Members, European Cooperating States, or Canada as a Cooperating State. The full list of eligible countries is published in the footer of each ESA vacancy.

What Does ESA Offer?

Selected interns receive:

• An enriching and highly valuable experience that could open doors to a career within Europe’s space sector, renowned research institutes, or ESA itself.

• An international, multicultural, and friendly working environment.

• A placement lasting between three and six months at an ESA establishment.

• A monthly allowance of €800 for non‑residents (living more than 50 km from the establishment) or €500 for residents. Students with special needs receive the non‑resident allowance regardless of residency.

Important notes:

• Internships are unpaid beyond the monthly allowance.

• Only one internship can be undertaken at ESA.

• Student interns are responsible for their own health insurance, accident insurance, travel expenses, and accommodation.

Internship Disciplines

ESA offers internships in a wide range of technical and non‑technical fields, including:

Technical Domains:

• Mechanical Engineering (optical, propulsion, thermal, mechanisms, structures, materials, robotics)

• Electrical Engineering (RF, power & data systems, antennas, microelectronics, EMC, components)

• System Engineering

• Telecom and Integrated Applications

• Software Engineering

• Ground Segment Systems and Operations

• Product/Quality Assurance and Safety

• Applied Mathematics

• Earth Observation and Environmental Science (geophysics, meteorology, climatology)

• Planetary and Space Science (astronomy, astrophysics, solar physics)

• Life and Material Sciences

Non‑Technical Domains:

• Law (contracts, procurement, international public law)

• Finance (project control, cost analysis, auditing)

• Communications and Public Relations

• Human Resources

• Information Technology

• Facility Management

For students seeking other funded programs in Europe, check latest scholarships in Europe.

Recruitment Process

How to Apply

Opportunities are published each year in November and remain open for one month. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Set up a job alert on the ESA careers website to be informed as soon as opportunities are published.

Step 2: Browse the ESA list of opportunities and select the one that interests you most and fits your academic background.

Step 3: Register and create your candidate profile with your CV and motivation letter.

Step 4: Submit your application. Important: You can only apply to a maximum of two applications per person. If you apply to more vacancies in the same call, all your applications will be disregarded. However, there is no limit on the choice of topics within one opportunity.

Step 5: Track the status of your application online.

Recruitment Timeline

• November: Call for applications opens

• December – February: Shortlisting and selection of candidates

• February: Earliest start date for internships (start date is set by mutual agreement between ESA and your university; you can start any time between February and October of the same year)

All candidates will be informed of the outcome of their application.

Tips for Your Application

• Read thoroughly: Before applying, read the details of each position carefully and focus on the one most aligned with your interests and background.

• Write a clear motivation letter: Share your motivation, interests, and enthusiasm – but keep it concise.

• Answer carefully: The questions in the application form are important for ESA to learn about your profile.

For any further questions, email: contact.human.resources@esa.int

More Learning Opportunities: ESA Academy

If you are not yet ready for an internship, ESA Academy is open to university students from undergraduate to PhD level coming from ESA Member States, Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, and Slovenia. ESA Academy offers learning opportunities and practical experiences in space sciences, engineering, space medicine, operations, project management, quality assurance, and more.

For additional financial aid options across Europe, explore financial aids for students. And to see a complete list of open scholarships and internships in Europe, visit open scholarships in Europe.

Find Your Path at ESA

ESA offers several entry‑level programmes targeting students (Master’s or PhD), recent graduates, and young professionals, alongside vacancies for experienced professionals. To quickly find which programme could be the best fit for you, follow the pathways at ESA using their entry‑level flowchart.

Final Thoughts

An ESA student internship is a prestigious opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in Europe’s space sector. With a monthly allowance, an international work environment, and placements lasting three to six months, this is an ideal launchpad for a career in space science, engineering, or administration. The call for applications opens each November – prepare your CV and motivation letter now so you are ready to apply.

Apply Now for ESA Student Internship