The European Space Agency (ESA) will open applications for its 2026 Student Internship Programme in the first week of November, with the application window scheduled to close at the end of the month. Roles span engineering, science, IT, business, economics and social sciences across ESA departments, with start dates from February 2026 and flexibility through October.
Key dates
- Applications open: First week of November 2025
- Applications close: End of November 2025
- Internship start: From February 2026 (flexible through October)
Eligibility
- Current university students, ideally in the final or penultimate year of a master’s programme.
- Citizens of ESA Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.
Application process
- Create a candidate profile on ESA’s recruitment portal when listings go live.
- Upload a CV.
- Prepare a concise motivation letter tailored to the selected role.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
What to expect
Interns contribute to active missions and projects while working alongside ESA teams. Assignments provide hands-on exposure to space systems, mission operations, data, technology development and supporting corporate functions. The programme is designed to build early-career skills and inform academic work, including thesis development.
Why it matters
The annual call is a structured route into Europe’s space sector for students ready to transition into professional roles. The short November application window and early 2026 onboarding make advance preparation essential, particularly for applicants aligning their academic calendars with flexible start dates through October.
ESA indicates that the full list of internship opportunities will be published on its recruitment website in early November. For official details and updates, consult the ESA announcement.
