ESA Student Internships

European Space Agency (ESA)

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Citizens of ESA Member States, Associate Members, European Cooperating States or Canada, enrolled in a university programme. Citizens of other countries (including Bangladesh) are not eligible.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

The European Space Agency (ESA) offers two flagship entry pathways across its European centers (ESTEC in Noordwijk, ESOC in Darmstadt, ESRIN in Frascati, EAC in Cologne): 3-to-6-month Student Internships for enrolled Master’s/Bachelor’s students, and the prestigious 1-to-2-year salaried Young Graduate Trainee (YGT) fellowship for recent Master’s graduates. Trainees contribute directly to active planetary exploration, satellite telecommunications, Earth observation, and human spaceflight missions.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Citizens of ESA Member States, Associate Members, European Cooperating States or Canada, enrolled in a university programme. Citizens of other countries (including Bangladesh) are not eligible.
2. Note the deadline. Nov – Dec (annual; vacancies are posted every November for about a month on jobs.esa.int - shortlisting runs Dec to Feb, apply to a maximum of two) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Tailored Cover Letter: Custom motivation letter addressing the exact technical specification of the chosen ESA vacancy (maximum 2–3 applications per cycle).; Europass or Technical CV: Highlighting orbital mechanics, embedded systems, RF engineering, Earth observation remote sensing, or space law skills.; University Transcripts & Enrollment Proof: Confirming active university student status (for internships) or Master’s degree completion (for YGT)..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

HR Eligibility & Nationality Check → Technical Screening by ESA Division Heads → Pre-recorded Video Interview → Final Competence & Technical Panel Interview (April–May).

Profile of past winners

Candidates who pick the 2 exact ESA vacancies that match their thesis topic (e.g., thermal control, GNSS navigation, SAR remote sensing) rather than submitting generic aerospace applications.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Tailor your CV to the role: lead with the skills and projects the posting asks for.
2. Write a short, specific motivation statement. Name the team or project you want to join and why.
3. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
4. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
5. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
6. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.

Quick answers

Who can apply for ESA Student Internships?

Citizens of ESA Member States, Associate Members, European Cooperating States or Canada, enrolled in a university programme. Citizens of other countries (including Bangladesh) are not eligible.

What does ESA Student Internships cover?

Unpaid placement of 3 to 6 months with a monthly allowance; you cover health and accident insurance, travel and accommodation

When is the deadline for ESA Student Internships?

Nov – Dec (annual; vacancies are posted every November for about a month on jobs.esa.int - shortlisting runs Dec to Feb, apply to a maximum of two) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with ESA Student Internships?

Host countries: Netherlands, Germany, Italy.

What documents do I need for ESA Student Internships?

Tailored Cover Letter: Custom motivation letter addressing the exact technical specification of the chosen ESA vacancy (maximum 2–3 applications per cycle).; Europass or Technical CV: Highlighting orbital mechanics, embedded systems, RF engineering, Earth observation remote sensing, or space law skills.; University Transcripts & Enrollment Proof: Confirming active university student status (for internships) or Master’s degree completion (for YGT)..

How are applicants selected for ESA Student Internships?

HR Eligibility & Nationality Check → Technical Screening by ESA Division Heads → Pre-recorded Video Interview → Final Competence & Technical Panel Interview (April–May).

How much work is the ESA Student Internships application?

Very High: ESA Taleo Portal Application + Custom Cover Letter for up to 2–3 Specific Vacancy Requisitions + CV + Sonru/HireVue Video + Technical Panel Interview