ESO Summer Research Programme

European Southern Observatory (ESO)

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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

Students of all nationalities may apply, but at the final selection priority goes to nationals of ESO member states, Chile and Australia.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Hosted at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) Headquarters in Garching near Munich, Germany, this prestigious 6-week summer research program selects 7 to 8 promising international students each year to work on one of several curated observational or theoretical astrophysics projects. Fellows analyze real data from the Very Large Telescope (VLT) and ALMA in Chile while attending lectures on exoplanets, galaxy evolution, black holes, and astronomical instrumentation.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Students of all nationalities may apply, but at the final selection priority goes to nationals of ESO member states, Chile and Australia.
2. Note the deadline. Dec – Jan (annual; the 2026 round closed on 30 Jan 2026 - the 2027 round is expected to follow the same pattern) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Project-Specific Motivation Letter: Statement explaining your astrophysical interests and why you are qualified for up to 2–3 specific research projects advertised by ESO astronomers for that summer.; Curriculum Vitae: Academic CV highlighting Python/AstroPy coding, data reduction, physics coursework, and prior research.; Academic Transcripts: University grade sheets in English.; Reference Letter: Confidential letter from an academic advisor or physics professor..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Review by the ESO Summer Programme Committee → Technical Fit Assessment by Project Advisors → Shortlisted Video Interviews (Feb–Mar) → Final Selection.

Profile of past winners

Physics and astronomy students with strong Python scientific computing skills who tailor their motivation letter directly to the mathematical and observational requirements of the listed ESO projects.

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. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
5. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
6. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.

Quick answers

Who can apply for ESO Summer Research Programme?

Students of all nationalities may apply, but at the final selection priority goes to nationals of ESO member states, Chile and Australia.

What does ESO Summer Research Programme cover?

Travel to and from Garching and a small allowance for lodging and daily expenses; health insurance is your own responsibility

When is the deadline for ESO Summer Research Programme?

Dec – Jan (annual; the 2026 round closed on 30 Jan 2026 - the 2027 round is expected to follow the same pattern) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with ESO Summer Research Programme?

Host countries: Germany.

What documents do I need for ESO Summer Research Programme?

Project-Specific Motivation Letter: Statement explaining your astrophysical interests and why you are qualified for up to 2–3 specific research projects advertised by ESO astronomers for that summer.; Curriculum Vitae: Academic CV highlighting Python/AstroPy coding, data reduction, physics coursework, and prior research.; Academic Transcripts: University grade sheets in English.; Reference Letter: Confidential letter from an academic advisor or physics professor..

How are applicants selected for ESO Summer Research Programme?

Review by the ESO Summer Programme Committee → Technical Fit Assessment by Project Advisors → Shortlisted Video Interviews (Feb–Mar) → Final Selection.

How much work is the ESO Summer Research Programme application?

Very High: Online ESO Portal Application + Motivation Letter Ranking Specific ESO Projects + CV + Transcripts + 1–2 Reference Letters