The European Space Agency (ESA) is inviting students to apply for its 2026 Student Internship Programme. Students from Latvia are also welcome to apply – whether you’re studying engineering, science, IT, business, economics, or social sciences! Discover more than 200 internship opportunities and apply by 30 November.
Through this programme, students from across ESA Member and Cooperating States have the chance to join an organisation with more than half a century of experience in space research and innovation. Work alongside leading professionals, contribute to groundbreaking projects, and start shaping your future in the space sector. For Latvian students, this opportunity is made possible thanks to Latvia’s status as an Associate Member State of ESA.
How to apply
Visit ESA’s Careers Portal to browse this year’s internship opportunities. Once you have found a good match:
- Create your candidate profile.
- Upload your CV.
- Add a concise and compelling motivation letter.
- Submit your application by 30 November 2025.
Don’t wait until the last minute — your journey into space starts now!
Who can apply?
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a university student, ideally in your final or penultimate year of a master’s programme.
- Hold citizenship of one of ESA’s Member States, Associate Member States (such as Latvia), or Cooperating States (the full list is available at the bottom of each ESA vacancy page).
Selection timeline
- November 2025: Internship opportunities published.
- December 2025 – January 2026: Candidate shortlisting and selection.
- February 2026 onwards: Internships begin.
The start date is flexible — between February and October 2026, agreed upon with your ESA tutor.
The internship duration is three to six months, and you must remain enrolled at a university for its full duration.
What’s it like interning at ESA?
ESA interns gain valuable hands-on experience and a range of benefits:
- Hands-on learning at world-class research facilities.
- Research opportunities that can enrich your theses.
- Networking and community: collaboration with fellow interns and young professionals, building lasting connections and enjoying a vibrant social environment.
“ESA internships are often a student’s first step into the space industry. They’re a chance to learn, grow and connect, with space and with each other.”
— Andrew Kane, ESA Entry-Level Programmes Coordinator
“Working at ESA based in ESTEC has given me a deep insight into the wide range of activities carried out by ESA. Although I have always been passionate about space and followed the work of both ESA and NASA, I was still impressed by the variety of projects ESA undertakes that I wasn't aware of. After completing five months as an Intern and nearly a year as a Graduate Trainee, I can confidently say that this has been an invaluable and unique opportunity to contribute directly to satellite missions and gain hands-on experience in the space sector. I also greatly value the international work environment and the opportunity to build a professional network,” Alexander Roessel, 2024 Intern working in the Copernicus Hyperspectral Imaging Mission for the Environment (CHIME)
“My ESA internship in one word: amazing! Spending six months in a work environment filled with passion and excitement for spaceflight, independently working on fascinating projects was an amazing chance and experience. The things I have learned and people I met during this time shaped and boosted my further path,” Katrin Schirm, 2023 Intern working in Product Assurance and Safety
Tips for a successful application
- Choose wisely: Select up to two internships that align with your studies and goals.
- Be authentic: Share your passion and motivation clearly and concisely.
- Answer thoughtfully: Your responses help us understand your academic background and interests.
- Don't wait until the last minute to apply! You can adjust your application right up until the vacancies close and are taken offline.
Visit Student Internships page for full details on the programme and selection process, or check out the Internships FAQ page.
