Entry-level and research programmes

Entry-level and research programmes

ESA offers a wide range of opportunities for postgraduate students including both Master’s and PhD researchers. Discover how to take part in ESA’s missions and projects as a student or recent graduate.

University students and graduates

There are six different programmes open to students and recent graduates who are national of one of the ESA Member States or Cooperating States:

• Internships are available while you are still studying.
• The ESA Graduate Trainee Programme is for students who are about to graduate from a Master’s level course, or for those who have recently graduated.
• The National Graduate Trainee Programme is similar to the ESA Graduate Trainee Programme, also targeting those who are either about to graduate, or have recently graduated, with a Master’s degree.
• The Junior Professional Programme is open to graduates of a Master's level degree programme with up to three years of professional experience.
• Researchers can apply for ESA to co-fund space-related PhD and post-doc research activities.
• Post docs can apply to the Research Fellowship Programme.

From outside Europe?

If you are not a national of one of the ESA Member States or Cooperating States, there are opportunities to work directly with ESA in the European space industry. Check the Business with ESA industry portal for details and for a list of small and medium enterprises which do business with us.

What is it like to work at ESA?

The European Space Agency has eight sites across Europe and a launch site in French Guiana.