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ECSL Summer Course on Space Law and Policy

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ESA / About Us / ECSL - European Centre for Space Law

One of the ECSL’s most prominent activities is the ECSL Summer Course on Space Law and Policy, welcoming students at all academic levels as well as select young professionals currently active in the space or related sectors. Now in its 33rd year, the course has built a vast global network of alumni.

Please find below information about the upcoming 2025 edition. Applications are now closed. Information regarding the 2026 edition will be communicated un due time.

The 2025 Summer Course on Space Law and Policy

The ECSL is happy to announce that the 33rd ECSL Summer Course on Space Law and Policy will be hosted by the ECSL National Point of Contact for Estonia, the Institute of Law at Tallinn University of Technology and will follow the overarching topic of "Cybersecurity in the context of space law and policy" from 18-29 August 2025.

Throughout the course, participants will attend lectures delivered by academics, practitioners from international and national space organisations, and technical specialists. While topics change each year, the curriculum generally covers the international, regional, and national legal and policy frameworks that govern space activities and their applications. The primary goal of the summer course is to spark participants’ interest in this specialised area of law and policy, while equipping them with a solid foundational knowledge to support their future professional careers or further academic research.

Participants have the opportunity to meet highly qualified experts, to learn from their experience and to visit the premises of companies operating in the space industry or intergovernmental bodies, as well as other entities active in the space sector.

This year’s course will focus on:

International Space Law
Digital and Cyber Law in space
Diplomatic Space Governance
National Space Legislation
Space sustainability and security
EU & ESA Space Programmes
Private and contract space law
Legal regime of space resources exploration, exploitation and utilisation
Careers in the space sector
Military uses of outer space
Export control
The future legal aspects of space activities

The course will also feature a mandatory group project. Participants will be able to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired during their lectures and present to a judges' panel on the last day of the course, 29 August 2025. Additionally, participants will be supported by a small team of tutors—experts in space law—who will be available to answer any questions that may arise during the preparation of the group project.

The full programme alongside lecturers will be made available to participants after the selection.

What are the eligibility criterias for applying to the Course?

The course is open to 45 students, 5 young professionals and 3 tutors from ESA Member States, Associate Members and Cooperating States. For more information on the application process, please see below.

Applications from citizens or residents of ESA Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States will have priority over those residing outside. A demonstrable interest in space law and policy and a strong academic background is an asset. There are no fixed criteria concerning the particular professional background of individual applicants and each application will be considered on his merits.

Please note that the course is generally not open to working professionals over the age of 35. ESA and ECSL have a dedicated high-quality and tailor-made course for working professionals and government representatives - please find more information below:

https://www.esa.int/About_Us/ECSL_European_Centre_for_Space_Law/ECSL_Executive_Course_on_Space_Law_and_Regulations

How do I apply?

Application for students

If you are under the age of 35 and without having completed a final level of education with a higher level degree (Masters, LLM. etc.), you may apply as a student participant. For persons currently enrolled in a second masters degree, even if having completed a first masters degree, but not fully working or pursuing a PhD, the category of "student" still applies. Please therefore follow this category when submitting your application.

Students can only apply through their National Point of Contact (NPoC) in the country where they study or where they are citizens. Contact details for ECSL NPoCs can be found by clicking here. If you are unsure which NPoC to apply with, please consult ecsl@esa.int. Please ask your NPoC for a confirmation of receipt of your application.

The application consists of an electronic form which you have to fill out as well as save your response and provide it alongside a copy of your CV (2 pages max) to your respective NPoC as outlined above. Applications are not complete by only submitting the form.

Your respective NPOCs will conduct a pre-selection procedure before ECSL conducts the final selection of candidates.

If no NPoC is set up in your country of study, residence or citizenship, then apply directly to ecsl@esa.int.

The application forms for students can be found here: https://forms.office.com/e/uCRveSXED0

Application for young professionals

If you are under 35 years old, you may apply as a young professional. Please note that anyone not currently enrolled in an LLB or LLM equivalent program—including, but not limited to, PhD or JD students and early-career professionals—will be classified as a young professional for the purpose of this application. If you have any doubts or wish to discuss your application, please contact ecsl@esa.int.

Individuals who are pursuing further higher education degrees after having completed a master’s degree, even if working part-time, are considered "young professionals." This also applies to those pursuing a PhD while working part-time, who should apply under the "young professionals" category. Generally, individuals working full-time and studying part-time will also be classified as "young professionals." If you have any doubts or wish to discuss your application, please contact ecsl@esa.int.

The application consists of an electronic form which you have to fill out as well as save your response and provide it alongside a copy of your CV (2 pages max) to ecsl@esa.int. Applications are not complete by only submitting the form.

The application form for young professionals can be found here: https://forms.office.com/e/TVFT00JzEc

Supporting reference contact details (both students and young professionals)

The purpose of the supporting reference in the application form is to verify the application in case of doubt. The supporting reference does not need to additionally write you a letter of recommendation. Supporting references can be professors or employers (current or former). You may also ask your respective NPoC to act as supporting reference.

Application for tutors

As a tutor you will have the chance to interact and engage with other young space enthusiasts, as well as some of the most prominent people in the field. You will gain tutoring experience and a chance to learn from all the lectures.

Tutors are usually selected from previous years' Summer Course students, as they are familiar with the structure of the summer course and have experience of preparing and presenting a group project. This is by no means a requirement.

The application form for tutors can be found here: https://forms.office.com/e/Bv49mkjDEd

Fees, Transportation and Accommodation information

For students who are citizens or residents of ESA Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States, there is a course fee of 200EUR, which will contribute to the accommodation organised and covered by ECSL. Students will receive accommodation covered, as well as breakfast and lunches.

For young professionals who are citizens or residents ESA Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States, there is a course fee of 600EUR. This does not include accommodation, but lunches will be covered. Please organise your accommodation accordingly. Should you need support in choosing accommodation after being selected, a team of local tutors will try to support you (subject of availability).

Both students and young professionals are expected to organise and pay for their own transport to and from the course, and are obliged to have a travel insurance for the duration of the course. The insurance should cover travel/third party liability. Participants are also expected to cover some local transportation costs at the in-person location, as well as living costs, although some additional transportation and meals may also be covered by the ECSL or local partners.

Tutors receive the accommodation and transport free of charge, but are still required to pay for their obligatory insurance.

Timeline for the 2025 ECSL Summer Course on Space Law and Policy application process

23 May 2025	Applications open
22 June 2025 (23:59 CET)	Applications close (Deadline will not be extended)
29 June 2025	Application deadline for NPoCs to confirm their pre-selection to ECSL
Early July 2025	Application results
08 July 2025 15 July 2025	Deadline for confirmation of participation Deadline for payment of the fee and travel insurance