Overview

Student placements at ESA


Qeshm Island, IranStudent placements

ESA offers students a wide range of work placement options. Applicants should be on the verge of completing their Bachelors degree, or be in the first half of their Masters course. In general, technical opportunities are available at ESTEC, ESOC, ESAC and ESRIN. A limited number of non-technical opportunities are available at all Establishments too.

If you are interested in a student placement, please complete the online application form, and send it via e-mail to any of ESA's main Establishments listed below. You should include your CV and a covering letter explaining why you would like to work at ESA.



Young Graduate Trainees


ISS as seen from Soyuz TMA-20Young Graduate Trainees

Are you about to take your finals? Or do you already have your Masters degree in the bag? If so, then you can apply to ESA as a 'Young Graduate Trainee' (YGT). This high-calibre programme lasts for one year and gives successful applicants an opportunity to gain valuable experience in the development and operation of space missions. As a Graduate Trainee, you’ll take on a responsible role in supporting a project, and benefit from the expertise of an ESA mentor.

YGTs gain valuable experience that can qualify them for the many exciting opportunities within Europe’s space industry, renowned research institutes and, of course, ESA. This, in addition to the rich personal experience of living and working in another country and in a diverse and international environment, makes the YGT programme very popular.



National trainee Programmes


Maximise your chances: National trainee programmes

Research fellowships


First launch of AtlantisPostdoctoral Research Fellowship Programme

ESA's Postdoctoral Research Fellowship programme (RFP) aims to offer young scientists and engineers the possibility of carrying out research in a variety of disciplines related to space science, space applications or space technology. Applicants must have recently attained their doctorate in a field closely connected to space activities.

The programme gives access to the expertise of ESA for two years. You can find more information on research fields, specialists and contact details in the link on the right.



Last update: 28 September 2011