Space Standards Training Course 2026 open for application

Over five intense, interactive and insightful days, you will receive an in-depth introduction to the European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS). Experts from ESA will highlight the critical role standards play in shaping and executing space activities. The programme will explore how adherence to standards impacts various disciplines within ESA and the space sector in general, supporting the development of advanced space technologies.

The ECSS provides a unified, streamlined set of standards for all European space activities. These standards are applied consistently across project management, hardware and software development, testing, product and quality assurance. The collaborative development and updating of these standards involve key stakeholders, including agencies and industry partners. ESA contracts with spacecraft manufacturers specify subsets of ECSS management standards, while quality and product assurance standards ensure the reliability of engineering designs and processes for spacecraft and payloads.

Standards in space projects serve two essential purposes: reducing technical risks and costs while also ensuring compatibility among all components of a mission. As a result, the integration of standards is vital across every aspect of ESA's work.

During this week-long programme, you will learn from experts in space standards - a topic often overlooked in traditional university courses. You will learn application of current ECSS standards & next generation of standards to Advanced and Smart Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence and Lunar & Mars crewed and robotic missions. By the end of the course, you will have gained critical knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of the space industry and advance your career in this highly specialized field.

To enhance the learning experience, you will actively engage in a group project throughout the week to apply your newly acquired knowledge. Upon successful completion, you will be awarded a certificate of participation and a course transcript, enabling you to request ECTS credit(s) from your respective university.

These are the main topics that will be addressed:

Who can apply?

To participate, you must fulfil the following eligibility criteria: 

• Enrolled as a university student for the year 2025-2026 in a Bachelor (i.e., BSc or equivalent), Master (i.e., MSc or equivalent), or a Doctoral (i.e., Ph.D. or equivalent) degree programme with a background in business, engineering, or science.
• Aged minimum 18 years old. ESA Academy and relevant partners will only appraise applications from students who have no or limited professional experience in relevant scientific or other space-related topics.
• Citizen of ESA Member States, Canada*, or Associate Members.
• Selected students will be required to attend the entire 5-day training course at ESEC. They will be sponsored by ESA to cover accommodation and meals, as well as up to 350 Euros for travelling to Belgium.

ESA is committed to achieving diversity and creating an inclusive professional environment. To this end, we welcome proposals and applications from all eligible candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. The ESA Academy strongly encourages inclusiveness within its programmes and within participating teams, which contributes to the enrichment of our programme. 

Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support, either digitally or at the location of the training. In case of any questions or specific needs, please reach out to academy.training@esa.int to get assistance or advice during the application process.

How to apply?

• Fill in the application form on ESA Learn.
• Upload a motivation letter (PDF, maximum 1 page, no image).
• Upload a CV (Europass format, PDF, maximum 2 pages, no image).
• Upload a formal recommendation letter (PDF, maximum 1 page, including signature, no image) from a university professor or an academic supervisor from your current university (if not possible to receive the recommendation letter from your reference, please ask them to send a recommendation email to academy.training@esa.int before the application deadline).
• Upload a copy of your Transcript of Grades from the two previous semesters, or, if not available, the previous academic year (PDF).

All answers and documents should be in English (except Transcript of Grades if not available). 

The deadline for both the application and recommendation submissions is 22 February 2026, 23:55 CET. The selection announcement will be on 13 March 2026.

*Canadian students enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary institution may apply for additional support from the Canadian Space Agency through this Announcement of Opportunity (grant applications should be submitted at least 7 weeks before the course delivery and account creation 3 weeks before the submission deadline – create an account soon!). This additional support is to cover costs that are not already covered by ESA for selected Canadian post-secondary students.

For more information, please contact: academy.training@esa.int