ESA Academy Case Studies Programme

For whom

Case Studies are designed for tertiary education students, but applications should be submitted by:

• a university professor or course coordinator, or
• a student association coordinator.

Students do not apply individually to ESA. Applications are submitted by the relevant coordinator on behalf of the student team.

What selected student teams can expect from ESA:

• a Case Study Briefs based on a topic of relevance to ESA activities, setting out the context, the objectives, the expected outputs, the timeline, and the team profile,
• light mentoring from an ESA expert including a kick-off, a mid-term and a final meeting,
• Q&A guidance at agreed intervals.

These touchpoints are intended to frame the expected work, answer questions and provide high-level feedback. They do not replace academic supervision.

• a light mentoring from an ESA expert including a Kick-off meeting, a Midpoint check, a Final Review and
• Q&A guidance at agreed intervals.

I am a university professor / course coordinator

If you are coordinating a university course, thesis track, or structured project module and would like your students to work on ESA-originated projects, you can apply to run a Case Study with your student team(s) as part of your academic framework, through the list of Case Studies provided here.

Please read the full description of the programme. 

How it works

• Read the published Case Study Briefs.
• Select the Case Study that best fits your course or project framework.
• Identify the student team or teams that match the profile and requirements set out in the Case Study Brief.
• Submit your application.
• If selected, coordinate the project locally during the delivery period.

I represent a Student Association

Student associations can participate and run an ESA Case Study as a structured association activity (e.g., a working group or project series).

How it works

• Identify a responsible Coordinator within your association.
• Read the published Case Study Briefs.
• Select the Case Study that best fits your association activity.
• Propose a team composed of student members of your association at Bachelor or Master, PhD or equivalent level matching the profile and requirements defined in the Case Study Brief.
• Submit your application.
•  If selected, ensure coordination of the project internally during the delivery period.

Applications are handled on a first come, first served basis, subject to feasibility and mentor availability.

I am a student

Case Studies are delivered mainly by student teams. If you would like to participate, you can do so through either a university coordinator or a student association coordinator.

What you should do

• Read the published Case Study Briefs and identify the topics that interest you.
• Find a university or student association coordinator willing to set up a Case Study with you.
• Form a student team that matches the profile and requirements set out in the Case Study Brief.
• Ask the coordinator to submit the application on behalf of your team.

High-level eligibility

Eligibility depends on the specific Case Study Brief and its profile requirements. In general, participation is designed for tertiary education students at Bachelor, Master, PhD or equivalent level and taking part through a university framework or a student association.

Diversity, equity and inclusion

ESA values diversity and inclusiveness which enriches its programmes and promotes balanced audience representativeness of our society. ESA encourages participating entities to foster diversity, equality, and inclusiveness in selection and participation; to welcome participants from all eligible candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability, social origin, or other characteristics; and to take the necessary measures to accommodate special needs.

Contact

For any questions about the programme or application process:
academy.engagement@esa.int