02/02/2026
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The 2026 ESA Graduate Trainee positions are now open! If you’re passionate about engineering, science, IT or business, this is your chance to turn your dreams into reality.
Step into a unique role where you’ll contribute to inspiring space missions and work alongside leading scientists, engineers and professionals from across Europe. At ESA, you’ll be part of a diverse and supportive international team, united by one shared mission: the peaceful exploration and use of space for the benefit of humanity.
Discover more and apply today! Your road to space starts here.
How to apply?
- Explore our ESA Graduate Trainee opportunities here.
- Select the opportunity that interests you the most and fits best with your academic background and aspirations. Each candidate can submit up to three applications so it is worthwhile taking the time to read each opportunity to ensure you don’t miss the one(s) that could be a match.
- Register and create your candidate profile with your CV and motivation letter.
- Apply! You will be able to track the status of your application throughout the process by logging into your candidate profile.
Who can apply?
To apply for the EGT Programme, you must be:
- a student in the final year of a Master’s degree or a recent graduate in engineering, science, IT or business services. You must have graduated by the time you start your traineeship and be able to provide us with a copy of your diploma within three months of your starting date but you should not have more than one year of professional experience after graduation.
- a citizen of one of the ESA Member States, Associate Members, European Cooperating States or Canada as a Cooperating State (the full list of eligible nationalities is given in the footer of each vacancy).
What we offer
- A unique professional experience as part of a team of scientists, engineers and business professionals from all over Europe, working together on inspiring space missions in an international, multicultural and friendly environment.
- A great opportunity to gain extensive experience that could open doors to a long-term career within Europe’s space sector.
- A one-year contract (with possible extension to a second year) with 2.5 days’ paid leave per month.
- Excellent employment conditions, including a monthly salary exempt from national income tax in ESA Member States.
- Travel expenses reimbursed at the beginning and end of the contract.
- Expatriation allowance and/or an installation allowance on arrival if you move from another country.
- Affiliation to ESA’s comprehensive social security scheme and pension scheme.
Want to learn more?
Find detailed information on the EGT Programme and answers to your most common questions on the dedicated FAQ page. Check out this page to discover other programmes available at ESA!
Join our information sessions
We will be holding three information sessions during which you can find out more about the EGT Programme and submit your questions about this unique opportunity.
5 February | Hosted on Webex This information session will explain the various entry-level programmes available at ESA with a focus on the EGT Programme. This online event will also include a Q&A session. |
12 February | Hosted on YouTube Join former ESA Research Fellow Maggie Lieu along with current EGTs as they share the work they do on ESA projects, their personal experience of the application process and the tips and tricks they learned when applying to ESA. |
17 February | Hosted on Webex Get to know Young ESA and hear about their many dynamic activities. This community connects hundreds of young ESA professionals to work on common goals ranging from sustainability projects to connecting with industry to social events, to name just a few! With opportunities for everyone to connect, engage and contribute to the vibrant work of ESA, Young ESA is particularly suited for EGTs joining the Agency. |
Life at ESA
Learn more about life at ESA and what we offer, or visit our ESA establishment pages to explore ESA further.
Stay connected with us!
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