The countdown is on for graduates hoping to work in space. The European Space Agency is preparing to open applications for its 2026 Graduate Trainee Programme in February.
The scheme gives early-career professionals the chance to work on real space missions. Trainees join international teams across science, engineering, IT and business. For many, it is their first step into the space industry.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to students in the final year of a Master’s degree or those who have graduated within the past year. Eligible fields include engineering, science, IT and business services.
Applicants must also hold citizenship from an ESA Member State or partner country. This includes the UK, Canada and most European nations.
Successful candidates become part of the European Space Agency, working at the heart of Europe’s space activities.
What Graduate Trainees Receive
Graduate Trainees are offered a one-year contract. In many cases, this can be extended to a second year. The role includes a tax-exempt monthly salary, paid leave and full health cover.
ESA also provides relocation support for those moving from abroad. Travel costs are reimbursed at the start and end of the contract.
Just as important is the experience itself. Trainees work on active projects rather than simulations. Many former trainees have gone on to secure long-term roles within ESA or the wider space sector.
Hands-On Space Experience
Trainees can also join special initiatives such as ESA’s Young Professionals Satellite project. Here, early-career staff help design, build and operate real spacecraft.
The first satellite flew on the inaugural Ariane 6 launch in 2024. A second mission is now being prepared.
ESA will also host live online information sessions throughout February. These events feature current trainees and former fellows. They share honest insights into applications, interviews and daily life at the agency.
Key Dates To Know
Applications open in February. Interviews take place between March and May. Final selections are made in June. Most trainees begin their roles in September or October.
Stay tuned for our upcoming guide to the ESA Graduate Trainee Programme. We’ll break down the application process and offer practical advice for candidates preparing their CVs, motivation letters and interviews.
Published by Kerry Harrison
Kerry’s been writing professionally for over 14 years, after graduating with a First Class Honours Degree in Multimedia Journalism from Canterbury Christ Church University. She joined Orbital Today in 2022. She covers everything from UK launch updates to how the wider space ecosystem is evolving. She enjoys digging into the detail and explaining complex topics in a way that feels straightforward. Before writing about space, Kerry spent years working with cybersecurity companies. She’s written a lot about threat intelligence, data protection, and how cyber and space are increasingly overlapping, whether that’s satellite security or national defence. With a strong background in tech writing, she’s used to making tricky, technical subjects more approachable. That mix of innovation, complexity, and real-world impact is what keeps her interested in the space sector.