ESA Graduate Trainees

ESA’s Graduate Trainee (EGT) Programme offers recent graduates the opportunity to gain valuable on-the-job experience in the development and operation of space missions in an international and multicultural environment.

Our high-calibre EGT Programme lasts for one year and is a launch pad for many exciting professional opportunities within Europe’s space sector, renowned research institutes or, of course, ESA itself.

Every year in February, we publish around 100 EGT opportunities in science and engineering, information technology, natural and social sciences and business. Discover everything you need to know about the programme, what we offer and the selection process on this page. Your path to space begins at ESA!

Who can apply?

To be eligible for the YGT Programme, you must be:

• Within one year of graduation and with a Master in engineering, science, IT or business services. You can of course apply (and we encourage you to do so) while you are still studying if you are in the final year of your Master, but you must have graduated by the time your traineeship starts. You will be asked to provide us with your Master’s diploma at the very latest within three months of starting at ESA.
• A citizen of one of the ESA Member States, Associate Members, European Cooperating States or Canada as a Cooperating State can ;The full list of eligible countries is published in the footer of each ESA vacancy.

Please note that basic eligibility pre-screening questions regarding nationality and university degree are asked on completion of the ESA online application form.

EGTs are required to provide proof of having completed their Master's degree within three months of starting work at ;If you have completed a PhD or are about to complete one, please have a look at our Research Fellowship Programme, which is more in line with your academic background and level of ;

What we offer

The ESA Young Graduate Trainee Programme offers:

• 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 career within Europe’s space sector.
• A one-year contract (with possible extension for a second year) with 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. Excess luggage costs are also reimbursed.
• Affiliation to ESA’s comprehensive social security scheme and pension scheme.
• ESA also makes provision for pregnancy, bonding, parental/family care and sick leave, as well as special leave for personal and family related reasons.