The European Space Agency (ESA) is offering an internship in its Commercial Partnerships Department at the European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT) in Harwell, United Kingdom. You work on AI, robotics and Space for 5G/6G, and applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy and set out every task, requirement and eligibility rule below, including the UK-specific condition for this role.
The Internship at a Glance
These are the formal details of the vacancy:
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 20980
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🏛️ Directorate: Commercialisation and Industry Partnership
📍 Workplace: Harwell, GB
🗺️ Location: ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom
📣 Publication method: External Only
📅 Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
Important: UK Eligibility Condition for This Internship
Due to the location of ECSAT and current UK legislation, only UK citizens, students enrolled in a UK university, or those with pre-settled status (right to study) in the UK are eligible to apply for this internship.
Where You Will Be Based: ECSAT, Harwell
The internship is located at ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom. The vacancy lists Harwell, GB as the workplace for the role within the Commercialisation and Industry Partnership Directorate.
Our Team and Mission: Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity
ESA's Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity strategic programme line is advancing 5G and 6G technologies to support Europe's digital transformation through the integration of satellite and terrestrial communication networks. This convergence of terrestrial (TN) and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) is expected to revolutionise how people live, work and communicate by enhancing mobile coverage, smart mobility, security and network resilience.
The programme aims to promote the standardisation of seamless global connectivity for various industries and applications, including telemedicine, autonomous vehicles, aviation and maritime services.
Your Working Environment: The AI Hub and the 5G/6G Hub
As an intern, you work in a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment at ESA's European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT) in the United Kingdom. You engage with experts in satellite communications, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and emerging digital technologies through activities associated with the AI Hub and the 5G/6G Hub.
These centres provide facilities for innovation, experimentation and demonstration activities aimed at enabling seamless global connectivity. The vacancy encourages interested candidates to visit the ESA website to learn more about the Agency.
What You Will Do: Fields of Activity
As an intern, you contribute to activities at the forefront of future communication networks, satellite communications, AI and robotics. You support technical studies, experiments and collaborative projects that explore how integrated satellite and terrestrial networks can enable intelligent systems and new digital services. Depending on your interests and background, your activities may include:
📐 Supporting technical studies on future communication network architectures, services and applications
🧠 Developing and evaluating AI models for communication systems and network management
🥽 Experimenting with mixed reality technologies, robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) as part of use-case development
🧪 Assisting with the preparation, execution and analysis of trials and technology demonstrations
🛠️ Contributing to the development and operation of the AI Hub and the 5G/6G Hub
🤝 Supporting workshops, demonstrations and engagement activities involving industry and academic partners
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Define Your Own Research Project
You also have the flexibility to define and pursue your own research project within the team's areas of activity.
What You Gain from the Internship
Through this internship, you gain practical experience in satellite-enabled connectivity, future networks and AI, while developing skills in research, experimentation, systems engineering and stakeholder engagement in an international and multidisciplinary environment.
How Long the Internship Lasts and When It Starts
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, an internship lasts between 3 and 6 months and starts from February 2027. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
Behavioural Competencies
The vacancy lists the following ESA core behavioural competencies:
🏁 Result Orientation
⚙️ Operational Efficiency
🫱 Fostering Cooperation
💬 Relationship Management
🔄 Continuous Improvement
🔭 Forward Thinking
For more information, the vacancy refers to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.
Who Can Apply: Education
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of university course at Master's level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.
Language Requirements
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
Skills and Personal Qualities
You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team. During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
Knowledge and Background That Count as an Asset
Knowledge and background in the following areas is an asset:
📡 Satellite and terrestrial communication networks, including 5G and 6G
🧮 Network modelling, simulation, experimentation or testbeds
🤖 AI/ML applied to communication systems, network management, or autonomous networks
🕶️ Immersive technologies (AR, VR and XR), robotics and UAVs
🐍 Programming and software development, particularly in Python
📊 Familiarity with AI and data analysis frameworks
🔬 Experience in conducting technical research projects
🌐 Previous experience working in international teams
Eligible Nationalities
Applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States:
🌍 Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Selection Process
During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored. During the recruitment process, the Agency may also request applicants to undergo selection tests.
Export Control and Sanctions
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
Application Limit
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, one candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 vacancies.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. It welcomes applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
At the Agency, diversity is valued and people with disabilities are welcome. Whenever possible, ESA seeks to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process, and you can contact ESA by email using the address in the Links section below.
Important Information
The information published on ESA's careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have. The vacancy does not state a stipend or allowance. You can find more opportunities like this in the internships and traineeships section of Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the ESA Space for 5G/6G internship based?
The internship is based at ECSAT in Harwell, United Kingdom, within ESA's Commercialisation and Industry Partnership Directorate. The vacancy lists Harwell, GB as the workplace.
What is the deadline to apply?
The closing date is 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST. Applications are submitted through the ESA careers website.
Who can apply for this internship given the UK location?
Due to the location of ECSAT and current UK legislation, only UK citizens, students enrolled in a UK university, or those with pre-settled status (right to study) in the UK are eligible to apply for this internship.
What will I work on?
You contribute to future communication networks, satellite communications, AI and robotics. Your activities may include supporting technical studies, developing and evaluating AI models, experimenting with mixed reality, robotics and UAVs, assisting with trials and demonstrations, contributing to the AI Hub and the 5G/6G Hub, and supporting workshops with industry and academic partners.
Can I define my own research project?
Yes. The vacancy says you have the flexibility to define and pursue your own research project within the team's areas of activity.
What education level is required?
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of university course at Master's level. You must also be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.
Which nationalities are eligible?
Applications are only considered from nationals of ESA's listed States: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. For this role, the UK eligibility condition above also applies.
How long does the internship last and when does it start?
According to ESA's 2027 student internships announcement, an internship lasts between 3 and 6 months and starts from February 2027. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
Which languages do I need?
The working languages of the Agency are English and French, and a good knowledge of one of them is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
Do I need a background in 5G, 6G or AI?
It is an asset, not a stated requirement. Knowledge of satellite and terrestrial networks including 5G and 6G, AI/ML, immersive technologies, robotics and UAVs, Python, and technical research projects counts in your favour. Your motivation for applying will also be explored during the interview.
How many ESA internship vacancies can I apply for?
One candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 vacancies, according to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships.
What happens during the selection process?
Your motivation for applying to the role will be explored during the interview. ESA may also ask applicants to undergo selection tests, and applicants must be eligible to access information, technology and hardware subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
Does the vacancy state a stipend?
No. The vacancy does not state a stipend or allowance.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026
Links
🔗 Full vacancy and application (Apply now): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Harwell-Intern-in-the-Commercial-Partnerships-Department-AI-and-Robotics-Space-for-5G6G/1452920133/
📘 ESA Student Internships 2027 announcement: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Student_Internships_2027_are_now_open
🌐 ESA website: http://www.esa.int
📧 ESA student internships contact (diversity and accessibility questions): ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
