The European Space Agency (ESA) is offering an internship in the Copernicus Space Office of its Earth Observation Programmes Directorate at ESRIN in Frascati, Italy. You choose between two policy topics on the future of the Copernicus Space Component, 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.
The Internship at a Glance
These are the formal details of the vacancy:
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21167
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🏛️ Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes
📍 Workplace: Frascati, IT
🗺️ Location: ESRIN, Frascati, Italy
📣 Publication method: External Only
📅 Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
Where You Will Be Based: ESRIN, Frascati
The internship is located at ESRIN in Frascati, Italy. The vacancy lists Frascati, IT as the workplace for the role within the Earth Observation Programmes Directorate.
Our Team and Mission: The Copernicus Space Office
The Copernicus Space Office is responsible for programmatic activities that are relevant to the Copernicus Space Component. The vacancy encourages interested candidates to visit the ESA website to learn more about the Agency.
What the Copernicus Space Office Does
The tasks of the Office include, in particular:
📡 Monitoring ESA's Copernicus Space Component activities and ensuring their coordination
🤝 Ensuring coordination with the ESA-EU matters Committee and with the European Commission (COM) in the implementation of the Copernicus Space Component, by interfacing with COM Copernicus related Units services
📜 Coordinating the implementation of the EU-ESA Agreement on Copernicus and supporting negotiations for any amendments
🗓️ Preparing and planning programmatic aspects of the Copernicus Space Component evolution
📝 Preparing Copernicus Space Component programmatic documents and supporting Copernicus related negotiations with COM and other parties
Choose Your Field: Two Internship Topics
The vacancy lets you choose among two topics. Each one asks the intern to review current EU policy and assess what it means for the Copernicus Space Component.
Topic 1: Sustainability, Climate Neutrality, Competitiveness and the Future of the Copernicus Space Component
The released proposal for a Regulation on the safety, resilience and sustainability of space activities in the Union (EU Space Act) introduces several articles on the environmental sustainability of space activities that affect Copernicus related activities.
The intern will review the latest EU legislation and assess the potential implications on the Copernicus Space Component and its implementation of the ESA Green Agenda.
🌱 Proposing the possible next steps needed to achieve climate neutrality, including short, medium and long term milestones
🧭 Introducing sustainability requirements for all Copernicus Space Component related activities
🛠️ Optimising related organisational schemes
The vacancy gives these as examples of such milestones, among others ("etc.").
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Topic 2: Security and Resilience in Europe and the Future of the Copernicus Space Component
Security and Resilience are among the priorities of the European Union. In particular, Article 1 of the proposed Regulation for the future European Competitiveness Fund clearly identifies a "Resilience and Security, Defence, Industry and Space" window. As an EU led programme, Copernicus is called to address these concerns.
In order to properly assess the possible implications of these concerns, the intern will:
🔎 Survey emerging security and resilience requirements and related EU communications and legislation
🧩 Explore the potential implications on the Copernicus Space Component
💡 Propose possible solutions to best respond to these growing needs
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.
Additional Requirements and Assets
During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored. The following is considered an asset:
🏛️ Knowledge and background in EU policies
🚀 Familiarity with the aerospace sector and engineering
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.
🍁 Cooperating State: applicants from Canada can apply as well
🇪🇺 European Cooperating States (ECS): applicants from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta can apply as well
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.
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 Copernicus Space Office internship based?
The internship is based at ESRIN in Frascati, Italy, within ESA's Earth Observation Programmes Directorate. The vacancy lists Frascati, IT 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.
What topics can I choose from?
You can choose between two topics. Topic 1 covers sustainability, climate neutrality, competitiveness and the future of the Copernicus Space Component, including the EU Space Act and the ESA Green Agenda. Topic 2 covers security and resilience in Europe and the future of the Copernicus Space Component.
What does the Copernicus Space Office do?
It is responsible for programmatic activities relevant to the Copernicus Space Component. This includes monitoring and coordinating ESA's Copernicus activities, coordinating with the ESA-EU matters Committee and the European Commission, and coordinating the implementation of the EU-ESA Agreement on Copernicus.
Who can apply for this internship?
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, which include Italy, France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom and 22 others named in the vacancy. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State, and from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States, can apply as well.
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 EU policy or aerospace?
Knowledge and background in EU policies, and familiarity with the aerospace sector and engineering, are an asset. Your motivation for applying to the role 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.
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/Frascati-Intern-in-the-Copernicus-Space-Office/1452875833/
📘 ESA Student Internships 2027 announcement: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Student_Internships_2027_are_now_open
🌐 ESA website: https://www.esa.int
📧 ESA student internships contact (diversity and accessibility questions): ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
