The European Space Agency (ESA) is offering an internship in its Communication Department at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany, focused on digital content and outreach for international audiences. Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST, and the role is open to university students from ESA's participating states who speak German at native level. At Youth Works Hub we went through the full vacancy and set out every task, requirement and selection detail below.
The Internship at a Glance
This internship sits in the Director General's Services directorate and is based at ESOC in Darmstadt. These are the formal details of the vacancy:
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 20939
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🏛️ Directorate: Director General's Services
📍 Workplace: Darmstadt, DE
🏢 Location: ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany
📣 Publication method: External Only
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
Where You Will Be Based: ESOC, Darmstadt
The internship is located at ESA's European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany. The vacancy lists Darmstadt, DE as the workplace and ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany as the location of the role.
Our Team and Mission: The ESA Member States Outreach Office
The ESA Member States Outreach Office is responsible for all media and public relations between the European Space Agency and its member states. The team is based at ESA ESOC in Darmstadt and focuses on Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland and the Czech Republic.
The team works with governments, the press and the general public to inform and educate about all of ESA's space activities, from astronauts to asteroids, Earth observation to satellites flying to Jupiter.
The Big Questions Behind the Internship
The topic of the internship is Digital Content and Outreach for International Audiences. The vacancy frames it around three questions:
🧭 How do we engage diverse audiences across Europe?
💻 How can we make the best use of digital platforms to share compelling stories about space?
🎪 What types of outreach activities help bring these stories to life and connect with people?
What You Will Gain
By joining the Communications team at ESA's European Space Operations Centre (ESOC), you will gain hands-on experience in digital communications and public outreach. Working alongside experienced professionals, you will develop your understanding of how international organisations create and deliver effective, integrated communication campaigns in a multilingual environment.
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Your Core Tasks
Your tasks will include:
📰 exploring ways to make articles, information sheets and other content more accessible and engaging for the public through ESA's new content management system
🔎 supporting fact-checking and research activities
🈯 reviewing translated content
🎬 contributing to the creation and distribution of digital and audiovisual materials
Additional Tasks Depending on Your Interests and Skills
Depending on your interests and skills, additional tasks may include:
🚀 supporting new outreach initiatives
🎞️ contributing to the development of audiovisual communication products for international audiences
Duration and Start Date
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, an ESA internship lasts 3 to 6 months. Internships start from February 2027 onwards, and the exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
Education Requirement
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.
Language Requirements: German at Native Level
The working languages of the Agency are English and French, and a good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
Due to the nature of this position, native-level proficiency in German is mandatory. Knowledge of Polish and/or Czech language is an asset.
Which Nationalities Can Apply
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
Behavioural Competencies
Six behavioural competencies are listed. For more information, the vacancy refers candidates to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.
🎯 Result Orientation
⚙️ Operational Efficiency
🫱 Fostering Cooperation
🧩 Relationship Management
🔄 Continuous Improvement
🔭 Forward Thinking
What Happens at the Interview
During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
Selection Tests
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.
How Many Vacancies You Can Apply For
ESA's 2027 student internship announcement states that a candidate can apply for a maximum of two vacancies.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness at ESA
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
Support for Applicants With Disabilities
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 its contact address is listed in the Links section below.
Internship Conditions 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.
Applying Through the Official ESA Careers Page
Applications go through ESA's own careers website, and the full vacancy text is published there. If you are comparing traineeships and internships abroad, our hub guide to how funded traineeships really work is a useful starting point.
Browse more internships and traineeships on Youth Works Hub →
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the ESA Communication Department internship based?
The internship is based at ESA's European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany, within the Director General's Services directorate. The vacancy lists Darmstadt, DE as the workplace.
What will I do during the internship?
You will work in the Communications team at ESOC on digital content and outreach for international audiences. Your tasks include making articles and information sheets more accessible through ESA's new content management system, supporting fact-checking and research, reviewing translated content, and contributing to digital and audiovisual materials.
Who can apply?
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of a Master's level course. You must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the whole duration of the internship.
Do I need to speak German?
Yes. Due to the nature of the position, native-level proficiency in German is mandatory. Good knowledge of English or French is also required, and knowledge of Polish and/or Czech is an asset.
Which nationalities can apply?
Applications are only considered from nationals of ESA's participating 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. Applicants from Canada, Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta can apply as well.
How long does the internship last?
According to ESA's 2027 student internship announcement, ESA internships last 3 to 6 months and start from February 2027 onwards. The start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
How many internship vacancies can I apply for?
A candidate can apply for a maximum of two vacancies, according to ESA's 2027 student internship announcement.
What happens after I apply?
The Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests during the recruitment process. During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
What is the application deadline?
The closing date is 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026 (23:59 CET/CEST)
Links
🔗 Job description and application: https://jobs.esa.int/job/Darmstadt-Intern-in-the-Communication-Department-Digital-Content-and-Outreach-for-International-Audiences/1452918633/
🌐 European Space Agency: http://www.esa.int
🛰️ ESA Student Internships 2027 announcement: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Student_Internships_2027_are_now_open
📨 ESA Human Resources (disability support and recruitment assistance): ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
