The European Space Agency (ESA) is looking for an intern in its External Relations Department at ESA Headquarters in Paris, France. The internship lasts 3 to 6 months, starts from February 2027 and is open to university students, preferably at Master's level. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy: applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.
Internship Details: Paris, Strategy, Legal and External Matters Directorate
🏛️ Organisation: European Space Agency (ESA)
🧭 Team: External Relations Department
🆔 Job requisition ID: 20965
🗂️ Directorate: Strategy, Legal and External Matters
📍 Location: ESA Headquarters, Paris, France
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
⏱️ Duration: 3 to 6 months
📆 Start: from February 2027, with the exact start agreed with your ESA tutor
🌐 Publication method: external only
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
The External Relations Department and Its Mission
The External Relations Department shapes and delivers ESA's international engagement strategy with non-Member States, their institutions and international organisations. It develops and coordinates cooperation frameworks, supports high-level exchanges and representation, including through ESA offices in Washington and Tokyo, and provides strategic, political and diplomatic advice on international relations to senior management.
By monitoring geopolitical developments, preparing key engagements and ensuring alignment with Agency priorities, the Department plays a central role in advancing ESA's international partnerships and in positioning the Agency as a trusted and influential global partner.
Topic of the Internship: External Relations
As an intern in the External Relations Department, you have the opportunity to contribute directly to the management of the Agency's relations with its international partners. You are fully integrated into the team, contribute to the practice of international relations in a dynamic period of global change, and gain insights into the functioning of an intergovernmental organisation at the heart of the space sector.
What You Will Do as an External Relations Intern
The vacancy describes four areas of activity:
🔎 Research on geopolitical and geostrategic developments of relevance to ESA and the space sector more broadly
🧠 Foreign policy analysis
📝 Contribution to the formulation of internal positions and support to the implementation of ESA's missions and programmes jointly carried out with international partners, in coordination with the relevant programme directorates
🤵 Support to the handling of high-level meetings with international delegations
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Who Can Apply: Student Status and Study Level
The vacancy asks for a university student, preferably in the final or second-to-last year of a 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.
Languages: English or French
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.
An Advantage: Knowledge of Space and International Relations
Knowledge of the global space sector, relevant foreign policies or international relations is an asset. During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
Six Behavioural Competencies Behind the Role
The vacancy lists six ESA behavioural competencies. For more information, it refers to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.
🏁 Result Orientation
⚙️ Operational Efficiency
🫂 Fostering Cooperation
💬 Relationship Management
♻️ Continuous Improvement
🔮 Forward Thinking
Nationality Rules for This Internship
ESA considers applications only from nationals of one of these 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 as a Cooperating State can apply as well, as can those from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
Duration and Start Date
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, an internship lasts 3 to 6 months and starts from February 2027. The exact start date is determined with the ESA tutor.
Limit: Two Applications Per Candidate
ESA's announcement states that a candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 internship vacancies. Choose the offers that fit your studies best.
Selection Tests
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.
Equal Opportunities and Support for Applicants with Disabilities
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.
ESA values diversity and welcomes people with disabilities. Whenever possible, it 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 discuss this by email with the ESA internships team (the address is listed in the Links section below).
Does the Vacancy Mention Pay? Conditions and Disclaimer
The vacancy page does not state an allowance for this internship. ESA also notes that the information on its careers website about internship conditions is correct at the time of publication, is not exhaustive and may not address all questions you have.
Find more opportunities like this in our internship and traineeship listings on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the ESA External Relations internship take place?
The internship takes place at ESA Headquarters in Paris, France. The role belongs to the External Relations Department, within the Strategy, Legal and External Matters Directorate.
What will an External Relations intern do?
You research geopolitical and geostrategic developments relevant to ESA and the space sector, carry out foreign policy analysis, contribute to the formulation of internal positions and support the implementation of missions and programmes carried out with international partners. You also support the handling of high-level meetings with international delegations.
What does the External Relations Department do?
It shapes and delivers ESA's international engagement strategy with non-Member States, their institutions and international organisations. It develops cooperation frameworks, supports high-level exchanges and representation, including through ESA offices in Washington and Tokyo, and advises senior management on international relations.
How long is the internship and when does it start?
According to ESA's 2027 student internships announcement, the internship lasts 3 to 6 months and starts from February 2027. The exact start date is determined with your ESA tutor.
Who can apply for this internship?
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of a Master's level course. You must also be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.
Which nationalities can apply?
ESA considers applications only from nationals of its 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. Applicants from Canada (Cooperating State) and from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta (European Cooperating States) can apply as well.
Which languages do I need?
A good knowledge of English or French is required, as these are the working languages of the Agency. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
Do I need a background in international relations?
It is not listed as a requirement. Knowledge of the global space sector, relevant foreign policies or international relations is an asset, and your motivation for applying will be explored during the interview.
Can I apply for more than one ESA internship?
A candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 internship vacancies, according to ESA's announcement.
Is the internship paid?
The vacancy page does not state an allowance. ESA notes that its published information on internship conditions is not exhaustive.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.
Will there be selection tests?
The Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests during the recruitment process, and your motivation for applying will be explored during the interview.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026
Links
🔗 Apply now (official vacancy): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Paris-Intern-in-the-External-Relations-Department/1452875233/
📢 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 internships contact: ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
