Space careers
A career in space offers exciting challenges and the opportunity to work at the forefront of technology and contribute to space exploration. Both ESA and Switzerland provide numerous pathways for launching a successful space career.
Working at ESA – want to take a look behind the scenes?
Job vacancies
Here you will find information about current vacancies at ESA and their application process. Applications from Swiss nationals are particularly welcome!
Entry programmes and research opportunities
Here you will find information on internships, trainee programmes, junior professional programmes, research grants and research programmes at ESA.
Entry programmes and research opportunities
ESA Academy
The ESA Academy is ESA's comprehensive educational programme for university students, offering a diverse range of courses (ESA Academy training sessions portfolio). Delivered in cooperation with European universities, the ESA Academy welcomes both students studying space-related subjects and those studying natural sciences and engineering without any specialisation in space.
ESA Kids & Education (content especially for children and young adults)
Here you will find various types of content that ESA has developed especially for children and young adults.
Space Exchange Switzerland
SERI has established Space Exchange Switzerland (SXS) as a national platform to encourage space activities in Switzerland. This consortium brings together five leading institutions: EPFL, ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) and Università della Svizzera italiana (USI). Students, academics, space professionals and enthusiasts are invited to use the SXS platform to share, expand and deepen their knowledge of space. Take part in information events via the SXS platform and explore exciting career opportunities!
Space-specific tertiary education programmes in Switzerland:
- EPFL: Space Innovation and eSpace (Space Center)
- ETHZ: Specialised Master in Space Systems
- University of Zurich: Academic programmes | University of Zurich | UZH
- University of Bern: Study Programmes – Space Research & Planetary Sciences (WP)
- University of Geneva: Education, Courses – The Geneva Observatory | UNIGE
- PMOD (Physikalisch-Meteorologisches Observatorium Davos/World Radiation Center): Further education – PMOD/WRC
This list is not exhaustive. Many universities and universities of applied sciences across Switzerland offer additional study programmes in fields such as physics, geography and engineering that can prepare students for a space career. For a comprehensive overview, visit the Swissuniversities website (studyprogrammes.ch).