Applications are now open for the ESO Internship Program 2026 in Germany. This is a fully funded six-month internship opportunity available to international students and recent graduates from around the world. The program offers internships in various fields including Science (Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, Data Science), Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Software), and Communication & Administration. Interns will be based at the ESO office in Garching, near Munich, Germany, where they will gain valuable experience in a world-class scientific environment. The program covers travel expenses, accommodation, and provides a monthly stipend for living expenses.
There is no application fee required. The application deadline is 31st January 2026, and applicants must have good knowledge of both English and German along with a strong interest in astronomy. You can check out more Internships, BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.
Key Details
- Program Name: ESO Internship Program 2026
- Host Country: Germany
- Location: ESO Office, Garching (near Munich)
- Duration: 6 Months
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Eligible: International students and recent graduates
- Fields: Science, Engineering, Communication, Administration
- Application Fee: No
- Application Deadline: 31st January 2026
Interested in More Positions? Follow links below
- King Fahd University Graduate Scholarships for 2026-2027 Intake (Fully Funded)
- The Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project 2025
- Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) 2026
- Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme (Fully Funded)
- Clarendon Scholarship 2026 at Oxford University, UK
- ANSO Scholarship 2026 (500 Fully Funded Opportunities in China)
- Hansen Leadership Summer Institute 2026 in USA (Fully Funded)
- Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
- UCA-Cambridge Scholarship for Master’s and Doctoral Studies
Financial Benefits
The ESO Internship Program covers:
- Travel to and from Germany
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Accommodation
Also check:Â Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)
Available Internship Areas
Science
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Physics
- Software and IT
- Data Science
Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Software Engineering
Communication and Administration
- Science Communication
- Audiovisual Communication
- Administration
Also check: Stipendium Hungaricum Doctoral Scholarship Programme 2026-2027 and Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship 2026/2027 (Study in Hungary) for BS and MS
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
- The ESO internships are open to all nationals
- No nationality is excluded in principle
Academic Background
Preferred candidates are students currently studying or recent graduates with a university degree in:
- Science
- Science Communication
- Engineering
- Science Journalism
Check this:Â Hardiman PhD Scholarship at University of Galway (Fully Funded)
Required Knowledge and Skills
Astronomy Knowledge: Interns should possess a broad knowledge and interest in basic astronomy, including topics like:
- Stargazing
- How telescopes work
- Key astronomical objects
Language Skills:
- Good knowledge of both English and German is required
Also check this internship: UNESCO Internship Program 2026
How to Apply for the ESO Internship 2026?
All applicants are invited to apply online through the official ESO careers portal:
- Visit: http://jobs.eso.org/
- Select the Category “Internship”
- Complete the application in English
- Upload the following documents:
- CV (maximum 2 pages)
- Motivation letter
Important: Make sure to submit your application before the deadline of 31st January 2026.