ESO Internship Program 2025-26: Germany

The European Southern Observatory (ESO) Internship Program 2025-26 in Germany offers a fully funded six-month opportunity for international students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in a world-class scientific environment. The European Southern Observatory (ESO) Recruitment Portal lists current vacancies for exceptional astronomy, engineering, and administration talents. ESO Internship Program offers an international work environment with cutting-edge technology and top-tier research. Positions include International and Local Staff, Fellows, Students, and Associates.

Students can join for up to two years through the Studentship Programme. ESO is also part of EIROforum, a network of major European scientific organizations. More details can be found under Employment Conditions on their website. ESO Internship Program interns will work at the ESO headquarters in Garching, near Munich, contributing to research projects across various fields. The application deadline is December 31, 2025.

Host Institution:

Name: European Southern Observatory (ESO)
Location: Garching, Germany
Programs: Internships in Science, Engineering, Communication, and Administration
Duration: Six months- 2 Year

Available Position (14)

Internship: Science Presenter at ESO Supernova
Internship: Science Communication
Engineering Internship
Internship in Audiovisual Communication
ESO Studentship Programme Chile 2025/2026
ESO Studentship Programme Europe 2025/2026
ALMA Development Project Engineer
Software Engineer (Low-level Control)
Software Engineer (Integration Testing & DevOps)
ALMA Radio Frequency Maintenance Engineer
Schülerpraktikum/Pupils Internship
IT Specialist – Database Administration
IT Specialist – Networks
Director General

Study 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

ESO Internship Program Benefits:

Travel expenses to and from Germany
Monthly stipend for living expenses
Accommodation provided

Compensation & Benefits for students

Student allowance (salary) reviewed annually
No income tax for member state nationals (internal tax applies)
Health & Long-Term Care Insurance for students and dependents
Sick leave: Up to 12 months full pay within 36 months
Annual leave: 30 days per year
Official holidays (varies by duty station)
Pension scheme: Students must arrange their own

Relocation Support

Travel expenses & luggage transport covered
Initial accommodation provided (Garching: up to 3 months, Chile: up to 5 weeks)
Language training (German in Garching, Spanish in Chile)
Childcare support (Munich partnership with Infanterix)

Other Benefits

Home university trip: Covered if contract extends to a second year
ESO relocation agency support for housing, registration, and childcare assistance
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Benefits Not Included:

Visa application fees
Personal expenses

Eligibilities for ESO Internship Program:

Open to students and recent graduates worldwide
Background in Science, Engineering, Science Communication, or Science Journalism
Broad knowledge and interest in basic astronomy
Proficiency in English; knowledge of German is advantageous

For Students

Open to Ph.D. students (preferably from ESO Member States)
Two positions available annually for Chilean university students
Fixed-term contract: 6 months to 2 years
Duty stations: Garching (Germany) & multiple locations in Chile
Working hours: 40 hours/week
Flexitime & mobile working available (subject to approval)
Part-time work possible (minimum 20 hours/week)

Required Documents for ESO International Staff Members (ISM)

Valid passport
Academic qualifications & certificates
Professional experience records
Employment contract (provided upon selection)
Pre-employment medical examination report
Work & residence permits (if applicable)
Proof of family status (if applying for family benefits)

ESO Internship Program Application Process:

Visit the ESO recruitment portal at http://jobs.eso.org/.
Select the “Internship” category.
Complete the application form in English.
Upload your CV and motivation letter.

Tips for a Successful Application:

Highlight relevant academic and extracurricular experiences.
Demonstrate a clear interest in astronomy and ESO’s mission.
Ensure your application materials are concise and well-structured.
Proofread for clarity and correctness.

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students

Germany (Garching bei München)

Accommodation: €400–€900
Food: €200–€400
Transportation: €50–€100
Health insurance: €110–€150
Utilities & Internet: €100–€200
Miscellaneous (leisure, books, etc.): €100–€300
Total Estimate: €900–€2,000

Chile (Santiago, La Silla, Paranal, etc.)

Accommodation: $300–$800 USD
Food: $150–$300 USD
Transportation: $30–$80 USD
Health insurance: Covered by ESO
Utilities & Internet: $50–$150 USD
Miscellaneous (leisure, books, etc.): $50–$200 USD
Total Estimate: $700–$1,800 USD

Why Choose This Opportunity?

Participating in the ESO Internship offers unparalleled exposure to cutting-edge astronomical research and technology. Interns collaborate with leading scientists and engineers, enhancing their professional network and gaining invaluable experience in an international setting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is there an application fee?
- No, there is no application fee for the ESO Internship Program.
Do I need to be enrolled in a university to apply?
- No, recent graduates are also eligible to apply.
Is proficiency in German mandatory?
- While English proficiency is required, knowledge of German is beneficial but not mandatory.
Will ESO assist with visa applications?
- Interns are responsible for obtaining the necessary visas; however, ESO may provide supporting documents.
Can I choose my research project?
- Interns may have the opportunity to select from available projects aligning with their interests and expertise.

Official Link for More Details and Application:

For comprehensive information and to apply, visit the ESO Internship Program page.