German Graduate Trainee programmes: Start your career at ESA now
April 8, 2026 | Supporting Germany's next generation of space talent
German Graduate Trainee programmes: Start your career at ESA now
Launch of the German Graduate Trainee programme at ESA
For up to two years, six young graduates with Master's degrees will have the opportunity to work as German Graduate Trainees (GGTs) at ESA, gaining new insights into Earth observation, exploration, satellite communications, space law, industrial policy and many other exciting fields. The pilot phase of the programme is designed to run for three years and take on six trainees each year. The long-term goal is to increase the proportion of German professionals in European space organisations and strengthen Germany's space expertise as a whole. The programme begins in March 2026.
Image: 1/2, Credit:
ESA/Melanie Lemahieu
Next generation of European space talent
The German Space Agency at DLR is committed to supporting Europe’s next generation of space professionals. Through the new German Graduate Trainee (GGT) programme, young German experts are given the opportunity to launch their careers at ESA, with the prospect of subsequently working either at ESA or in key areas of the European space sector. The programme begins in 2026 and will include six trainees each year.
Image: 2/2, Credit:
ESA/Melanie Lemahieu
Today marks the launch of the German Graduate Trainee (GGT) programme.
Through the programme, six German university graduates will gain insights into various aspects of working at ESA, for up to two years.
The German Space Agency at DLR is coordinating the programme.
Focus: Space, careers, young talent
Germany is committed to fostering the next generation of European space professionals. Through the German Space Agency at DLR (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; German Aerospace Center), a trainee programme for university graduates is now being launched at the European Space Agency (ESA). The new German Graduate Trainee (GGT) programme offers young German experts the opportunity to begin their careers at ESA, with the prospect of subsequently working either at ESA or in key areas across the European space sector.
"With this programme, we are marking an important milestone for the future of European space exploration. The German Graduate Trainee programme creates a platform for young talent to launch their careers at ESA, thereby also strengthening German space expertise in the long term. This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering young talent and strengthening the European space industry," said Walther Pelzer, Member of the DLR Executive Board and Director General of the German Space Agency at DLR.
German talent for European space exploration
The pilot phase of the GGT programme is designed to run for three years, with six trainees each year. The long-term goal is to increase the proportion of German experts in European space organisations and strengthen Germany's space capabilities as a whole.
For up to two years, six young graduates with Master's degrees will have the opportunity to work as German Graduate Trainees (GGTs) at ESA, gaining new insights into Earth observation, space exploration and satellite communications, as well as space law, industrial policy and many other exciting fields.
After completing the programme, graduates may go on to pursue careers in academia, industry or other sectors where expertise and ESA connections will enable them to create lasting added value.
The GGT programme was announced at the ESA Ministerial Council meeting in November 2025 by Dorothee Bär, German Federal Minister for Research, Technology and Space. With the pilot phase set to begin in 2026, Germany is making a decisive contribution to promoting young talent in the European space sector.
The German Space Agency at DLR coordinates the programme on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). Calls for applications will be published on the ESA careers page.
