ESO Studentship Programme Europe 2026/2027

ESO states that studentships in Germany and Chile are open to students enrolled in university PhD programmes in astronomy or related fields, preferentially but not necessarily in an ESO member state.

What the Studentship Covers

The studentship provides an opportunity to spend a substantial period working within ESO rather than simply attending a short research visit.

For the Europe programme, the placement in Garching lasts at least one year and up to two years.

Applicants should note that ESO explicitly states that these are not fully funded three-year PhD positions. Students must have an external university PhD arrangement, and the home institution must provide information concerning financial support for the remainder of the doctorate.

The home-institution letter must address matters including whether the student's existing PhD scholarship will continue or be paused during the ESO studentship and how financial support will be provided for the remaining period of the PhD.

Application Materials

Applicants should prepare the materials required by the current recruitment announcement, which include:

1. A motivation letter.

2. Curriculum vitae, including publications where applicable.

3. University transcripts and certificates or diplomas.

4. A summary of the Master's thesis and/or other relevant ongoing projects, where applicable.

5. A description of the overall PhD research plan.

6. A description of the proposed ESO studentship project, including its timeline and relationship to the wider PhD.

7. Reference letters from the required supervisors/referees.

8. A letter from the home institution confirming PhD enrollment and addressing the student's financial and institutional arrangements.

ESO requires application documents to be submitted in English; certificates and diplomas do not require translation.

Research Areas

The programme can be relevant to doctoral research involving:

• Astronomy
• Astrophysics
• Observational astronomy
• Fundamental astrophysics
• Theoretical astrophysics
• Computational astronomy
• Cosmology
• Exoplanets and planetary systems
• Stellar astrophysics
• Galaxy formation and evolution
• Active galactic nuclei
• Interstellar medium and star formation
• Astronomical data analysis
• Radio and submillimetre astronomy
• Astronomical instrumentation
• Related areas of physics

The available research topics change according to ESO staff interests and current projects.

Why the ESO Environment Matters

The studentship places doctoral researchers within an international astronomical organisation where they can work alongside experienced scientists and contribute to an active research environment.

Depending on the project, the experience can provide exposure to observational data, theoretical approaches, computational methods, astronomical facilities and collaborative research practices.

The placement can also help doctoral researchers establish connections beyond their home university and develop familiarity with the research environment surrounding major European astronomical facilities.

Application Timeline

ESO normally has two studentship application rounds each year, with deadlines in April and October.

For the current Europe 2026/2027 call:

Application Deadline: 20 October 2026

Location: ESO Headquarters, Garching, Germany

Candidates are generally notified of selection results within approximately two months of the application deadline. Studentships from the October round typically begin between March and August of the following year.

Important Information

• This opportunity is for PhD students, not applicants seeking to start a standalone three-year PhD at ESO.
• Applicants remain enrolled at an external university.
• The Europe placement lasts one to two years.
• The PhD is formally supervised by the home university, with co-supervision from an ESO staff astronomer.
• Applicants should contact a suitable ESO scientist before submitting the application.
• The proposed ESO project should fit into the applicant's broader doctoral research programme.
• The home institution must provide documentation concerning PhD enrollment and financial support.
• The programme is separate from the ESO Fellowship Programme, which is intended for postdoctoral researchers.
• Incomplete or late applications are not considered.
• The current Europe application deadline is 20 October 2026.