How can I apply for the programme?

You can find a detailed description of the application procedure on this page.

I’m still an undergraduate student. Am I eligible to apply?

Yes, if you have completed two years of your degree studies. You can find more details about the eligibility criteria on this page.

What are the eligibility criteria for the programme?  

I’ve completed my undergraduate/masters and I’m now involved in a research project at my University/Institute. Am I eligible to apply?

If you have not yet started a PhD programme you can apply for the ESO Summer Research Programme. For your current affiliation information use the University/Institute where you are doing your research project.

I will start my PhD in the Fall of 2024. Am I eligible to apply?

Yes. Students can apply as long as at the time of the program they have not yet officially started their PhD.

I’m a high school student. Am I eligible to apply?

We think your enthusiasm to take part in this programme is wonderful. However, the ESO Summer Programme is intended for university students. Please first start University and remember to apply to this programme in a few years! ESO offers one/two weeks internships to high school students with a yearly call. You can check out the recruitment webpage where they are advertised.

I uploaded an incorrect pdf file and want to change it; can I modify my application documents?

Yes. Applicants can save their entries and progress, come back later and delete and re-upload their files before submitting the application. However, once submitted, the application is final, and no further modifications can be made.

After submitting my application, I didn’t receive a confirmation. Is something wrong with my application? 

Once you have submitted your application, a message should be shown confirming that your application has been received and properly recorded. Please, do not contact us to ask for further confirmation of receipt. If you experience significant problems and do not see the successful completion message in the application form interface after multiple attempts to submit the form, please try using an alternative browser and do not hesitate to contact ESO HR if you experience further problems.

Who submits the reference letter?

The reference letter must be submitted by the referee to the link they will receive once you trigger the invitation in the ESO Recruitment portal.

What is the role of the referee?

The referee should be ideally a lecturer/professor who is able to comment on the applicant’s academic/research achievements to-date. Someone who is familiar with the applicant, for example a lab professor or a professor with whom the applicant has early research experience with. The referee should write a reference letter describing who the applicant is, commenting on their strengths and capabilities and providing an overall judgement on the prospective benefits of the applicant’s participation in the programme.

Will you accept my application without having a reference letter associated with it?

We cannot accept applications without a reference letter. The deadline for submitting the application and the reference letter is 30 January 2025.

If I include more than one reference letter, will it improve my chances of acceptance? 

We can only accept one reference letter per applicant. No reference letters will be accepted via e-mail.

Do I need to certify my English level?

We do not require a formal English certificate. We expect the applicants to prepare the application on their own and it should therefore be representative of their English level. Additionally, we will conduct a short video interview with the shortlisted applicants to ensure they are indeed able to work and communicate in English.

Are travel expenses covered?

Yes. Travel costs to/from Garching will be covered for the participants of the programme. Additionally, a small allowance sufficient to cover lodging and basic daily expenses will be provided.

Are there any restrictions on nationality for applicants?

No, applicants from all nationalities are welcome to apply. However, at the final steps of the selection process priority will be given to students who are nationals of an ESO member state, ESO’s host state Chile and the Strategic Partner (Australia).

In the event of a remote format for the Summer Research Programme, what are the computing requirements needed to participate?

The student will only require a desktop/laptop and a stable internet connection. ESO will provide access to its servers and storage space if needed.

In case of any difficulties or further questions contact us at: summerresearch@eso.org.