Become an Intern in the Space Industry with UKSA Internship Placements 

The UK space industry is a major contributor to the economy, generating nearly £19 billion in annual income and supporting research, innovation, and commercial activity nationwide (Size & Health of the UK Space Industry, 2024).  

The UK Space Agency (UKSA) encourages talented and motivated students from diverse backgrounds to apply for support roles within the space sector. Successful candidates will gain hands-on experience working with specialist teams, developing analytical and technical skills while contributing to real projects. 

The UK Space Agency welcomes applications until 3rd of April 2026 at midnight. 

Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a fully accredited degree or diploma programme. This includes students in the 2nd, 3rd, or those attending a further Education (FE) or other tertiary institution in your 2nd year.

Applicants must be first-time participants and must not have previously held a UKSA-sponsored internship, including SPIN placements, or be currently participating in another apprenticeship or internship.

Applicants must also be continuing in education after the internship.

Interns will be matched with industry host organisations based on their skills and development interests. Internships may be undertaken in person, hybrid, depending on team requirements. 

What you might do 

Interns will work on meaningful projects that contribute to organisational objectives while developing professional and technical competencies aligned with the SpaceCRAFT Competency Framework. The programme emphasises fairness, accessibility, skills development, and broad sector impact. 

Responsibilities will vary by host organisation and may include project development or support across organisational functions. Interns will build professional skills such as stakeholder engagement, project planning, problem-solving, and adaptability, alongside technical skills relevant to the placement, for example data analysis, software support, research assistance, or engineering support.  

What You Will Gain 

As an intern, you will: 

• Contribute to meaningful, real-world projects 

• Develop professional skills such as communication, teamwork, and planning 

• Build technical skills aligned with the SpaceCRAFT Competency Framework 

• Receive supervision and regular feedback 

• Develop early professional network 

• Join a community of interns and programme alumni 

This programme is designed to support personal growth, confidence, and entry level skills required for the future space workforce. 

Where you might work 

Interns will work on real projects that deliver real value to space organisations or companies building space capabilities into their business. You could be:

• transforming satellite data into insights that help tackle challenges like climate change

• transport planning, supporting mission operations to keep satellites healthy and services running

• contributing to cutting‑edge engineering and manufacturing for future spacecraft

• helping strengthen the wider space ecosystem through roles in AI, cybersecurity, software, policy, communications, or business innovation.

Who can apply? 

Age & Legal Requirements 

To apply for the internship, candidates: 

• Must be 18+ by the start of the internship. 

• Must have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the internship. Link to right to work information: Check if you have the right to work in the UK - Citizens Advice 

• Must provide proof of their right to work when made an offer by the host organisation (check how to prove your right to work) 

• Must have not participated in the previous SPIN programme 

• Must be available to attend: 

• Induction Day in Harwell (19 June 2026) 

• Internship period (July–August 2026) 

• Showcase Day (September 2026) 

Skills and experience 

No prior extensive technical expertise is required. However, we are looking for highly motivated candidates who have a strong command of the English language, strong IT skills, effective communication skills, and the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team. Strong numeracy skills will also be an advantage.  

Educational Requirements 

Eligible candidates must:  

• Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree and be in your 2nd or 3rd year or

• Be attending a further Education (FE) or other tertiary institution, be in your 2nd year 

• Be continuing in full time education from September 2026

• Be first-time participants- applicants must not have previously held a UKSA-sponsored internship, including SPIN placements, or be currently participating in another apprenticeship or internship

• Provide academic record of studies such as official transcript or record of studies that shows subjects or modules taken (instead of CV). Depending on your institution this may be called an unofficial transcript, student record file, or academic transcript etc.

• Provide a character reference on headed paper from an academic advisor, supervisor, or tutor, outlining the candidate’s work ethic, engagement with their course, attitude to learning, and workplace potential. 

Administrative Requirements 

Eligible candidates must: 

• Submit their application before the deadline. 

• Complete all mandatory sections of the application. 

• Declare the accuracy of the data they provide and agree to UKSA data protection terms. 

How to Apply 

• Complete the online application form below. 

• Answer the eligibility questions. 

• Upload Supporting Documents: 

• Character reference on headed paper from an academic advisor, supervisor, or tutor. 

• In place of the CV, upload academic record of studies such as transcript or record of studies that shows subjects or modules taken. Depending on your institution this may be called an unofficial transcript, student record file, or academic transcript etc. Please note: do not upload your CV, only the record of your studies.  

• Answer 3 extended questions with max 250 words each. Each question should be answered with reference to the SpaceCRAFT Competencies Framework. Those questions are designed to demonstrate your motivation, relevant skills, and interest in the UK space sector. 

Selection process 

The selection process consists of FOUR main stages: 

• Online Application: Complete your application below

• Pre-screening and matching: all applications are blind screened by the UKSA, and suitable candidates are matched and placed on a shortlist with host organisations (also blinded). 

• Structured virtual Interview with host organisations: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with host organisations and organised by UKSA. Interviews will focus on candidates’ strengths, interests, and development goals. Host organisations will assess alignment between the candidate and the proposed role, while candidates will have the opportunity to learn more about the placement and organisation. 

• Internship agreement and contract: Selected candidates will receive an internship offer and will be asked to sign an internship agreement with UKSA and host organisation.  

Internship duration 

The internship lasts 8 weeks and is undertaken on a full-time basis between July and August. Start dates may vary slightly, but host organisations must offer the internship within the period from the beginning of July to the end of August. 

Induction Day 

The induction day, taking place this year at Harwell Campus, will introduce interns to the UK space sector, outline expectations for their placements, and support a smooth transition into host organisations. The day will include sector insights, an overview of internship activities, and tours of the Harwell Campus. Travel and Sustenance costs to Harwell will be reimbursed for successful interns by UKSA. 

Salary and Benefits 

• £5000 total renumeration for the full 8 week internship 

• Exposure to the industry and developing a future professional network 

• Travel and Sustenance costs covered for the Induction and Showcase Day 

• Support and mentoring from the UKSA during the internship 

• A handbook provided to track learning and development progress 

Showcase Day 

The showcase day will take place in September and will give interns an opportunity to present their internship project experience and reflect on their skills development.