Build observatory experience — ESO Chile Summer Students 2027

ESO invites students from Chilean universities to apply for its 2027 summer student programme across observatory projects. Five projects are listed: three in Maintenance and Engineering, one in Paranal Science Operations and one in IT. The summer period begins in early January 2027; individual projects specify Paranal/Vitacura locations, different fields, schedules and durations, ranging from two months to three months. Applicants should be ideally in the final years of study, and the apprenticeship must be supported by their university and covered by student accident insurance under Chilean Law 16.744. Apply in English with a CV and motivational letter naming the project(s) and number. Interviews are in English; deadline is 30 October 2026.

• Project-specific practical experience for students enrolled at Chilean universities, spanning engineering, science operations and IT.
• Five distinct projects; January 2027 summer intake; individual placements typically 2–3 months; Paranal/Vitacura locations and schedules vary by project.

ESO offers a ‘special allowance’ during the internship, but the notice does not disclose an amount. It states air and ground transportation between Santiago and the observatory site will be provided by ESO. Some project schedules specify on-site accommodation; terms differ by project, so verify the selected project’s conditions.

• Use ESO’s live application form for this vacancy: . Submit in English with a CV and motivational letter; put the name and number of each project of interest in the first line/title. The application page requires completion of mandatory form fields. The posting does not name a separate partner portal for this student programme. Deadline is 30 October 2026; the official notice gives no closing time or timezone.

• Application deadline 30 October 2026; closing time/timezone not stated. Programme begins early January 2027.
• Only students from Chilean universities are invited; do not generalize eligibility to all nationalities or universities. University support and accident-insurance coverage are required. Allowance amount is unstated. Five projects have different disciplines, schedules and durations; selection is project-specific. Deadline time and timezone are not published. Accommodation is stated for certain project schedules, not guaranteed for every project.

Confirm current terms with the issuer before applying.