Skills for Space UK Space Agency Internships Programme
Funding for UK-based organisations to host paid, project-based summer internships that support skills development, diversity, and regional growth in the UK space sector.
- Opening date: (Midday)
- Closing date: (Midday)
Contents
Summary
Skills for Space: UK Space Agency Internships Programme 2026 offers paid, structured 8‑week placements for second‑ and third‑year undergraduate students and second‑year Further Education or tertiary learners.
This flagship initiative is part of UKSA’s Education and Future Workforce strategy, designed to address sector‑wide skills gaps and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Through Skills for Space, host organisations deliver meaningful, mentored projects aligned with real‑world industry needs, while UKSA manages recruitment, matching, induction, and evaluation to ensure a high‑quality experience for both interns and hosts.
The programme provides grant funding, centralised support, and events that foster collaboration and innovation across the UK space ecosystem.
Eligibility
To participate in Skills for Space: UK Space Agency Internships Programme 2026, host organisations must:
Be UK-based – Have a registered UK address and legal status verified through Companies House or Charity Commission.
Demonstrate relevance to the UK space sector or STEM – You do not need to be a traditional space-sector organisation; projects supporting space-related skills, technologies, or capabilities are eligible (e.g., software development, data analytics, engineering).
Provide a structured internship experience – A clearly defined 8-week project with achievable deliverables, mentoring, and inclusion for remote or hybrid placements.
Meet compliance requirements – Hold Employer’s Liability Insurance and Public Liability Insurance, confirm adherence to UK GDPR and Cyber Essentials, and agree to UKSA’s fraud prevention checks.
Commit to programme requirements – Ensure intern attendance at the Induction Day and Showcase Event, and submit completion evidence for grant payment.
Priority may be given to organisations that have not previously hosted UKSA interns or received UKSA internship funding.
Objectives
The programme is a strategic investment in the UK’s future space workforce and aims to:
Address sector-wide skills gaps – Build capability in high-demand areas such as engineering, software, data science, and professional competencies. Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion – Remove barriers to participation by offering paid placements and widening access to Further Education students.
Support host organisations – Reduce administrative burden through centralised recruitment and matching, and provide clear guidance and templates.
Foster collaboration and innovation – Strengthen links between industry, academia, and government to drive knowledge exchange and sector growth.The objectives for the Skills for Space Internships Programme align with UKSA’s Education and Future Workforce strategy and contribute to national priorities around skills development, regional engagement, and diversity in STEM careers.
Dates
Key Dates – Skills for Space: UK Space Agency Internships Programme 2026
2 December 2025 – Host organisation call opens
23 January 2026 (12:00 GMT) – Host organisation applications close
17 January 2026 – Internship applications open
3 April 2026 – Internship applications close
19 June 2026 (TBC) – Induction Day for interns
July–August 2026 – Internship placements delivered
September 2026 – Showcase Event
How to apply
Complete the application on Apply for a Grant by 12pm 23 January 2026.
For guidance and support, attend UKSA webinars or contact GGMS at ggms.spaceskills@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Supporting information
Link to Host Information Pack
Skills for Space - Host Organisation Applicant Information Pack
File type: pdf
Skills for Space Host Organisation Applicant Information Pack 1 Dec 2025.pdf (360 Kb)