Find the recording of the first information webinar below this article
Registrations for the NL Space Summer School 2026 open on 1 February 2026. Ahead of the opening, NL Space Campus hosted the first online information webinar, Get Ready for NL Space Summer School 2026, on 14 January 2026.
The session provided an overview of the upcoming edition and addressed practical questions from prospective participants. Questions were submitted both in advance and via live chat during the webinar. The webinar was structured in two parts. First, an overview of the 2026 edition was presented, using last year’s programme as a reference, while the detailed agenda for 2026 is being finalised. This was followed by a live Q&A focusing on practical topics such as eligibility, selection approach, fees, accommodation, and what to expect during the programme week.
About the NL Space Summer School 2026
The NL Space Summer School takes place from 5 to 10 July 2026 in Leiden and the Delft area. The programme offers an intensive introduction to the Dutch space sector, combining site visits, talks, workshops, and interdisciplinary project work.
Participants visit organisations across the ecosystem. Examples from previous editions include ESA ESTEC, SRON, TNO, Airbus, and partner universities in Leiden and Delft. The 2026 programme is currently being finalised.
The week covers a broad range of themes, including space technology and missions, satellite applications, law and ethics, business, and communication.
What to expect during NL Space Summer School
A core element of the Summer School is the interdisciplinary project challenge. Participants are placed into teams with different academic and professional backgrounds, such as IT, engineering, business, law, marketing, science, or remote sensing, and work on a challenge provided by a partner organisation.
The focus is on working together on a real question rather than producing a graded outcome. Teams explore the challenge throughout the week and present their approach and results at the end of the programme.
The week follows a structured and intensive format. Days typically start around 09:00 and include a full schedule of sessions, site visits, travel between locations, and teamwork.
Practical information shared during the webinar
Several practical topics were discussed repeatedly during the Q&A session:
- The programme starts from Leiden Central Station on most days
- Accommodation is not provided, and participants are encouraged to look early, particularly near Leiden
- A class group via selected Messenger is usually created closer to the programme start to support coordination and practical questions
- Participation is capped at 45 participants, linked to the maximum number that the partner site visits can accommodate
Q&A from the webinar
Who can apply? The programme is open to students enrolled at a registered European or Dutch institution and to young professionals between 18 and 30 years old. Participants must be 18 years or older, due to access requirements at partner facilities.
Do I need a space (technology) or a technical background? No. The programme is designed for participants from a wide range of fields. The organising team aims for a multidisciplinary group and applies caps on certain backgrounds to maintain balance.
Is selection based on grades or CVs? No. Grades and CVs are not part of the selection process. Applications focus on eligibility, group balance, and a short motivation. Do not send us your CV, we will not read it. Most importantly, you need to want to work in the space industry; that is all that matters.
Does nationality matter for participation? Yes. Participation is limited to applicants with EU nationality and EU residency. This requirement is linked to access conditions at partner facilities included in the programme. Applications that do not meet these criteria cannot be accepted.
What does a typical day look like? The programme follows a full schedule, usually starting around 09:00, combining lectures, workshops, site visits, and project work. The daily schedule includes planned breaks for coffee, tea, and lunch, and on most days also dinner.
What is included in the participation fee?
The participation fee covers:
- Bus transport on most days from (and back to) Leiden station
- Daily coffee, lunch and most days dinner
- Activities, tours and visits
- Goodie bag with merch
- Closing party with BBQ and drinks
- Alumni events and access to the network
- Certificate upon completion
The fee does not include accommodation, travel to the Netherlands, VISA arrangements or flights.
What kind of projects will participants work on? Projects are provided by partner organisations and reflect real challenges. Teams work on the challenge during the week and present their outcomes at the end. Examples from previous editions included projects on space pharma and business concepts using microgravity, satellite applications in the public sector, GNSS and drone use cases, and space mission and re-entry design.
Can I miss part of the programme week? Full participation is encouraged. If a participant needs to miss a limited part due to exams, graduations, or other fixed commitments, this can usually be discussed with the organisers.
What should I bring, and do you have a dress code? Participants are asked to bring a laptop on most days. The recommended dress code is professional and neat, as the programme includes visits to workplaces and facilities. For some participants, these visits are their first on-site introduction to organisations they later apply to.
Is financial aid available? No. There is no separate financial aid scheme.
Can the registration fee be refunded? In general, no. Refunds are only considered in exceptional circumstances.
When will the detailed programme and projects be shared? The detailed agenda is shared in May, with project information typically provided closer to the start of the programme. Projects are usually shared around early June, with onboarding starting during the programme week itself.
Watch the webinar recording
Registrations open on 1 February
Registrations open on 1 February 2026. For full details on eligibility, fees, and practical arrangements, see the NL Space Summer School page.