Careers in Space – Aotearoa New Zealand
New Zealand is no longer just watching the stars; we’re helping shape the future of space. Whether you're into rockets, robotics, climate science, or law, there's a place for you in our fast-growing space sector.
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Why choose a career in space?
The New Zealand space sector is booming. According to the 2025 Deloitte economic report :
- $2.5 billion annual contribution to the economy
- 17,000+ full-time equivalent jobs
- Strong international connections and high R&D intensity
- Overlaps with the $500 million advanced aviation sector, supporting 3,700 more jobs.
Innovation for growth: Charting the space and advanced aviation sectors [PDF 4.7MB]
Where to start?
Find out how today's experts got into their current roles:
Working in the space sector(external link) — Science Learning Hub
Webinar about space career pathways:
Space careers pathway webinar video(external link) — Sort It
What to study at school
Want to work in space? Start with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM). Success in STEM subjects provides better options for study and employment in most space careers. These subjects teach you how to solve problems, think creatively, and build the future.
What to study after school
Many space careers require further education, such as a degree or apprenticeship. Relevant study areas include engineering, physics, computer science, environmental science, and aerospace systems. Each pathway offers different specialisations, so once you begin studying, you’ll be able to focus on the type of work that interests you most, whether it's designing spacecraft, analysing satellite data, or supporting launch operations.
When imagining your future, consider what kind of space work excites you—technical, scientific, operational, or policy-related, and explore study options that align with those interests.
Other opportunities
The New Zealand Space Agency supports a range of initiatives to help students gain real-world experience in the space sector. These include:
- The New Zealand Space Scholarship, which funds internships at leading international space organisations.
- The Prime Minister’s Space Prizes, which recognise excellence and innovation among students and professionals.
Additionally, Aerospace New Zealand facilitates the Aotearoa Aerospace Academy, which offers hands-on learning experiences and exposure to aerospace technologies for secondary and tertiary students.
Aotearoa Aerospace Academy(external link) — Aerospace New Zealand
These programmes aim to inspire and equip the next generation of space professionals in Aotearoa New Zealand.
International opportunities
The International Space Institute specialises in providing graduate level training to the future leaders of the emerging global space community at its Central Campus in Strasbourg, France and at locations around the world, including a 5-week Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program.
Space education(external link) — International Space University
Southern hemisphere space studies program(external link) — International Space University