About CAISU

The International Space University (ISU) is a private University founded in 1987 by Peter Diamandis, Todd B. Hawley, and Robert D. Richards. The University currently offers two degree granting programs--the Master of Space Management and the Master of Space Studies--in addition to a non-degree-granting Space Studies Program.

The permanent campus of the International Space University is located in Illkirch-Graffenstaden near Strasbourg, France. The permanent campus hosts the students in both Masters' programs, while the Space Studies Program is held in a different city each year. The ISU was founded on the "3-I" philosophy to create an Interdisciplinary, Intercultural and International environment for study and training as a Space professional. Since 1987, ISU has graduated over 2400 students from 93 countries from the Space Studies Program and the Masters Programs.

The ISU faculty members include former astronauts and cosmonauts, spacecraft engineers, scientists, managers, scientists and experts in Space Law & Policy. Faculty members are experts in both technical and non-technical fields relevant to space and come from countries all around the world to stay true to the international, intercultural, and interdisciplinary nature of ISU's programs.

The Chancellor of the International Space University is the Director General of the European Space Agency Jean-Jacques Dordain. Dordain succeeded the University's first Chancellor, Arthur C. Clarke, in 2004. The President of the International Space University is Michael Simpson, who took office in 2004.

Why Attend ISU

The International Space University (ISU) gives Canadians the perspectives vital to furthering their career (whether it's academic or professional) in a rapidly expanding sector.

  1. Develop an understanding of the strong interactions between disciplines.

  2. Interact with many leading figures from space-related industries, government, and universities from around the world.

  3. Confront and learn how to deal with the challenges of the international and intercultural character of space activities and their applications.

  4. Gain a fundamental knowledge of management, engineering, finance, law, policy, the sciences, and other disciplines relevant to space and its applications.

  5. Develop skills in teamwork and creative leadership.

The result: a unique career-enhancement potential. The ISU experience makes its students more versatile in their own specialist capacity and provides them with an impressive global network of professional connections.

ISU Application Procedures

Admission instructions to ISU's programs are administered by ISU in Strasbourg, France. It is possible to apply online at the ISU page.

Funding

Applicants to the SSP, M.Sc. SS (MSS), and M.Sc. SM (MSM) programs are required to secure their own funding. Potential sources of funding include academic scholarships, donations from friends, family, schools, professional organisations, industry (space or industries related to the applicant's field of interest) and many more.

For the SSP only, Canadian applicants may apply to the Canadian Foundation for the International Space University (CFISU). CFISU receives support from Canadian companies and government departments, and sponsors a number of Canadians each year to attend the ISU SSP program. CFISU scholarship qualifications are necessarily more stringent than ISU entrance requirements, but are a good starting point for searching for funding. Information about funding can be obtained from CFISU or Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC).

ISU also awards some funding to students for both the MSS and SSP, solicited from industry, agencies and international organizations. Requests for funding are included in the ISU application package. Information about ISU funding is available on the ISU website.