NASA has three main internship categories, each serving different academic levels and career goals. Students can pick from traditional summer programs, year-round academic internships, or specialized international opportunities.
NASA runs its summer internship programs for 10-16 weeks during the usual summer break. These positions draw the most applicants because of their hands-on research focus.
The NASA Pathways Internship Program stands out as the main summer choice. Students work side-by-side with NASA scientists and engineers on current missions. These paid internships often lead to full-time job offers after graduation.
Summer interns actually help build spacecraft, analyze mission data, and plan projects. Projects can be anything from Mars rover work to climate change studies. Students get weekly stipends, which vary depending on their education level and where they’re based.
OSTEM (Office of STEM Engagement) Internships offer another summer path. These focus more on educational outreach and community engagement. Students design STEM programs for schools and museums.
Application deadlines usually come up in early spring. It’s tough to get in, with acceptance rates below 5% at most centers.
Academic year internships let students gain NASA experience while they’re still in school. These part-time roles usually ask for a 20-30 hour weekly commitment.
Fall and spring programs give students more flexibility than summer ones. They can stretch projects over several semesters, which lets them really dig into their research.
Remote work options have grown a lot for these roles. Students can join NASA projects from their home universities. Virtual tools connect interns with mentors at different NASA centers.
These internships suit graduate students working on thesis research. NASA gives them access to specialized equipment and big datasets. Many students even publish research papers based on their internship work.
Pay is similar to summer programs, but it’s calculated hourly. Students have to keep full-time enrollment at their home schools.
NASA International Intern (I2) programs bring non-US citizens to American space centers. Partner countries pick strong candidates through their national space agencies.
Students need solid technical skills in aerospace engineering, earth science, or related fields. Their home countries usually cover travel and living costs through agreements with NASA.
Partnership agreements exist with more than 15 countries, like Canada, Japan, and European Space Agency members. Each nation runs its own selection and sets its own requirements.
International interns take on the same high-level projects as U.S. students. They get to see NASA’s research methods and technologies up close. Many of these interns later become key contacts for international space projects.
These roles require security clearances and thorough background checks. Processing can take 6-12 months before the program starts.
NASA sets specific academic standards, citizenship rules, and security clearances for all internship candidates. Most positions require U.S. citizenship and a minimum GPA, and everyone goes through a background check.
Students need strong grades to qualify for NASA internships. The OSTEM program asks for at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, open to high school through grad students.
Pathways internships are a bit more flexible, requiring a 2.9 GPA. Applicants should be enrolled full-time or part-time, with at least six semester hours for OSTEM positions.
Pathways candidates must also:
All programs start at age 16. Graduate students, undergrads, and even high schoolers can apply, as long as they fit the requirements.
International students face tougher academic standards. They must be in STEM fields relevant to NASA’s work and keep high grades throughout their programs.
U.S. citizenship is a must for most NASA internships. Both OSTEM and Pathways accept only American citizens, mainly because of the sensitive nature of the projects.
International students can apply only through specific NASA agreements with their home countries. These opportunities focus on STEM areas that match NASA’s mission.
Countries with NASA partnerships include:
International applicants need to check if their country has an active agreement before applying. These roles usually involve less sensitive projects than those open only to U.S. citizens.
Students studying in the U.S. on visas can’t apply for citizen-only internships, no matter their grades or how long they’ve lived here.
NASA checks the background of all interns before they start. The process looks at personal history, education, and employment.
They review financial records, criminal history, and character references. Processing times vary but often take a few weeks after selection.
Security clearance depends on the project:
Applicants need to share info about foreign contacts, travel, and any legal issues. Minor past problems don’t always disqualify you, but you have to be honest.
Background checks can delay your start date, so fill out paperwork quickly if you get selected. NASA works with federal agencies to move things along while making sure everything’s covered.
NASA Pathways has three career entry routes that bring students and recent grads into full-time federal jobs. These paid programs offer structured growth toward permanent careers at NASA, but they do require certain time commitments and qualifications.
The Pathways Intern Employment Program acts as NASA’s main pipeline for hiring students into federal careers. Students have to complete at least 640 hours of work before graduating to qualify for full-time roles.
Program Structure
Participants switch between school terms and full-time work rotations at NASA centers. They get paid during work periods and go on leave without pay when back in class. This co-op style usually spans several semesters.
Academic Requirements
Students must stay enrolled in accredited degree programs the whole time. The program welcomes undergrads, grads, and doctoral students in engineering, science, business, and IT.
Career Conversion
After graduation, successful interns can slide straight into permanent NASA jobs without competing in the usual hiring process. This only happens if your supervisor recommends you and you’ve done well during the internship.
The Recent Graduates Program is for people who finished their degrees in the last two years. It offers a structured career launch for newcomers to the federal workforce.
Eligibility Window
Graduates should apply within two years of finishing their degree. Veterans get extra time based on their service. The program includes all academic levels—certificates, associates, bachelors, masters, and doctorates.
Development Timeline
Participants go through a one-year program with training, mentorship, and different assignments. The program covers both technical skills and federal career basics.
Advancement Opportunities
If you finish successfully, you get permanent placement within NASA’s federal workforce. You get priority for jobs that match your background and what you showed you could do during the program.
The Presidential Management Fellows Program is the top federal leadership development program for those with advanced degrees. NASA takes part as a host agency for these sought-after fellowships.
Selection Process
Candidates need a graduate degree and must pass a competitive application run by the Office of Personnel Management. It’s tough—thousands apply for just a handful of spots across all agencies.
Fellowship Experience
Fellows spend two years on assignments with leadership development, rotations, and executive mentoring. The focus is on policy, strategy, and federal management skills.
Leadership Track
PMF alumni often move up to senior executive jobs in government. At NASA, fellows usually work on space policy, program management, or strategic planning.
Applying for a NASA internship takes planning, attention to deadlines, and the right paperwork. Students fill out applications online through official NASA sites. Some programs might include assessments or interviews.
Students find NASA internships through the NASA STEM Gateway website. The site lets you browse openings at different centers nationwide. Each listing shows project details, qualifications, and mentor info.
NASA runs three application cycles each year. Spring 2026 applications are due September 12, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. ET. Summer 2026 closes February 27, 2026, and Fall 2026 wraps up May 22, 2026, both at 11:59 p.m. ET.
You can apply to multiple internships with one application. The system considers you for opportunities at several NASA centers at once. That boosts your odds without adding more work.
It helps to make a profile on USAJobs.gov to speed up your application. You can build your resume there and get alerts for new internships. Starting early is smart since NASA internships are pretty competitive.
NASA internship applications need a few key documents and proof you meet the requirements. OSTEM interns need a 3.0 GPA and U.S. citizenship. Pathways interns need a 2.9 GPA and must be at least 16 by the time they start.
All applicants submit academic transcripts and a detailed resume. Highlight technical skills, research, and any space-related activities. You’ll also need references from school or work.
Pathways applicants need at least 15 semester or 23 quarter hours of coursework. They have to show they’re enrolled at least half-time. The program also requires 480 work hours before finishing your degree.
International students need proof of citizenship from a country with a NASA agreement. They must show English proficiency and interest in U.S. space programs through previous classes or activities.
NASA internship candidates might take online assessments to measure technical skills and problem-solving. These help match students to the right mentors and projects. Assessment types depend on the program and field.
Selected candidates often go through panel reviews with NASA scientists and engineers. Reviewers look at technical knowledge, communication, and fit for the research. Some positions add extra screening for security reasons.
Interviews usually cover your academic background, career goals, and research experience. Be ready to talk about projects or classes that relate to your chosen internship. NASA mentors look for both technical ability and real excitement for space.
Not every NASA internship asks for a formal interview, especially for undergrads. Some picks are based on transcripts, applications, and assessment results. Strong grades and relevant experience really help your chances.
NASA runs several centers across the U.S. that offer internships for students interested in space and aerospace careers. Each center has its own specialty, from human spaceflight to Earth science research.
At Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, NASA runs the show for human spaceflight operations. This is where they handle astronaut training, mission control, and all kinds of spacecraft development.
Students can toss their hats in the ring for internships through NASA’s main application portal. The center looks at applications for summer, fall, and spring. Interns actually team up with engineers and scientists on projects tied to the International Space Station, the Artemis lunar program, and those ambitious Mars missions.
Key internship areas include:
You get to work with real spaceflight hardware here—no just watching from the sidelines. Students support ongoing missions and pitch in on active research. JSC internships really push you toward a future in human spaceflight and exploration.
You’ll find contact info through the center’s internship coordinator. Only U.S. citizens can apply for NASA internships, so keep that in mind.
Over in Greenbelt, Maryland, Goddard Space Flight Center dives deep into Earth and space science research. They build satellites, dig into climate research, and run the networks that talk to spacecraft far from home.
Goddard posts part-time and full-time internships. Students join up with mission teams and get a shot at serious research. The center really tries to spark that lifelong interest in STEM fields.
Primary research areas include:
Interns jump right into missions and research. You’ll get hands-on with satellite operations, data analysis, and scientific gear. Mentors at Goddard are seasoned researchers and engineers who know their stuff.
You’ll apply through NASA’s main internship system. Goddard takes applications for spring, summer, and fall. With such a wide research range, there’s room for students from all sorts of scientific backgrounds.
Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, has a sharp focus on aeronautics and atmospheric science. They run wind tunnel tests, work on new aircraft, and study planetary atmospheres.
Internship programs here have coordinators who handle all sorts of student support. Langley puts a spotlight on advanced aeronautics and the systems that help spacecraft survive atmospheric entry.
Research specializations include:
Students get to use state-of-the-art wind tunnels and testing facilities. They help drive research that moves aviation and space tech forward. Langley also offers a lot of mentorship and professional growth.
If you have questions, you can reach out to project coordinators or program leads. That setup helps students find the right guidance during their internships. Being in Hampton also means you’re close to both NASA research and the local aerospace industry.
JPL, out in California, sets up STEM internships that match students with top scientists and engineers. They’re the ones building and running the robotic spacecraft exploring our solar system. The program’s flexible—year-round—and offers direct mentorship from people who genuinely know their stuff.
The JPL Year-Round Internship Program lets undergrads and grad students work part-time or full-time during the school year and summer. You’ll need to be working toward a science, tech, engineering, or math degree to be eligible.
Interns don’t just watch—they get involved with NASA missions and research projects. You’ll help build spacecraft, analyze data, and work on mission operations with JPL’s engineering teams. The program flexes with school schedules, so you don’t have to choose between class and space.
Program Features:
You’ll actually work on mission planning, instrument development, and research that pushes planetary exploration forward.
JPL runs its own application portal, separate from other NASA centers. You’ll need to set up a JPL-specific account—don’t just use the standard NASA application.
They look hard at your technical skills and research interests to see if you fit their projects. You’ll need to send transcripts, recommendation letters, and a statement about your experience and goals.
Application Requirements:
JPL also has the Visiting Student Research Program for students with outside funding. That opens the door for international students and those with third-party sponsorships to do research at JPL.
Deadlines and requirements aren’t always the same as other NASA programs. It’s smart to check JPL’s site early so you don’t miss anything.
Every JPL intern gets paired with a mentor—usually a scientist or engineer who’s deep in the trenches. These mentors don’t just give technical advice; they also help with career planning and professional development.
Mentors work on the same missions and projects as their interns. That way, you see how your work fits into the big picture. The JPL Education Office matches students with mentors for the best fit.
Mentorship Benefits:
Mentorship goes further than just technical stuff. You can join workshops and networking events, and meet JPL alumni who’ve landed jobs in aerospace.
Students finish real research projects with their mentors. Many end up presenting at conferences or even co-authoring research papers.
NASA internships give students a rare shot at working on actual space missions and picking up skills that matter. Interns dive into cutting-edge space technology and learn from some of the top minds in science and engineering.
NASA interns don’t just do busywork—they help out with real missions. Students join projects like Artemis lunar exploration or Mars rover operations. Some analyze live data from space telescopes, others help design spacecraft parts.
Work changes depending on your location and project. At Kennedy Space Center, you might help with rocket launches. Over at JPL, you could work on robotic missions to other worlds.
Summer internships usually last 15 weeks. Fall and spring programs are 10 weeks. Starting in summer 2025, all internships require on-site work. NASA brings in about 1,200 interns each summer and 400 during fall and spring.
Projects aren’t just for STEM majors. You’ll find roles in business, communications, and technical writing. That variety means you can use your unique skills to tackle space exploration challenges.
NASA pairs every intern with a mentor who’s a pro in their field. These mentors might be mission scientists, engineers, or project managers leading major initiatives.
Mentors teach the tools and software you’ll need for your project. Students learn industry standards and best practices straight from the source.
Mentorship isn’t just about technical skills, either. Professionals talk about career paths in the aerospace industry and explain how different roles fit together to make missions work.
A lot of NASA employees started as interns. That creates strong professional networks—people help each other out even after the internship ends. Many former interns come back as full-timers through the Pathways program.
The Pathways Internship Program lets interns move straight into full-time NASA jobs after graduation. Pathways interns get federal civil servant status and full benefits while they’re still interning.
NASA internships carry serious weight in aerospace. Vault.com recently named NASA’s program the most prestigious out there, which means doors can open at other companies too.
Interns build professional networks that stick with them. You’ll work with top scientists and engineers, and those connections help a lot when you’re looking for your next job.
Career outcomes for NASA interns go all over the map. Some find new exoplanets. Others become astronauts or win science communication awards. The program keeps turning out leaders in STEM.
Forbes even lists NASA as one of America’s Best Employers for Women and New Graduates. The agency really tries to support diverse talent, starting with internships.
NASA internships pop up in all sorts of technical and non-technical areas, from aerospace engineering and planetary science to communications and project management. No matter your academic background, you can probably find something that fits your goals and helps out with space exploration missions.
NASA’s technical internships are the backbone of space research. Aerospace engineering students get into spacecraft design, propulsion, and mission planning. Computer science interns write code for flight systems, build data tools, and help with mission control.
Earth and planetary sciences offer roles in climate research, atmospheric studies, and planetary geology. Students analyze satellite data, study Mars samples, and work on environmental monitoring systems. Physics and astronomy interns join space telescope projects, astrophysics research, and experiments in space.
Materials science and mechanical engineering students design spacecraft parts, test materials under tough conditions, and create tech for future missions. Electrical engineering interns build satellite communications, power systems, and electronic instruments.
Mathematics and statistics students help with mission planning, orbital mechanics, and project data analysis. Biology and life sciences interns study how space affects living things and build life support systems for long missions.
NASA’s work depends on strong business and admin teams supporting the technical side. Project management interns help coordinate missions, manage budgets, and keep multi-year projects on track.
Finance and accounting students analyze budgets, estimate costs for missions, and plan finances for NASA centers. Human resources interns help with hiring, employee development, and organizational planning.
Procurement and contracting roles let interns work with commercial space companies, manage vendors, and negotiate contracts for spacecraft parts and services. Policy and legal affairs interns research space law, international agreements, and compliance for commercial space.
Information technology students keep NASA’s computers running, protect cybersecurity, and manage data for missions. Safety and mission assurance interns make sure NASA’s work meets strict safety and quality standards.
NASA needs great communicators to get the public excited about space. Science communication interns write stories, create educational content, and explain tough science in plain language.
Digital media and web development students build interactive sites, apps, and tools to share NASA’s research. Graphic design interns create visuals, infographics, and presentations for conferences and outreach.
Video production and photography roles let interns document NASA activities, make educational videos, and create content for social media. Public affairs interns help with media relations, press releases, and community engagement.
Education and outreach students develop curriculum, plan STEM events, and launch programs that inspire kids to get into science and engineering. These roles blend creativity with technical know-how to make space exploration accessible and fun.
NASA pays interns through stipends and financial support that depend on your education level and how long you’re there. Most programs also offer scholarships, fellowships, and sometimes help with travel or housing so students from all over can join in.
NASA pays at least minimum wage to every intern, but most get stipends that are higher. Undergrads earn $11,680 for a 16-week fall or spring session, and grad students get $14,400 for the same time.
Summer internships usually run at least 10 weeks, with pay adjusted to match. Many interns say they make around $15 an hour, but it can vary depending on the center and specific program.
Stipend amounts depend on:
Each center handles payments a little differently. Some pay weekly, others monthly, and a few use salary-style compensation for the whole internship.
NASA funds a bunch of scholarship and fellowship options, not just basic internship stipends.
The Space Grant Consortium gives out educational funding to students who want to earn aerospace-related degrees at certain universities.
The Aeronautics Scholarship Program focuses on students studying aviation and aeronautics.
These awards can help with tuition and other education costs for those who qualify.
Some of the programs you’ll find:
International students might get stipends or other benefits, but it depends on the program.
Every fellowship has its own eligibility rules and award amounts, so students really need to read the details before applying.
NASA offers financial help for travel expenses so students can get to their assigned centers.
Travel allowances change depending on the program and how far the student lives from the NASA facility.
Some programs give out housing stipends or help students find affordable places near NASA centers.
Students at remote facilities may get extra support for temporary housing.
The amount of help depends on things like internship location, where the student lives, and how much funding the program has.
Students should reach out to their NASA center for specifics about travel reimbursement and housing help during their internship.
NASA’s internship program runs on pretty strict seasonal deadlines.
They set specific dates for summer, fall, and spring terms.
The selection process takes several months, from application to final placement.
Summer internships are the biggest group, with NASA taking in about 1,200 students each year.
The application deadline is February 28, 2025 for all summer spots.
These programs last 15 weeks, usually from early June to mid-August.
Students need to get their applications in well before the deadline so everything processes smoothly.
Fall and spring internships have fewer spots—about 400 total across both terms.
The fall deadline is May 16, 2025, and spring applications close in early November.
Fall and spring programs run for 10 weeks each.
These shorter terms work well for students who can’t do the full summer program.
JPL does its own thing, with a separate timeline.
JPL’s summer deadline lands in early April, about a month after the main NASA deadline.
NASA centers start reviewing applications right after each deadline.
They spend about 4-6 weeks looking over submissions.
Staff check academic qualifications, coursework, and how well you match available projects.
Promising candidates get contacted for interviews during this time.
Final selections usually happen 6-8 weeks after the deadline.
Summer applicants should hear back by mid to late April.
Students get placement notices through email and the NASA internship portal.
Accepted interns need to reply quickly to lock in their spots, since centers keep waitlists for declined offers.
From application to decision, the whole thing takes around two months.
Students should watch their email closely and respond fast if NASA asks for more info.
NASA gets over 38,000 applications for about 1,800 internship spots every year.
Applicants really have to build resumes and cover letters that show both technical skills and a true passion for aerospace.
NASA wants a federal resume, which is different from the usual one-page version.
Applicants can make their resumes a few pages long to really dig into relevant experience.
Put technical skills up front. NASA mentors search for specific programming languages, software, and engineering capabilities that fit their projects.
Students should list every technical skill, from Python to CAD.
Academic achievements matter a lot. GPA, coursework, research, and awards all show the kind of analytical thinking NASA likes.
Applicants should include courses that connect to the internship they want.
Extracurriculars show character. NASA mentors like well-rounded people who do more than just study.
Rocketry clubs, engineering competitions, and leadership roles in student groups all stand out.
The resume should use numbers and specifics.
Instead of just saying “participated in robotics club,” write something like “led 5-person robotics team to regional championship, designing autonomous navigation system.”
The personal statement acts as NASA’s cover letter, and it’s the most important part.
Mentors use these to spot candidates who’ll fit well in their work environment.
Tailored content makes a difference. Generic statements just don’t grab anyone’s attention.
Successful applicants research their target projects and show how their background matches the goals.
Personality counts as much as skills. NASA wants interns who’ll fit into teams.
Applicants should show curiosity, resilience, and real enthusiasm with specific examples.
The statement should mix professional achievements with personal motivation.
Maybe describe how a certain space mission inspired your career path.
Or explain how your unique background brings a new angle to aerospace problems.
NASA offers several internship paths, each with its own application steps, deadlines, and eligibility rules.
International students face citizenship restrictions, and acceptance rates are competitive for all NASA internship opportunities.
High school students can apply through the Pathways Internship Program, which gives paid work experience to current students.
Applicants need to create profiles on USAJOBS and search for open internship positions.
Students should only apply to posted vacancies, since NASA doesn’t keep resumes for future roles.
The agency suggests setting up saved searches in USAJOBS for automatic alerts about new positions.
NASA internships give educational work and research experiences with mentors.
High school interns work directly on projects that support NASA’s missions and research.
Students find NASA internships on USAJOBS, the federal job site.
Applicants first create a USAJOBS profile by clicking “Create Profile” on the website.
Once the profile is set up, users can look for NASA internships using keywords, locations, and filters.
Short-term internships, like seasonal ones, are listed on intern.nasa.gov instead of USAJOBS.
When applying, the process moves users from USAJOBS to NASA’s own application system.
Students can review and edit their answers to supplemental questions before resubmitting.
Summer internships at NASA usually last 10 weeks, and fall and spring programs go for 16 weeks.
Deadlines depend on the program and the NASA center.
Students should read each vacancy announcement for exact closing dates and requirements.
NASA generally lines up internship timing with the academic calendar.
The agency sends email confirmations after applications go through.
Applicants get more updates when announcements close and after hiring managers finish selections.
NASA internships are tough to get—some programs receive thousands of applications for just a handful of spots.
The Center for Space Research, for example, got close to 2,000 applications in 2023 and accepted 205 students.
Selection usually takes 45 to 60 days after announcements close, though it can vary.
Hiring managers review applications and hold interviews before making decisions.
Because it’s so competitive, students should apply to several programs and keep their grades up.
NASA looks for a wide range of skills—not just science and engineering, but also math, accounting, writing, and project management.
NASA requires U.S. citizenship for most internships and jobs.
International students who aren’t U.S. citizens can’t join standard NASA internship programs.
Non-citizens should look into opportunities with NASA’s international space partners or industry partners.
Some of these programs offer similar research and educational experiences.
The citizenship rule applies to both paid and volunteer internships because of federal regulations and security requirements.
Students should double-check their eligibility before spending time on applications.
NASA’s Office of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (OSTEM) offers internships for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. They even include opportunities for educators who want some professional development.
OSTEM internships usually line up with the academic calendar. You’ll find spring, summer, fall, and winter sessions, which is pretty handy. Some projects run the whole year, from August through May, and those tend to be more intensive research gigs.
Mentors guide participants as they jump into NASA’s aeronautics research, human exploration missions, or even operations on the International Space Station. To qualify, students need to meet academic standing requirements and show relevant coursework or experience in STEM fields.
