NASA Internship Programs
At NASA, we explore the extraordinary every day and our work is more than just a profession—it’s a lifelong pursuit and a passion. NASA offers several opportunities for students to undertake meaningful and challenging projects that truly make an impact on humanity.
Quick Facts
Internship
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) paid internships allow high school and college-level students to contribute to the agency’s mission to advance science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration.
OSTEM internships offer students an opportunity to gain practical work experience while working side-by-side with mentors who are research scientists, engineers, and individuals from many other professions. Internships may be full time or part time; and, they may be on a NASA center or facility, or even working from your home or dorm.
Join our NASA team and gain valuable on-the-job experience, build your resume, and strengthen your career readiness. We offer three sessions annually, so visit our website often for opportunities.
2025 Internship Application Deadlines:
Summer 2025: Feb. 28, 2025
Fall 2025: May 16, 2025
Pathways Internship
The Pathways program offers current students and recent graduates paid internships that are direct pipelines to full-time employment at NASA upon graduation. Launch your career with a Pathways internship.
NASA’s work-study (co-op) program is a starting point to a career at NASA. Pathways interns gain valuable work experience and professional development. Paid federal civil servant opportunities with benefits are offered across most NASA facilities. Completion of the Pathways program may lead to a NASA job offer.
Learn MoreFellowship
NASA Fellowships allow graduate-level students to pursue research projects in response to the agency’s current research priorities.
NASA Fellowships support graduate-level projects and proposals which contribute to a NASA research opportunity. Student researchers are exposed to NASA’s innovation-oriented culture and facilities. Fellows participate in prestigious conferences and a center based research experience. Fellowships support academic institutions by enhancing graduate learning and development.
Learn MoreInternships at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Discover exciting internships and research opportunities at the leading center for robotic exploration of the solar system.
An internship at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a chance to do the impossible. Our internships put you right in the action with the scientists and engineers who’ve helped make JPL the leading center for robotic exploration of the solar system. Our programs are as varied as the places we explore, with opportunities across the STEM spectrum for undergrads, graduate students, postdocs and faculty. Join us and do something out of this world.
Learn MoreInternational Internship
NASA Intern Opportunities for International Students
NASA International Internship (NASA I²) seeks to better prepare students to work in a global environment and on multicultural international missions. NASA and the nation benefit from a cadre of future scientists, engineers and other professionals who become familiar and experienced in multinational environments. Internship sessions are arranged in three sessions during the calendar year (spring, summer and fall).
Learn MoreLaunch your Future: NASA OSTEM Internships Virtual Webinars
Join NASA Internships for an exclusive virtual event showcasing a vibrant and diverse next generation STEM workforce. Explore internship opportunities, learn about eligibility and application requirements, and discover how to apply. Hear firsthand experiences from current interns and get tips to make your application stand out. Whether you’re a high school or college student, this session will guide you through everything you need to know to kickstart your NASA journey.
OSTEM Internship Virtual Event:
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month with NASA Internships
Nov. 21, 2024 4-5 p.m. EST
Eligibility at a Glance
Requirements | OSTEM Intern | Pathways Intern | International Intern |
---|---|---|---|
Citizenship | U.S. Citizen | U.S. Citizen | Citizen of a country with a current agreement |
GPA | 3.0 on a 4.0 scale | 2.9 on a 4.0 scale | Maintain high academic standing |
Enrollment | Be a full-time student (high school through graduate-level) or a part-time college-level student enrolled in a minimum of 6 semester hours. Current educator | A degree or certificate seeking student who is currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited educational institution on at least a half time basis Have completed at least 15 semester hours or 23 quarter hours Be able to work at least 480 hours before completing degree/certificate requirements | Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) in a topic relevant to NASA’s mission priorities |
Other | Must be 16 years old at time of application | At least 16 years old at the time of appointment | Demonstrate an active interest in the U.S. space program Communicate proficiently in English |
A common misconception is that NASA only offers engineering internships. Please know that we have opportunities for students who are not majoring in engineering. NASA needs employees with a variety of knowledge and skills. At NASA, our engineers, mathematicians, scientists, accountants, writers, IT specialists, project managers, program analysts, and many other professionals work together to break barriers to achieve the seemingly impossible. Non-engineering interns may support a variety of business and program management work, including procurement, budgeting, accounting, information technology, and security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
My Path to NASA
Astronauts are often the face of NASA, but our workforce is made up of all kinds of professionals. We are scientists, engineers, IT specialists, human resources specialists, accountants, writers, technicians and many other kinds of people working together. No matter what your strengths are, there's a place at NASA for you!
Astronauts
Felipe Valdez is someone who took advantage of every possible opportunity at NASA, working his way from undergraduate intern to his current job as a flight controls engineer.
Jessica Watkins
Jessica Watkins, a former JPL intern turned NASA astronaut, made her first trip to the International Space Station as part of the agency's SpaceX Crew 4 mission.
Christian Taubenberger
Intern to published scientist in under a year, Christian Taubenberger interned with the Cryospheric Sciences Laboratory through the summer of 2020 and then spring of 2021 on the same project.
Michelle Vo
At NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, UCLA student Michelle Vo applied her talents to VR and AR experiences that help scientists explore a totally different world.
Brittany Nez
As a NASA Glenn Research Center intern, Brittany Nez was part of a tight-knit community of Native American engineers. At the University of Colorado Boulder, she works in the assembly, integration, and testing phase of the CANVAS satellite mission.
“After years of constant hard work, setbacks, and dreaming about the future, I finally made it to NASA!”
Andrea Lasta
Armstrong Flight Research Center Intern
Interstellar Experiences of NASA Interns
Students across the agency from all backgrounds, disciplines and education levels share pieces of their NASA journey. Each post helps paint a picture of the diverse and talented group that is furthering NASA’s mission. You could be among them.
Read Their StoriesLaunch your Future with NASA
Explore intern opportunities to your full-time career at NASA.
Apply Now about Launch your Future with NASAJoin the Artemis Mission to the Moon
The Artemis Generation begins now, with us. The NASA interns of today are the Artemis leaders of tomorrow. Find your favorite way to be part of the Artemis mission.
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