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
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement provides, annually, more than 2,000 students the opportunity to impact the agency’s mission through a hands-on internship.
The Pathways program offers current students and recent graduates paid internships that are direct pipelines to full-time employment at NASA upon graduation.
The majority of interns receive a paid stipend award, which is based on academic level and session duration.
Interns will work with the guidance of mentors from NASA on agency projects.
Depending on the project, interns will work either remote or on-site at any of NASA’s 10 field centers across the country.
NASA interns typically work during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday, unless stated in the project description.
NASA offers internships for non-STEM majors. Even if you are not a science or engineering student, you can get an internship at NASA!
Explore the Extraordinary
NASA’s internship programs provide training, mentoring, and career development opportunities while working with the best science, engineering, financial, information technology and business minds in the world.
Internship
NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) paid internships allow high school and college-level students to contribute to agency projects under the guidance of a NASA mentor.
Applicants for this internship must be U.S. Citizens and meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement. These paid internships are offered across NASA facilities in fall, spring, and summer sessions. One application is viewed agencywide. OSTEM interns may receive a stipend based on academic level and session length. Prior experience is not required. Opportunities are available at the high school, undergraduate, graduate, and educator levels.
Upcoming Dates:
– Summer 2024 Session Application Rolling Decision Deadline: Feb. 2, 2024
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.
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Fellowship
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.
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Internships 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.
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International Internship
NASA Intern and Fellow 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).
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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 | High school student Undergraduate or graduate student enrolled full-time in a degree-granting program at an accredited college or university 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 640 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 | At least 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
Are Internships Paid?
The majority of interns receive a stipend award, but there are some volunteer opportunities noted in project descriptions.
Is housing my responsibility if I receive an internship?
Interns are responsible for making their own housing arrangements. This includes locating their own housing options and paying for their housing. Centers may be able to offer minimal assistance by providing a list of local available housing and/or establishing a private social media group for interns to utilize for relocation planning purposes.
Is a Letter of Recommendation required?
The Office of STEM Engagement does not require a letter of recommendation.
Will I need a car?
Your center location and housing options will determine if you need a car. At most centers, unless you find housing within walking distance, you will most likely need a car. However, there are ample public transportation options at some centers
I'm not a science or engineering student. Can I still get an internship at NASA?
Yes! Interns may support a variety of business and program management work, including human resources, administration and program analysis, accounting and budget, communication and public relations, procurement and contracts, information technology, security, and education. No matter your academic major, you’ll find that NASA is a place where you’ll belong to a supportive community that values your background, perspective, and life experiences.
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!
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
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Launch your Future with NASA
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