A NASA internship can give students the opportunity to work alongside professionals involved in science, engineering, technology, aeronautics and space exploration. For students interested in building a career in aerospace or related fields, the experience can provide practical project work, mentoring and exposure to one of the world’s best-known space agencies.

For the 2026–2027 cycle, NASA’s main student internship pathways are the Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships and Pathways Internships. NASA says OSTEM provides short-term, hands-on experience on real agency projects, while Pathways is designed as a longer-term route that can lead to full-time federal employment after graduation.

Importantly, NASA internships are not limited exclusively to traditional aerospace majors. NASA states that it offers opportunities for both STEM and non-STEM students, with professionals working in areas ranging from engineering and science to IT, human resources, accounting, writing and other fields.

There is also an important distinction for international students. NASA’s standard OSTEM and Pathways internships require U.S. citizenship. NASA’s dedicated International Internship (I²) program exists for students from participating partner countries, but NASA currently states that the I² program is not being offered at this time.

This guide explains NASA internship opportunities for 2026–2027, including eligibility, stipend information, major fields, deadlines, benefits, locations and the application process.

NASA Internships 2026–2027: Job Overview

Category	Details
Organization	National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Main programs	OSTEM Internships and Pathways Internships
Internship type	Paid student internships; some volunteer opportunities may also exist
Fields	STEM and selected non-STEM disciplines
Typical applicants	High school, undergraduate and graduate students depending on program
OSTEM citizenship	U.S. citizen
Pathways citizenship	U.S. citizen
OSTEM minimum age	16 at application
OSTEM GPA	3.0/4.0 cumulative
Pathways GPA	2.9/4.0 cumulative
Work arrangement	Depends on individual project and NASA center
OSTEM application system	NASA STEM Gateway
Pathways application system	USAJOBS
Spring 2027 OSTEM deadline	September 14, 2026
Summer 2027 OSTEM deadline	February 26, 2027
Fall 2027 OSTEM deadline	May 21, 2027

NASA currently lists three upcoming OSTEM application deadlines: September 14, 2026, for Spring 2027; February 26, 2027, for Summer 2027; and May 21, 2027, for Fall 2027, all at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Why Are NASA Internships in Demand?

NASA internships are attractive because they combine academic learning with practical experience.

Rather than simply studying aerospace, computer science, physics or another discipline in a classroom, interns can contribute to projects under the guidance of NASA mentors.

NASA says its OSTEM program provides students with hands-on opportunities connected to the agency’s science, technology, aeronautics and space-exploration mission. The agency also says it provides more than 2,000 students with OSTEM internship opportunities annually.

Another major attraction is the Pathways program.

Unlike a short-term internship that ends after one session, Pathways is structured as a multi-semester experience and can provide a direct pipeline to full-time NASA employment after graduation if the intern successfully meets the program and position requirements.

For students building a long-term career, that distinction can be significant.

Types of NASA Internship Programs

NASA currently highlights two major internship pathways.

1. NASA OSTEM Internships

The Office of STEM Engagement, commonly known as OSTEM, offers short-term internships where students work on NASA projects under the guidance of mentors.

NASA describes these as paid internships that help students build technical and professional skills while gaining on-the-job experience.

NASA offers three OSTEM sessions annually:

Spring
Summer
Fall

For the upcoming 2027 cycle, NASA lists the following deadlines:

Spring 2027: September 14, 2026
Summer 2027: February 26, 2027
Fall 2027: May 21, 2027

These deadlines are important because students interested in a 2027 internship should begin preparing well before the session starts.

OSTEM Duration

NASA states that the Summer session is typically 10 weeks, while Fall and Spring sessions are generally 15 weeks.

2. NASA Pathways Internships

Pathways is designed differently.

NASA describes Pathways as a paid internship program that provides a direct pipeline to full-time federal employment after graduation. Interns can receive experience through multiple assignments while developing skills connected to NASA’s workforce needs.

Pathways internships can therefore be particularly attractive to students who already know that they want to pursue a long-term NASA career.

However, conversion to full-time employment is not automatic. NASA explains that interns must meet requirements including maintaining the required GPA, completing the necessary work hours and training, meeting the qualifications of the position and receiving a favorable recommendation, among other conditions.

NASA Internship Responsibilities

Responsibilities depend on the project, academic discipline and NASA center.

An engineering intern may work on technical analysis, design or testing.

A computer science student could contribute to software, data systems or other technology projects.

A science student might support research, experimentation, modeling or analysis.

Non-STEM interns can also contribute to NASA’s mission through areas such as communications, human resources, accounting, writing and other professional functions. NASA specifically notes that its workforce includes many types of professionals beyond scientists and engineers.

Typical internship activities may include:

Supporting NASA projects
Conducting research
Analyzing technical information
Developing software
Testing systems
Creating reports
Working with project teams
Attending technical meetings
Presenting findings
Documenting project work
Collaborating with mentors
Developing professional skills

NASA interns typically work Monday through Friday, generally from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless the individual project description specifies otherwise.

NASA Internship Stipend and Pay

One of the most important questions for students is whether NASA internships are paid.

Yes, the majority of NASA interns receive a stipend award.

NASA states that the stipend is based on academic level and session duration. However, NASA does not present one universal internship stipend that applies to every intern.

This means online claims suggesting that every NASA intern earns exactly the same monthly amount should be treated cautiously.

Hourly Pay

NASA’s student internship program is generally described in terms of stipend awards rather than one universal hourly wage.

Monthly Compensation

The amount can vary based on academic level and the length of the internship session.

Example of a Program-Specific Stipend

Some NASA-affiliated programs have published their own funding arrangements. For example, the Europa Clipper ICONS internship information published in 2026 states that selected interns receive a $12,000 stipend for the duration of that program, with some students potentially eligible for travel, housing and relocation allowances.

This is an example of a specific program, not a universal NASA internship salary.

Therefore, applicants should check the financial terms attached to the specific opportunity they are considering.

NASA Internship Benefits

NASA internships can provide benefits beyond the stipend.

Depending on the program and project, students can gain:

Hands-on professional experience
Mentorship
Technical training
Career-readiness skills
Networking opportunities
Exposure to NASA missions
Research experience
Project experience
Resume development
Opportunities to work with multidisciplinary teams

NASA states that interns work under the guidance of mentors and gain technical and career-readiness competencies while contributing to agency projects.

Pathways interns have an additional potential advantage because the program is designed as a pipeline toward full-time federal employment after graduation.

Does NASA Provide Housing or Relocation Support?

Students should not automatically assume that NASA provides accommodation.

NASA’s internship FAQ states that OSTEM interns are responsible for making their own housing arrangements and paying for their housing. NASA may provide resources to help interns locate housing options around individual centers.

Whether travel, housing or relocation support is available can depend on the specific program.

For example, the Europa Clipper ICONS internship information states that selected interns may be eligible for travel, housing and relocation allowances in addition to its program stipend.

Therefore, students should calculate housing and transportation expenses before accepting an internship.

NASA Internship Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility differs between OSTEM and Pathways.

OSTEM Eligibility

NASA currently lists these basic requirements for OSTEM candidates:

Be a U.S. citizen
Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Be at least 16 years old at the time of application
Be enrolled as a student in an eligible program
Meet the applicable educational and field-of-study requirements

For undergraduate and graduate students, NASA states that enrollment must be in a degree-granting program at a U.S. Department of Education-accredited college or university, with the course of study aligned with NASA’s needs.

NASA also allows certain recent graduates to apply for internships taking place during the three sessions immediately following graduation.

Pathways Eligibility

Pathways candidates must:

Be a U.S. citizen
Be at least 16 years old
Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at least half-time
Be pursuing a degree or certificate
Maintain at least a 2.9 GPA on a 4.0 scale
Be able to complete at least 480 hours before completing degree or certificate requirements
Meet additional requirements stated in the specific vacancy

NASA confirms these requirements on its Pathways information page.

Can International Students Apply for NASA Internships?

This is one of the most important points for international applicants.

For the standard NASA OSTEM and Pathways programs, U.S. citizenship is required.

NASA has a separate International Internship, or I², program intended for students from participating countries.

However, NASA’s current international internship page states:

The International Internship (I2) program is not being offered at this time.

NASA says it will provide more information when the program becomes available again.

The page also identifies participating countries and explains that international students may be nominated through NASA’s foreign partners. Requirements include being enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate STEM degree relevant to NASA’s mission, maintaining strong academic standing, demonstrating interest in the U.S. space program and communicating proficiently in English.

For students from countries not currently participating, the standard U.S. NASA internship routes should not be presented as generally available.

International students can instead monitor NASA’s international opportunities and participate in selected student challenges and citizen-science projects.

Required Skills for NASA Internships

NASA internships cover many disciplines, so the skills required vary.

Technical Skills

Depending on the project, useful skills can include:

Programming
Data analysis
Mathematics
Engineering design
Computer modeling
Scientific research
Electronics
Robotics
Artificial intelligence
Machine learning
Technical writing
CAD and simulation
Laboratory techniques

Professional Skills

NASA also emphasizes career readiness.

Students should develop:

Communication
Teamwork
Problem-solving
Time management
Organization
Adaptability
Attention to detail
Presentation skills
Research skills
Professional writing

A student does not need to be an expert in every area. The strongest approach is to develop skills that match the specific internship project.

What Majors Can Apply for NASA Internships?

NASA internships cover a broad range of academic disciplines.

Potential areas include:

STEM Fields

Aerospace engineering
Mechanical engineering
Electrical engineering
Computer science
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Earth science
Planetary science
Data science
Environmental science

Non-STEM Fields

NASA also states that it offers internships for non-STEM majors. Its workforce includes professionals in areas such as human resources, accounting, writing and other disciplines.

Depending on available projects, students may therefore find opportunities in:

Business
Finance
Human resources
Communications
Public affairs
Writing
Management
Administration

The specific vacancy should always be used to determine whether your major qualifies.

NASA Internship Locations

NASA has centers and facilities across the United States.

Internship opportunities can be connected to different NASA centers, and the exact location depends on the project.

Examples of NASA centers include:

Johnson Space Center
Kennedy Space Center
Marshall Space Flight Center
Goddard Space Flight Center
Ames Research Center
Glenn Research Center
Langley Research Center
Armstrong Flight Research Center
Stennis Space Center

The actual internship location should be checked in the individual project listing.

NASA notes that center location and available housing options can affect whether an intern needs a car. Some centers have public transportation options, while others may require more personal transportation planning.

NASA Internship Application Deadlines 2026–2027

Students planning ahead should pay close attention to NASA’s published OSTEM schedule.

For the upcoming sessions, NASA lists:

Spring 2027

Application deadline: September 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET

Summer 2027

Application deadline: February 26, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET

Fall 2027

Application deadline: May 21, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET

NASA recommends visiting its internship page regularly because opportunities can be available before the final application deadline.

Pathways operates differently, with specific vacancies opening through the NASA Pathways system and USAJOBS. For example, NASA’s Fall 2026 Pathways application window ran from March 30 through April 3, 2026.

How to Apply for NASA Internships 2026–2027

Step 1: Choose the Right Program

Decide whether OSTEM or Pathways better matches your goals.

OSTEM is generally a shorter, project-based internship.

Pathways is a longer-term federal internship pathway connected to potential post-graduation employment.

Step 2: Review Eligibility

Before applying, confirm:

Citizenship
Age
GPA
Enrollment
Degree or certificate
Major
Work-hour requirements
Other vacancy-specific requirements

Step 3: Search NASA Opportunities

For OSTEM, use the NASA STEM Gateway opportunity system.

NASA’s official opportunities portal allows students to explore current internships and other NASA experiences.

Step 4: Prepare Your Resume

Emphasize:

Academic projects
Research
Technical skills
Previous internships
Leadership
Relevant coursework
Programming
Publications
Competitions
Student organizations

Step 5: Apply to Suitable Projects

NASA states that applicants can apply to multiple OSTEM internships and encourages students to explore opportunities across different centers and areas of interest.

Step 6: Apply Through the Correct System

OSTEM applications are submitted through NASA’s STEM Gateway.

Pathways internships are posted through USAJOBS, with NASA’s Pathways page providing the relevant vacancy information and application links.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Selection

Match Your Skills to the Project

Do not apply based solely on the NASA name.

Read the project description and determine what the mentor actually needs.

Highlight Practical Experience

A strong academic project can demonstrate your ability to solve real problems.

For example:

Developed a Python-based data analysis tool to process and visualize environmental datasets.

is stronger than simply listing:

Python.

Keep Your Resume Focused

Avoid filling your resume with unrelated information.

Give priority to:

Relevant coursework
Projects
Research
Technical tools
Leadership
Academic achievements

Apply to Multiple Suitable Opportunities

NASA explicitly encourages OSTEM applicants to apply for multiple internships.

However, quality still matters. Choose opportunities that genuinely match your background.

Contact Mentors When Appropriate

NASA guidance notes that students can see available positions in advance and, where appropriate, may contact mentors to introduce themselves and explain why they are a good fit.

Keep any communication professional and concise.

Prepare Early

Do not wait until the deadline.

Prepare your profile, resume and project list weeks or months ahead of the application window.

Related NASA Career Opportunities

An internship is only one route into NASA.

Students and graduates can also explore:

NASA Pathways
NASA civil service positions
NASA fellowships
Research opportunities
Student challenges
Citizen science
NASA contractor positions
University research collaborations

NASA explains that many contractors and partner companies also support the agency’s mission and conduct their own hiring processes.

This can be useful for international professionals as well because direct NASA civil-service employment is generally restricted to U.S. citizens, with extremely rare exceptions.

Cost of Living for NASA Interns

Students relocating for an internship should create a realistic budget.

Possible expenses include:

Rent
Food
Transportation
Flights
Utilities
Insurance
Local travel
Security deposits
Personal expenses

Housing can be one of the largest costs.

NASA states that OSTEM interns are responsible for finding and paying for their own housing. NASA may provide resources to help interns identify options near their assigned center.

Because NASA centers are located in different parts of the United States, living costs can vary significantly.

Students should therefore calculate expected expenses based on the specific internship location rather than assuming that one national average applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are NASA internships paid in 2026–2027?

Yes. NASA states that the majority of interns receive a stipend award, with the amount based on academic level and session duration. Some specific opportunities can have separate funding arrangements.

2. Who is eligible for NASA OSTEM internships?

OSTEM applicants generally must be U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old, meet the 3.0 GPA requirement and be enrolled in an eligible educational program. Additional requirements can apply to individual projects.

3. Can international students apply for NASA internships?

Standard OSTEM and Pathways internships require U.S. citizenship. NASA has an International Internship program, but NASA currently says the I² program is not being offered at this time.

4. What GPA is required for NASA internships?

OSTEM currently requires a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Pathways requires a cumulative GPA of at least 2.9.

5. Does NASA offer internships for non-STEM students?

Yes. NASA explicitly states that internships are available for non-STEM majors as well as STEM students. Potential areas include communications, writing, human resources, accounting and other professional disciplines.

6. How long are NASA internships?

OSTEM Summer internships are typically 10 weeks, while Fall and Spring sessions are generally 15 weeks. Pathways internships are longer and can span multiple semesters.

7. Does NASA provide housing for interns?

NASA says OSTEM interns are responsible for arranging and paying for their own housing. NASA may provide resources to help students locate housing near their center.

8. What is the NASA Pathways Internship?

Pathways is a paid federal internship program designed to provide students with structured work experience and a potential pathway to full-time NASA employment after graduation, subject to meeting the required conditions.

9. When is the Spring 2027 NASA internship deadline?

NASA lists September 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time as the Spring 2027 OSTEM application deadline.

10. Where do I apply for NASA internships?

OSTEM opportunities are available through NASA’s STEM Gateway. Pathways internships are posted through USAJOBS, with NASA’s Pathways page providing the relevant information and application links.

Final Thoughts

NASA internships 2026–2027 offer students a chance to gain practical experience while contributing to projects connected to science, technology, aeronautics and space exploration.

The two major pathways are different. OSTEM is primarily a short-term, project-based experience, while Pathways is designed as a longer-term federal internship route that can lead toward full-time employment after graduation.

For eligible U.S. students, the upcoming 2027 OSTEM cycle provides several opportunities to apply, with deadlines beginning in September 2026. Students should start preparing early because NASA internships can be highly competitive.

International students should pay particular attention to citizenship rules. Standard OSTEM and Pathways internships require U.S. citizenship, while NASA’s International Internship program is currently not being offered.

Finally, do not judge an internship solely by its stipend. The opportunity to work with experienced mentors, contribute to real projects, build technical skills and develop professional experience can be just as valuable for a student’s future career.

The safest approach is to use NASA’s official internship pages and STEM Gateway for current opportunities, eligibility requirements and deadlines.