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 students challenging projects and on-the-job experiences, building confidence, essential technical skills, and career readiness, all essential for the nation’s workforce.
NASA offers two major internship programs for students: Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships and Pathways Internships. Both provide the chance to work with NASA experts and contribute to real missions. Although they operate differently, OSTEM and Pathways are connected parts of NASA’s workforce pipeline:
– OSTEM builds technical skills and gives students hands‑on exposure to NASA missions.
– Pathways offers a structured employment pipeline into civil service.
Together, they help NASA grow a mission‑ready future workforce.
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.
NASA interns prepare for a successful entry into the nation’s workforce by learning key technical skills and career readiness competencies, while contributing to NASA’s mission.
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!
OSTEM Internship
Paid internships that allow college-level students to contribute to the agency’s mission to advance science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration.
OSTEM Internships offer short‑term, hands‑on opportunities for students to work on real NASA projects. These experiences help to build technical and professional skills while learning from NASA mentors.
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.
2026 Internship Application Deadline:
Fall 2026: May 22, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET
Pathways Internship
Paid internships that are direct pipelines to full-time employment at NASA upon graduation.
Pathways Internships are federal internships designed to prepare students for a career at NASA. Pathways interns rotate through multiple assignments and can be converted directly into full‑time civil service roles after they successfully complete the program.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| OSTEM Intern | Pathways Intern | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Short-term, project-based learning at NASA | Long-term developmental program leading to federal employment |
| Duration | Summer session is 10 weeks Fall and Spring are 15 weeks | 2–3 years with multiple rotations |
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizen | U.S. Citizen |
| Age Requirement | Must be 16 years old at time of application | At least 16 years old at the time of appointment |
| GPA | 3.0 on a 4.0 scale | 2.9 on a 4.0 scale |
| Enrollment | Be a full-time or part-time college student (undergraduate through graduate-level) currently attending a certificate or degree- granting program at a U.S. accredited technical school, college or university. Students who have graduated from a higher education institution may apply for internships that take place in the three sessions immediately following their graduation. Broad Range of Majors (STEM and Non-STEM). | 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 Majors aligned to NASA workforce needs Be able to work at least 480 hours before completing degree/certificate requirements |
| Application System | NASA STEM Gateway | USA Jobs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Internships Paid?
The majority of interns receive a stipend award, but there are some volunteer opportunities noted in project descriptions.
Can I apply for multiple internships?
Yes! In fact, it is encouraged. Creating an account and setting up a profile in our system makes it easy to apply for multiple opportunities across multiple centers and areas of interest.
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
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!
Aaron Yazzie
Aaron Yazzie, a former intern at JPL, inspires a new generation of Diné scientists and engineers, proving their voices have an essential place in the story of the cosmos.
Clare Luckey
Former intern Clare Luckey was selected as one of Forbes’ 30 under 30. Her hard work and determination has landed her at the forefront of space exploration as she helps plan how the first astronauts will land on Mars.
Vivian Li
Remotely operating NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover from millions of miles away is no easy task. Vivian Li, former intern at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, used her background in computer science to build a pilot user interface, making the drive easier.
“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
Launch your Future with NASA
Explore intern opportunities to your full-time career at NASA.
Apply Now about Launch your Future with NASA
Join 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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