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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Frequently Asked Questions
The majority of interns receive a stipend award, but there are some volunteer opportunities noted in project descriptions.
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.
The Office of STEM Engagement does not require a letter of recommendation.
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
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Andrea Lasta
Armstrong Flight Research Center Intern
Make, launch, teach, compete and learn. Find your favorite way to be part of the Artemis mission.
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