NASA OSTEM Paid Internships for College Students
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Paid Internship Program is a prestigious opportunity for college-level students to work directly with the United States’ leading agency in science, aeronautics, and space exploration. These internships allow students to contribute to NASA’s mission while gaining hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as a wide range of non-STEM fields.
NASA’s OSTEM Internships are paid positions that place students alongside NASA’s professional workforce—including engineers, research scientists, project managers, IT specialists, writers, program analysts, and many other experts. Internships may be full-time or part-time, and placements can occur at a NASA center or facility across the United States.
Students who join the program gain valuable on-the-job training, strengthen their professional skills, and build competitive résumés for STEM and non-STEM careers alike.
NASA offers three internship sessions annually, and students are encouraged to check the official portal regularly for open positions and updated opportunities.
2026 NASA Internship Deadlines
NASA has officially announced the deadlines for the 2026 OSTEM internship sessions:
- Summer 2026: February 27, 2026 – 11:59 p.m. ET
- Fall 2026: May 22, 2026 – 11:59 p.m. ET
Students should submit applications before the deadline to ensure full consideration.
Application Portal and Official Guidelines / Call for Applications: Here
Eligibility Criteria for NASA Internships
NASA offers multiple internship pathways. Below is a detailed comparison based on citizenship, academic requirements, enrollment status, and additional expectations.
1. OSTEM Intern Eligibility
Citizenship:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
GPA Requirement:
- Minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Enrollment Requirements:
- Must be enrolled as a full-time college student (undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral level)
- Part-time students may apply if enrolled in at least 6 semester hours
Additional Requirements:
- Must be 16 years old at the time of application
- Must have completed at least 15 semester hours or 23 quarter hours
2. NASA Pathways Intern Eligibility
The NASA Pathways Internship Program is another entry point for students preparing for Federal careers.
Citizenship:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
GPA Requirement:
- Minimum 2.9 on a 4.0 scale
Enrollment Requirements:
- Must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited institution
- Must be enrolled at least half-time
- Must be able to complete 480 work hours before finishing degree requirements
Age Requirement:
- Must be at least 16 years old at the time of appointment
3. NASA International Intern Eligibility
NASA also accepts international students from countries with active agreements.
Citizenship:
- Must be a citizen of a country with a current international agreement with NASA
Academic Requirements:
- Must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in STEM fields related to NASA’s mission
Performance Requirements:
- Must maintain high academic standing
Additional Requirements:
- Must demonstrate clear interest in the U.S. space program
- Must communicate proficiently in English
Internship Fields: Not Only Engineering
A common misconception is that NASA internships are limited to engineering students—but NASA actively recruits students from diverse academic backgrounds.
Fields that NASA accepts interns from include:
- Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.)
- Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Environmental Science, Planetary Science
- Business Administration
- Accounting, Budgeting, Finance
- Communications, Journalism, Writing
- Project Management
- Security, Program Analysis
- Procurement and Administrative roles
NASA emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, meaning interns across fields work together to support research, operations, and mission execution.
Program Details
Location
- Internships take place at NASA Centers and facilities across the United States.
- Some part-time or remote opportunities may be available depending on the project.
Duration
- Offered in three annual sessions: Spring, Summer, and Fall.
- Internships vary in length but generally last 10–16 weeks.
Structure of the Program
Interns will:
- Work under assigned NASA mentors
- Participate in professional development workshops
- Engage in hands-on projects aligned with NASA priorities
- Contribute to research, operations, mission support, or administrative tasks
Fees
- There are no application fees
- Interns receive paid compensation (amount varies by center and project)
How to Apply
Students must complete the online application through NASA’s official portal.
Application Steps
- Visit the application portal: —
- Create an account or log in
- Upload required documents (resume, transcript, references)
- Select internship opportunities and submit your application
- Monitor your dashboard for updates or interview notifications
NASA encourages early applications due to high competition and limited placements.
Important Dates
- Summer 2026 Deadline: February 27, 2026
- Fall 2026 Deadline: May 22, 2026
Students should prepare documents early and submit ahead of time to avoid late submission issues.
Conclusion
The NASA OSTEM Paid Internship Program is one of the most competitive and impactful opportunities for students pursuing careers in STEM and non-STEM disciplines. With hands-on experience, mentorship from leading NASA professionals, and access to cutting-edge research and technology, students gain strong career readiness skills and a deeper understanding of NASA’s mission.
For students passionate about aerospace, science, innovation, and public service, the NASA internship experience is a valuable stepping stone toward future careers in the U.S. space ecosystem.
