Want to work with NASA? Apply for its paid summer internship by Feb 27
NASA space agency has opened its application for a summer internship with a stipend. Eligible candidates can apply by February 27, 2026. Selected candidates will get to work with mentors on real projects across science and technology.
College students fascinated by rockets, satellites and future technology now have a chance to step inside the world’s most famous space agency.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has opened applications for its 2026 summer internship session, giving students practical exposure to real missions.
The programme is run through the Office of STEM Engagement and offers paid internships where selected candidates contribute to projects in science, aeronautics, engineering and exploration.
Students work alongside research scientists, engineers and professionals across multiple departments while building career readiness skills.
The last date to apply for the Summer 2026 session is February 27, 2026, 11:59 PM ET. The Fall 2026 session deadline is May 22, 2026.
ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME
Each year, more than 2,000 students get the opportunity to participate in hands-on internships at the agency.
Interns work directly on agency projects under mentors and gain technical skills and professional experience that support entry into the workforce.
Positions may be full-time or part-time and are offered at different centres and facilities.
Most interns receive a stipend depending on their academic level and session duration.
Typical working hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, unless a project specifies otherwise.
Importantly, the agency accepts students from non-engineering and non-science backgrounds too.
ELIGIBILITY AT A GLANCE
Must be at least 16 years old
Must be a US citizen (for standard internships)
Must be enroled in an accredited institution
Undergraduate to graduate students can apply
Minimum GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (OSTEM internships)
Completed at least 15 semester hours or equivalent
English communication skills required
International internships available for partner-country citizens
WHAT STUDENTS WILL DO
Interns may contribute to:
Scientific research projects
Engineering and aeronautics missions
Data analysis and computing
Business, finance and administration
Information technology and communications
The programme emphasises mentorship, training and professional development while helping the agency achieve mission goals.
APPLICATION TIPS FROM MENTORS
To strengthen applications, candidates should focus on:
Personal statement explaining goals and enthusiasm
Academic achievements and research projects
Extracurricular activities
Technical and non-technical skills
Confidence — even non-STEM majors are encouraged to apply
CAREER PATHWAYS
The agency also runs a Pathways Internship programme, which can lead directly to full-time employment after graduation.
Graduate students may apply for fellowships involving advanced research projects aligned with mission priorities.
International internships are organised in spring, summer and fall sessions to prepare students for global collaboration.
For students passionate about aviation, robotics or planetary science, the internship is often the first step into the aerospace workforce.
College students fascinated by rockets, satellites and future technology now have a chance to step inside the world’s most famous space agency.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has opened applications for its 2026 summer internship session, giving students practical exposure to real missions.
The programme is run through the Office of STEM Engagement and offers paid internships where selected candidates contribute to projects in science, aeronautics, engineering and exploration.
Students work alongside research scientists, engineers and professionals across multiple departments while building career readiness skills.
The last date to apply for the Summer 2026 session is February 27, 2026, 11:59 PM ET. The Fall 2026 session deadline is May 22, 2026.
ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME
Each year, more than 2,000 students get the opportunity to participate in hands-on internships at the agency.
Interns work directly on agency projects under mentors and gain technical skills and professional experience that support entry into the workforce.
Positions may be full-time or part-time and are offered at different centres and facilities.
Most interns receive a stipend depending on their academic level and session duration.
Typical working hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, unless a project specifies otherwise.
Importantly, the agency accepts students from non-engineering and non-science backgrounds too.
ELIGIBILITY AT A GLANCE
Must be at least 16 years old
Must be a US citizen (for standard internships)
Must be enroled in an accredited institution
Undergraduate to graduate students can apply
Minimum GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (OSTEM internships)
Completed at least 15 semester hours or equivalent
English communication skills required
International internships available for partner-country citizens
WHAT STUDENTS WILL DO
Interns may contribute to:
Scientific research projects
Engineering and aeronautics missions
Data analysis and computing
Business, finance and administration
Information technology and communications
The programme emphasises mentorship, training and professional development while helping the agency achieve mission goals.
APPLICATION TIPS FROM MENTORS
To strengthen applications, candidates should focus on:
Personal statement explaining goals and enthusiasm
Academic achievements and research projects
Extracurricular activities
Technical and non-technical skills
Confidence — even non-STEM majors are encouraged to apply
CAREER PATHWAYS
The agency also runs a Pathways Internship programme, which can lead directly to full-time employment after graduation.
Graduate students may apply for fellowships involving advanced research projects aligned with mission priorities.
International internships are organised in spring, summer and fall sessions to prepare students for global collaboration.
For students passionate about aviation, robotics or planetary science, the internship is often the first step into the aerospace workforce.