NASA Internship Applications Open for Summer 2025 | Hiring Now

Okay, let’s be real. Can you think of anything more impressive than having a NASA internship on your resume? Like, imagine telling people, “Yeah, I worked at NASA.” Instant respect, right? But beyond the publicity rights, these internships are actually amazing opportunities for students who love science, engineering, space, or anything STEM-related. NASA offers internships for high schoolers, college students, and even international applicants. Whether you’re a freshman just getting into STEM or a grad student looking for serious research experience, there’s a program that fits.

Do you want to know the best part? You don’t have to be a genius to apply. If you meet the requirements and put in an effective application, you’ve got a real shot at landing one. Interning at NASA isn’t just about staring at rocket blueprints or analyzing data. You get to work alongside actual scientists and engineers who are doing mind-blowing things like sending rovers to Mars or figuring out how to grow food in space. It’s hands-on, it’s real-world, and it could be the first step toward a crazy successful STEM career.

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NASA internship Opportunities for High School and International Students

About NASA: Quick Facts & Overview

NASA, or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is the U.S. government agency responsible for all things space exploration, aeronautics, and advanced technology research. Basically, they’re the reason we landed on the moon, built the International Space Station, and kept sending robots (and eventually humans) to Mars. It isn’t just about space, though. They’re involved in climate research, robotics, aviation technology, and even AI development. They also work on improving things we use daily, like GPS, weather prediction, and even some medical technologies.

Quick Facts About NASA

What is a NASA Summer Internship?

NASA’s summer internship program is a paid opportunity where students get to work on real NASA projects over the course of 10 to 16 weeks. These internships usually run from May to August and are perfect for students who want to gain experience without missing college classes.

Who Can Apply?

You don’t have to be an aerospace engineer to qualify. NASA accepts students from a ton of different fields, including computer science, physics, robotics, environmental science, and even business.

NASA Summer Internship vs. Year-Round Internships

NASA also offers fall, spring, and year-round internships, but summer internships are by far the most competitive. The main differences?

So, if you’re looking for an internship that fits into your school schedule, summer is the way to go. But if you want something longer-term, you might want to look into NASA Pathways or OSTEM Internships too.

Types of NASA Internships: 

NASA doesn’t just offer one internship program. They have multiple programs designed for students at different education levels, from high school to PhD candidates. Some internships are great for hands-on engineering experience, while others focus on scientific research or even robotics and AI. Here’s a breakdown of the top internship programs that students can apply for.

1. NASA OSTEM Internship (For Undergraduates & Graduates)

This one is NASA’s most popular internship program and for a good reason. It’s part of the Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) initiative, which means it’s about giving students real, practical experience with NASA’s ongoing projects. If you’re a college student looking for an internship that lets you do actual science or engineering work, this is a solid choice.

Interns in this program get to work in NASA centres across the U.S., assisting scientists and engineers in research, coding, technology development, and more. You don’t have to be a space expert to apply, either. NASA accepts students from fields like computer science, data analytics, robotics, aerospace, mechanical engineering, and even environmental science.

• Who can apply? U.S. undergraduate and graduate students with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Is it paid? Yes, OSTEM internships are paid.
• How long does it last? These internships are available in the summer, fall, and spring.

If you want to get an idea of what NASA interns actually do, check out their official internship portal to see current opportunities.

2. NASA Pathways Internship Program (Leading to Full-Time Jobs)

If you’re thinking, “I want to work at NASA full-time after graduation,” then this is the internship you should aim for. The NASA Pathways Internship Program is like a fast track to a career at NASA. Unlike other internships, this one is designed for students who might eventually land a permanent job at NASA.

The coolest thing about this internship is the rotational work experience. Instead of working on just one project, interns get to try different roles within NASA, giving them a more well-rounded experience. If NASA sees potential in you, they might even offer you a full-time position after graduation.

• Who can apply? U.S. undergraduate and graduate students looking for long-term career opportunities.
• What makes it different? Pathways interns rotate through different departments, gaining a variety of experience.
• Does it lead to a job? Yes, many interns get hired by NASA after completing this program.

If your goal is a legit NASA career, this is the internship to go for.

3. NASA International Internship (For Students Outside the USA)

If you’re not a U.S. citizen but still dream of interning at NASA, don’t worry. There’s actually a special internship program just for international students. The NASA International Internship (I2) Program allows students from NASA partner countries to work on real NASA projects. The key thing here is that not all countries are eligible. NASA has agreements with select countries, and only students from those places can apply. These partnerships exist to encourage global collaboration in space exploration and technology development.

• Who can apply? International students from NASA partner countries.
• Do you need a visa? Yes, you’ll likely need a J-1 visa.
• What fields does it cover? Engineering, space research, computer science, and more.

Check NASA’s International Internship page to see if your country is eligible.

4. NASA High School Internship (For Students in Grades 9-12)

Yes, even high school students can intern at NASA. These internships are designed to give young students early exposure to STEM fields, so they can start their career path early. If you’re in high school and obsessed with space, science, or engineering, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. Unlike college internships, high school programs are usually shorter and more introductory. You won’t be designing rockets just yet, but you’ll get to work on NASA projects, attend workshops, and learn from scientists and engineers.

• Who can apply? High school juniors and seniors in the U.S.
• What do you do? Participate in STEM projects, research labs, and mentorship programs.
• Where to apply? NASA’s STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) program is a great place to start.

If you’re thinking about a career in STEM, this could be your first step.

5. NASA Robotics Internship (For Engineering & AI Students)

This one is about robots, AI, and automation. If you’re into coding, robotics, or machine learning, NASA has internships that focus specifically on developing robotic systems for space exploration. Robots play a huge role in NASA missions. Think about Mars rovers like Perseverance, robotic arms on the ISS, and autonomous drones used for space research. As a NASA robotics intern, you could be working on programming, mechanical design, AI algorithms, or even space automation.

• Who can apply? Engineering, computer science, and AI students.
• What do you do? Work on robotic designs, automation projects, and AI applications.
• Why is it awesome? NASA is constantly pushing the limits of what robots can do in space.

This is a dream internship for anyone into AI and robotics.

6. NASA Space Grant Internship (For Research-Based Projects)

The Space Grant program is all about funding and supporting students who want to do NASA-related research. Instead of just interning at NASA, this program lets students work on their own research projects in collaboration with NASA scientists. These internships are usually offered through universities that are part of the NASA Space Grant Consortium, which means you need to be studying at a participating college to apply.

• Who can apply? University students at NASA Space Grant schools.
• What fields does it cover? Space technology, climate science, physics, and engineering.
• What’s special about it? You get funding to work on your own research project.

If you’re interested in academic research with NASA-level impact, this is a perfect opportunity.

Who is Eligible for NASA Internships?

NASA internships aren’t just for the top 1% of students. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you have a real shot at getting in. Different programs have different requirements, but here are the basic rules for most NASA internships.

• You must be a U.S. citizen (except for specific international programs like NASA’s International Internship).
• You need to be at least 16 years old for high school internships and at least 18 for most college internships.
• You must be currently enrolled in high school, an undergraduate, or a graduate program.

NASA looks for students who are passionate about STEM, so if you’re genuinely excited about space, science, or tech, that’s already a plus.

Required GPA, Skills, and Experience Levels

The internships at NASA aren’t ridiculously hard to qualify for, but they do have some academic standards.

• Minimum GPA: Most programs require a 3.0 or higher.
• Major Fields of Study: NASA looks for students in STEM fields like aerospace engineering, physics, data science, biology, robotics, AI, and environmental science.
• Skills Needed: You don’t need to be an expert, but having experience in coding, engineering projects, or research will give you an edge.

Having relevant coursework, personal projects, or research experience makes your application way stronger. Even if you’re just starting, showing interest and initiative goes a long way.

Security Clearance & Background Checks

NASA is a government agency, so they do have security measures in place. If you get accepted into an internship, you might have to go through a background check. This is mostly for internships that deal with sensitive projects or classified research. For most students, this is just a basic screening to make sure everything is in order. As long as you meet the qualifications and have no major red flags, you should be fine.

NASA Internship Acceptance Rate & Competitiveness

Alright, let’s be honest. Getting an internship at NASA is competitive, but they’re not impossible to get into. A lot of students apply, but the good news is that NASA offers hundreds of internships every year. The acceptance rate varies by program, but it’s estimated that less than 10% of applicants actually get selected. That might sound scary, but don’t freak out. Your chances depend on your application, GPA, experience, and how well you match a project’s needs.

NASA Fellowship Internship (For Graduate Students)

NASA fellowships are way different from regular internships. Instead of just working on projects for a few months, fellowships are long-term research opportunities designed for graduate students, PhD candidates, and advanced researchers. These fellowships aren’t just about getting hands-on experience. They’re also about funding your education and research. If you’re working on a project that aligns with NASA’s goals, like aerospace tech, space medicine, robotics, or planetary science, a fellowship can help you take it to the next level. Unlike internships, these opportunities often come with funding, mentorship, and sometimes even travel possibilities. They are designed for students who are serious about making discoveries in space, engineering, and science.

Funding, Stipends, and Research Opportunities

NASA fellowships are usually funded programs, meaning you could receive a stipend or financial support for your research. This is a huge deal if you’re a graduate student trying to fund your education while also gaining real-world NASA experience. Some fellowships even offer students a chance to work at NASA research facilities, giving them direct access to cutting-edge technology, labs, and experts in the field. If you’re interested in checking out NASA fellowships, head over to the NASA Fellowship Program page for more details.

How to Apply for a NASA Internship?

So you’ve decided you want to get a NASA internship. That’s awesome, but now comes the real work, which is actually applying. The internship process might seem a little overwhelming at first but don’t worry. If you follow the steps properly and make sure your application is solid, you’ve got a great shot at getting in. The process is entirely online, and you’ll need to create an account, fill out your details, and upload important documents like your resume and letters of recommendation. Here’s how to do it the right way.

NASA Internship Login & Step-by-Step Application Guide

Before you do anything, you need to set up an account on the official internship portal. This is where you’ll submit your application, check for internship openings, and track your status after applying.

1. Go to the NASA STEM Gateway – Visit NASA’s Internship Portal.
2. Click “Sign Up” or “Login” – If you’re a first-time applicant, create an account. If you’ve applied before, just log in.
3. Fill out your profile – Add your personal information, academic details, skills, and experience.
4. Browse available internships – Search for internships that match your field of study and interests.
5. Prepare your resume – Make sure it’s professional, well-organized, and highlights your STEM-related experience.
6. Write a strong personal statement – NASA wants to know why you’re interested. Keep it clear, passionate, and to the point.
7. Get your letter of recommendation – Ask a professor, teacher, or mentor who knows your work well.
8. Submit your transcript – This should show your GPA and coursework related to STEM.
9. Review everything – Double-check for typos, missing documents, or incomplete sections before submitting.
10. Apply for multiple positions – Don’t just apply for one internship. You can increase your chances by applying to several.
11. Apply before the deadline – NASA internships have strict deadlines, so don’t wait until the last minute.

Once you hit submit, you’ll have to wait for a response, which can take weeks or even months depending on the program. If you get selected, NASA will reach out for interviews or further steps.

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Summary:

If you’re a student dreaming about working on real space missions, robotics, AI, or climate research, a NASA internship is your golden ticket. These internships give high school, undergrad, and graduate students the chance to work alongside scientists and engineers, gain hands-on experience, and even pave the way for a full-time career. Whether you’re applying for the OSTEM Internship, Pathways Program, or NASA Fellowships, the key is to have a strong application, a good GPA, and relevant skills. These internships are competitive but totally achievable, so apply early, prepare solid documents, and go for it.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)