NASA OSTEM Internship 2026: Work with NASA Scientists & Engineers

The NASA Internship 2026, offered through the Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM), is a premier paid program that places students at the heart of NASA’s mission. From aeronautics to space exploration, these internships allow students to contribute to real-world projects alongside top-tier scientists and engineers.

Whether you are an aspiring astronaut, an engineer, or a communications major, a NASA OSTEM Internship provides a unique professional launchpad at various NASA centres and facilities across the United States.

About NASA OSTEM

NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of explorers. The internship program is designed to create a diverse and capable future workforce by providing hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Beyond STEM, NASA also recruits for business, law, and IT roles, ensuring all facets of the agency’s operations are supported by fresh talent.

About the NASA Internship Role

NASA interns are not just observers; they are integral members of their assigned teams. Working under a mentor, you will tackle challenges that support current missions like Artemis or Mars exploration.

• Role: NASA Intern (OSTEM)

• Status: Paid Internship

• Mode: Full-time or Part-time

• Location: Various NASA Centres (e.g., Johnson Space Center, Kennedy Space Center, Jet Propulsion Laboratory)

• Duration: Typically 10–16 weeks depending on the session (Summer, Fall, or Spring).

Key Responsibilities

• Hands-on Research: Contributing to data analysis, software development, or hardware testing.

• Collaboration: Working in multidisciplinary teams to solve complex technical problems.

• Mission Support: Providing analytical or administrative support for spaceflight operations and ground systems.

• Professional Development: Attending specialized workshops, lectures, and networking events with NASA leadership.

Eligibility Criteria for 2026

To be considered for the NASA OSTEM Internship 2026, applicants must meet the following federal and agency requirements:

1. Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.

2. Age: Minimum 16 years old at the time of application.

3. Academic Standing: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

4. Enrollment: Must be a full-time or part-time student (Undergraduate to Graduate level) at an accredited U.S. college or university.

5. Credit Requirement: Undergraduate applicants must have completed at least 15 semester hours (or 23 quarter hours).

6. Majors: Open to both STEM and non-STEM majors (Business, IT, Communications, etc.).

Stipend and Benefits

Most NASA interns receive a stipend award to help cover living expenses.

• Amount: The stipend is based on the intern’s academic level (Sophomore, Senior, Graduate, etc.) and the length of the session.

• Housing: Interns are responsible for their own housing arrangements and costs.

• Mentorship: Every intern is paired with a subject matter expert for guided professional growth.

Important Dates (2026 Sessions)

How to Apply

Applications are managed through NASA’s centralised portal. Note that NASA does not use a resume upload; you must manually enter your details.

1. Profile Creation: Create an account on the official NASA Internship portal.

2. General Application: Complete your basic profile, including experience, skills, and interests.

3. Project Selection: Once your profile is submitted, browse and apply to specific projects that match your skills.

4. Submission: Apply to individual projects before the session deadline.

5. Interview: Some mentors may contact you for a virtual or phone interview if your profile stands out.