Applications are now open for the NASA Internship Programs 2027, a paid opportunity for college students to work on real NASA projects in the United States. The programs are open to undergraduate, graduate, certificate and degree students in both STEM and non STEM majors. The Summer 2027 deadline is March 1, 2027, and the Fall 2027 deadline is May 24, 2027.
Interns are paid and mentored by NASA experts, and Pathways interns can be converted into full time NASA employees after graduation. The programs are open to U.S. citizens only. NASA’s official details do not mention any application fee. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.
Key Details:
- Program Name: NASA OSTEM Internships and NASA Pathways Internships
- Funding Type: Paid internship
- Open to All Nationalities: No, U.S. citizens only
- Application Fee: None mentioned by NASA
- Application Deadline (Summer 2027): March 1, 2027, 11:59 p.m. ET
- Application Deadline (Fall 2027): May 24, 2027, 11:59 p.m. ET.
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What These Internships Offer:
- You earn money while you gain experience, so you can focus on learning rather than worrying about costs.
- You contribute to real NASA projects and missions, which gives you experience that few student roles can match.
- You learn directly from NASA professionals who guide your technical and professional growth.
- You build technical skills, confidence and career readiness that employers value.
- Having NASA on your resume makes your profile more competitive for future jobs and graduate programs.
- You rotate through multiple assignments and can be converted directly into a full time civil service role after successfully completing the program.
- You build a network inside one of the most respected organizations in the world.
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OSTEM & Pathways:
The two programs are connected parts of NASA’s workforce pipeline.
- OSTEM builds technical skills and gives you hands on exposure to NASA missions.
- Pathways offers a structured route into a civil service career at NASA.
Together, they help NASA prepare the next generation of its workforce.
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OSTEM Internship:
OSTEM stands for Office of STEM Engagement. These are paid internships that let college level students contribute to NASA’s mission to advance science, technology, aeronautics and space exploration.
They are short term, hands on opportunities where you work on real NASA projects. You build technical and professional skills while learning from NASA mentors. NASA offers three sessions every year, so check the website often for new opportunities.
OSTEM Internship Requirements
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
- Age: You must be at least 16 years old at the time of application.
- GPA: You need a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Enrollment: You must be a full time or part time college student, from undergraduate to graduate level. You must attend a certificate or degree granting program at a U.S. accredited technical school, college or university.
- Recent graduates: If you have already graduated, you may apply for internships that take place in the three sessions immediately following your graduation.
- Majors: A broad range of majors is accepted, both STEM and non STEM.
OSTEM Session Length
- Summer session: 10 weeks
- Fall session: 15 weeks
- Spring session: 15 weeks
OSTEM Application Deadlines
- Summer 2027: March 1, 2027 (11:59 p.m. ET)
- Fall 2027: May 24, 2027 (11:59 p.m. ET)
How to Apply for OSTEM
- NASA STEM Gateway.
- Create your profile
- Explore the available opportunities
- Submit your application before the deadline.
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Pathways Internship:
Pathways Internships are paid federal internships that act as a direct route to full time employment at NASA after graduation. They are designed to prepare students for a NASA career. Interns rotate through multiple assignments, and after successfully completing the program they can be converted directly into full time civil service roles.
Pathways Internship Requirements
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
- Age: You must be at least 16 years old at the time of appointment.
- GPA: You need a minimum GPA of 2.9 on a 4.0 scale.
- Enrollment: You must be a degree or certificate seeking student, currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment at an accredited educational institution on at least a half time basis.
- Credits: You must have completed at least 15 semester hours or 23 quarter hours.
- Major: Your major should align with NASA’s workforce needs.
- Work hours: You must be able to work at least 480 hours before completing your degree or certificate requirements.
Pathways Program Length
The minimum length is 12 weeks. The maximum length depends on your degree level.
How to Apply for Pathways Internships
- Submit your application through USA Jobs.
- Visit the official NASA Pathways page to read the program details.
- Create or log in to your USA Jobs account.
- Search for NASA Pathways internship announcements.
- Prepare your resume and proof of enrollment.
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Tips for a Strong Application:
- Check every eligibility requirement before you apply.
- Keep your GPA, transcripts and enrollment proof ready.
- Write a clear resume that highlights projects, skills and teamwork.
- Apply early, because portals get busy close to the deadline.
- Visit the official NASA website regularly, as new opportunities are posted often.
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