The NASA OSTEM Internship 2026 is a paid internship programme open to U.S. citizen high school students, undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates across engineering, science, mathematics, IT, and professional support disciplines. Participants work at various NASA centres throughout the United States under the direct mentorship of NASA scientists, engineers, and subject-matter experts, gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge space and research projects. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. The application deadline is 22 May 2026.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Paid Internship |
| Organising Body | NASA — Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) |
| Mode | On-Site (Offline) |
| Duration | Refer to official NASA OSTEM portal |
| Location | Various NASA Centers across the United States |
| Last Date to Apply | 22 May 2026 |
About the Program
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) administers the OSTEM Internship Program to connect emerging talent across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — as well as professional fields including accounting, communications, and project management — with NASA’s active research and operational missions. Notably, the programme extends well beyond traditional STEM boundaries, welcoming students from non-engineering majors into roles in procurement, budgeting, IT, and security. Consequently, the NASA OSTEM Internship 2026 offers one of the broadest entry points into the U.S. federal science and technology sector available to students at any academic level.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens; the programme does not accept international applicants.
- Eligible academic levels include high school students, undergraduate juniors and seniors, graduate master’s students, graduate doctoral students, and postdoctoral researchers.
- Applicants must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- STEM students and researchers across engineering, mathematics, and science disciplines are actively encouraged to apply.
- Students majoring in non-engineering fields — including accounting, IT, communications, and project management — are also eligible to apply.
Experience & Other Conditions
- Recent graduates meeting the GPA and citizenship requirements are eligible alongside currently enrolled students.
- Applicants must be available to work on-site at an assigned NASA centre for the full internship duration.
Stipend, Salary & Benefits
The NASA OSTEM Internship 2026 provides financial compensation alongside structured professional development and direct access to NASA’s research infrastructure.
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Stipend | Paid — specific amount varies by academic level and assignment |
| Mentorship | Direct mentorship from NASA scientists, engineers, and professionals |
| Research Facility Access | Access to NASA’s world-class research and technical facilities |
| Work Experience | Hands-on practical experience on active NASA projects and missions |
| Career Development | Structured career development opportunities throughout the placement |
Selection Process
- Online application submission through the official NASA OSTEM internship portal
- Verification of U.S. citizenship and minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Assessment of academic level and field of study alignment with available NASA centre positions
- Review of application materials by the relevant NASA centre or division
- Final selection and centre placement by NASA’s OSTEM team
How to Apply
- Visit the official NASA OSTEM Internship portal at the NASA Learning Resources page.
- Create or log in to your existing NASA OSTEM applicant account on the official internship platform.
- Review available internship opportunities across NASA centres and identify positions that align with your academic background and field of interest.
- Complete the online application form accurately, providing all required academic, personal, and professional information.
- Ensure your GPA meets the minimum threshold of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale before submitting.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline of 22 May 2026.
Important Dates & Links
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 22 May 2026 |
Official Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Website | NASA Office of STEM Engagement |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the NASA OSTEM Internship 2026?
U.S. citizens at the high school, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale are eligible, including students from non-engineering disciplines.
Is the NASA OSTEM Internship 2026 open to international students?
No. The programme exclusively accepts U.S. citizens; international applicants do not qualify regardless of academic level or field of study.
What financial benefits does the NASA OSTEM Internship 2026 provide? Selected interns receive a paid stipend, with the specific amount varying by academic level and assigned NASA centre position.
Which fields and disciplines can apply for the NASA OSTEM Internship 2026?
Engineering, aerospace, computer science, mathematics, science, and research fields are eligible, alongside professional disciplines including accounting, IT, procurement, budgeting, communications, project management, and security.
When is the deadline for the NASA OSTEM Internship 2026?
The application deadline is 22 May 2026; applicants should submit their materials through the official NASA OSTEM portal well in advance of this date.