NASA Internship Programs 2026 – Paid OSTEM & Pathways Opportunities for Students

NASA offers students the chance to work on real missions, build technical skills, and gain career‑readiness through two major internship programs: the Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship and the Pathways Internship.

Both are paid opportunities that allow college‑level students to contribute to NASA’s mission of advancing science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. If you are looking for similar opportunities in the United States, explore fully funded scholarships in USA for international students.

OSTEM Internship vs. Pathways Internship – Quick Overview

• OSTEM Internship: Short‑term, hands‑on opportunities for students to work on real NASA projects. Builds technical and professional skills with NASA mentors. Three sessions annually (Fall, Spring, Summer).

• Pathways Internship: A structured employment pipeline into civil service. Offers longer‑term, career‑development opportunities that can lead to permanent NASA employment.

Both programs are paid and help NASA grow a mission‑ready future workforce.

For students seeking other funded programs in North America, check latest scholarships in Canada for all nationalities.

OSTEM Internship – Key Details

• What it is: Paid internships that allow college‑level students to contribute to NASA’s mission

• Duration: Short‑term (typically 10–16 weeks per session)

• Sessions: Fall, Spring, and Summer

• Eligibility: High school students, undergraduate, and graduate students (U.S. citizenship generally required)

• 2026 Fall Session Application Deadline: 22 May 2026, 11:59 PM ET

How to Apply for OSTEM Internship

Step 1: Visit the NASA OSTEM Internship website at intern.nasa.gov.

Step 2: Create a profile and browse available opportunities.

Step 3: Complete the online application and submit required documents (resume, academic transcripts, references).

Step 4: Submit your application before the deadline.

Fall 2026 Application Deadline

22 May 2026, 11:59 PM ET

NASA OSTEM Internships Webinar

Join the Launch your Future: NASA OSTEM Internships Webinar on 7 May 2026 from 3‑4 PM ET to explore available opportunities, learn about eligibility and application requirements, and discover how to apply. Hear firsthand experiences from current interns and get tips to help your application stand out. Q&A included.

• Registration deadline: 6 May 2026

• Webinar date: 7 May 2026, 3‑4 PM ET

Register now through the NASA intern website.

For additional financial aid options across North America, explore financial aids for students in North America.

Why Apply for a NASA Internship?

• Work on real missions – Contribute to projects that advance science, technology, and space exploration

• Paid experience – Earn while you learn

• Mentorship – Work alongside NASA experts and scientists

• Career pipeline – OSTEM builds skills; Pathways can lead to permanent civil service positions

• Resume booster – NASA internships are highly valued by employers worldwide

Eligibility Notes

• Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required for most NASA internships (due to security and export control regulations). International students are generally not eligible unless specified.

• Academic level: High school, undergraduate, and graduate students are eligible for different programs.

• GPA: Minimum 3.0 GPA is typically required.

Final Thoughts

NASA internships offer a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity to work on extraordinary projects, from spacewalk simulations to Mars rover research. The Fall 2026 OSTEM internship application deadline is 22 May 2026. Don’t miss the 7 May 2026 webinar to learn how to make your application stand out. Apply now through intern.nasa.gov.

For a complete list of open internships and scholarships in North America, visit list of all open scholarships in North America.

Apply Now for NASA OSTEM Internship