NASA Pathways Internship Program 2027 Applications Open for Students and Recent Graduates, offering students the opportunity to work alongside some of the world’s leading scientists, engineers, researchers, and innovators. These paid internship programs provide hands-on experience supporting NASA’s groundbreaking missions in space exploration, aeronautics, science, engineering, and technology while preparing students for future careers in the U.S. federal workforce.
Whether your interests lie in engineering, computer science, business, communications, data analysis, or other disciplines, NASA internships provide an exceptional platform to develop technical expertise, gain professional experience, and contribute to projects that shape the future of space exploration.
About NASA Internship Programs
NASA offers two flagship internship pathways for students:
- NASA OSTEM Internships
- NASA Pathways Internships
While both programs allow students to contribute to real NASA missions, they serve different purposes.
NASA OSTEM Internships
The Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship Program provides paid, short-term internships where students work on real NASA projects under the guidance of experienced mentors. These internships help participants build technical knowledge, professional skills, and career readiness while supporting NASA’s scientific and engineering missions.
NASA Pathways Internship Program
The NASA Pathways Internship Program is a structured federal employment program designed to develop future civil servants. Participants gain long-term professional experience while completing academic studies, with the possibility of conversion to permanent federal employment upon successful completion of the program.
Internship Benefits
Successful interns will have the opportunity to:
- Work on real NASA missions and research projects.
- Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technical experts.
- Gain valuable hands-on professional experience.
- Develop technical and leadership skills.
- Receive mentorship from NASA professionals.
- Build a competitive resume.
- Expand professional networks.
- Prepare for careers in aerospace, science, engineering, and technology.
- Contribute to innovations supporting future space exploration.
NASA OSTEM Internship Details
The OSTEM Internship is designed for students seeking short-term project-based experience.
Duration
- Spring Session: 15 weeks
- Summer Session: 10 weeks
- Fall Session: 15 weeks
Application Deadlines
- Spring 2027: September 14, 2026
- Summer 2027: February 26, 2027
- Fall 2027: May 21, 2027
NASA Pathways Internship Program
The Pathways Internship Program provides longer-term developmental employment opportunities that may lead to permanent careers within NASA.
Program Features
- Paid federal employment.
- Structured professional development.
- Long-term career pathway.
- Work experience aligned with academic studies.
- Opportunity for conversion to permanent civil service employment.
Duration
- Minimum: 12 weeks
- Maximum duration depends on the participant’s academic program.
Eligibility Requirements
OSTEM Internship
Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Be enrolled full-time or part-time in an accredited U.S. technical school, college, or university.
- Undergraduate, graduate, and certificate students are eligible.
- Recent graduates may apply for internships offered within the first three internship cycles after graduation.
Pathways Internship
Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.9 on a 4.0 scale.
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited educational institution on at least a half-time basis.
- Have completed at least 15 semester credit hours (or 23 quarter hours).
- Be pursuing majors aligned with NASA workforce needs.
- Be able to complete at least 480 hours of work before graduation.
Fields of Study
NASA recruits students from a broad range of disciplines, including:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Robotics
- Data Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Earth Science
- Planetary Science
- Environmental Science
- Information Technology
- Cybersecurity
- Business Administration
- Communications
- Human Resources
- Accounting
- Graphic Design
- Public Affairs
Both STEM and selected non-STEM majors are encouraged to apply, depending on available internship opportunities.
Career Opportunities at NASA
NASA’s workforce includes professionals in numerous fields beyond astronauts, including:
- Scientists
- Engineers
- Software Developers
- Information Technology Specialists
- Data Analysts
- Project Managers
- Financial Analysts
- Human Resources Specialists
- Communications Professionals
- Technicians
- Mission Support Specialists
Internships provide direct exposure to these career pathways.
Why Apply?
A NASA internship offers much more than workplace experience. Participants contribute to meaningful scientific discoveries, cutting-edge engineering projects, and technological innovations that support future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Interns develop practical skills, gain mentorship from leading experts, and become part of an organization that continues to shape the future of space exploration and scientific advancement.
Students interested in science, engineering, technology, business, or related fields are encouraged to apply and begin their journey with one of the world’s most respected space agencies.
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