Want to Work on Real NASA Projects? Here Is How the Internships Work.

NASA's paid OSTEM internships put students on real agency projects with NASA mentors. Applicants must be US citizens aged 16 or over with at least a 3.0 GPA. The spring 2027 window closed on 14 September 2026; summer 2027 applications are due 26 February 2027 and fall 2027 by 21 May 2027.

A NASA intern sets up ground recording equipment at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center. Photo: NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, via Wikimedia Commons (public domain)

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 13 September 2026 · 4-minute read

Searches for "NASA spring 2027 OSTEM internships" rose sharply on Google this month as the application deadline approached. With the spring window closing, now is the time to prepare for summer and fall 2027.

What OSTEM Internships Are

NASA's Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid, short-term internships in which students work on real NASA projects, building technical and professional skills alongside NASA mentors.

Who Can Apply

US citizens.
At least 16 years old.
Enrolled in an eligible programme at a US-accredited institution.
A minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).

Key Deadlines

Spring 2027: closed at 11:59 p.m. ET on 14 September 2026.
Summer 2027: 26 February 2027, 11:59 p.m. ET.
Fall 2027: 21 May 2027, 11:59 p.m. ET.

Summer is traditionally the most competitive session, so starting an application early helps.

How to Stand Out

Apply through NASA's official portal and read each opportunity description carefully.
Match your application to the project. Explain specifically how your courses, projects or skills fit what the mentor needs.
Show hands-on work. Robotics clubs, coding projects, research, rocketry teams and science fairs all demonstrate initiative.
Get your references lined up early so they have time to write thoughtful recommendations.
Don't assume it's only for engineers. NASA also needs skills in communications, business, IT and more.
Proofread everything. Clear, careful writing matters.

Not a US Citizen?

OSTEM internships are limited to US citizens, but space agencies and research organisations in many countries run their own student and graduate programmes. It is worth checking your national space agency and universities with space research groups.

Why It Is a Good Time to Get Involved

NASA has just launched its Roman Space Telescope and is readying the rocket for Artemis III. The skills behind missions like these are also in demand across the wider economy — see the fastest-growing jobs of 2026.

Sources

"NASA internship programs," NASA — nasa.gov
"NASA Spring 2027 OSTEM internships: apply before September 14, 2026," Opportunities for Youth — opportunitiesforyouth.org
"NASA internship 2027–2028: deadlines and how to apply," Extern — extern.com
"NASA internships 2027: OSTEM, Pathways, deadlines and eligibility," OpportunityNest — opportunitynest.org

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NASA Internships 2027: Who Can Apply, Deadlines and How to Stand Out