NASA Spring Internship 2027: Paid Internships Closing Soon
Want NASA on your resume before summer 2027 even begins?
Applications for the NASA Spring 2027 OSTEM Internship are open — but the deadline is getting close.
NASA's Office of STEM Engagement offers paid internships where college students can work on real projects alongside NASA professionals and mentors.
And NASA internships aren't only for engineering or computer science students. Opportunities can also be available for non-STEM majors.
The Spring 2027 application deadline is September 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Program: NASA OSTEM Internship
Session: Spring 2027
Type: Paid Internship
Duration: Approximately 15 weeks
Typical Period: Mid-January to early May
Majors: STEM + Non-STEM opportunities
Minimum Age: 16
Minimum GPA: 3.0/4.0
Citizenship: U.S. citizens only
Deadline: September 14, 2026 — 11:59 p.m. ET
What Is the NASA OSTEM Internship?
OSTEM stands for NASA's Office of STEM Engagement.
Unlike a classroom program, OSTEM internships give students short-term, hands-on experience working on projects connected with NASA's missions.
Depending on the available project, interns may work alongside scientists, engineers and professionals from many other fields while developing technical and professional skills.
NASA runs OSTEM internship sessions during spring, summer and fall.
Is the NASA Spring 2027 Internship Paid?
Yes. NASA describes OSTEM opportunities as paid internships.
However, don't trust websites claiming that every NASA intern automatically receives one fixed dollar amount.
NASA's internship materials explain that stipend awards can depend on factors such as academic level and the duration of the internship session.
You Don't Have to Be an Engineering Student
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about NASA internships.
NASA explicitly says it offers internship opportunities for non-STEM majors too.
Depending on the projects available during a particular session, relevant areas can extend beyond traditional aerospace and engineering disciplines.
So don't automatically close the application page just because your major doesn't have the word “engineering” in it.
Who Can Apply?
For NASA OSTEM internships, applicants generally need to meet these core requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be at least 16 years old at the time of application
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Meet NASA's student enrollment requirements
- For undergraduate and graduate applicants, attend an eligible U.S.-accredited institution and have a course of study aligned with NASA's needs
NASA states that applicants must be U.S. citizens to participate in its OSTEM Internship Program. International students who do not hold U.S. citizenship are not eligible for this specific program.
Can Recent Graduates Apply?
There is some flexibility here.
NASA states that students who have graduated from a higher-education institution may apply for internships taking place during the three sessions immediately following graduation.
If you've just graduated, don't assume you're automatically too late. Check the specific project and current NASA eligibility rules.
How Long Is the Spring Internship?
The Spring OSTEM session lasts approximately 15 weeks.
NASA lists the typical spring period as running from mid-January through early May.
That makes Spring OSTEM longer than NASA's typical 10-week summer internship session.
What Kind of Projects Are Available?
There isn't one universal “NASA intern job.”
Projects vary by NASA center and by session.
After completing your application, you can explore available opportunities and use filters to find projects that better match your skills, interests and preferred location.
Depending on current openings, projects can connect with areas such as:
- Engineering
- Computer science
- Data and software
- Earth and space science
- Aeronautics
- Research
- Communications
- Business and administration
- Other mission-support fields
Always rely on the individual project description for the exact qualifications.
Do You Need Previous NASA Experience?
No — having “NASA intern” already on your resume isn't a prerequisite for becoming a NASA intern.
NASA's internship program is designed to help students gain practical experience, strengthen career readiness and develop professional skills.
Your job is to show how your existing coursework, projects, activities and skills connect with the opportunity you're applying for.
Do You Need a Recommendation Letter?
No.
NASA's current OSTEM FAQ says letters of recommendation are not required as part of the internship application.
That's useful with the September 14 deadline approaching because you don't need to wait for a professor to submit a recommendation before completing the standard application.
Do You Upload a Resume?
Interestingly, NASA says a traditional resume file isn't uploaded as part of the standard OSTEM application.
Instead, applicants enter their experience, skills, interests and relevant background directly into the application system.
You can still keep your resume beside you while applying. It makes transferring dates, projects, skills and experience much easier.
How to Apply for NASA Spring Internship 2027
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Confirm citizenship, age, GPA and enrollment requirements before spending time searching through individual projects.
Step 2: Create Your NASA STEM Gateway Profile
NASA OSTEM applications are handled through the NASA STEM Gateway system.
Step 3: Complete Your Profile Carefully
Don't rush through the skills and experience sections.
Use specific examples from coursework, personal projects, research, clubs, volunteering or previous work that demonstrate what you can actually do.
Step 4: Explore Available Projects
Look for opportunities that genuinely match your academic background and skills instead of applying randomly.
Step 5: Tailor Each Application
If a project emphasizes Python, CAD, communication, data analysis or another skill, make sure your application clearly shows relevant experience.
Step 6: Submit Before September 14
The official Spring 2027 deadline is September 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
There's little benefit in waiting until 11:58 p.m.
Will NASA Interview You?
Possibly.
NASA says many project mentors conduct phone or video interviews with potential interns, although an interview is not required for every project.
Once you've applied, regularly check both your email and phone so you don't miss a message from a mentor.
How to Make Your NASA Application Stronger
A famous organization doesn't require a complicated application strategy.
Start with relevance.
- Apply to projects that genuinely match your skills.
- Describe what you actually built, researched or contributed.
- Use numbers when they add useful context.
- Explain technical projects in plain English.
- Include relevant coursework and extracurricular work.
- Don't ignore communication and teamwork skills.
- Proofread every application field.
- Apply before the final day when possible.
If you haven't had a formal internship before, coursework and personal projects can still help demonstrate your abilities.
OSTEM vs NASA Pathways: Don't Confuse Them
NASA has two major student internship programs, and they're not the same.
OSTEM provides short-term, project-based experiences where students work on NASA-related projects.
Pathways is a federal internship program designed as a longer-term pipeline toward potential full-time civil-service employment at NASA after graduation.
This article is specifically about the Spring 2027 OSTEM application deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are NASA Spring 2027 internship applications open?
Yes. NASA currently lists the Spring 2027 OSTEM application deadline as September 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Are NASA OSTEM internships paid?
Yes. NASA describes OSTEM opportunities as paid internships. Stipend details can depend on factors such as academic level and session duration.
Can international students apply?
Not for this specific program unless they are U.S. citizens. NASA requires OSTEM applicants to be U.S. citizens.
Can non-STEM students apply?
Yes. NASA explicitly states that internship opportunities exist for non-STEM majors as well.
What GPA do I need?
OSTEM applicants need a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
How old do I need to be?
You must be at least 16 years old at the time of application.
Do I need recommendation letters?
No. NASA says recommendation letters aren't required for the OSTEM internship application.
How long is the Spring 2027 internship?
The spring session typically lasts approximately 15 weeks, from mid-January through early May.
Final Takeaway
A NASA internship isn't reserved only for future rocket scientists.
The Spring 2027 OSTEM cycle includes opportunities across a broad range of majors and gives eligible U.S. students a chance to gain paid, hands-on experience connected with real NASA work.
The biggest restriction is citizenship: you must be a U.S. citizen.
If you're eligible, don't let the application sit unfinished. The Spring 2027 deadline is September 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
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