Ever dreamed of working with NASA—the space agency behind the moon missions, Mars rovers, and the James Webb Space Telescope? The NASA Internship Program 2025 offers Indian and international students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to intern at NASA centers or virtually contribute to real-world space research, STEM innovation, and engineering missions.
Whether you’re from a science, tech, math, or even communications background—there’s an internship track for you!
About the Program
NASA’s internship program is run by the Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) and offers paid internships for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students across its various centers, including:
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NASA Ames Research Center (California)
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Johnson Space Center (Texas)
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Kennedy Space Center (Florida)
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Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL – operated by Caltech)
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And more…
Interns get to work directly with NASA scientists, engineers, and innovation teams in fields like:
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Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering
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Data Science & AI
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Earth & Planetary Sciences
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Astrophysics & Robotics
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Science Communication & Design
Useful Summary
Feature | Details |
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Start Date | Summer: May 2025 / Fall: September 2025 |
Close Date | Summer: March 1, 2025 / Fall: July 1, 2025 |
Duration | 10 to 16 weeks |
Stipend | $3,000–$8,000 per term (varies by education level) |
Perks | Mentorship, Certificate, Networking, NASA Experience |
Apply Status | OPEN on NASA’s official portal |
Location | On-site (USA) or Remote (Virtual Internship) |
Eligibility | US citizens for physical internships; Internationals for select virtual programs |
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility for U.S. Citizens:
• High school (16+) / Undergraduate / Graduate students
• Minimum GPA: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Must be enrolled in an accredited institution
• Fields: STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math), Media, Policy, Law, etc.
For International Students (India included):
• Only eligible for NASA’s JPL internships (via Caltech) or select NASA International Internship (NASA I²) through partner universities or space agencies
• You need to be nominated by ISRO or your government-approved institution
Terms of Engagement
• Internship Duration: 10 to 16 weeks
• Mode: On-site (USA) or virtual (remote)
• Stipend: Varies by location, center, and education level
• Interns must comply with NASA’s Code of Conduct and may undergo background checks
Essential Documents
• Updated Resume / CV
• Statement of Purpose / Cover Letter
• Recommendation Letters (2 preferred)
• Official Academic Transcripts
• Valid Government ID (Passport for Indian students)
• NOC from University (for international candidates if required)
How to Apply (Online Process)
For U.S. Citizens:
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Visit: https://intern.nasa.gov
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Create an OSTEM account
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Choose internship cycles (Spring, Summer, Fall)
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Browse available internships by keyword, center, or subject
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Apply to a maximum of 15 opportunities
For Indian/International Students:
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Apply through:
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ISRO’s international internship cell (for NASA I²)
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Or check Caltech-JPL internships via https://jpl.nasa.gov
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Must be enrolled in an approved partner institute or university
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Contact your institution’s internship/foreign cell for nomination
Status Check (If Any)
• Login to your https://intern.nasa.gov dashboard
• Status will be shown as Under Review, Interview, or Selected
• Offer letters are sent via email by mentors or HR team
Important Dates & Links
Internship Cycle | Application Deadline |
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Summer 2025 | March 1, 2025 |
Fall 2025 | July 1, 2025 |
Spring 2026 | November 1, 2025 |
🔗 NASA Internship Portal: https://intern.nasa.gov
🔗 JPL Internship Link: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/intern/apply/
FAQs
Q: Can Indian students apply for NASA internships?
Yes, Indian students can apply through NASA I² (International Internship) or JPL (via Caltech) with a nomination from ISRO or a partner institute.
Q: Is the internship paid?
Yes, NASA provides competitive stipends ranging from $3,000 to $8,000 based on level and duration.
Q: Can I do the internship remotely?
Yes, some NASA internships are available as virtual/remote options, especially for international applicants.
Q: Do I need a visa?
For on-site internships, yes. Selected international interns will be guided through the visa sponsorship process. Virtual internships don’t require a visa.
Q: Is there a certificate?
Yes, interns get a NASA-certified internship completion certificate.