NASA has opened applications for its Spring 2027 Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) internship cycle, giving eligible students a paid chance to work on real agency projects. The application window closes on September 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, making the deadline the key immediate decision for applicants.
Key facts
- NASA’s Spring 2027 OSTEM internship applications are open.
- The deadline is September 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
- The program is paid and designed around hands-on work on NASA projects.
- NASA says OSTEM internships require U.S. citizenship and a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Eligible applicants must be at least 16 years old and enrolled in a degree-granting program at a U.S.-accredited institution.
What the Spring 2027 cycle offers
NASA says OSTEM interns work alongside agency professionals on projects connected to the agency’s science, technology, aeronautics, research, communications, business, and other mission-related work. The internships are paid, and NASA describes them as a way for students to build technical and professional skills while gaining experience in a professional environment.
The program runs in three annual cycles: spring, summer, and fall. According to the posted program information, spring and fall internships generally last about 15 weeks, while summer internships generally last about 10 weeks.
What does this mean for students?
For students who meet the eligibility rules, the Spring 2027 cycle is a direct path to paid NASA experience. The main requirements listed are U.S. citizenship, age 16 or older at the time of application, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and enrollment in a degree-granting program at a U.S. Department of Education-accredited college or university.
The opportunity is not limited only to traditional STEM majors. NASA says it also offers internships for students from non-STEM disciplines, depending on the project and NASA’s workforce needs. That means applicants should review individual project listings closely and match their background to the role before applying.
- Deadline: September 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET
- Cost: Paid internship
- Who can apply: U.S. citizens who meet the age, GPA, and enrollment requirements
- Next step: Review available opportunities and submit materials before the deadline
Who can apply?
NASA’s stated eligibility rules require applicants to be U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old, and enrolled full-time or part-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a U.S.-accredited institution. Applicants must also meet the 3.0 cumulative GPA requirement and be studying in a field aligned with NASA’s needs.
NASA also says educators who are enrolled as students can be eligible, and recent graduates may qualify for internships in the three sessions immediately after graduation, subject to the program’s rules.
Can international students apply?
No, not for the standard OSTEM program as described in the current eligibility rules. NASA requires U.S. citizenship for OSTEM applicants. NASA’s International Internship program is not being offered at this time, so non-U.S. citizens should not assume that a U.S. university enrollment alone makes them eligible.
NASA does say international students may explore certain NASA student challenges and citizen science projects, but those are separate opportunities from the Spring 2027 OSTEM internship cycle.
How does the application deadline work?
The Spring 2027 OSTEM application deadline is September 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. NASA advises applicants to review available opportunities early, confirm eligibility, prepare application materials, and avoid waiting until the final hours, when technical issues or incomplete submissions can create problems.
Applicants are expected to choose projects carefully rather than apply at random. NASA’s guidance emphasizes matching academic background, skills, and career interests to the specific opportunity description.
