Students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can gain hands-on research experience through the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Summer Internship Program.
The program provides 10-week, full-time summer internships at JPL for eligible undergraduate and graduate students. Participants work directly with JPL scientists and engineers on designated projects while gaining experience connected to NASA and JPL science and missions.
Interns also receive a monetary award, and eligible participants whose universities are located more than 50 miles from JPL may receive additional housing and travel support.
About the NASA JPL Summer Internship Program
The JPL Summer Internship Program is designed for undergraduate and graduate students currently pursuing degrees in STEM disciplines.
Selected students are paired with scientists or engineers at JPL who serve as mentors throughout the internship.
Rather than simply observing professional work, interns complete projects assigned by their mentors. This allows students to develop practical skills in their academic fields while contributing to work associated with JPL research, science, and missions.
The program also includes enrichment opportunities organized by the Academic Engagement Office.
These may include:
- JPL tours
- Lectures
- Career advising
- Professional development activities
- Interaction with scientists and engineers
The combination of project-based work and professional development makes the internship particularly attractive to students considering careers in science, engineering, technology, and research.
Internship Duration
The JPL Summer Internship Program runs for at least 10 weeks during the summer.
Participants must be available to work full time for 40 hours per week throughout the internship period.
According to JPL, summer internships begin in May and June, with start dates occurring on the first business day of each week.
Students should therefore make sure they can meet the full-time commitment before applying.
Who Can Apply?
The JPL Summer Internship Program has specific eligibility requirements.
Applicants must be:
- Currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students
- Pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics
- Studying at an accredited U.S. university
- U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents
- Available full-time for at least 10 weeks during summer
Applicants must also have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
The GPA must come from the institution where the student currently maintains active enrollment status.
These requirements mean that international students who are neither U.S. citizens nor lawful permanent residents are not eligible for this particular JPL Summer Internship Program.
What STEM Fields Are Relevant?
The program targets students pursuing STEM degrees.
This can make JPL particularly attractive to students studying areas connected to:
- Engineering
- Computer science
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Data science
- Technology
- Earth and planetary sciences
- Space science
- Other related STEM disciplines
Students should review available opportunities and ensure their academic background matches the requirements of the projects for which they are being considered.
Are NASA JPL Internships Paid?
Yes. According to JPL, participants in the Summer Internship Program receive a monetary award during their internship.
Payments are distributed through monthly disbursements for the duration of the program.
However, JPL notes that award amounts vary and are subject to change.
Applicants should therefore check the latest program information rather than assuming a fixed internship salary or stipend.
Housing and Travel Support
Another important benefit is potential housing and travel assistance.
JPL states that participants whose academic institutions are located outside a 50-mile radius of JPL receive a supplemental housing and travel allowance.
This can help eligible students manage some of the additional costs associated with relocating for the summer internship.
Students should check the current program conditions for complete information about the amount and administration of this assistance.
What Do JPL Interns Do?
Selected students work with JPL scientists or engineers who serve as mentors.
Mentors provide designated projects that allow interns to gain practical educational experience related to their fields of study.
At the same time, students have an opportunity to contribute to NASA and JPL science and mission-related work.
This mentor-based structure gives students exposure to professional research and engineering environments while developing technical and workplace skills.
Additional Learning Opportunities
The internship extends beyond individual project assignments.
The Academic Engagement Office organizes enrichment activities for participants, including tours, lectures, and career advisement.
These experiences can help students learn more about career pathways within STEM, understand JPL’s wider work, and interact with professionals working in advanced scientific and engineering environments.
Documents Required to Apply
Students applying for the JPL Summer Internship Program need to prepare:
- A résumé
- An unofficial academic transcript
JPL accepts résumés in PDF, DOC, DOCX or TXT formats.
An official JPL résumé template is also available for applicants who want guidance when preparing their application.
Students should ensure that their résumé clearly presents their education, technical skills, research experience, academic projects, and other relevant STEM experience.
How the Selection Process Works
Submitting an application does not automatically mean that an applicant will be matched with an internship project.
After submission, the JPL Education Office reviews applications to determine whether candidates meet the eligibility requirements.
Potential JPL mentors can then search the applicant database and review candidates who may be suitable for their projects.
Applicants selected as finalists are typically interviewed by prospective mentors.
Following the interview, a mentor may ask the Education Office to issue an internship offer to the selected candidate.
This makes it important for applicants to prepare a strong résumé that clearly communicates their technical capabilities, academic interests, and relevant experience.
How to Apply
Applications are completed through JPL’s online student application system.
Applicants should:
- Review the official JPL internship requirements.
- Confirm that they satisfy citizenship, enrollment, and GPA requirements.
- Prepare an updated résumé.
- Obtain an unofficial academic transcript.
- Complete the online application.
- Submit all required information before the deadline.
Students should carefully review their application before submitting it.
Application Deadline
For the Summer Internship Program information supplied for this article, the application deadline was:
Friday, March 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PDT.
Applicants should note that this deadline applies to the specified 2026 summer internship cycle.
Students interested in 2027 NASA JPL internships should monitor the official JPL internship website for the next application cycle and updated deadlines rather than assuming that the 2026 dates will remain the same.
Tips for Future JPL Applicants
Students hoping to compete for future JPL internships can strengthen their profiles before applications open.
Building experience through university research, programming projects, engineering design projects, robotics competitions, laboratory work, and other STEM activities can demonstrate practical ability.
Applicants should also clearly explain their technical skills on their résumés instead of simply listing their degree programs.
Programming languages, engineering software, laboratory techniques, research methods, data-analysis tools, and relevant academic projects can all help demonstrate preparation for technical internship assignments.
Why NASA JPL Internships Stand Out
JPL internships combine academic learning with hands-on project experience in an environment associated with major science and space exploration activities.
Students receive mentorship from scientists or engineers, complete designated projects and participate in professional-development activities.
For students interested in careers involving space, engineering, scientific research and advanced technology, the program offers an opportunity to experience how STEM knowledge is applied in a professional research environment.
Final Thoughts
The NASA JPL Summer Internship Program offers eligible undergraduate and graduate STEM students a chance to spend at least 10 weeks working full-time alongside JPL scientists and engineers.
Participants receive monetary awards, while eligible students studying more than 50 miles from JPL may also receive supplemental housing and travel assistance.
The program requires applicants to be enrolled at accredited U.S. universities, maintain at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA, and be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
Students targeting the next internship cycle should monitor JPL’s official internship pages for updated application dates, eligibility requirements, and deadlines.
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