NASA Pathways is a paid federal internship that develops students through multiple work rotations at NASA centers across the United States. Interns take on assignments aligned with their academic or career interests and may be considered for civil-service employment after graduation.
NASA recruits across engineering, science, technology, and business occupations. The program is between application cycles; NASA says the next cycle will open in Fall 2026 for Spring and Summer 2027 opportunities, but has not published exact dates.
Benefits & funding
- Pathways interns receive a salary; starting pay varies by completed academic hours, duty location, and the grade listed in the vacancy.
- Interns may receive federal employee benefits including health, life, dental, and vision insurance, retirement, paid leave, and holidays.
- Appointments span multiple semesters until graduation, and successful participants may be considered within 180 days for permanent employment or a term role lasting 1–6 years.
- NASA creates an Individual Development Plan covering assignments, training, and learning opportunities.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens and at least 16 years old.
- Applicants must be enrolled or accepted at least half time in an accredited institution while pursuing a degree or certificate and must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.9 on a 4.0 scale.
- Applicants must be able to complete at least 480 work hours before finishing their degree or certificate; prior work experience is not required.
- Each vacancy can impose specific academic-major, education, location, and start-availability requirements.
- Selectees must sign a Pathways Participant Agreement and pass a pre-employment background investigation; applicable Selective Service certification rules also apply.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Eligible nationalities
USA
Age requirement
≥ 16 yrs
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Application process
- 1When vacancies open, research NASA centers and identify the role that matches both your academic field and preferred work location.
- 2Create a USAJOBS profile and prepare a resume of no more than two pages, transcripts, and reference contact information.
- 3Apply through the vacancy link posted on the NASA Pathways page, complete the questionnaire, and attach every document required by that announcement.
- 4Submit before the vacancy closes; no NASA Pathways internship vacancies are currently listed on the NASA USAJOBS portal.
Program timeline
Most recent published application deadline.
Apr 3, 2026
Next application cycle opens; exact dates are pending.
Fall 2026
Opportunity periods covered by the next cycle.
Spring and Summer 2027