Janice Lozano
International students can apply to work at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) through various internship and fellowship programs. One such program is the JPL Visiting Student Research Program (JVSRP), which offers research opportunities to students with compatible research interests and funding from third-party sponsors. Students in this program are paired with JPL scientists or engineers as mentors and contribute to NASA and JPL missions while gaining educational experience. Additionally, international students have secured internships at JPL, as evidenced by the story of a Japanese student who obtained an internship by networking with alumni and professors. While specific requirements vary by program, international students interested in applying to JPL should demonstrate aptitude and enthusiasm in STEM fields, meet GPA requirements, and ensure they have the necessary health insurance coverage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student programs | Hired as employees through JPL's Human Resources office or brought to the Lab as affiliates through JPL's Education Office |
| Application process | Two types of student programs with different application processes |
| Student experience | Networking, tours, lectures, career advice |
| Internships | Summer internships, postdoctoral research opportunities, co-ops, JPL Visiting Student Research Program |
| Internship application | Must meet program requirements, submit application before the deadline, and/or connect with campus faculty advisors for programs requiring nominations |
| Internship requirements | Must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in STEM fields, minimum cumulative 3.00 GPA, open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and foreign nationals |
| Internship restrictions | Citizens of designated countries or those with affiliations to designated countries are ineligible |
| Internship opportunities | Internship opportunities for non-STEM majors are also available |
| Internship duration | Most internships require a minimum 10-week commitment |
| Internship encouragement | Students are encouraged to apply to multiple programs for which they meet the eligibility requirements |
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What You'll Learn
International students have interned at JPL
Yuji secured their internship by emailing a professor at their university who had previously worked at JPL. This professor referred Yuji to someone at JPL, which eventually led to their internship. Yuji also mentions that they had to be covered by an international health insurance plan and accident coverage, as is required for all international interns at JPL.
International students can apply for internships at JPL through the JPL Visiting Student Research Program. This program is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and foreign nationals from non-designated countries. Students with citizenship from countries on NASA's designated countries list are ineligible to participate in internships at JPL. These restrictions also apply to students with any affiliations with designated countries, such as country of birth, dual citizenship, employment, or academic institution.
To qualify for an internship at JPL, applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00. They must also provide proof of financial support in the amount of at least $2,400 per month during their visit to JPL.
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JPL offers two types of student programs
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) offers two types of student programs. The first is a student employment program, where students are hired as employees through JPL's Human Resources office. The second is a student affiliate program, where students are brought to the Lab as affiliates through JPL's Education Office, in partnership with Caltech.
The student employment program offers part-time and full-time internship opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). Students are paired with JPL scientists or engineers, who serve as mentors. Mentors outline designated projects for students to work on, allowing them to gain educational experience in their fields of study while contributing to NASA and JPL missions. Interns also have the opportunity to participate in enrichment activities, including tours, lectures, and career advisement, arranged by the JPL Education Office.
The student affiliate program, known as the JPL Visiting Student Research Program (JVSRP), offers research opportunities to students who have compatible research interests with NASA/JPL and have secured funding from third-party sponsors. Similar to the student employment program, students in the JVSRP are paired with mentors and complete designated projects. They also have access to the same enrichment activities, such as tours, lectures, and career advice.
Both programs require students to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited university. The JVSRP has additional requirements, including proof of financial support of at least $2,400 per month during the JPL visit, international health insurance, and accident coverage.
While most of the information regarding the student programs is available online, some students have shared their experiences and advice on securing internships at JPL. One student, Yuji, shared his story of how he secured an internship at JPL as an international student. He emphasized the importance of networking and reaching out to alumni, which eventually led him to a referral for his internship position. Another student, whose story is told on the JPL website, spoke about their passion for journalism and space, and how their internship allowed them to combine these interests.
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International students must have international health insurance
International students can apply for internships at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The JPL Visiting Student Research Program is open to US citizens, lawful permanent residents, and foreign nationals from non-designated countries. However, students with citizenship from NASA's designated countries are ineligible for internships at JPL. These restrictions also apply to students with any affiliation with a designated country, including country of birth, dual citizenship, employment, or academic institution.
The JPL Visiting Student Research Program offers students the opportunity to work with JPL scientists or engineers who serve as mentors. Students complete designated projects outlined by their mentors, contributing to NASA and JPL missions while gaining educational experience in their fields of study. The program also includes enrichment activities such as tours, lectures, and career advisement.
International students interested in applying for the JPL Visiting Student Research Program should visit the JPL website to learn more about eligibility requirements and application procedures. It is important to note that application deadlines may vary by program, so students should check the program page for specific details and requirements.
While the JPL Visiting Student Research Program is a great opportunity for international students, it is important to be aware of any restrictions or requirements that may apply due to citizenship or country affiliations. Additionally, international students should ensure they have the necessary health insurance and financial support documentation before applying to the program.
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Students need a minimum GPA of 3.00
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) offers two types of student programs: one where students are hired as employees through JPL's Human Resources office, and one where students are brought to the Lab as affiliates through JPL's Education Office, in partnership with Caltech. Each program has a different application process, but both offer the same exciting and rewarding experiences.
To qualify for an internship offered through the JPL Education Office, applicants must meet all program requirements, submit their application before the deadline, and, for programs requiring nominations, connect with their campus' faculty advisors. The JPL Education Office determines if it will be possible to offer high school internships for the subsequent summer. Due to funding issues, the office has been unable to offer an 'open call' for qualified applicants and has instead worked with strategic partners to offer a small number of internship opportunities.
The minimum GPA requirement for students interested in either program is 3.00. This requirement applies to students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields. The cumulative GPA must originate from the institution where the student is currently enrolled.
Students with a minimum GPA of 3.00 can apply for the JPL Visiting Student Research Program, which is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (LPRs), and foreign nationals. However, due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applicants who are citizens of designated countries or who were born in designated countries unless they have protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). These restrictions also apply to students with affiliations with designated countries, such as dual citizenship, employment, or academic institution.
Students with a GPA of 3.00 or higher can also explore the summer internship program, which offers a full-time internship opportunity during the summer months for undergraduate and graduate students. These internships provide practical work experience that interns can apply to their studies when they return to school in the fall.
Additionally, students with the required minimum GPA can consider the co-op program, which involves taking a leave of absence for one semester or quarter from their academic institution to complete a full-time, six-month internship with JPL.
Overall, a minimum GPA of 3.00 opens up several opportunities for students to gain valuable experience and contribute to NASA and JPL missions through various internship and research programs.
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Internships are offered to high school students too
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is a NASA centre for robotic exploration of the solar system, located in Pasadena, California. JPL offers internships to students through partnerships with universities and organisations. These internships are open to international students as well. One such international student, Yuji, shared his experience of interning at JPL as a Japanese national in a blog post. He mentions that he worked on mission concept development for the Enceladus mission, primarily focusing on trajectory design optimisation.
In addition to internships for university students, JPL also offers the JPL SpaceSHIP (Summer High School Internship Program). This program is an 8-week internship designed for high school students aged 16 or older who have a strong interest and aptitude for science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics (STEM). The program aims to encourage pre-college students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in STEM fields, to consider careers in these areas. During the internship, students can gain introductory research experience, work in a technical environment, and enhance their computer skills under the guidance of NASA professionals. They also have the opportunity to develop technical reports, make a final presentation, and participate in enrichment activities while earning a stipend.
The JPL SpaceSHIP program is typically offered during the summer, with details posted on the program page in December or January. Interested high school students should monitor the website during this period to identify available opportunities. While most programs provide a stipend, additional benefits such as housing and travel allowances may be offered to eligible students residing outside a 50-mile radius of JPL.
Overall, the JPL internships, including the JPL SpaceSHIP program for high school students, offer valuable educational experiences and exposure to STEM careers. Through these internships, students can participate in research, interact with professionals, and develop skills that can shape their future academic and career paths.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, JPL offers internships to international students. However, due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applicants who are citizens of designated countries or who were born in designated countries unless they have protected status.
Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields with a minimum cumulative 3.00 GPA. Desirable characteristics include aptitude in STEM fields, enthusiasm, motivation, focus, and commitment to complete a project.
You can apply for internships at JPL through the JPL Education Office website. For summer internships, applications are recommended to be submitted between October and February.
