
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) offers internships and postdoctoral research opportunities to students. International students can apply for internships at JPL, and some have been successful in securing internships. However, due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL cannot accept applicants who are citizens of designated countries or who were born in designated countries unless they have lawful permanent resident status in the US or protected status. Students who are selected for the internship program will be required to submit proof of insurance and must provide proof of financial support in the amount of at least $2,400 per month during their visit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Internship opportunities | Yes |
| Internship type | Paid and unpaid |
| Internship location | Remote and on-site |
| Internship eligibility | Students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00, pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in STEM fields |
| Internship application process | Email with required documents |
| Internship benefits | Housing and/or travel allowances, stipend, tours, lectures, career advice |
| Hiring process for students | Onboarding by JPL Human Resources office |
| Student programs | APX internship program, Co-ops, Summer internship program, Postdoctoral research opportunities |
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What You'll Learn
- International students can apply for internships at JPL
- International students must meet certain eligibility criteria
- International students can be hired as employees or brought in as affiliates
- International students can receive funding for internships
- International students can participate in research and enrichment activities

International students can apply for internships at JPL
International students can apply for internships at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). There are a variety of internship programs offered by the JPL Education Office, and students are encouraged to apply to all opportunities that interest them.
One such program is the Visiting Student Research Program, which is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and foreign nationals. Students 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 insurance and financial support in the amount of at least $2,400 per month during the JPL visit.
Another option for international students is the JPL SpaceSHIP program, which offers internships to high school students aged 16 and older during the summer months. While most programs come with a stipend, some also offer housing and/or travel allowances to eligible students residing outside a 50-mile radius of JPL.
Additionally, international students can apply for the APX internship program, which is designed for students from local colleges and universities. This program allows students to gain valuable work experience while continuing their education. JPL also offers co-op opportunities for students seeking a full-time internship, requiring them to take a leave of absence for one semester or quarter from their academic institution to complete a six-month internship.
The application process for each program varies, but all internships at JPL provide students with the opportunity to work alongside renowned scientists and engineers, gain practical work experience, and participate in on-Lab activities such as tours, seminars, and career development workshops.
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International students must meet certain eligibility criteria
Secondly, international students must provide proof of financial support and insurance. Specifically, students must demonstrate funding of at least $2,400 per month during their JPL visit and be covered by an international health insurance plan, including accident coverage.
It is important to note that JPL is a federal facility, and due to NASA's rules and restrictions, JPL cannot accept applicants who are citizens or born in designated countries unless they have lawful permanent resident status in the US or protected status under specific US laws. These restrictions also extend to students with affiliations to designated countries, such as dual citizenship, employment, or academic ties.
Additionally, international students must undergo a background investigation and complete badge enrollment and fingerprinting procedures at JPL or NASA on their start date. They should also be prepared to follow any safety protocols required by NASA or JPL.
While some internships may be remote, others require on-site participation, and eligible students residing outside a 50-mile radius of JPL may be provided with housing and/or travel allowances. International students are encouraged to visit the JPL website for specific program details and application processes, as well as to explore the various internship and fellowship opportunities available.
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International students can be hired as employees or brought in as affiliates
Students interested in either program must have at least a 3.0 GPA and be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program from an accredited university. International students who are selected for the program will be required to submit proof of insurance and must be covered by an international health insurance plan and accident coverage.
JPL offers a variety of internships and research opportunities for students, including the Visiting Student Research Program, where students are partnered with JPL scientists or engineers who serve as mentors. Students complete designated projects, gaining educational experience in their fields of study while contributing to NASA and JPL missions.
Additionally, JPL offers postdoctoral research opportunities to Ph.D. holders who wish to engage in a temporary, mentored training program in research and technology through employment and non-employment programs. There are also summer internship programs for undergraduate and graduate students, providing practical work experience that can be applied to their studies.
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International students can receive funding for internships
International students can gain funding for internships in a variety of ways. Firstly, it is important to note that internship opportunities for international students may vary depending on the country and the organisation offering the internship. For example, NASA JPL has offered internships to international students, as evidenced by Yuji, who is originally from Japan and completed internships at NASA JPL in 2022 and 2023. One of these internships was unpaid, and the other was paid.
Funding for internships can come from various sources, including universities, governments, and private organisations. Here are some ways international students can receive funding for internships:
University Scholarships and Grants
Universities often provide scholarships and grants for international internships, especially if they are partnered with the host organisation. Academic advisors can help students find departmental scholarships, as well as other scholarships they may qualify for, such as those for first-generation, BIPOC, or LGBTQ+ students. Students can also receive academic credits for their internships, making them eligible for certain scholarships and grants.
Country-Specific Funding
Some countries offer funding to encourage international students to intern within their borders. For example, Germany and Japan have been known to fund international students to promote internationalism in their universities and workforce. Canada's Queen Elizabeth Scholars Program provides funding for Canadian students to intern abroad, while Australia's New Colombo Plan offers scholarships to Australian undergraduates for internships in the Indo-Pacific region. The UK's Turing Scheme also assists students with the cost of international internships, with additional support for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Private Organisations
There are private organisations that provide funding for internships, such as Cultural Vistas, which offers need-based scholarships for qualified applicants to cover expenses like travel, rent, and language courses.
Personal Fundraising
International students can also take initiative by creating online fundraising campaigns to support their internship endeavours.
In conclusion, while finding funding for internships as an international student can be challenging, there are numerous opportunities available through universities, governments, and private organisations. It is beneficial to research and apply for multiple scholarships to maximise the chances of receiving funding. Additionally, seeking advice from academic advisors and gaining academic credits can further enhance the possibility of securing financial support for internships.
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International students can participate in research and enrichment activities
To be eligible for the JPL Visiting Student Research Program, international students must meet certain requirements. They must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00. Additionally, they must provide proof of financial support of at least $2,400 per month during their participation in the program and have international health insurance coverage. Due to NASA rules, JPL cannot accept applicants who are citizens or were born in designated countries unless they have lawful permanent resident status in the US or protected status.
International students can gain valuable research experience by participating in internships and fellowships at JPL. These opportunities allow students to work closely with mentors and contribute to real-world projects while gaining insights into their fields of study. The multicultural environment at JPL fosters a diverse and enriching experience for interns, who can also take advantage of on-Lab activities such as tours, seminars, and career development workshops.
One example of an international student who successfully interned at JPL is Yuji, a student from Tokyo, Japan, who completed internships in Project Systems Engineering and Formulation, and Mission Design and Navigation. Yuji's story, shared on the JPL website, showcases how international students can navigate the challenges of obtaining aerospace internships in the US and make their dreams of working in the industry a reality.
In conclusion, international students can indeed participate in research and enrichment activities at JPL through internships and fellowships. By meeting the eligibility requirements and taking advantage of the opportunities offered, international students can gain valuable experience, contribute to NASA and JPL missions, and benefit from the diverse and enriching environment that JPL offers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, JPL hires 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 are lawful permanent US residents or have protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
International students must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00. They must also have proof of financial support of at least $2,400 per month during their JPL visit and be covered by international health insurance and accident coverage.
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.
Students hired at JPL gain valuable work experience and have the opportunity to participate in research and projects that align with their passions. They also get to network with world-renowned scientists, engineers, and experts, as well as participate in tours, lectures, and career development workshops.











































