NASA LPI Summer Internship Program 2026 in the USA
Job Description
SNASA LPI Summer Internship Program 2026
The NASA LPI Summer Internship Program 2026 is now open for applications from international undergraduate students worldwide. Hosted by the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in Houston, Texas, this fully funded 10-week internship offers exceptional research opportunities under the supervision of leading planetary scientists.
This prestigious program runs from June 1 to August 8, 2026, and does not require IELTS or TOEFL. Applicants may submit an English Proficiency Certificate instead. There is no application fee, and students from all nationalities are encouraged to apply.
Program Overview
- Internship Host: Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), Houston, USA
- Internship Duration: June 1 – August 8, 2026 (10 weeks)
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Eligibility: All Nationalities
- Deadline: December 12, 2025
Financial Coverage (Fully Funded)
Selected applicants will receive a total stipend of $8,056 USD, covering:
- Housing expenses
- Living expenses
- Travel expenses
- Internship stipend
Additionally:
- Domestic travelers: up to $1,000 USD
- International travelers: up to $1,500 USD
Students who submit an accepted abstract as the first author to the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference may receive additional travel funding.
Internship Benefits
The NASA LPI Summer Internship provides:
- Hands-on, high-level research experience
- Development of new scientific and analytical skills
- Networking opportunities with NASA researchers and scientists
- Visits to NASA Johnson Space Center
- Weekly seminars, lectures, and career development workshops
- Experience in a real NASA-connected research environment
About the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI)
Located near the NASA Johnson Space Center, LPI plays a key role in advancing planetary, lunar, and solar system research. Interns work alongside world-class scientists and gain exposure to cutting-edge projects across multiple scientific fields.
Research Areas
Applicants can choose their top three areas of interest, including fields such as:
- Planetary geology
- Lunar science
- Astrobiology
- Geochemistry
- Remote sensing
- Space mission data analysis
- Computer modeling
- Planetary atmospheres
- And many other planetary science disciplines
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the NASA LPI Internship, applicants must:
- Be an undergraduate student
- Have completed at least 50 semester hours
- Preferably be majoring in:
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Engineering
Note (However, students from other fields may also apply.)
English proficiency requirements:
- IELTS/TOEFL OR
- Official English Proficiency Certificate from university professor
The program welcomes applicants without discrimination based on race, nationality, sex, age, or any non-merit factors.
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be selected based on:
- Academic performance
- Research or work experience
- Career objectives and scientific interests
- Alignment with available research projects
Results will be announced in March 2026.
Selected students must respond within 2 working days.
Application Procedure (Step-by-Step)
The NASA LPI Summer Internship Program 2026 offers an extraordinary opportunity to develop advanced scientific skills, work with NASA-affiliated researchers, and experience one of the world’s most prestigious space science environments.
If you are passionate about planetary science, space missions, or scientific research—this internship can shape your future.
- Submit your application through the online form.
- Complete all mandatory fields, including essay-style questions.
- Upload or arrange the submission of:
- Transcripts
- 2–3 recommendation letters
- Ensure all documents arrive before December 12, 2025 (11:59 PM CST)
- International students must upload proof of English proficiency.
- Official transcripts must be sent to the LPI office by the deadline.
- Applicants may be invited for a phone interview.
- Official Announcement
Application Links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the NASA LPI Internship fully funded?
Yes. It provides stipends, housing, living, and travel support.
2. Is IELTS required?
No. An English Proficiency Certificate is enough.
3. Can international students apply?
Yes. Students from all nationalities are eligible.
4. Is there an age limit?
No age restrictions.
5. Can graduate students apply?
No. The program is strictly for undergraduate students.
