If you’re a college student interested in astrophysics, an astrophysics internship is a great way to apply your academic knowledge while gaining exposure to critical professional skills such as data analysis, coding, scientific writing, and collaboration. 

As an intern, you will also get to build valuable connections with mentors, researchers, and fellow interns, all while strengthening your resume with high-impact experiences. Internships also offer industry exposure , often through opportunities to tour or work at top institutions like NASA, national labs, or universities ,  which can be a great stepping stone to careers in science, tech, or engineering. The experience can also help you make informed decisions regarding the professional paths you want to explore after graduation.

To help you with your search, here we have listed 15 astrophysics internships for undergraduates!

15 Astrophysics Internships for Undergraduates

1. Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Remote

Cost: Varies

Application deadline: Varies depending on the cohort

Program dates: Multiple cohorts—summer, winter, spring, and fall—in a year

Eligibility: Students who can work for 10–20 hours/week, for 8–12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!

Ladder Internships offers high school students remote internship experiences with start-ups in various industries, including space science, aerospace engineering, and astrophysics. You can check out available internship areas and formats on the application form. The program runs for eight weeks, during which you work closely with both a start-up manager and a Ladder Coach. You will contribute to projects relevant to your host company and receive guidance throughout, developing skills like communication and time management in the process. You also take part in group sessions with other students in the cohort. At the end of the program, you present your contributions to your host company. 

2. Carnegie Astrophysics Summer Student Internship Program (CASSI)

Location: Carnegie Observatories, Pasadena, CA

Stipend: $7,000 + housing provided during the internship

Application deadline: TBA; applications will open in December.

Dates: June 16 – August 22

Eligibility: Sophomores and above from Southern California colleges who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents

CASSI is a 10-week summer research and educational program at the Carnegie Observatories, typically accepting a small cohort of 15–20 undergraduate students. Here, you will work on original research projects such as galaxy formation, black holes, and exoplanets, often alongside senior researchers. As an intern, you will have access to 60+ events focused on scientific communication and computation. Each week, you will engage in sessions like scientific talks led by Observatories scientists, intern group meetings, and discussions covering various topics related to the professional astronomy community. You will gain research experience, access to mentorship, and clarity regarding career paths in astronomy and astrophysics.

3. LPI Summer Intern Program in Planetary Science

Location: Lunar and Planetary Institute or the NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX

Stipend: Full financial support up to $8,056, covering stipend, housing, travel, and living costs offered

Application deadline: December 12

Dates: June 2 – August 8

Eligibility: Undergraduates with at least 50 semester hours of credit; open to international students who are not citizens of designated countries

LPI offers undergraduates a 10-week paid internship with top planetary scientists at the Lunar and Planetary Institute and NASA Johnson Space Center. You will participate in research, workshops, NASA visits, and lectures while receiving a stipend, travel, and housing support. You will delve into research areas such as planetary geology and astrobiology. Throughout the internship, you will work one-on-one with a scientist on a research project, learn about planetary science, and explore career paths in the field. The program also offers opportunities to network with planetary science professionals and researchers.

4. SAO Astronomy Summer Intern Program (Astro REU)

Location: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Cambridge, MA

Stipend: $8,000 + housing and travel covered

Application deadline: January 31

Dates: June 1  – August 9

Eligibility: Undergraduates in STEM fields who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents; graduating seniors are not eligible.

SAO’s 10-week Astro REU allows undergraduates to work on research projects at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. You can explore research areas like cosmology, planetary science, and stellar astrophysics, with many projects involving programming. You will live in Harvard dorms and participate in field trips, lectures, and cohort events. The program is designed to offer an introduction to scientific research while you explore topics like exoplanets, star formation, black holes, cosmology, galaxies, and stellar physics. 

5. NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre Astrophysics Internships

Location: NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre, Greenbelt, MD

Stipend: Paid; housing assistance may be available

Application deadline: Varies by session (summer deadlines are typically late winter/early spring)

Dates: Generally, 10 weeks during the summer.

Eligibility: Undergraduates in STEM fields who are U.S. citizens; minimum GPA requirements vary

The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Internship Program offers undergraduate students a summer research experience in astrophysics and related areas with opportunities to work alongside NASA scientists and engineers. As an intern, you will contribute to ongoing research missions, engage with data analysis, and work on laboratory projects. You will have access to mentorship and opportunities to develop technical skills within collaborative teams. The internship emphasizes professional skill-building and provides opportunities for networking and career exploration within the NASA research environment. 

6. Space Telescope Science Institute’s Space Astronomy Summer Program

Location: Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, MD

Stipend: $880/week + housing and travel assistance offered

Application deadline: January 29

Dates: June 2 – August 1

Eligibility: Undergraduates; juniors and seniors are typically accepted, but undergrads in their freshman/sophomore years and new graduate students can also apply.

Space Telescope Science Institute offers college students opportunities to engage in space astronomy research under the mentorship of staff scientists. You will work on projects related to Hubble, Webb, and other telescopes, engaging in data analysis and programming. You will engage in group talks and mentorship activities. You will deliver a short presentation to discuss your research work at a symposium. The experience can also help you gain insights into ongoing research in astrophysics and the workings of a space-based observatory.

7. University of Washington Research Experiences for Undergraduates

Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Cost: $6,000 stipend + campus housing and meal service covered + up to $500 in travel support

Application deadline: February 21

Dates: June 23 – August 29

Eligibility: Undergraduates who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; preference given to those who have completed their junior year

At the University of Washington’s REU, you will spend 10 weeks working directly with a faculty mentor on astrophysics or cosmology projects, refining research and presentation skills in the process. The program includes a weekly lecture series, skill workshops, and peer meetings, culminating in a final presentation and written report. You will gain exposure to topics in theoretical and observational astrophysics within a research environment. You will also have access to laboratories and a machine shop to engage in experiments and conduct research.

8. NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Summer Internship Program

Location: Pasadena, CA

Stipend: Paid + travel/housing allowance for non-local students

Application deadline: March 14

Dates: 10 weeks in summer

Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing STEM degrees from accredited U.S. universities with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0; applicants must be U.S. citizens/permanent residents

JPL offers 10-week internships to undergraduates, allowing them to work with mentors on active science and engineering projects. During the internship, you will learn about NASA missions and participate in enrichment activities, including tours and career advice. You will spend most of the time working on and completing your designated projects as outlined by your mentor. In the process, you will gain educational experience in your field of study and contribute to NASA and JPL missions.

9. EPIIC Internship @ Carnegie Science

Location: Carnegie Science Earth and Planets Laboratory, Washington, D.C.

Stipend: $6,000; housing provided

Application deadline: January 31

Dates: June 2 – August 8

Eligibility: Part-time and full-time undergraduate students

Earth and Planetary Science Interdisciplinary Internship at Carnegie Science or EPIIC is a 10-week, full-time NSF-funded program focusing on interdisciplinary earth and space science research. Here, you will work with a mentor on an original research project and find opportunities to gain expertise in research methods in the process. You will participate in research and science communication skills workshops and connect weekly with the program coordinator, sharing with them research updates. You will also prepare oral presentations styled after national meetings (AGU, GSA, or AAS) and submit a research abstract.

10. Five College Astronomy Department Research Internships

Location: One of five colleges (Amherst, Hampshire, Mt. Holyoke, Smith, or UMass) in Amherst, MA

Stipend: $6,000; housing not included

Application deadline: TBA; check here for updates.

Dates: June – August; 10 weeks

Eligibility: Undergrads enrolled at Amherst, Hampshire, Mt. Holyoke, Smith, or UMass; exceptional applicants from nearby schools may be considered

The Five College Consortium offers 10-week internships for students at the member colleges interested in active research in fields like the interstellar medium, exoplanets, and galaxy structure. You will work on research under the mentorship of department faculty, exploring topics like astrophysics of galaxies, comets, stars, exoplanets, and the interstellar medium. You may also gain experience in data analysis, modeling, and instrument development. You will engage in seminars and social activities during the program. Opportunities to attend research talks led by local astronomers and network with astronomy students are also part of the experience.

11. LSU Physics & Astronomy NSF REU Program

Location: Louisiana State University (LSU), Baton Rouge, LA

Stipend: $7,000 + housing and travel up to $900 covered

Application deadline: February 1

Dates: May 26 – August 2

Eligibility: Students in any undergraduate year who have completed the introductory physics sequence; students from community colleges and underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply

LSU’s 10-week summer REU program offers focused research in astronomy and astrophysics, as well as areas like gravitational waves and high-energy astrophysics. You will work with a faculty mentor on a research project and attend skill-building seminars, group meetings, and field trips. You will also learn about research methods, ethics, and scientific presentation. The program offers you access to various resources and facilities, like LIGO-Livingston and multiple observatories. You will attend various social and educational events, including the  Astronomy Night outreach event, which will feature a public lecture, student-run physics demonstrations, and telescope viewing.

12. Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)  @  American Museum of Natural History

Location: American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), New York, NY

Stipend: $6,400 for the physical sciences (astrophysics) track

Application deadline: January 31

Dates: 10 weeks in the summer; exact dates vary

Eligibility: Students enrolled in a four-year undergraduate program who will return to the program after the internship and are U.S. citizens/U.S. nationals/permanent residents

This summer program, offered in collaboration with CUNY, provides undergraduates with opportunities to conduct research in astrophysics and planetary sciences at AMNH. You will work alongside museum scientists and participate in projects across a broad spectrum of astronomical topics. The program offers access to mentorship, museum facilities, and community-building activities. You will attend a series of weekly meetings to discuss your research, deliver informal progress reports, and participate in discussions and seminars covering scientific research, graduate school, and research career paths. At the end of the program, you will deliver an oral presentation of your work and prepare a publication-quality research paper.

13. Princeton Astrophysics Undergraduate Summer Research Program

Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Stipend: Paid; funding provided for half of campus housing

Application deadline: February

Dates: Nine weeks in summer

Eligibility: Princeton undergraduates

This Princeton program offers a research-intensive summer for students to work with faculty and postdocs on experimental, observational, computational, or theoretical astrophysics projects. The program organizes weekly colloquia and seminars to help you learn about various aspects of astronomy research. The program concludes with research presentations and submission of research reports. The experience can help you explore astronomical research topics and career paths. 

14. Ohio State University’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program in Astrophysics (SURP) 

Location: Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

Cost/Stipend: Not specified

Application deadline: January 21

Dates: Late May – July; exact dates vary

Eligibility: Current Ohio State undergraduates; typically, sophomores/juniors in Astronomy & Astrophysics, Physics, or closely related fields apply

This OSU program provides multiple summer research opportunities in astrophysics to current undergraduates, typically those who have completed introductory astronomy coursework. You will participate in mentored research, weekly check-ins, and a Python bootcamp. The summer experience will culminate in research presentations, helping you refine presentation and communication skills. You will also work on a written mid-program and ending summary of your work. Your participation will allow you to graduate with research or honors distinctions. 

15. RENEW Midwest Program

Location: Benedictine University (Lisle, IL) and University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)

Stipend: Financial support provided to cover stipend, housing, and travel

Application deadline: March 31

Dates: Begins in June with a 10-week summer program; continues into the academic year.

Eligibility: Full-time students at Benedictine University majoring in physics who are at least 18 years old

The RENEW Midwest Program is a multi-year research opportunity aimed at increasing participation in physics and astronomy. The program will offer you support and resources to engage in astronomy research during the academic year, collaborate with leading researchers, and utilize advanced facilities such as the new remote observing center. You will also get to participate in the 10-week University of Michigan Research Experience for Undergraduates, with comprehensive financial, housing, and travel support. The program also provides assistance for attending academic conferences and applying to graduate school. Following graduation, you may qualify for a year of full-time research support.

One other option—Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you want to pursue independent research under the guidance of a mentor, consider applying to Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, which are selective high school programs founded in partnership with Harvard and Oxford researchers. In the past, 4,000+ students applied for just 500 spots in the research program. You can learn about the application and available programs on the application form here.

Also, you can check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented low-income students. Last year, it offered 150 students full need-based financial assistance.

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

Image Source - NASA logo