NASA Fellowships: Research, STEM Graduate Education and Fellowship Opportunities for Aspiring Scientists and Engineers

The NASA Fellowship Activity provides opportunities designed to strengthen the next generation of scientists, engineers, researchers and other STEM professionals while supporting research and education that contribute to the missions of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Through its fellowship activities, NASA supports research, graduate-level education, hands-on experience and workforce development in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The initiative forms part of NASA’s wider commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce capable of contributing to research, innovation, aeronautics, science and the continued advancement of space exploration.

Each year, NASA Fellowships awards research grants, as authorized by Congress, to Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) through funding from the Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP). The fellowship activity is intended to help prepare graduate-level students for research careers by combining academic development with practical experience and workforce training.

NASA also partners with The National GEM Consortium, providing another important pathway for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing disciplines relevant to NASA’s missions.

For students interested in engineering, computer science, physical sciences, mathematics, data science, environmental science and numerous other STEM disciplines, NASA’s fellowship ecosystem provides a valuable starting point for identifying graduate education, research and professional development opportunities.

About the NASA Fellowship Activity

NASA Fellowships are designed to help develop a well-trained STEM workforce capable of contributing to the United States’ scientific, technological and space exploration priorities.

The fellowship activity has a strong emphasis on preparing graduate-level students for careers in research. Participants and institutions can benefit from opportunities that connect academic learning with practical research experience, workforce preparation and exposure to areas relevant to NASA’s work.

NASA’s fellowship activities also support the broader development of:

• Faculty members;
• Undergraduate students;
• Graduate students;
• Researchers;
• STEM professionals; and
• Academic institutions involved in research and education.

Through NASA’s partnership with The National GEM Consortium, students in disciplines needed to advance NASA’s missions can gain access to graduate education, industry experience and professional development opportunities.

The overall goal extends beyond providing financial assistance. NASA Fellowships contribute to the development of a pipeline of talented scientists, engineers and researchers who can potentially advance innovation and discovery in areas connected with NASA’s work.

NASA Fellowships and the Minority University Research and Education Project

An important component of NASA’s Fellowship Activity is its relationship with the Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP).

Each year, NASA awards research grants to Minority Serving Institutions using MUREP funds. These investments are authorized by Congress and are intended to strengthen research capacity, STEM education and workforce development.

MUREP supports NASA’s efforts to engage academic institutions and students while building pathways into STEM research and related careers.

Prospective applicants should understand that these institutional research grants are distinct from individual graduate fellowship opportunities. Students looking for an individual fellowship should carefully review the specific program through which they intend to apply.

NASA and The National GEM Consortium Partnership

One of the major pathways highlighted through NASA Fellowships is its partnership with The National GEM Consortium.

GEM provides opportunities for students pursuing master’s and Ph.D.-level education in engineering and science. The program connects graduate education with employers, universities and practical professional experience.

The GEM Fellowship Program is designed to promote opportunities for individuals to enter industry at the graduate level, particularly in areas including:

• Research and development;
• Product development;
• Engineering;
• Scientific research;
• Advanced technical careers; and
• Academia.

GEM provides MS and Ph.D. students with access to participating engineering and science employers and universities.

This structure can be particularly valuable for students seeking a graduate education experience that combines academic study with professional exposure.

GEM Fellowship Programs

The National GEM Consortium identifies fellowship opportunities at both the Master’s and Ph.D. levels in engineering and science.

Through the program, eligible fellows may receive financial support for graduate education while gaining practical work experience with participating employers.

The structure helps connect three important components of STEM career development:

1. Graduate-level academic education;
2. Financial support for advanced study; and
3. Practical industry experience.

This combination allows fellows to develop academic expertise while simultaneously gaining experience that may prepare them for research, engineering, technology and other highly technical careers.

GEM Fellowship Benefits

The exact financial package and benefits depend on the fellowship classification and sponsorship arrangement.

Employer Fellows

For Employer Fellows, university sponsorship is required, and applicants must be available for selection by a participating employer.

According to the GEM Fellowship Program information, benefits can include:

• A minimum total stipend of $16,000 over the entire Master’s program;
• Up to two paid summer internships with a GEM Employer Member; and
• Full tuition and fees provided by a GEM University Member.

The combination of tuition assistance, stipend support and paid internships makes the fellowship particularly valuable for students seeking both academic and professional development.

University Fellows

University Fellows may receive:

• Full tuition and fees provided by a participating GEM Member University.

Associate Fellows

Associate Fellows may receive:

• Full tuition and fees from the GEM Member University;
• At least $8,000 per year in stipend support for Master’s students; and
• At least $16,000 per year in stipend support for Ph.D. students.

Applicants should note that University and Associate Fellows are nominated by participating universities rather than selected as an applicant-chosen fellowship classification.

Practical Summer Internship Experience

Practical professional experience is an important component of the GEM Fellowship.

For applicable GEM Fellows, the summer internship with a GEM Employer represents the initial phase of the fellowship program. Acceptance of the relevant employment validates the fellowship.

Confirmed GEM Fellowship internships generally must be completed over a 10- to 12-week period during the summer, normally between May and August, or potentially into September for universities operating on a quarter system.

This work experience gives fellows an opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in professional environments while building experience relevant to advanced STEM careers.

General GEM Fellowship Eligibility Requirements

Students interested in the GEM pathway highlighted by NASA should carefully review its eligibility requirements.

For the program described by GEM, applicants must:

• Be a senior or graduate of an accredited engineering or computer science program at the time of application;
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale; and
• Contractually agree to intern for two summers with the sponsoring GEM Employer, beginning in the summer following sponsorship.

Additional requirements apply elsewhere in the program rules and should be reviewed before an application is submitted.

Citizenship Requirement

The GEM Fellowship has an important citizenship requirement.

Applicants must be either:

• A United States citizen; or
• A United States permanent resident

at the time they submit their application.

International students who do not hold U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent resident status therefore do not meet this stated GEM citizenship requirement.

Applicants should not automatically assume that this citizenship rule applies to every NASA graduate or postdoctoral opportunity. Other NASA opportunities may establish their own eligibility requirements, and candidates should review the specific solicitation or program before applying.

Is the GRE Required?

The Graduate Record Examination, commonly known as the GRE, is not required for the GEM Fellowship application.

However, GEM strongly encourages students considering STEM graduate programs to take the GRE because individual universities or graduate programs may have their own admissions requirements.

Applicants who already have GRE results may submit their scores. Candidates should therefore separately review the admission requirements of every graduate program to which they intend to apply.

University Application Requirement

Applying for the fellowship does not replace applying to graduate school.

Applicants are required to apply directly to a minimum of three GEM Member Universities’ STEM graduate departments.

The deadline identified for applying to the three GEM Member Universities is January 15 or the relevant STEM graduate department’s deadline, whichever comes earlier.

Applicants must ultimately be admitted to a GEM Member University’s graduate program with confirmed departmental funding support before the GEM Fellowship can be awarded.

This requirement is particularly important because submitting only the GEM Fellowship application is not sufficient.

Even undergraduate students whose current university has indicated that it may support them as a GEM Fellow are generally still required to apply to three GEM Member Universities. A limited exception exists for certain applicants already matriculating in the same graduate program for which they are seeking financial support.

Eligible STEM Disciplines

The GEM Fellowship covers an extensive range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines.

Examples identified by GEM include, but are not limited to:

• Aeronautical Engineering;
• Aerospace Engineering;
• Agricultural Engineering;
• Analytical Chemistry;
• Anatomy;
• Automotive Engineering;
• Biochemistry;
• Bioengineering;
• Biology;
• Biomedical Engineering;
• Chemical Engineering;
• Chemistry;
• Civil Engineering;
• Computer Engineering;
• Computer Science;
• Data Science;
• Electrical Engineering;
• Environmental Engineering;
• Environmental Science;
• Industrial Engineering;
• Information Systems;
• Inorganic Chemistry;
• Manufacturing Engineering;
• Materials Engineering;
• Materials Science;
• Mathematics;
• Mechanical Engineering;
• Metallurgical Engineering;
• Nuclear Engineering;
• Operations Research;
• Organic Chemistry;
• Petroleum Engineering;
• Physics;
• Robotics and Engineering;
• Structural Engineering; and
• Systems Engineering.

Because this list is not exhaustive, students in related STEM fields should review the current eligible disciplines and program rules before determining whether their program qualifies.

How to Apply for NASA Fellowship Opportunities

NASA directs prospective applicants to different resources depending on the type of opportunity they are seeking.

1. GEM Fellowship Opportunities

Students interested in GEM Fellowship opportunities should visit The National GEM Consortium’s GEM Fellowship Program.

The current program information indicates that the GEM application is open and provides access to the eGEM application system.

Applicants should carefully review:

• Fellowship options;
• Application instructions;
• Rules and requirements;
• Eligible disciplines;
• Available resources;
• Internship requirements; and
• Frequently asked questions.

2. Planned NASA Solicitations

Applicants and institutions interested in planned NASA funding opportunities should consult NASA’s EONS Grant Forecasting webpage.

This resource provides information concerning planned solicitations and can help prospective applicants anticipate upcoming opportunities.

3. Graduate and Postdoctoral Opportunities

NASA directs individuals looking for other graduate and postdoctoral opportunities to its Learner Opportunities resources.

Because requirements can vary significantly between programs, prospective applicants should review each individual opportunity rather than assuming that GEM’s requirements apply to all NASA-supported fellowships.

Important Application Deadlines

The NASA Fellowship Activity information provided does not state one universal application deadline for all NASA Fellowships.

Similarly, the supplied GEM Fellowship Program information indicates that the GEM application is currently open but does not provide a single closing date for the fellowship application itself. Applicants should therefore check the current eGEM application portal and official program instructions for the applicable application-cycle deadline.

One important deadline is explicitly identified for the university application component:

GEM Member University application deadline: January 15 or the relevant STEM graduate department deadline, whichever is earlier.

Applicants should not wait until January 15 without checking their chosen departments because a department may impose an earlier deadline.

Important Considerations Before Applying

Prospective applicants should carefully understand the commitments associated with accepting a GEM Fellowship.

Employer Selection

Applicants may be contacted by multiple GEM employers during the selection process. However, the employer ultimately selects the applicant for sponsorship rather than the applicant selecting the sponsoring employer.

Once an applicant has been selected for sponsorship by a GEM Employer, another GEM Employer cannot subsequently select that applicant. If the applicant rejects the internship and sponsorship offer, this can amount to declining the GEM Fellowship.

Graduate School Commitment

Applicants should be prepared to begin or continue their graduate education as required.

GEM indicates that an applicant cannot knowingly accept the fellowship with the intention of deferring the beginning of graduate school to a later date. Candidates uncertain about their graduate education plans should communicate with the relevant employer and university representatives before making a commitment.

Fellowship and Other Funding

Receiving another funding opportunity does not necessarily mean a student cannot participate in GEM. However, GEM states that fellows cannot accept a competing fellowship alongside the GEM Fellowship, although certain supplemental fellowships may be permitted.

Applicants receiving multiple funding offers should confirm compatibility before accepting them.

Why Consider NASA-Connected STEM Fellowship Opportunities?

For aspiring scientists, engineers and researchers, NASA-associated fellowship pathways can provide more than financial assistance.

Depending on the specific program, potential advantages can include:

• Support for graduate education;
• Research experience;
• Exposure to NASA-relevant STEM disciplines;
• Workforce training;
• Professional development;
• Industry experience;
• Paid internship opportunities;
• Connections with participating employers;
• Access to universities and research environments;
• Opportunities to develop advanced technical skills; and
• Preparation for careers in research, engineering, science, technology and academia.

NASA’s broader objective of preparing graduate students for research careers means these opportunities can serve as an important bridge between university education and advanced STEM careers.

About NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is the United States government agency responsible for the nation’s civilian space program as well as major work in aeronautics and space research.

NASA describes its mission as exploring the unknown in air and space, innovating for the benefit of humanity and inspiring the world through discovery.

Its work spans areas including space exploration, Earth science, planetary science, astrophysics, aeronautics, technology development and human spaceflight.

Developing future generations of STEM professionals is therefore an important component of NASA’s long-term mission.

Where to Find More Information

Prospective applicants should use the official NASA and GEM resources for current requirements and application information.

For NASA Fellowship information, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/internship-programs/nasa-fellowships/

For GEM Fellowship opportunities and application information, visit:

https://www.gemfellowship.org/gem-fellowship-program/

The GEM application portal is available through the eGEM system.

For planned NASA solicitations, applicants should consult NASA’s EONS Grant Forecasting webpage.

For other NASA graduate and postdoctoral opportunities, candidates should explore NASA’s Learner Opportunities resources.

Questions specifically concerning NASA Fellowships may also be directed to:

Fellowships@mail.nasa.gov

Conclusion

The NASA Fellowship Activity represents an important component of NASA’s investment in STEM education, research and workforce development. Through research grants to Minority Serving Institutions, graduate-level development activities and partnerships such as the collaboration with The National GEM Consortium, NASA helps create pathways for students, researchers and academic institutions to contribute to the future of science, technology, engineering and space exploration.

For eligible graduate students, the GEM Fellowship pathway can be particularly valuable because it combines academic financial assistance with practical industry experience. Depending on fellowship classification and sponsorship, support can include full tuition and fees, stipends and paid summer internships with participating GEM employers.

Prospective applicants should nevertheless distinguish between the broader NASA Fellowship Activity and specific programs such as GEM. Eligibility, citizenship, funding, academic requirements and deadlines can vary depending on the particular fellowship or solicitation.

Students interested in the GEM pathway should pay particular attention to the U.S. citizenship or permanent residency requirement, academic eligibility, internship commitments and the requirement to apply to at least three GEM Member University STEM graduate departments.

Most importantly, applicants should consult the official NASA and GEM websites before submitting an application to confirm the current application cycle, deadlines and program requirements.

For students who meet the applicable requirements and are serious about building advanced careers in engineering, science, research and technology, NASA-connected fellowship opportunities offer a pathway to combine graduate education, professional experience and participation in the broader STEM workforce supporting future innovation and exploration.

Visit the OFY website for more Fellowship Opportunities.