Want to work on a NASA-aligned engineering or space research problem while you’re still an undergraduate?
NASA’s Undergraduate Student Design Projects give U.S. colleges and universities the opportunity to involve undergraduate students in authentic technical challenges connected to NASA’s space and aeronautics work.
Selected institutions can receive up to $5,000 in project material funding, while students gain hands-on design experience, faculty mentorship and exposure to real-world STEM problems.
Quick Facts
- Opportunity Type: Undergraduate STEM Research & Design Program
- Host: NASA Office of STEM Engagement / Glenn Research Center
- Location: United States
- Format: Institution-led, collaborative projects
- Application Deadline: September 14, 2026
- Applications Opened: August 17, 2026
- Project Funding: $3,000–$5,000 per selected institution
- Application Fee: Free
- Eligible Applicants: U.S. colleges and universities
- Student Level: Undergraduate
- Deadline: Sept. 14, 2026
- Individual Application: No — students participate through an eligible institution
- Age Limit: No specific age limit stated
- Work Experience: Not required
Important: Students Don’t Apply Individually
This is the most important thing to understand.
The NASA program is institution-led.
A participating U.S. college or university applies, typically with faculty involvement, and selected institutions receive funding to carry out the project with their undergraduate students.
So if you’re an individual student, you cannot simply submit your own application to NASA and receive the $5,000.
Instead, ask your university’s faculty, STEM department or relevant programme coordinator whether your institution is participating.
What Can Students Work On?
Projects are based on real NASA-aligned engineering, science and technology challenges.
The 2026–27 topics include areas such as:
- Energy reliability
- Spaceflight systems
- Aeronautical design
- Vibration cancellation and simulation
- Nuclear power systems
- Spaceflight-related biological research
- Advanced commercial aircraft technologies
Students can gain experience in research, modelling, simulation, engineering design and prototyping, depending on the selected project.
What Is the Funding?
NASA provides material funding to selected institutions rather than paying individual students.
The project awards include:
- $5,000 for prototype design/development projects
- $3,000 for computer simulation projects
The funding is intended to support the materials and project costs required to carry out the work.
Students should therefore not interpret the $3,000–$5,000 as a personal stipend or cash award.
Who Is Eligible?
Institution
The program is intended for higher-education institutions in the United States.
Students
Participating students should be undergraduate students at the selected institution and take part through the institution’s project/coursework structure.
The programme can be particularly valuable for students studying:
- Aerospace engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Computer science
- Physics
- Biology
- Other relevant STEM disciplines
Can International Students Apply?
Not independently.
The institutional eligibility is tied to U.S. higher-education institutions.
An international student who is already enrolled at an eligible U.S. institution may potentially participate through that institution, depending on the institution’s project and NASA’s applicable rules.
An undergraduate studying at a university outside the United States cannot independently apply for this programme.
Academic Credit & Experience
Projects can be integrated into courses, capstone projects or other undergraduate academic activities, giving students an opportunity to develop practical STEM skills while working on NASA-related challenges.
No previous professional work experience is required.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: August 17, 2026
- Application Deadline: September 14, 2026
- Selection Announcement: September 25, 2026
- Kickoff & Funding: September 28–October 31, 2026
Don’t Miss the Next Hidden Gem
Not every NASA opportunity is a traditional internship.
Some let you work on NASA-aligned problems through your own university — and that’s exactly what makes this one easy to miss.
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