New Zealand Space Scholarship

About the scholarship

This initiative seeks to better prepare students for future careers in the New Zealand space and advanced aviation sectors. This is a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge space missions and science, alongside our US space partners’ scientists and engineers.

As a Space Scholarship recipient, you will:

• Gain hands-on experience on exciting space missions and science projects.
  Work alongside scientists and engineers at JPL.
• Build skills and networks that support future careers in New Zealand's space and advanced aviation sectors.
• Represent New Zealand through outreach and engagement activities.

Scholarship funding

Successful applicants receive financial support to help cover the costs of participating in the internship.

The scholarship covers:

• Return economy flights to the United States
• Accommodation
• Daily living allowance
• Reasonable travel-related expenses, including insurance support where applicable The scholarship only covers costs associated with participating in the internship. Any additional expenses remain the responsibility of the recipient.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply, you must:

• Be a New Zealand citizen (NASA requirement).
• Be aged 18 years or older.
• Be enrolled in a postgraduate STEM qualification at a New Zealand tertiary institution in a field relevant to NASA's mission priorities.
• Hold a minimum GPA equivalent of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (New Zealand grades must be converted to the US GPA scale).
• Be proficient in written and spoken English (NASA requirement).
• Be available to undertake the internship in person from July to September 2027 (dates subject to change).
• Be willing to undergo any required health and security checks for travel to the United States and entry into US federal facilities.
• Be eligible for a J1 or F1 visa and understand the applicable visa conditions.
• Be able to obtain appropriate travel and medical insurance.

Additional eligibility information

Students completing their current qualification before 2027 may still apply if they intend to enrol in postgraduate study at a New Zealand tertiary institution and can provide proof of enrolment before the scholarship is awarded.

People who currently hold, or have previously held, citizenship in a country listed on NASA's Designated Countries List are not eligible to apply.

NASA Designated Countries List [PDF 806 KB](external link) — nasa.gov

Areas of study

Applicants are asked to nominate up to 2 research areas that best match their studies.

Possible areas include:

• Advanced aviation
• AI, machine learning and advanced computing 
• Astrobiology and biology 
• Astrophysics and space science 
• Autonomy and robotics 
• Deep space communications 
• Earth observation and Earth science 
• Instrument and sensor development 
• Planetary science 
• Science and space communication 
• Other related disciplines 

Selection Process

The scholarship is highly competitive. Candidates are assessed on:

• Academic excellence
• Relevance of experience to JPL projects
• Personal qualities and self-management
• Commitment to contributing to JPL and New Zealand's space sector

Final shortlisted candidates are submitted to JPL for final selection.

Recipient obligations

Successful recipients are expected to:

• Follow the participant code of conduct.
• Arrange appropriate travel and medical insurance.
• Participate in promotional, outreach and alumni activities.

Hear from previous scholarship recipients

Learn more about the experiences, projects and career pathways of past New Zealand Space Scholars.

Previous scholarship recipients' experiences