Space Scholarship Opportunity

New Zealand Ministry Of Economic Development; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental organization in New Zealand is inviting high-performing graduate students to apply for the New Zealand Space Scholarship, which offers a unique internship opportunity at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. Selected candidates will receive support for flights, accommodation, and living expenses. Candidates should have a strong academic record and meet eligibility criteria. Applications are due by 19 October 2025, with submissions made through the Ministry’s online portal.

Benefits

Flights and accommodation support

Financial contribution toward travel costs

Daily allowance during internship

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a high academic standing.
• Must meet all eligibility requirements.

Responsibilities

• Opportunity to work on world-leading space missions.
• Experience alongside scientists and engineers at JPL.

Job description

A graduate student opportunity which is out of this world

High-flying graduate students are encouraged to reach for the stars and apply for the New Zealand Space Scholarship.

The New Zealand Space Agency invites high-performing New Zealand graduate students to apply for internships at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) over the 2026 US summer (June to September).

• Opportunity to undertake up to 13-week internship at JPL in Southern California.
• Costs supported through the New Zealand Space Scholarship.
• Up to seven graduate students may be selected.

About this Opportunity

Scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to work on world-leading space missions and science, alongside US space partners’ scientists and engineers at JPL.

Flights, accommodation, a financial contribution toward other travel costs, and a daily allowance will be provided by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) through the New Zealand Space Scholarship.

Candidates must have a high academic standing and meet all eligibility requirements.

How to Apply:

Further details of this opportunity are available on the MBIE website. Prospective candidates are encouraged to read this information thoroughly before submitting their application.

The New Zealand Space Agency (the Agency) at MBIE is the only official entity able to accept applications for consideration by JPL. The Agency will undertake pre-selection of candidates before providing a final shortlist to JPL for consideration.

The deadline for applications is Sunday, 19 October 2025. All applications must be submitted via the Ministry’s online job application portal.

Candidates are encouraged to start their applications early. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered. For questions about this opportunity, please email the New Zealand Space Agency: [e-mail]