Summary
- Programme: LPI Summer Intern Program in Planetary Science 2027
- Host institution: Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI)
- Location: Houston, Texas, United States
- Research locations: Lunar and Planetary Institute or NASA Johnson Space Center
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Programme dates: 7 June–13 August 2027
- Financial support: At least $13,351 for the internship, travel, housing and living expenses
- Eligible applicants: Undergraduate students who have completed at least 50 semester hours of university credit
- Application deadline: 14 December 2026
About the LPI Summer Internship Programme
The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) Summer Intern Program in Planetary Science 2027 offers undergraduate students an opportunity to participate in planetary science research under the guidance of experienced scientists.
Operated by the Universities Space Research Association, LPI provides a research environment focused on understanding the Moon, planets, asteroids and other bodies in the Solar System. The summer programme gives selected students practical research experience and exposure to scientific careers.
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Get Your Copy →The 2027 programme will run for ten consecutive weeks, from 7 June to 13 August 2027, in Houston, Texas. Interns will conduct research at either the Lunar and Planetary Institute or NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
Participants work individually with scientist mentors on research projects relevant to planetary science. The programme also includes scientific seminars, career development workshops and educational activities that introduce interns to the wider research community.
Research areas may include planetary geology, lunar science, impact cratering, planetary atmospheres, astrobiology, meteorites, geochemistry, remote sensing and the study of icy moons.
The programme is particularly suitable for undergraduate students interested in developing scientific research skills and exploring careers in planetary science, space exploration and related STEM fields.
Scholarship Benefits
Although the LPI programme is a research internship rather than a conventional scholarship, selected participants receive financial support to help cover the costs of attending.
According to the official financial support page, successful interns will receive at least $13,351 in financial support.
The support covers the following categories:
- Internship stipend: Financial support to help cover expenses during the ten-week programme.
- Travel expenses: Support for travel associated with attending the internship.
- Housing: Accommodation in Houston during the programme.
- Living expenses: Financial support towards the costs of living during the internship.
- Research experience: Practical involvement in planetary science research.
- Scientific mentorship: Individual guidance from experienced researchers.
- Professional development: Seminars, career development workshops and opportunities to interact with scientists.
Housing costs are paid directly to the housing provider on the intern’s behalf and deducted from the total financial support amount.
The advertised amount should therefore not be interpreted as cash paid entirely to the intern. Applicants should review the official financial support page to understand how funds are allocated and whether additional personal expenses may arise.
The programme is conducted in person; remote participation is not available.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is primarily designed for undergraduate students interested in planetary science and related research.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Undergraduate status
Applicants must be actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree and enrolled at a college or university during the semester before the internship begins.
2. Minimum academic credits
Applicants must have completed at least 50 semester hours of university credit.
3. Relevant academic interests
Students majoring in physical sciences, natural sciences, engineering, computer science or mathematics are preferred. However, the programme states that all eligible students will be considered.
4. English proficiency
All application materials must be submitted in English.
Foreign nationals whose primary language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency through a TOEFL score, an IELTS score or a letter from a professor in their college’s English department confirming sufficient spoken and written English skills.
5. Nationality and security restrictions
Both US citizens and foreign nationals may apply. However, citizens of countries identified on the applicable US government designated-country list are ineligible.
Applicants must check the official eligibility guidance and current restrictions before applying.
6. Academic and research suitability
Selection considers academic performance, curriculum, experience, career objectives, scientific interests and the match between an applicant’s interests and available research projects.
Can Nigerian students apply?
Nigerian students may be eligible if they meet the academic and other programme requirements and are not excluded by the applicable designated-country restrictions.
However, eligibility is not automatic. Applicants should check the current official restrictions and ensure that they can meet the programme’s in-person attendance and English-language requirements.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Review the official programme information
Visit the LPI Summer Internship website and review the programme details, research areas and eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Confirm your eligibility
Ensure you are actively pursuing an undergraduate degree, have completed at least 50 semester hours of credit and satisfy the nationality and language requirements.
Step 3: Prepare your academic documents
Arrange for your institution to provide an official transcript. LPI accepts original paper transcripts and official electronic transcripts sent directly by the institution or its transcript service.
Applicant-submitted unofficial transcripts are not accepted.
Step 4: Obtain recommendation letters
Arrange at least two and no more than three recommendation letters. Recommenders must submit their letters independently through the online application system.
The programme prefers recommendations from faculty at the applicant’s current institution, although other relevant academic or professional references may be accepted.
Step 5: Complete the online application
Use the official application form and answer all questions, including the essay-style questions. All application materials must be in English.
Step 6: Submit all required materials
Ensure your application, official transcript and recommendation letters are submitted before the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Step 7: Monitor your application
LPI expects to notify applicants of selection decisions in March 2027. Successful candidates should be prepared to respond to an offer within the timeframe specified by the programme.
Important Deadline
Applications for the LPI Summer Internship 2027 opened on 19 October 2026.
Application deadline: 14 December 2026.
The ten-week programme will begin on 7 June 2027 and end on 13 August 2027. Selection notifications are expected in March 2027.
Applicants should submit all required documents, including recommendation letters and official transcripts, within the application period.
Official Application Link
Read the official instructions carefully before submitting your application.
Final Note from AK Travels LTD
The LPI Summer Internship 2027 offers eligible undergraduate students a valuable opportunity to gain practical research experience in planetary science in Houston, Texas.
Selected interns receive at least $13,351 in financial support towards the internship, travel, accommodation and living expenses. However, housing costs are deducted from this amount, and applicants must satisfy all academic, language and nationality requirements.
Application deadline: 14 December 2026.
For more verified scholarships, research programmes and international opportunities, visit http://www.aktravelsltd.com.
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