Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) offers Research Student Internships (RSI) for undergraduate and graduate students seeking paid, mentored research experience in a major U.S. national laboratory environment.
The program provides hands-on participation in ongoing research projects and places interns within research groups working across areas including computing, energy science, biology and environment, national security, neutron sciences, fusion and fission, and physical sciences.
The ORNL page was updated September 16, 2026, and applications for the Spring 2027 program close on October 28, 2026.
Opportunity Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Oak Ridge National Laboratory |
| Program | Research Student Internships (RSI) |
| Program period | Spring 2027 |
| Duration | 16 weeks during spring and fall; typically 10 weeks during summer |
| Type | Paid research internship |
| Study level | Undergraduate, graduate or recent graduate |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 |
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident |
| Housing allowance | $250 |
| Stipend | Weekly stipend varies by academic level |
| Travel | Reimbursement as applicable |
| Deadline | October 28, 2026 |
| Location | Oak Ridge, Tennessee |
| Application | ORISE/Zintellect |
What Is the ORNL Research Student Internship Program?
The Research Student Internships program is managed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and is designed around hands-on research experience.
Students work under the guidance of laboratory mentors and can gain exposure to advanced facilities, instrumentation and large-scale computational resources.
Unlike a general internship that may focus primarily on workplace observation, RSI is specifically connected to ORNL’s research activities.
Research Areas
ORNL states that RSI interns can be placed within research groups covering several major scientific and technical areas.
These include:
- Biology and environment
- Computing
- Energy science
- Fusion and fission
- National security
- Neutron sciences
- Physical sciences
This makes the program particularly relevant to students pursuing STEM and research-oriented academic backgrounds.
Who Should Apply?
The program is open to:
- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- Recent graduates
Applicants should have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be at least 18 years old.
The program therefore offers an option for students at different stages of higher education, rather than being limited to one academic level.
Eligibility Requirements Explained
Citizenship or Permanent Residency
Applicants must be either:
- U.S. citizens, or
- Lawful permanent residents.
This is one of the most important requirements for international applicants to consider.
Simply studying at a U.S. university does not, based on the supplied requirements, establish eligibility if the applicant does not meet the citizenship or permanent-resident requirement.
Academic Status
Applicants must be undergraduate students, graduate students or recent graduates.
GPA
A 3.0 or higher GPA is required.
Applicants should ensure that their academic record meets this threshold before submitting an application.
Age
Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Program Duration
ORNL states that RSI appointments are typically offered as:
- 10-week summer opportunities
- 16-week fall opportunities
- 16-week spring opportunities
The program can accommodate both full-time and part-time participation depending on the appointment.
For the current opportunity highlighted by ORNL, the application is for Spring 2027.
Stipend, Housing and Travel Support
The RSI program is a paid opportunity.
ORNL states that the weekly stipend varies according to academic level.
The program also lists a $250 housing allowance.
Travel reimbursement is available as applicable, meaning applicants should check the terms associated with their specific appointment rather than assuming that all travel expenses will be covered.
The supplied information does not provide one universal weekly stipend amount for every participant.
What Will Interns Do?
RSI participants are embedded within research groups and contribute to ongoing projects.
The experience can involve working with:
- Advanced laboratory facilities
- Scientific instrumentation
- Large-scale computational resources
- Research teams
- Laboratory mentors
The exact project and responsibilities depend on the research group and the student’s academic and technical background.
Why This Opportunity Can Be Valuable for Researchers
For students considering research careers, the program provides exposure to a national laboratory research environment.
The experience can help students connect academic knowledge with practical research activities.
It may be particularly relevant for students planning careers or further study in:
- Computer science
- Engineering
- Physics
- Energy
- Materials science
- Biology
- Environmental science
- Mathematics
- National security-related research
- Other scientific disciplines
Applicants should, however, select opportunities based on their actual academic background and the requirements of the individual research project.
How Competitive Is the Opportunity?
Opportunities Feed assessment: The program has several specific eligibility requirements that substantially narrow the applicant pool, including the 3.0 GPA minimum, age requirement and U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency requirement.
Applicants also need to demonstrate an appropriate academic or research fit for the available project.
The source does not provide an acceptance rate or number of applicants, so no numerical assessment of competitiveness can be made.
How to Strengthen Your Application
1. Highlight Research Experience
If you have completed university research, laboratory work, a dissertation, thesis or research project, make it easy for reviewers to identify.
2. Explain Your Technical Skills
Include relevant technical skills such as programming, data analysis, laboratory techniques, modeling, simulation or scientific tools where applicable.
3. Connect Your Background to the Research Area
Your application should make a clear connection between your education and the type of research you want to pursue.
4. Show Academic Strength
Since a 3.0 GPA is required, make your academic information clear and accurate.
5. Apply Early
The Spring 2027 deadline is October 28, 2026. Waiting until the final day creates unnecessary risk if additional application information is required.
Documents and Information to Prepare
The exact application requirements may vary.
Applicants should be prepared to provide information such as:
- Resume/CV
- Academic information
- GPA
- Education history
- Research experience
- Technical skills
- Other information requested through the application system
Read the current application carefully before submitting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying without meeting the citizenship requirement
- Ignoring the 3.0 GPA requirement
- Applying without checking the age requirement
- Submitting a generic research application
- Failing to explain relevant technical experience
- Waiting until the deadline
- Assuming the $250 housing allowance covers all accommodation expenses
- Assuming travel reimbursement applies to every possible expense
How to Apply
ORNL directs applicants to the online application for the Research Student Internships program.
The current Spring 2027 RSI application is available through Zintellect.
Apply for ORNL Research Student Internships Spring 2027
Applicants should:
- Open the official application.
- Review the eligibility requirements.
- Confirm citizenship or permanent-resident status.
- Check academic eligibility.
- Prepare the requested application materials.
- Complete the online application.
- Submit it before the deadline.
- Keep a record of the application and monitor communications.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the Spring 2027 ORNL Research Student Internship program is October 28, 2026.
Applicants should not confuse this date with deadlines for other ORNL internship terms. Summer, fall and other opportunities may have different application periods.
What Happens After You Apply?
The supplied ORNL information does not provide a detailed universal timeline for what happens after submission.
Applicants with questions about application procedures or eligibility can contact:
The organization specifically provides this contact for questions concerning the application process and eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ORNL Research Student Internship paid?
Yes. RSI appointments are paid, with a weekly stipend that varies according to academic level.
Who can apply for the ORNL RSI program?
Undergraduate students, graduate students and recent graduates can apply if they meet the stated eligibility requirements.
What GPA is required?
Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA.
What is the age requirement?
Applicants must be 18 years or older.
Can international students apply?
The supplied eligibility information requires applicants to be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Applicants who do not meet either status should not assume they are eligible.
Is housing provided?
The program lists a $250 housing allowance. This is different from providing full housing, so applicants should plan accordingly.
Does ORNL provide travel support?
Travel reimbursement is available as applicable. The supplied information does not state that all travel costs are universally covered.
How long is the internship?
Summer appointments are typically 10 weeks, while fall and spring opportunities can be 16 weeks.
When does the Spring 2027 application close?
The Spring 2027 application deadline is October 28, 2026.
What research areas are available?
Research areas include computing, energy science, biology and environment, fusion and fission, national security, neutron sciences and physical sciences.
Does completing the internship guarantee a job at ORNL?
The supplied information does not state that completing an RSI internship guarantees future employment.
Opportunities Feed Verdict
The ORNL Research Student Internships program is designed for students and recent graduates seeking paid, mentored research experience in a national laboratory environment.
Applicants should pay particular attention to the 3.0 GPA requirement, age requirement and U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency requirement. The Spring 2027 deadline is October 28, 2026, making early preparation important.
The opportunity may be particularly relevant to students whose academic and research interests align with ORNL’s scientific and technical areas.
Opportunities Feed is sharing this opportunity for informational and career purposes. We are not affiliated with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and do not recruit applicants on its behalf. Applicants should verify current requirements and submit applications through the official application platform.
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