The Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP) gives college and university students the opportunity to spend 10 weeks in a Department of Navy laboratory, working on real research projects alongside scientists and engineers.
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The programme supports students interested in STEM careers and provides mentoring, research experience and exposure to Department of Navy science and technology.
2027 Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program |
| Abbreviation | NREIP |
| Host | Department of Navy laboratories |
| Internship duration | 10 weeks |
| Possible extension | Up to 4 additional weeks |
| Study level | Undergraduate and graduate |
| Main location | Participating Navy laboratories across the U.S. |
| Number of placements | 800+ |
| Participating laboratories | 60+ across 20+ states and territories |
| Main eligibility | U.S. citizens |
| Undergraduate stipend | $7,500 |
| Returning undergraduate stipend | $9,000 |
| Graduate stipend | $11,500 |
| Application period | September 15 to November 30 |
| Recommendation deadline | December 10 |
| Application review | December to January |
| Award offers | Mid January to March |
About NREIP
NREIP places academically talented college and graduate students in Department of Navy research laboratories for a summer research experience. Interns receive mentoring from scientists and engineers and participate in research connected to naval science and technology. The programme has more than 800 placements across 62 Naval laboratories, according to the supplied programme information.
Benefits
NREIP provides participants with:
- Paid STEM research experience.
- A $7,500 stipend for new undergraduate participants.
- A $9,000 stipend for returning undergraduate participants who completed a full 10 week NREIP programme previously.
- An $11,500 stipend for eligible graduate students.
- Mentoring from laboratory scientists and engineers.
- Hands on participation in meaningful STEM research.
- Exposure to Department of Navy science and technology.
- Exposure to research and development opportunities.
- Experience working in a professional research laboratory.
- Potential exposure to future Department of Navy career opportunities.
Stipend Categories
NREIP provides different stipend levels depending on the participant’s status. Stipends are paid biweekly through direct deposit.
New Undergraduate Students
$7,500
Returning Undergraduate Students
$9,000
To receive the returning student rate, the student must have completed a full 10 week NREIP programme in a previous year.
Graduate Students
$11,500
Graduate students must currently be enrolled in graduate school and taking graduate level courses to qualify for the graduate stipend.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must generally meet the following requirements:
- Be enrolled full time at an accredited four year college or university.
- Be a U.S. citizen, subject to limited laboratory specific exceptions.
- Be a rising sophomore or equivalent.
- Be on track to complete the freshman year before the internship begins.
- Graduate in the spring semester before the internship or later.
- Be studying a subject relevant to the research interests of one or more participating laboratories.
- Be eligible to receive a security clearance.
Undergraduate Eligibility
- Students approaching graduation can still be eligible if they meet the programme’s timing requirement.
- Students graduating in the spring before the summer internship may apply.
- Students graduating in winter and not enrolling in further education during the semester before the internship are not eligible.
Two Year College Students
Students attending two year colleges may be eligible if:
- They are studying a relevant major.
- They meet the required credit requirements.
- The laboratory they are interested in allows such applications.
- These students are advised to contact the laboratory directly to confirm eligibility.
Citizenship Exceptions
Although U.S. citizenship is the general requirement:
- Some laboratories may make exceptions for permanent residents.
- Some laboratories may make exceptions for dual citizens. Eligibility can therefore vary by laboratory.
Internship Duration
The standard NREIP internship lasts 10 weeks An extension of up to four additional weeks is possible.
- Work five days per week.
- Work 40 hours per week.
- Cannot exceed 400 hours during the standard 10 week period.
Participating Laboratories
There are more than 60 participating laboratories across more than 20 United states and territories.
West
- PSNS/IMF, Bremerton, Washington
- NUWC, Keyport, Washington
- NAWCWD, China Lake, California
- NSWC, Corona, California
- NPS, Monterey, California
- NIWC, San Diego, California
- USNO, Flagstaff, Arizona
- DPAA, Honolulu, Hawaii
- NIWC, Santa Rita, Guam
- NSWC, Ketchikan, Alaska
Northeast
- NUWC, Kittery, Maine
- NSMRL, Groton, Connecticut
- NUWC, Newport, Rhode Island
- NAWCAD, Lakehurst, New Jersey
- NSWC, Picatinny, New Jersey
- NIWC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- NUWC, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Midwest
- NAMRU, Dayton, Ohio
- NSWC, Crane, Indiana
- DPAA, Omaha, Nebraska
South Central
- CNMOC, Stennis, Mississippi
- NRL, Stennis, Mississippi
- NIWC, New Orleans, Louisiana
- NSWC, McAlester, Oklahoma
- NAMRU, San Antonio, Texas
South Atlantic
Participating locations listed include laboratories and facilities in:
- Maryland
- Virginia
- Washington, D.C.
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Florida
How the Selection Works
NREIP selection considers:
- Academic achievement.
- Personal statement.
- Recommendations.
- Career interests.
- Research interests.
Can You Choose Your Laboratory?
Applicants can indicate their top three laboratory preferences on the application. However, the supplied FAQ states that applications are automatically distributed to all participating laboratories regardless of region. This means selecting a preferred laboratory does not necessarily guarantee placement there.
Application Timeline
September 15
Application window opens.
November 30
Application window closes.
December 10
Recommendations are due.
December to January
Applications are reviewed by participating laboratories.
Mid January to March
Award offers are sent to selected applicants.
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Review the participating laboratories and their research areas.
- Identify research areas that match your academic background and interests.
- Select your preferred laboratories.
- Prepare your application materials.
- Submit the application through the provided link below.
- Make sure your recommendations are submitted by December 10.
- Wait for participating laboratories to review applications and make placement decisions.
Application Deadline: 30th November 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is NREIP?
NREIP is the Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program, which places college and university students in Department of Navy laboratories for summer research.
2. How long is the NREIP internship?
The standard internship lasts 10 weeks.
3. Can the internship be extended?
Yes. An extension of up to four additional weeks may be possible.
4. How much does NREIP pay?
New undergraduate participants receive $7,500, returning undergraduate participants receive $9,000, and eligible graduate students receive $11,500.
5. Is NREIP open to international students?
The general eligibility requirement is U.S. citizenship. Some laboratories may make exceptions for permanent residents and dual citizens.
6. Can graduate students apply?
Yes. Graduate students can apply if they meet the programme requirements.
7. Can freshmen apply?
Students must be rising sophomores or equivalent and should be on track to complete their freshman year before the internship begins.
8. Can graduating seniors apply?
Yes, provided they graduate in the spring semester before the internship or later and meet the other eligibility requirements.
9. Can students from two year colleges apply?
They may be eligible if they meet the credit requirements and the relevant laboratory permits applications from two year college students.
10. Can I choose my laboratory?
You can indicate your top three preferences, but applications are distributed to all participating laboratories.
