At Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), our goal is for all educational programs participants to have a rewarding learning and professional development experience. We aim to provide useful resources that can help you find an internship and plan for your time as an intern at the laboratory. If you have a question that is not answered in these FAQs, email [email protected].Â
ORNL internships are open to motivated students, including those without prior research or professional experience. Eligibility varies by program, but most higher education internships require:
Age 18 or older (separate opportunities are available for high school students)
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
U.S. citizenship or legal permanent resident status
Refer to individual program pages for specific eligibility requirements.
ORNL offers internships across science, engineering, computing and technology disciplines, as well as business and other professional fields.
Most internships last 10–16 weeks to align with academic terms. In some cases, extensions may be possible in coordination with your mentor and program manager.
See individual program pages for details.
Eligibility requirements differ across our internship roles. Many are open only to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, while others are available to a broader range of applicants. Review the eligibility page for each position to see whether you qualify.
Yes. All ORNL internship programs provide a stipend. Stipend amounts vary by program and academic level.
Refer to individual program descriptions for details.
We understand securing short-term housing can be challenging. After accepting an offer, interns receive access to housing resources and guidance to help identify suitable options in the area.
Many programs provide travel reimbursement for interns who live more than 50 miles from Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Program managers provide specific guidance on travel coordination.
Because the ORNL campus is located outside downtown Oak Ridge, personal transportation is strongly recommended.
Additional options include:
UT–ORNL Shuttle: Available to interns living near the University of Tennessee campus. An ORNL badge is required to ride the shuttle, so it may not be available on your first day. Visit the shuttle website for schedules and routes.
Carpooling: Interns often coordinate carpools. After accepting your offer, you will receive access to a communication platform to connect with other interns.
Approximate drive times:
Oak Ridge: 10–15 minutes
Knoxville: 30–45 minutes
Maryville: 30–45 minutes
Kingston: 25–30 minutes
During peak hours, allow an additional 10–15 minutes for ORNL gate traffic.
Need help?
For questions about internships, fellowships, or other educational opportunities, contact ORNL’s Office of Research Education at [email protected].
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.
