star trek - Can non-Federation members join Starfleet?

I assumed a world (or group of worlds) had to be members of the Federation in order for their populace to join Starfleet; other than officer exchanges with allies of the Federation, of course.

The it struck me that Nog is a Ferengi, yet he joined Starfleet. I am pretty sure that the Ferengi Alliance isn't officially an ally of the Federation, let alone a member (they seem to enjoy the status of neutral parties, for maximal business opportunities).

Is this correct and if so is this an exception to the rule or can people from any planet join Starfleet?

Answer

The requirements (at least as of the mid 24th Century) are laid out in the Deep Space 9 episode "Heart of Stone", the episode in which Nog actually does ask to join Starfleet:

NOG: That's right. I want to be the first Ferengi in Starfleet. Now, who do I see about getting a uniform?

SISKO: Nog, if you want to become a Starfleet Officer, you have to attend the Academy.

NOG: All right. Where do I sign up?

SISKO: It's not that simple. As a non-Federation citizen, you need a letter of reference from a command level officer before you can even take the entrance exam.

NOG: A command level officer? You mean, like you?

SISKO: Well, yes. Like me.

It seems attending the Academy is enough for at least a tentative description as being "part of Starfleet", even if your civilization isn't part of the Federation. However, in order to get INTO the Academy, you need a letter of reference from a command-level officer.

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