Skip to content

NASA Hubble Fellowship Program 2027: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

The NASA Hubble Fellowship Program (NHFP) 2027 offers up to 24 three-year postdoctoral fellowships for research in astrophysics, physics, and related disciplines. Open to applicants of all nationalities who completed their PhD on or after 1 January 2023.

September 25, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Oct 28, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountryUnited States
University/OrgSpace Telescope Science Institute (STScI)
Degree LevelPostdoctoral
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyAstronomy, Astrophysics, Cosmology, Exoplanet Science, Physics
DeadlineOctober 28, 2026

Scholarship Overview

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

People Also Checked: East-West Center Young Professionals Program (Research Intern) – Spring 2027

Program Overview

The NASA Hubble Fellowship Program (NHFP) 2027 is a prestigious postdoctoral research opportunity administered by the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) on behalf of NASA’s Astrophysics Division. The program supports early-career scientists conducting independent research that advances NASA’s astrophysics mission.

Successful applicants become NHFP Fellows designated as Einstein, Hubble, or Sagan Fellows based on their research area. Fellowships are tenable at U.S. host institutions beginning September 2027.

People Also Checked: Duke University Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025: Multiple Research Positions in STEM and Health Sciences (Fully Funded)

What the Fellowship Covers

The NHFP provides comprehensive support for up to three years:

  • Initial one-year appointment with two annual renewals contingent on satisfactory performance and NASA funding availability
  • Salary and benefits consistent with the host institution’s postdoctoral standards
  • Research support including travel and publication costs
  • Professional development opportunities within the NASA astrophysics community

The fellowship duration and renewal structure provide stability for fellows to develop substantial independent research programs.

People Also Checked: Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2027: $20,000 Achievement-Based Scholarship for U.S. High School Seniors

Eligibility Requirements

The NHFP 2027 is open to applicants meeting these criteria:

  • Any nationality—citizens of all nations may apply
  • PhD completion on or after 1 January 2023 in astronomy, physics, or related disciplines
  • Research may be theoretical, observational, or instrumental
  • Commitment to independent research contributing to NASA Astrophysics

For African applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region: your international status is explicitly welcomed. The program’s non-discrimination policy ensures equal consideration regardless of national origin. You will need to secure placement at a verified U.S. host institution.

Host Institution Requirements

Fellowships must be held at verified U.S. host institutions with these constraints:

  • Maximum two new fellows per host institution per year
  • Institutions that took two fellows the previous year are limited to one new fellow
  • Host institutions must have verified compliance with NHFP employment policy

A list of verified host institutions is available on the NHFP website. Applicants should contact potential hosts early to confirm availability and institutional support.

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply:

  1. Review the Announcement of Opportunity: Download and study the complete program policies and application instructions from the NHFP website.
  2. Prepare research proposal: Develop a compelling independent research plan aligned with NASA Astrophysics priorities.
  3. Secure host institution interest: Contact potential U.S. host institutions to discuss placement and verify their compliance status.
  4. Request reference letters: Identify three referees and emphasize that letters must be uploaded as PDF files using the letter submission form by 4 November 2026.
  5. Submit application: Complete the online application between 8 September 2026 and 28 October 2026 at 7:00 PM Eastern Time (4:00 PM Pacific).
  6. Confirm letter submission: Verify that referees have uploaded letters by the 4 November 2026 deadline. Note: referees do not receive automated email links.

Important Dates

Application portal opens 8 September 2026
Application deadline 28 October 2026, 7:00 PM ET
Reference letters due 4 November 2026
Offers made Early February 2027
Fellowship start date On or about 1 September 2027

Research Areas and Fellowship Designations

Your fellowship title depends on research focus:

  • Einstein Fellow: Physics of the cosmos, cosmology, fundamental physics
  • Hubble Fellow: Observational cosmology, galaxy evolution, stellar populations
  • Sagan Fellow: Exoplanet science, astrobiology, planetary systems

All fellows receive equivalent support and opportunities regardless of designation.

Program Administration

The NHFP is administered collaboratively by:

  • Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) — lead administrator
  • Jet Propulsion Laboratory
  • NASA Exoplanet Science Institute (NExScI) at California Institute of Technology
  • Chandra X-ray Center at Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

This partnership provides fellows access to diverse expertise and research facilities across the NASA astrophysics enterprise.

Contact and Resources

For questions not addressed in the Announcement of Opportunity or FAQ:

  • Email: nhfp@stsci.edu
  • Website: NHFP main page with linked FAQ

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the FAQ section before contacting program staff.

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

Three-year fellowship including salary, benefits, and research support; initial one-year appointment with two annual renewals contingent on performance and funding

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants of any nationality who completed or will complete PhD requirements on or after 1 January 2023 in astronomy, physics, or related disciplines

Required Documents

Research proposal, CV, three reference letters (PDF format uploaded via letter submission form), confirmation of host institution interest

Application Process

1) Review Announcement of Opportunity, 2) Prepare research proposal and secure host institution interest, 3) Submit online application 8 Sep-28 Oct 2026, 4) Ensure referees upload PDF letters by 4 Nov 2026
Apply Now — Official Website

You will be redirected to the official scholarship application page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The NHFP is explicitly open to applicants of any nationality. The program welcomes English-speaking citizens of all nations and provides equal consideration without regard to national origin.
The program anticipates offering up to 24 NHFP Fellowships for 2027. Competition is strong, but specific acceptance rates are not published. Success depends on research quality, alignment with NASA priorities, and host institution fit.
You do not need formal confirmation, but you should have contacted potential U.S. host institutions to verify their interest and compliance with NHFP employment policy. Host institutions must be verified; a list is available on the NHFP website.
Referees must upload letters as PDF files using the letter submission form by 4 November 2026. Important: they will NOT receive an automated email with a link. You must emphasize this deadline and submission method to your letter writers.
Fellowships are tenable only at verified U.S. host institutions. Additionally, no institution may host more than two new fellows per year, or one new fellow if they hosted two the previous year. Check the verified host list before applying.
You are eligible if you will have completed all doctoral requirements on or after 1 January 2023. You may apply while still completing your PhD, but the fellowship start date is fixed at approximately 1 September 2027.