The fellowship is intended for recent doctoral researchers with strong potential to conduct independent astrophysics research.

1. Educational qualifications

Applicants must have earned a PhD or equivalent doctoral-level research degree in astronomy, physics or a related discipline.

2. Doctoral completion date

For the 2027 cohort, the doctoral degree must have been awarded on or after 1 January 2023, or the applicant must complete all requirements for the degree before the fellowship begins in September 2027.

Applicants who have not formally received their degree when applying must provide evidence that all requirements will be completed before the appointment starts.

3. Nationality

Applicants from all nationalities are eligible to apply, provided they meet the academic and other programme requirements.

Indian researchers can apply under the same general nationality rules as other international candidates.

4. English proficiency

The programme is open to English-speaking applicants. Candidates must be able to prepare a research proposal and communicate effectively in an English-language research environment.

5. Previous fellowship status

Current and former NASA Hubble Fellowship Program fellows are not eligible to apply again.

6. Research host

Applicants must propose eligible host institutions in the United States or its territories. The programme permits applicants to list up to three prospective hosts in order of preference.

Host institutions must comply with the programme’s employment policy and the annual limits on the number of new fellows they can accept.

1. Salary or stipend for up to three years

The fellowship provides salary or stipend support for up to three years.

The initial appointment is funded for one year. Renewals for the second and third years depend on satisfactory annual performance reviews and the availability of NASA funding.

The programme determines the initial salary or stipend, which is comparable to other major postdoctoral prize fellowships and is subject to annual review and adjustment.

Important: The current 2027 announcement does not specify one universal annual salary figure. Applicants should consult the official programme’s funding guidance rather than rely on amounts quoted for previous cohorts.

2. Health insurance and benefits

Fellows receive support for health insurance. Other employment benefits, including retirement and family leave, depend on the host institution’s policies and whether the fellow is appointed as an employee or an independent stipendiary fellow.

3. Relocation and travel support

The programme provides support for relocation costs and travel associated with the fellowship, subject to its funding policies.

Applicants should review the detailed funding terms to understand which expenses are allowable and how reimbursements are administered.

4. Research expenses

Additional support is available for computing services, publication costs and other direct research expenses.

This allows fellows to focus on their proposed research while accessing the resources needed to carry it out.

Applications must be submitted through the official online application system.

Step 1: Review the official announcement

Read the NASA Hubble Fellowship Program 2027 announcement and confirm that you meet the doctoral eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Identify your research focus

Determine which of the Einstein, Hubble or Sagan categories best matches your proposed research. The category should reflect the scientific question addressed by your project.

Step 3: Select prospective host institutions

Identify eligible US research institutions that have the expertise and facilities needed for your project. You may propose up to three institutions in order of preference.

Your first- and second-choice host justifications must be entered in the designated application fields, with each justification limited to 250 words.

Step 4: Prepare your research overview

Prepare a research overview of no more than eight pages, including tables and figures. It must contain:

The proposal should explain the scientific importance of your work and its relevance to NASA astrophysics.

Step 5: Prepare your CV and publication list

Upload your curriculum vitae and list of publications as required by the official application instructions.

The application does not request a general cover letter or additional publications attached separately. Follow the current checklist carefully.

Step 6: Submit your application

Complete the official online application form and upload the required PDF documents before the deadline.

Submit Your Application – Official NHFP Portal

Step 7: Arrange recommendation letters

Ensure your referees submit their letters directly through the designated letter-submission form by 4 November 2026.

The letter deadline is later than the application deadline, so contact your referees well in advance. They will not receive an automated email containing an upload link.