The Karman Fellowship is the flagship programme of The Karman Project, a non-profit foundation started in Berlin in 2019 by an international group of space professionals. Fifteen fellows are selected each year, and more than 106 leaders have taken part since the programme began.
The year combines one online session a month with a mandatory four-day gathering called Karman Week. The host country changes each year; Karman Week 2026 runs in Cape Town, South Africa in early November 2026.
Fellows also join the Oxford Smart Space MBA programme, strategic roundtables and leadership sessions. The wider Karman community spans more than 70 nations, and each fellow takes on a Fellowship Commitment linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Benefits & funding
- The foundation and its donors cover most or all expenses. One fellowship costs roughly €20,000.
- Covered: programming and training, plus travel, accommodation, meals and activities for the in-person leadership week.
- Fellows who are able may make a voluntary travel contribution of €1,500–€2,500. It is optional.
- Monthly virtual sessions with global leaders, strategic roundtable discussions, Lessons in Leadership and Imagine Sessions.
- A place on the Oxford Smart Space MBA programme and an invitation to the Karman Futures Gala Dinner.
- Support to design and deliver a Fellowship Commitment aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Shortlisted candidates who are not selected join the top-50 Karman Pioneers and keep access to selected community activities.
Eligibility
- Aged 45 or younger at the application deadline. The foundation applies a small margin and accepts applications from candidates just over the limit.
- Around ten years of professional experience in space or an adjacent field is recommended. It is not a hard requirement.
- Candidates are expected to hold a decision-making or senior position, such as C-level, director or professor.
- Open to applicants of any nationality and any country of residence.
- No degree requirement is published.
- Both the short online form and the three-minute video must be completed.
- Nominations from others are welcome and carry no weight in the selection.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Age requirement
≤ 45 yrs
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Application process
- 1Submit the short online form with basic working history and profile.
- 2Wait for the foundation to confirm eligibility.
- 3Record and submit a three-minute video that addresses the selection criteria.
- 4Add a resume, and optionally up to two recommendation letters or a portfolio.
- 5The top 50 candidates are shortlisted and notified, then the Selection Board meets.
- 6Fifteen fellows are offered a place and the cohort is announced publicly.
Program timeline
February 2026
Applications opened for the 2026 cohort
Final submission deadline for the video and supporting materials
Mar 31, 2026
Top 50 shortlist finalised
Early April 2026
Shortlisted candidates notified
Apr 17, 2026
Selection Board meets and selects the 15 fellows
Apr 25, 2026
The 2026 cohort announced
May 12, 2026
Early November 2026
Karman Week 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa
Late 2026
Applications open for the 2027 fellowship