The NASA Hubble Fellowship Program supports early-career postdoctoral scientists pursuing independent research across NASA astrophysics. Fellows choose an eligible host institution in the United States or its territories and are assigned as Einstein, Hubble or Sagan Fellows according to the scientific focus of their proposal. NASA funds the program, and the Space Telescope Science Institute administers it with partner institutes. The fellowship runs for up to three years, subject to annual performance review and continued NASA funding. The 2026 class is closed, and the next application opportunity is expected to open in September 2026.
Benefits & funding
- Initial compensation for the 2025 NHFP Fellows was US$84,750, subject to annual review and adjustment.
- Funds to pay for health insurance, up to a maximum of US$20,000 for a family plan.
- Up to US$8,500 towards relocation costs.
- Up to US$20,000 in the first year and US$16,000 in the second and third years for research-related travel, hardware, computing services, publications and other direct costs.
- The first year is funded initially; second- and third-year renewals depend on satisfactory performance and available NASA funds.
- Benefits such as retirement and family leave depend on the host institution and whether the fellow is employed or receives a stipend.
Eligibility
- Open to English-speaking applicants of any nationality.
- Applicants for the 2026 class had to hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral research degree in astronomy, physics or a related field awarded on or after 1 January 2022, or complete the degree before September 2026.
- Former and current NHFP Fellows cannot apply.
- Fellows conduct their research through an eligible host institution in the United States or its territories; applicants list up to three prospective hosts.
- The program normally expects full-time residence at the host institution. Remote work requires a compelling need and program approval.
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Application process
- 1Choose up to three prospective U.S. host institutions and identify a faculty contact at each.
- 2Complete the online application form and upload a CV with publication list plus an eight-page research overview covering past work and the proposed program.
- 3Select the science categories and techniques that best match the proposal.
- 4Arrange for three referees to upload their letters by the separate reference deadline.
- 5If selected, obtain an endorsement letter from the first-choice host institution.
Program timeline
2 September 2025
2026-class announcement issued and application website opened.
applications closed.
29 October 2025
reference letters were due.
5 November 2025
fellowship offers were made.
February 2026
fellowship offers were announced publicly.
March 2026
the next application opportunity is expected to open; no exact date is published.
September 2026