The NASA Hubble Fellowship Program is accepting applications for postdoctoral fellowships beginning in fall 2027. The programme supports independent research across NASA astrophysics, including theoretical, observational, and instrumental work. NASA states that up to 24 fellowships are expected to be offered in the 2027 cycle.
Selected researchers become Einstein, Hubble, or Sagan Fellows depending on their research area. The fellowship can run for up to three years, beginning with a one-year appointment and followed by two possible annual renewals subject to satisfactory performance and available NASA funding. Fellows may work at an eligible U.S. host institution of their choice under the programme rules.
NASA Hubble Fellowship Program Details
The programme is administered for NASA by the Space Telescope Science Institute in collaboration with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute, and the Chandra X-ray Center. Its purpose is to support early-career scientists conducting independent research that contributes to NASA astrophysics.
The 2027 fellowship cycle is designed for appointments starting on or about September 1, 2027. Host-institution placement is subject to programme limits, including a cap on how many new fellows may be placed at the same institution in a given year.
Programme | NASA Hubble Fellowship Program |
|---|---|
Fellow types | Einstein, Hubble, or Sagan Fellow |
Expected awards | Up to 24 fellowships |
Duration | Up to 3 years |
Host location | Eligible U.S. host institution |
Application deadline | October 28, 2026 at 7:00 PM Eastern |
Reference letters deadline | November 4, 2026 |
Expected start | On or about September 1, 2027 |
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Fellowship Benefits and Support
The fellowship provides multi-year postdoctoral support for independent astrophysics research. NASA and STScI describe the programme as supporting the fellow at a U.S. host institution, with the appointment renewable for up to three total years when performance and funding requirements are met.
The programme gives selected fellows access to a broad U.S. research environment and an annual fellowship community spanning the Einstein, Hubble, and Sagan research areas. STScI also describes its fellowship opportunities as including competitive salary, benefits, and research-expense support, although applicants should use the current NHFP appointment documents for exact employment terms.
Also Check: Researchers looking for another published opportunity can review the Leverhulme Research Fellowships on Guidance Gem.
Related opportunity: Applicants comparing another current fellowship can review MOPGA Visiting Fellowship and compare its eligibility, funding and application timeline with this opportunity.
Fellowship Eligibility
The 2027 call is open to applicants of any nationality. Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, all requirements for a doctoral degree in astronomy, physics, or a related discipline on or after January 1, 2023. The programme is intended for postdoctoral researchers pursuing independent work relevant to NASA astrophysics.
Applicants should also make sure their proposed host institution satisfies the current NHFP employment-policy requirements. NASA notes that the fellowship is tenable at a U.S. host institution of the fellow’s choice, subject to programme limits on new fellows at individual host institutions.
Also explore: For another published Guidance Gem option in a related area, see ASEA-UNINET Ernst Mach Scholarship and compare its eligibility, funding and application timeline with this opportunity.
Requirements and Application Materials
Applicants must follow the current NHFP Announcement of Opportunity and the programme FAQ when preparing their submission. The official 2027 call also requires reference letters to be uploaded as PDF files by the separate reference-letter deadline.
Because the detailed application package is governed by the current Announcement of Opportunity, applicants should use that document rather than older fellowship instructions. The application and supporting materials must be submitted through the official NHFP process for the 2027 cycle.
How to Apply for the NASA Hubble Fellowship Program
Applications are submitted through the current NHFP application system referenced on the official NASA 2027 fellowship call. Applicants should first read the 2027 Announcement of Opportunity and FAQ so that the research plan, host-institution choice, and supporting materials meet the current programme rules.
The application submission system opened on September 8, 2026. Applicants should submit the main application before the October deadline and coordinate separately with their reference writers so the required letters arrive by the official reference-letter deadline.
NASA Hubble Fellowship Program Application Deadline
The application deadline is Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 7:00 PM Eastern Time, which is 4:00 PM Pacific Time. NASA states that the application submission page is open from September 8 through the deadline.
Reference letters have a separate deadline of Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Applicants should give their referees enough time because letters must be uploaded as PDF files using the programme’s reference submission process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are quick answers to the most common questions applicants ask about the 2027 fellowship cycle, covering award numbers, eligibility, and start dates.
How many NASA Hubble Fellowships are expected for 2027?
NASA states that it anticipates offering up to 24 NHFP fellowships in the 2027 cycle.
Can international researchers apply?
Yes. The official 2027 call says the programme is open to applicants of any nationality, subject to the doctoral-degree and other programme requirements.
How long does the fellowship last?
The fellowship can last for up to three years: an initial one-year appointment followed by two annual renewals, subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of NASA funds.
When are 2027 appointments expected to begin?
NASA states that new appointments should begin on or about September 1, 2027.
Final Thoughts
The NASA Hubble Fellowship Program is a major postdoctoral route for researchers working across NASA astrophysics. The 2027 call expects up to 24 awards, allows applicants of any nationality, and provides a pathway to as much as three years of supported independent research at an eligible U.S. host institution.
Applicants should prepare against the current Announcement of Opportunity and submit by October 28, 2026 at 7:00 PM Eastern. Reference writers then have until November 4 to upload their letters, while fellowship appointments are expected to begin around September 1, 2027.
