Applications for the NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) 2026 are now open. This fully funded program welcomes international applicants and US citizens to join ongoing NASA research projects. The NASA Postdoctoral Program is open to anyone living outside the United States, and foreign nationals will receive a J1 visa. The program lasts three years, and participants will work at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or a NASA-affiliated research facility. If you are an early-career researcher, engineer, or scientist, this is your chance to conduct research alongside other NASA scientists. Additionally, there is no application fee. Below are more details about the NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) requirements, financial benefits, and application process.
Details About the NASA Postdoctoral Program 2026
- Host Country: USA
- Location: NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, NASA-affiliated research institute
- Duration: 3 Years
- Benefits: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 1st November 2025
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Financial Benefits
The Program Covers:
- Stipend Starts from $70,000
- Health Insurance
- Professional Travel Allowance
- Relocation to/from the Posting Country
- Temporary Housing
- Per Diem
- Read more about the NASA NPP benefits.
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Types of NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP)
- NASA Postdoctoral Management Program
- NASA Postdoctoral Research Program
- Read more about Each Program here.
Areas of Research
- Planetary Science
- Technology Development
- Aeronautics and Engineering
- Planetary Science
NASA NPP Fellows will be involved in a wide range of ongoing NASA research projects. These include areas such as astrophysics, Earth science, aeronautics, biology and astronomy, cosmochemistry, heliophysics, planetary science, and technology development.
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Eligibility Criteria
- The NASA Postdoctoral Program welcomes applicants from all nationalities, including U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (LPRs), and individuals from other countries.
- To qualify, candidates must possess a Ph.D. or an equivalent doctoral degree.
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Postdoctoral Fellowship Applicants should have earned their doctorate within the past five years at the time of application.
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Senior Fellowship Applicants must have received their doctoral degree more than five years prior and demonstrate notable accomplishments in their professional field.
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Prospective applicants may submit their application before completing their Ph.D., but they must fulfill all degree requirements and provide official documentation before starting the fellowship.
Required Documents
- CV/Resume
- Letters of Recommendation (three required)
- Research Proposal
- Official doctoral degree transcript (for postdoctoral fellows only)
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How to Apply for the (NPP) 2026?
Applicants must apply online through the NASA website. Review the Application Tips. The Link to the official website is below.
