The Applications are now open to apply for the NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) 2026. It is a Fully Funded Program for International applicants as well as U.S. Citizens to engage in ongoing NASA research projects. The NASA Postdoctoral Program is for everyone who lives outside the United States. Foreign Nationals will obtain a J1 Visa.
The Duration of the Program is three years, and Participants will work at the NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or at a NASA-affiliated research institute. If you are an early-career Researcher, Engineer, or Scientist, then this opportunity is for you to conduct Research at NASA with other Scientists. Moreover, there is no application fee. Below are more details about the NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) requirements, financial benefits, and the 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
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.
Types of NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP)
- NASA Postdoctoral Research Program
- NASA Postdoctoral Management Program
- Read more about Each Program here.
Areas of Research
- Technology Development
- Planetary Science
- Planetary Science
- Aeronautics and Engineering
NASA NPP Fellows will engage in a wide range of ongoing NASA research projects. These include fields like astrophysics, Earth science, aeronautics, biology and astrobiology, cosmochemistry, heliophysics, planetary science, and technology development.
Eligibility Criteria
- The NASA Postdoctoral Program is open to all Nationals.
- Open to U.S. citizens, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals.
- All applicants must hold a Ph.D. or an equivalent doctoral degree.
- Postdoctoral Fellows: Your doctoral degree must have been awarded within the last five years at the time you apply.
- Senior Fellows: Your doctoral degree must have been awarded more than five years before your application, and you need to show significant professional achievements in your field.
- You can apply for the fellowship before earning your Ph.D., but you must complete all doctoral degree requirements and provide proof before starting the program.
Required Documents
- Research Proposal
- Letters of Recommendation (three required)
- Official Doctoral Degree Transcripts (for Postdoctoral Fellows only)
- CV/Resume
How to Apply for the NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) 2026?
Applicants have to apply online from the NASA website. Review the Application Tips. The Link to the official website is below.