Want to pursue higher studies about the outer space? Fulbright-PhilSA now accepts applications for foreign student program
Filipino students seeking graduate degrees now have the opportunity to study and conduct research about space exploration in the United States through a partnership between Fulbright Philippines and PhilSA for the 2026-2027 academic year.
On its website, the organization said the Fulbright-PhilSA award aims to "accelerate the development of a sustainable pool of space scientists, engineers, communicators, and other professionals constituting a robust domestic space ecosystem."
Grants are for a maximum of one academic year for non-degree, one to two years for master’s, and two years for doctoral degree studies.
The grant provides for round-trip international travel, monthly maintenance allowance, tuition and fees, book/supplies allowance, and health and accident insurance. Fulbright said no dependent support will be provided.
There are four priority areas:
- Space applications, employing space-based systems, related infrastructure, and techniques for Earth observation; meteorology; positioning, navigation, and timing; telecommunications, and connectivity that address the Key Development Areas of the Philippine Space Policy in Space Science and Technology Applications, particularly for hazard management and climate studies, and national security and socio-economic development.
- Innovation and advancements in spacecraft systems development, engineering, and robotics, particularly focusing on satellite development, control, and operations; spacecraft design and engineering; payload system development; rocketry; instrumentation and signal processing; sensors, actuators, and communication networks; space debris mitigation and removal; machine vision and machine learning; and cybersecurity for space-based systems.
- Space science and multidisciplinary studies contribute to new knowledge creation and capability development in space exploration, space environment utilization, and space situational awareness. Examples include space physics; planetary science; space biology and biotechnology; space medicine and drug discovery, space food and nutrition, materials for space, space analogs, and STEM education.
- Space law, economics, and administration, which enhance capacity in the country in policy formulation and implementation, management and trade, business development, and research support and administration related to space activities.
Requirements
To be eligible for the Fulbright Scholarship, applicants must be Filipino citizens residing within the Philippines throughout the application and selection process. Dual citizenship is not permitted, and applicants cannot hold permanent residency in the US.
Applicants must possess a college degree in their chosen field of specialization and demonstrate an outstanding academic record. Furthermore, their research objectives must align with the Philippine Space Agency's (PhilSA) key development priorities.
Applicants must also possess sufficient English proficiency for successful academic pursuits in the United States and be in good health to undertake their studies in that country.
They must also be committed to returning to the Philippines and render service of obligation immediately upon completion of the research program.
More importantly, they must not have pending administrative or criminal charges and must not have been convicted for violation of any Philippine law.
Individuals currently residing in the US for purposes such as study, teaching, research, or employment are ineligible for the Fulbright Scholarship. This includes those who have received a Fulbright grant within the past five years. Additionally, individuals who have held an exchange visitor visa in the United States as a professor or research scholar within the past two years are also ineligible for the scholarship.
Applicants must secure the following documents:
- Updated curriculum vitae with a maximum of six pages
- Research objective statement worth three to five pages
- Personal statement worth up to three pages
- Writing samples of no more than 20 pages with bibliography
- Three letters of recommendation
- Passport bio page
- NBI clearance secured not earlier than six months before the application
- Scanned/official/certified true copy of transcript of records
- Scanned/official/certified true copy of diploma
They must upload the documents through this link by April 18.
Fulbright Philippines is a binational, non-profit organization established by the U.S. and Philippine governments to foster educational and cultural exchange between the two countries.
