The Gruber Foundation Fellowship in Astrophysics 2026 is a prestigious research grant awarded to aspiring international students. This is done in partnership with the International Astronomical Union in conjunction with the Gruber Foundation. It supports promising astronomers working in any field of astrophysics. Some of the fields supported are theoretical, observational and experimental research during a postdoctoral appointment.
About the Gruber Foundation Fellowship in Astrophysics
The fellowship promotes excellence in astrophysics by offering research support for applicants with a postdoctoral appointment. Funding covers expenses like travel, collaborations, conference attendance, research equipment, and publication costs.
Fellows must have a postdoctoral position at a host institution starting before 1 October 2026. The host institution must differ from the applicant’s PhD location.
Recipients are chosen based on scientific achievement, research potential, and the ability to provide innovative solutions. Applicants from all countries can apply; however, candidates from countries with limited research resources are prioritised. This will promote fairness and embrace equality. Selection is competitive due to the limited slots, but applicants with interests in Astrophysics can apply. This is a chance to get funding for a project that can be life-changing.
Funding Size
- Typical grant amount: USD 25,000
- Maximum award: USD 75,000 per individual awardee
- Project duration supported: one year of research expenses
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Who Can Apply for the Gruber Foundation Fellowship in Astrophysics
Eligible organisation types
- Individual early‑career astronomers
- Final‑year PhD candidates with a postdoctoral contract
- Postdoctoral researchers with at least one year of employment remaining
- Researchers transitioning to a new postdoctoral position
Registration or legal documents
- Proof of PhD defence date or expected completion by fellowship start
- Postdoctoral offer letter
- Resume
- List of publications
- Research proposal with budget plan
Project focus requirements
- Research in astrophysics
- Cosmology
- Clear research objectives and timeline for proposed study
- Proposed activities showing the host institution’s strengths
- Justification for use of fellowship funds
Geographic eligibility
- Applicants from any country worldwide
- The host institution must be in a different country from the PhD awarding institution and the current postdoc
- Physical attendance at the host institution is required
Sector or thematic focus
- Astrophysics
- Astronomy
- Experimental astrophysics
- Cosmology
Application Process
- Secure a postdoctoral appointment
- Submit the fellowship application form
- Upload required supporting materials, including Resume, research proposal, host institution details, and budget plan
- Ensure all reference letters are submitted by the application deadline
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Required Materials
- Completed application form
- Postdoctoral offer letter
- Curriculum vitae with publication list
- Detailed research proposal
- Detailed budget
- PhD defence date documentation
- Two or more reference letters
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 1 March 2026
- Selection committee decision: End April 2026
- Public announcement of winners: May to early June 2026
- Fellowship start date: No later than 1 October 2026
Selection Notes
- The fellowship is very competitive
- Priority focus:
- Focus is on strong research performance, clear objectives, and justified budgets.
- Applicants with interests in astrology, astrophysics and astronomy.
- Applications not meeting eligibility criteria are excluded
Official Source of the Gruber Foundation Fellowship in Astrophysics
Application Page: https://iau.secure-platform.com/tgffellowship