Fulbright Philippines, in partnership with the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), is offering international scholarships for Filipino graduate students, early career professionals, or practitioners working in space science and technology applications (SSTA), space law and policy, and other space-related fields. This program is for those who wish to pursue master’s or doctoral studies or conduct advanced research in universities and appropriate institutions in the United States.  

One of the components under this scholarship is the Fulbright-PhilSA Visiting Scholar Award in SSTA, which is meant for academics and professionals aiming to implement their research projects at institutions for higher education, non-profit research institutes, and government affiliated institutions in the United States during the 2025-2026 academic year.  

This scholarship offers funding for the following priority areas:   

1. Space applications employing space-based systems, related infrastructure, and techniques for Earth observation; meteorology; positioning, navigation, and timing; and telecommunications and connectivity that address the Key Development Areas (KDA) of the Philippine Space Policy in SSTA, particularly for hazard management, and climate studies and national security, and socio-economic development 
2. 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 
3. Space science and multidisciplinary studies that 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 
4. 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 

The Fulbright-PhilSA award will cover international roundtrip airfare, monthly stipend, settling-in allowance, professional development allowance, and health and accident insurance. No dependent support will be provided. 

Application Deadline: 15 October 2024 

Eligibility

Fulbright-PhilSA Visiting Scholar Award in SSTA 

1. Philippine citizenship and is residing in the Philippines at the time of application and selection process*; 
2. Doctoral degree or equivalent professional training/experience; 
3. Must have a research plan aligned with the Key Development Areas of PhilSA; 
4. Proficiency in English appropriate to the proposed research or lecturing project to be carried out in the United States; 
5. Must be able to conduct advanced research or university lecturing in the United States that begins no earlier than 25 August 2025, and starts no later than 31 May 2026; 
6. Must be in good health to pursue research work in the United States; 
7. Applicants must be committed to returning to the Philippines and render service of obligation immediately upon completion of the research program; and 
8. No pending administrative/criminal charges and must not have been convicted for violation of any Philippine Law. 

*Individuals holding dual citizenship; are permanent residents; currently living or presently in the U.S. for the purpose of studying, teaching, conducting research, and working, or as a J-1 Exchange Visitor in the category of Professor or Research Scholar within the past two (2) years; and/or who have received a Fulbright grant within the past five (5) years are not eligible.  

Preference will be given to those without recent and substantial experience in the United States. The grants, which will be awarded for a maximum of four (4) months, are not for the principal purpose of attending conferences or completing doctoral dissertations. 

Application Process 

Fulbright-PhilSA Visiting Scholar Award in SSTA Year 2025-2026 

Accomplish the online application at https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2025  

• Make sure to Select/Change Award to Fulbright-PhilSA Program Award in Space Science and Technology Applications on the Award Information section found on the Country Information tab on your online application page.  

Upload the following documents to the application portal:   

• Updated curriculum vitae/résumé (i.e., maximum of 6 pages) 
• Project proposal – a detailed statement of the proposed activity for research or lecturing at a U.S. institution (i.e., 3 to 5 pages) 
• Writing Samples of no more than 20 pages and a bibliography (recommended) 
• Letter of Invitation from the U.S. Host Institution  (while a Letter of Invitation from the U.S. Host Institution is not required, all applicants are encouraged to initiate and contact their prospective host in the U.S. )
• Three (3) Letters of Recommendation (i.e., forms are found on the online application portal)  
• NBI Clearance secured not earlier than six (6) months before the application  
• Scanned copy of official or certified true copy of Transcript of Records  
• Scanned copy of official or certified true copy of Diploma/s  

Learn more and apply here: https://www.fulbright.org.ph/index.php/fulbright-visiting-scholar-award-in-space-science-and-technology-applications 

This collaboration is under the PhilSA Scholarships and Fellowships Program (SFP), which aims to develop a sustainable pool of space scientists, engineers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, communicators, and other professionals constituting a robust domestic space ecosystem.

For inquiries, please contact: scholarships@philsa.gov.ph or +632 8568 99 31 and/or Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF) at fulbright@fulbright.org.ph with the email subject: ATTN: Fulbright-PhilSA Program 2025-2026.