NASA

ILSGC NASA Graduate Fellowship 2026-2027

Are you a visionary graduate student eager to propel your STEM research to astronomical new heights? The Illinois Space Grant Consortium (ILSGC) is offering a prestigious $10,000 fellowship for exceptional scholars whose academic pursuits deeply align with NASA's pioneering missions. Secure vital funding to drive the next generation of scientific discovery, while officially connecting your graduate career to the world's leading space exploration agency.

Particulars & Details

About the Fellowship

The Illinois Space Grant Consortium (ILSGC) awards these highly competitive fellowships to outstanding students pursuing a graduate degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) disciplines. The primary purpose of this funding is to foster and support academic research that directly aligns with NASA's mission. Successful awardees will not only receive a significant financial boost for the 2026-2027 academic year but will also integrate into a network of aerospace and scientific professionals actively pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.

Eligibility Criteria & Qualifications

• Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
• Academic Level: Must be a graduate student during both the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters.
• Field of Study: Must be majoring full-time in a STEM discipline (including but not limited to engineering, computer science, biological/life sciences, chemistry, geological sciences, physics, or astronomy).
• Academic Standing: Must be in good academic standing with their respective institution.
• Enrollment: Must be enrolled at least full-time at one of the following ISGC affiliate institutions:
  • Bradley University
  • Chicago State University
  • DePaul University
  • Illinois Institute of Technology
  • Northern Illinois University
  • Northwestern University
  • Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
  • The University of Chicago
  • University of Illinois at Chicago
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Funding Limits: Students may receive this award a maximum of two times during their degree program. Illinois Space Grant Fellowships cannot be concurrently accepted or combined with support from other individual federal graduate fellowships (e.g., NSF, DoD, DOE, Fulbright, NIH).

Fellowship Requirements & Conditions

• Sign and return the award letters by the provided deadlines (acceptance required by June 10, 2026).
• Create and maintain an active account on the NASA Gateway system.
• Agree to participate in the NASA longitudinal tracking process, which involves providing timely information regarding your future education and career plans so that the success of the Space Grant program can be demonstrated to NASA.

How to Apply

1. Ensure you meet all citizenship, enrollment, and academic standing requirements.
2. Create a profile in the NASA STEM Gateway (or use an existing one) and sign up for the Illinois Fellowship Opportunity.
3. Prepare a compelling one to two-page Statement of Interest that details your reasons for seeking the fellowship, evidence of your STEM experience, and a clear connection to one of NASA's Mission Directorates (Aeronautics Research, Space Operations, Exploration Systems Development, Science, or Space Technology).
4. Gather a current resumé or CV, a copy of your most recent college transcript (unofficial is acceptable), and the full contact information for one academic reference. (A pre-written letter of reference is not needed; ILSGC will contact them if required).
5. Submit all materials electronically through the portal before 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 2026.

Important Links

• ILSGC Fellowship Information: isgc.aerospace.illinois.edu/fellowship-information
• NASA Mission Directorates: Explore NASA's Goals

FAQs

• Can international students apply? No, this fellowship strictly requires U.S. citizenship due to federal funding guidelines.
• Do I need to submit a letter of recommendation? No, you only need to provide the contact information for one academic reference. ILSGC will reach out to them directly if a letter is needed.
• Can I apply if I already have an NSF Graduate Fellowship? No, this fellowship cannot be concurrently accepted or combined with support from other individual federal graduate fellowships.
• When will the funds be disbursed? Funding will be released during the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters in accordance with your home institution's policies, subject to the authorization of funds by NASA.

Disclaimer: This opportunity is shared for informational purposes only. We at 99jobs.org are not the organizing or recruiting institution. We do not accept or process applications and cannot influence selection decisions. Applicants must apply directly through the official organization website. Please verify all details from the official source before applying.