Application Portal Link:

https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2026

*Before sending an application, read all the eligibility requirements and required documents before proceeding.

The Fulbright - Philiippine Space Agency (PhilSA) Foreign Student Program is a scholarship opportunity for Filipinos to study at the graduate level (master’s or doctoral studies). This program award, in partnership with the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), enables graduate students to study and conduct research in the United States. 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 under the Fulbright Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) Foreign Student Program for Filipinos provide support for a maximum of 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.

The program shall fund studies in the following priority areas: 

1. 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 (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 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. 

No dependent support will be provided.

General Eligibility Requirements:

1. Philippine Citizenship and the candidate must be in residence in the Philippines at the time of application and selection process;
2. College degree with major in field of specialization; excellent undergraduate record;
3. Must have a research objective aligned with the Key Development Areas of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA); 
4. Proficiency in English appropriate to the proposed studies to be carried out in the United States;
5. Must be in good health to pursue studies and research in the United States; 
6. Applicants must be committed to returning to the Philippines and render service of obligation immediately upon completion of the research program; 
7. No pending administrative/criminal charges and must not have been convicted for violation of any Philippine Law.

Notes on Eligibility: 

• Individuals holding dual citizenships, are permanent residents, or currently living in the United States are not eligible to apply 

• Individuals who are presently in the U.S. for the purpose of studying, teaching, conducting research, and working and or who have received a Fulbright grant within the past five (5) years are ineligible 

• Those who have been to the U.S. as a J-1 Exchange Visitor in the category of Professor or Research Scholar within the past two (2) years are also ineligible 

Preferences will be given to the qualified applicants who have not had recent and substantial experience in the United States. Grants are not for the principal purpose of attending conferences.

Requirements:

• Completed online application at https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2026
• Select/Change award to Fulbright-Philippine Space Agency Foreign Student Program Award 
• Updated Curriculum Vitae/Résumé (maximum of 6 pages)
• Research Objective Statement - a detailed statement of the proposed activity for graduate studies and research at a U.S. institution (3 to 5 pages) 
• Personal Statement (maximum of 3 pages) 
• Writing Samples of no more than 20 pages and a Bibliography (recommended)
• Three (3) Letters of Recommendation (Forms are found on the online application portal) 
• Passport biopage 
• 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 

All documents must be uploaded to the application portal https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2026before April 18, 2025. 

For questions, please contact the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF) atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the email subject: ATTN: Fulbright-PhilSA Foreign Student Program 2026 - 2027.

• The Fulbright Program’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Statement 

Application period for the Fulbright-PhilSA Program 2026 - 2027 is NOW OPEN. Deadline of applications is on April 18, 2025.