Physics funding

U.S. citizens, nationals or permanent residents pursuing an eligible research-based STEM master’s or doctorate at an accredited nonprofit U.S. institution. Eligible stages include final-year undergraduates, bachelor’s holders with no graduate enrollment, eligible joint bachelor’s–master’s students, and first-year graduate students with less than one academic year completed. Second-year graduate students are ineligible. Degree, field and proposed-research exclusions apply.

English-speaking applicants of any nationality with a doctorate in astronomy, physics or a related discipline completed on or after 1 January 2023, or completed before taking up the fellowship. A US host must meet NHFP employment-policy requirements and institutional allocation limits.

US citizens or permanent residents who will be first- or second-year PhD students in fall 2027, undertaking a full-time, in-person US PhD addressing major near-term societal problems. The PhD portion of an MD/PhD can qualify.

Applicants must identify as Black heritage, including the specified mixed Black backgrounds, and be UK nationals or have completed part of a UK undergraduate, masters or PhD degree or held a UK postdoctoral position. A PhD must be completed by the fellowship start; final-year doctoral applicants may apply with supervisor support. Less than 24 months of full-time postdoctoral experience is permitted at the deadline, with career-break adjustments. An eligible UK higher-education, research-council, nonprofit research or public-sector research host is required; permanent posts are ineligible.

Born in 1994 or later; thesis defended at an Italian university in 2025 or 2026, by 31 December 2026. A qualifying academic guarantor in Italy is required. For later defences, the degree certificate is due by 31 January 2027.

Canadian citizens, permanent residents or Protected Persons; eligible research graduate programme at an allocated Canadian institution. Normally 0–12 months of study by December 31; specific transition rules apply. First-class grades normally required, with institutional discretion. Prior agency master’s awards and specified Indigenous master’s awards exclude eligibility; only one CRTAS application per academic year.

International students commencing or enrolled in a higher degree by research may apply. New applicants must submit a complete admission application and a separate scholarship application by the deadline; enrolled applicants submit the scholarship form.

Postdoc route: PhD within four years, or completion within six months. Experienced route: PhD within twelve years and an independent profile. Requires an eligible host and reviews. Previous Humboldt sponsorship excludes application; nationality, German-system integration and mobility conditions apply.

Postdoctoral researchers normally within five years of their doctorate, with an Austrian research host and a mentor. Career-break provisions apply. Near-completion doctoral candidates may apply if the doctorate is completed during review and before the project starts.