Role Type: Graduate Fellowship (Research/Academic)
Location: Seattle, Washington (University of Washington)
Eligibility: UW Graduate Students (US Citizens Only)
Registration Opens: December 1, 2025
Deadline: February 20, 2026
Application Status: Open Now
Overview of the Opportunity
The Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium is offering a prestigious fellowship opportunity specifically for University of Washington (UW) graduate students. This federally-funded workforce development program is designed to support the next generation of leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The program is deeply committed to broadening access to STEM careers. It actively encourages applications from first-generation college students, women, and people of color. If you are pursuing a Master's or Doctoral degree at UW Seattle and want to align your research with NASA's goals, this is your funding opportunity.
Fellowship Tracks
This opportunity is flexible. You can apply for one or both of the following tracks, depending on your academic schedule and research needs:
1. Summer Fellowship
Focused on intensive research or workforce development activities during the summer term.
2. Academic Year Fellowship
Supports students throughout the standard 2026-2027 academic year, allowing for sustained research and study.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
This fellowship has very specific institutional and citizenship requirements. Please check these carefully before applying.
1. Institutional Requirement (Strict)
- University of Washington Only: You must be currently enrolled or admitted into a STEM graduate program at the University of Washington – Seattle campus.
- Level: Open to Master's and Doctoral students.
2. Citizenship (Strict)
- US Citizens Only: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) or international students are not eligible for this specific NASA-funded opportunity.
3. Academic Focus
- Must be enrolled in an approved STEM major.
- Preferred Majors Include: Biology, Computer Science, Engineering (General), Mathematics, Astronomy/Astrophysics, Atmospheric Sciences, Chemistry, Geosciences, and Physics.
The Two-Step Application Process (Crucial)
Applying for this fellowship requires two distinct steps. Failure to complete both will result in an incomplete application.
Step 1: NASA STEM Gateway
Apply to the opportunity listed in the NASA STEM Gateway System (ID: 023374). This registers you formally with NASA.
Step 2: WASG Application Form
Complete the internal Washington Space Grant (WASG) Graduate Fellow Application Form. This collects the specific details required by the local consortium.
Key Dates
- Registration Start Date: December 1, 2025
- Registration End Date: February 20, 2026
- Session: Space Grant FY26
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply if I attend Washington State University (WSU)?
A: No. The listing explicitly states this opportunity is for University of Washington graduate students only. However, the broader Washington Space Grant Consortium may have other opportunities for WSU students elsewhere.
Q: Is this a remote opportunity?
A: The activity format is listed as In-person / Virtual, but since you must be an enrolled student at UW Seattle, you are expected to be based in Seattle, WA.
Q: Who do I contact for questions?
A: You can email the program administrators at nasa@uw.edu.
How to Apply
Remember to complete BOTH steps below by February 20, 2026.
Link 1 (Step 2 Form): WASG Graduate Fellow Application Form
Link 2 (Portal): NASA STEM Gateway System (Search for ID: 023374)