2026 Yale University Dorrit Hoffleit Summer Fellowship: Fully Funded in USA

The Yale University Department of Astronomy is officially inviting applications for the 2026 Dorrit Hoffleit Undergraduate Research Fellowship. This prestigious 8-week program allows talented international students to spend their summer at Yale working on cutting-edge research projects under the mentorship of world-class faculty.

Named in honor of Dr. E. Dorrit Hoffleit, a pioneer who authored the Bright Star Catalogue, this fellowship is designed to inspire the next generation of astronomers, astrophysicists, and physicists.

Scholarship & Fellowship Summary

Category	Details
Host Institution	Yale University, USA
Department	Department of Astronomy
Program Duration	8 Weeks (June – July 2026)
Eligible Countries	All Countries (Global)
Target Group	2nd and 3rd Year Undergraduates
Deadline	February 15, 2026

Financial Benefits & Rewards

This fellowship is fully funded, providing a comprehensive support package to ensure students can focus entirely on their research:

Weekly Stipend: $450 per week (totaling $3,600 for the program), typically paid bi-weekly.
On-Campus Housing: Accommodation provided within Yale’s historic and iconic Residential Colleges.
Meal Plan: Weekly vouchers for 15 meals per week at the residential college dining halls.
Travel Reimbursement: Up to $1,000 to cover round-trip travel expenses to New Haven, Connecticut.
Academic Resources: Full access to Yale’s libraries, laboratories, and specialized astronomical data.

Eligibility Criteria for 2026

To be considered for a spot in this elite program, you must meet the following:

Academic Major: You must be majoring in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Physics.
Year of Study: You must be in your 2nd or 3rd year of undergraduate study at the time of application. (Final-year students are ineligible).
Citizenship: Open to students of any nationality. International students do not need a pre-existing U.S. visa to apply.
Future Goals: Strong preference is given to students who intend to pursue graduate studies (PhD) in astronomy or related fields.
English Proficiency: While formal IELTS/TOEFL scores are often optional, you must be proficient enough to conduct research in English.

Required Application Documents

All documents must be submitted electronically through the Yale application portal:

Official/Unofficial Transcripts: Showing your grades through the Fall 2025 semester.
Academic CV/Resume: Highlighting your research experience or relevant coursework.
Research Statement (1 Page): Describing how a summer at Yale aligns with your long-term career goals in astronomy.
Two Letters of Recommendation: From professors or research supervisors who can attest to your academic potential.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Explore Research Areas

Visit the Yale Astronomy Faculty page to identify professors whose research interests match yours. You will likely need to mention specific interests in your statement.

Step 2: Access the Application Portal

Applications are processed via the SmarterSelect platform. Register an account and select the “Dorrit Hoffleit Undergraduate Research Fellowship” application.

Step 3: Request Your Recommendations

Enter your recommenders’ email addresses early. They will receive a private link to upload their letters separately. Do not wait until the last day to do this!

Step 4: Final Submission

Ensure all fields are completed and documents uploaded before the deadline on February 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: February 15, 2026.
Selection Notification: Results are typically announced in late March 2026.

Official Link: Yale Astronomy – Hoffleit Scholarship