The Yale University Department of Astronomy is inviting applications for the 2026 Dorrit Hoffleit Undergraduate Research Scholarship in Astronomy. This fully funded opportunity allows second and third-year undergraduates majoring in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Physics to conduct summer research at Yale. The program provides a $1,800 monthly stipend (distributed as $450 bi-weekly), free accommodation in Yale’s historic Residential Colleges, meal vouchers, and up to $1,000 for travel expenses. Open to students of all nationalities, the fellowship does not require IELTS for admission. The application requires academic transcripts, a CV, a statement of career goals, and two recommendation letters, with a final submission deadline of February 15, 2026.
Fully Funded Dorrit Hoffleit Undergraduate Research Scholarship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Yale University |
| Host Country | USA |
| Study Level | Undergraduate (2nd/3rd Year) |
| Financial Reward | $1,800 Monthly Stipend |
| Travel Allowance | Up to $1,000 |
| Accommodation | Provided (Residential Colleges) |
| Deadline | February 15, 2026 |
Fully Funded Dorrit Hoffleit Undergraduate Research Scholarship 2026 Details
The Dorrit Hoffleit Undergraduate Astronomy Research Fellowship is a tribute to the legacy of Dr. E. Dorrit Hoffleit, a pioneering senior research astronomer who served Yale for over 50 years.
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This program is designed to identify and nurture the next generation of astronomers by providing them with high-level research experience and a preview of graduate-level academic life at an Ivy League institution.
Benefits of the Fully Funded Dorrit Hoffleit Undergraduate Research Scholarship 2026
Tier 1: Dorrit Hoffleit Fellowship Full Package
- Stipend: A competitive bi-weekly stipend of $450, totaling $1,800 per month, intended to support the student’s personal expenses and research activities.
- Travel: Reimbursement for domestic or international travel to and from New Haven, Connecticut, capped at $1,000.
Tier 2: Housing & Sustenance Benefits
- Residential Placement: Selected fellows live within Yale’s historic Residential Colleges, fully immersing themselves in the university’s academic community.
- Dining: Weekly meal vouchers providing 15 meals at the residential college dining halls are included in the award.
Tier 3: Academic Resources & Mentorship
- Research Facilities: Access to Yale’s world-class observatories, computational resources, and library systems.
- Mentorship: Direct supervision by Yale faculty members on specific research projects in Astronomy or Astrophysics.
Eligibility Requirements for the Fully Funded Dorrit Hoffleit Undergraduate Research Scholarship 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Applicants must be current undergraduates majoring in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Physics. They must demonstrate high academic achievement and a strong desire to pursue graduate studies (PhD) in the field.
- Study Status: Applicants must be in their second or third year of undergraduate study at the time of application.
- Visa Status: Open to students of all nationalities (International and Domestic). Yale provides support for the necessary short-term research visa.
- Program Admission: Candidates must submit a 1-page statement describing how a summer at Yale aligns with their long-term career goals.
How to Apply for the Fully Funded Dorrit Hoffleit Undergraduate Research Scholarship 2026 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Visit the official Yale Astronomy department webpage to review the research interests of current faculty members.
- Automatic Evaluation: Prepare your Academic CV and a one-page statement of purpose. Ensure your transcripts are up to date and scanned clearly.
- Eligibility Assessment: Submit your formal application via the Yale portal. You must provide the contact details for two academic referees who will submit recommendation letters on your behalf.
- Notification of Award: All applications are reviewed by a faculty committee. Results are typically announced within 4-6 weeks of the February 15 deadline.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the Yale Dorrit Hoffleit Fellowship open to international students?
Yes, the fellowship is open to undergraduate students of any nationality currently enrolled in a relevant degree program.
2. Do I need to provide an IELTS or TOEFL score?
No, English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL are not a mandatory requirement for this specific research fellowship.
3. What is the total monthly value of the stipend?
The stipend is $450 paid bi-weekly, which equates to a total of $1,800 per month.
4. Is housing included in the scholarship?
Yes, accommodation is provided at no cost within one of Yale’s historic Residential Colleges for the duration of the program.
5. Can first-year or final-year students apply?
The fellowship specifically targets students in their second or third year of undergraduate study.
6. What majors are eligible for this research opportunity?
Applicants must be majoring in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Physics.
7. How much travel expense can be reimbursed?
Yale provides up to $1,000 in travel expense reimbursements for travel to and from the university.
8. Are meals provided during the summer?
Yes, fellows receive weekly meal vouchers for 15 meals at the residential colleges.
9. How many recommendation letters are required?
Two recommendation letters from academic sources (professors or research supervisors) are required.
10. When is the final application deadline?
The deadline for the 2026 summer program is February 15, 2026.
