PhD in Astrophysics

Application Requirements

The PhD call for 2027 is now open.

The PhD program at IEA-UDP is four years long and students are expected to start research activities during their first semester in one of the following areas: Planetary systems, Stellar and Galactic astronomy, Extragalactic astronomy, and Numerical Relativity. Details of the research carried out at UDP can be found here, and information about our faculty and their research interests can be found here.

While at UDP, successful candidates will qualify as members of the Chilean community and will be eligible to apply for part of the 10% access to all observatories in Chile (including ALMA, Gemini South, VLT, Magellan, CTIO, SOAR, and La Silla) and access to large surveys like the Vera Rubin LSST, SDSS-V and CCAT/FYST.

Requirements

Applicants should have an undergraduate and/or master’s degree in Astronomy (or closely related field) by the start date, full-time commitment, and a good command of the English language.

Funding

All offers for a PhD position at UDP include funding. These scholarships include a stipend, tuition, and fees. Research funds are also available from a number of different sources.

Required application materials

1. A motivation letter indicating your reasons for applying to the PhD. program at UDP, research experience (if any), research interests, and career plans and goals (two pages maximum). Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the faculty members who best match their research interests to learn more about possible research projects.

2. A Curriculum Vitae (3 pages maximum).

3. A copy of undergraduate and/or graduate degrees or an official letter from the University indicating the expected graduation date.

4. A copy of undergraduate academic transcripts (graduate transcripts too, if available).

5. A copy of the student application questionnaire, which can be downloaded here.

6. A minimum of two and a maximum of three letters of recommendation, which can be uploaded here.

Application instructions

For entry in 2027 all application materials must be submitted by September 2nd 2026 through this form.

Information session for potential applicants

On Monday August 17th, at 12:00 hrs Chilean time (UT-4) we will hold a Q&A session about our PhD program on Zoom, where you can find out more about us and ask questions about potential projects, life in Chile, etc. Everyone is welcome to join via this Zoom link: https://reuna.zoom.us/j/86142930676 .

Inquiries

PhD Coordinator: Evelyn Johnston

Email: [email protected]

Program documents for Applicants

Download materials related to the PhD Astrophysics program, including the Study Plan, and a questionnaire for potential students and referee guidelines for recommendation letters — to be completed and submitted during the application process.