Ph.D. in
Astrophysics

Apply by September 4, 2026 here

The Ph.D. in Astrophysics was established through the collaborative efforts of astronomy faculty researchers from the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Institute of Astrophysics in the Faculty of Exact Sciences. Its creation reflects the Faculty of Exact Sciences’ mission: “To develop and disseminate scientific knowledge, train advanced human capital in the disciplines in which it specializes, and provide a strong foundation in the basic sciences for the university’s future professionals, in accordance with the principles of its educational model, thereby contributing to the country’s scientific, technological, and social development.”

This program reflects the program faculty’s commitment to advancing human capital development and research across the various fields of astrophysics. A significant contribution to this field, which enjoys well-recognized comparative advantages in Chile, including access to international observatories equipped with state-of-the-art technology and world-class scientific instrumentation.

The objective of the Ph.D. in Astrophysics is to provide an outstanding doctoral education that prepares graduates to conduct original, independent research whose results make a significant contribution to the field of astronomy. In doing so, the program contributes to the advancement of science and the country’s development by leveraging Chile’s comparative advantages, including access to international astronomical observatories equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation.

1. Develop critical thinking that is fundamental to the scientific method through advanced knowledge of the theories and methods underlying the Program’s research lines, as well as the state of the art in astronomy.
2. Formulate and solve significant and complex scientific problems through a strong command of the field’s theoretical and methodological foundations.
3. Prepare students to develop original research that advances the field of astrophysics, while fostering their active participation in scientific collaborations in astrophysics and related disciplines.
4. Contribute to the generation of knowledge at the frontiers of astronomy that advances the understanding and development of the discipline at both the national and international levels, guided by responsibility and ethical principles.

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Astrophysics at Universidad Andrés Bello are independent researchers with a strong foundation of knowledge, skills, and competencies to address scientific questions in astrophysics, including data modeling and analysis; the formation, evolution, and structure of the universe; and the fundamental physical processes that govern the formation and evolution of objects ranging from planets and stars to galaxies, galaxy clusters, and the large-scale structure of the universe.

Graduates possess specialized, up-to-date training that enables them to conduct original research using advanced analytical and critical thinking skills, contributing to the generation of new knowledge in the field of astrophysics through the Program’s research lines in Stellar Astrophysics, Extragalactic Astrophysics, and Cosmology.

Graduates of the program have acquired the skills to communicate the results of their research and to participate in research teams within academic institutions, observatories, and research centers.

A. Admission requirements

Applicants must complete the application form and upload a single PDF file containing the following documents, in the exact order indicated below:

• A statement of purpose letter outlining the applicant’s motivations for pursuing the program.

• Official undergraduate transcript.

• Curriculum vitae (including a list of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations).

• Official graduate transcript, if applicable.

In addition, applicants must arrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent directly to astrodoc@unab.cl no later than September 4, the application deadline.

 B. Application Procedure 

The application must be submitted online using the following form: