Prospective students
The Patagonian Ice Fields Research Program is a transformative experience where a diverse group of students, professors and guides can share, explore and work for two weeks on the Patagonian Icefields. While science is the axis the program revolves around, the personal experiences, strong friendships and professional connections created, will reach far beyond the science done in any particular program. Therefore, we place a strong emphasis on creating positive and transformative experiences and fostering resilience, leadership and teamwork. We take the science conducted at PIRP very seriously, but ultimately, what draws us towards science is the love for nature, the mountains and the experience of the raw wilderness. And is that what PIRP strive to inspire in our students, as well as the desire to share their experiences and knowledge with the wider community.
Information for prospective students
Who can apply
Graduate students in geosciences (i.e. master's and Ph.D. students). Applications by students from other related sciences (such as biology, math, physics, chemistry, etc.) can be considered if they are working on projects directly related to glaciers. Applications from recently graduated Master's and Ph.D. programs will also be considered.
​
When and where will the program take place?
From November 12 to December 1, 2025. Participants are required to arrive in Puerto Natales, Chile and meet on November 12, 10:00 AM at Casa Raky (map). From there, the program will arrange and cover transport to the field site at Bernal Glacier (map).
How much are the program fees
USD$3.000.
This amount is divided between a USD$ 500 enrollment fee due on September 4, 2025, and a USD$ 2,500 field fee due the first day of the field campaign (November 12, 2025).
What is covered by the program fees
The program includes accommodation, transport, and food during the program and the night before the program starts (November 11 to December 1), scientific equipment and supplies for science projects, and common camping gear such as tents, pots, and stoves. On request, the program can also provide personal gear such as helmets, harnesses, crampons, and ice axes.
What is NOT covered by the program
Air travel fares to Puerto Natales and accommodation before or after the program. Each participant has to arrange travel to Puerto Natales and back and cover the associated travel costs. It is also the responsibility of each participant to arrange rescue and medical insurance if not provided by their home institution.
How many student seats are available?
Four open to applications by international students (plus seven local students).
​
Are there scholarships
Yes, there are two full scholarships for students from low, and middle-income countries and all South American countries (list of selected countries). These scholarships cover program fees only (i.e. transport from the student's hometown to Puerto Natales is NOT included).
In what language is the program
English, but all the guides and most faculty are fluent in Spanish.
​
Can I get transfer credits from PIRP towards my university curriculum?
Universidad the Magallanes can provide a certificate of your participation in the program, the academic curriculum covered, the number of teaching hours, and a grade if required. However, the success of transferring those credits will depend on your university's requirements for accepting transfer credits.
When is the application deadline?
August 7, 2025. However, scholarship applications have an earlier deadline on July 10, 2025.
How to apply
Fill out this program application form before August 7, 2025.
The scholarship application process is now closed. Subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when the PIRP Scholarship application form opens again for the 2026 expedition.
​​
How does the application process work?
The permanent and volunteer faculty team will review applications and rank them preliminarily according to multiple criteria, including how closely related your background and research area are to our field activities, how useful the experience in PIRP will be to your career, and how each applicant contributes to forming a diverse and inclusive expedition team.
If your application is high enough in the preliminary rank, you will be invited to meet our faculty team through a short interview, so we can get to know you better.
After interviews, applications are sorted into a final rank. Top applicants will then be invited to enroll, and the remaining will be placed on a waiting list. During enrollment, you must fill out information and medical forms and provide proof of commitment by September 4. By this date, scholarship awardees must provide evidence of the travel arrangements being paid, and regular students must pay the enrollment fee.
If any student fails to provide proof of commitment or withdraws their application, the following applicants on the waiting list will be invited to enroll.
​​
Are there other similar programs I could apply?
Yes, they are. Some examples are the Juneau Icefield Research Program, which provided inspiration to create PIRP, the International Summer School in Glaciology by The University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the Capacity Building Program in Glaciology by the National Himalayan Cryospheric Research Lab at the University of Kashmir. If you study in Norway, Canada, Japan or the USA, you might also find FieldEX interesting.
