The Hertz Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing American scientific and technological leadership, today announced that the application for the 2026 Hertz Fellowship is now open.
Application Deadline:
- Deadline: Late October 2026
Tell Me About the Fellowship:
The Hertz Fellowship is one of the most prestigious doctoral fellowships in the United States, supporting PhD students in applied sciences, engineering, and mathematics.
It provides up to five years of funding (valued at $250,000), freeing fellows from traditional constraints of graduate training and enabling them to pursue bold, independent research.
Fellows also gain lifelong access to the Hertz community of 1,300+ scientists and technologists, with mentoring, networking, and collaboration opportunities.
Which Fields are Eligible?
- Applied Sciences
- Engineering
- Mathematics
Type:
- PhD Fellowship | USA | Fully Funded
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Plan to pursue a PhD in applied sciences, engineering, or mathematics.
- Demonstrate exceptional creativity, curiosity, and leadership potential.
- Make a non-binding moral commitment to make their skills available to the U.S. in times of national emergency.
How are Candidates Selected?
- Rigorous multi-stage process including:
- Application review.
- Preselection.
- Round 1 interviews (Dec 2026–Jan 2027).
- Round 2 interviews (Feb 2027).
- Selection led by Hertz Fellows and academic leaders.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- United States only.
Where will the Fellowship be Taken?
- At any of the 50+ partner universities in the U.S. where Hertz has agreements.
How Many Awards?
- Varies annually (highly competitive, typically dozens selected).
What is the Benefit of the Fellowship?
- Up to $250,000 funding over 5 years.
- Freedom to pursue independent research.
- Lifelong mentorship and networking.
- Partnerships with leading institutions (e.g., Gates Foundation, Lawrence Livermore National Lab).
- Additional support for finalists at Case Western Reserve University and Texas A&M University.
How Long Will the Fellowship Last?
- Up to 5 years.
Required Documents:
- Application form.
- Academic transcripts.
- Research statement.
- References (deadline November 2026).
How to Apply:
- Register via the Hertz Foundation application portal.
- Prepare transcripts, research statement, and references.
- Submit by 31 October 2025 (for 2026 cycle) or Late October 2026 (for 2027 cycle).
- Attend information sessions (Sept 2025 and Sept 2026).
- Await interview invitations and finalist notifications.
Visit the Application Webpage for Details
