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.
The Hertz Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing American scientific and technological leadership, administers this fellowship. Fellows gain lifelong access to the Hertz community of 1,300+ scientists and technologists, with mentoring, networking, and collaboration opportunities.
Hertz Fellowship Benefits
- 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
Hertz Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- 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
Required Documents
- Application form.
- Academic transcripts.
- Research statement.
- References (deadline November 2026).
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.
How to Apply for Hertz Fellowship
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Hertz Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Hertz Fellowship?
The Hertz Fellowship is a prestigious doctoral fellowship in the USA supporting PhD students in applied sciences, engineering, and mathematics. It provides up to $250,000 in funding over five years, allowing fellows to pursue independent research.
Who can apply for the Hertz Fellowship?
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, plan to pursue a PhD in applied sciences, engineering, or mathematics, and demonstrate exceptional creativity, curiosity, and leadership potential. A non-binding moral commitment to the U.S. in national emergencies is required.
What fields are eligible for the Hertz Fellowship?
Eligible fields include applied sciences, engineering, and mathematics. The fellowship supports PhD students in these areas at over 50 partner universities in the United States.
What is the deadline for the Hertz Fellowship 2026?
The deadline for the 2026 cycle is late October 2026. For the 2025 cycle, the deadline was 31 October 2025. Applicants should check the official website for exact dates.
How much funding does the Hertz Fellowship provide?
The Hertz Fellowship provides up to $250,000 in funding over five years. This covers tuition, stipend, and research expenses, giving fellows the freedom to focus on their research without financial constraints.
How do I apply for the Hertz Fellowship?
To apply, register via the Hertz Foundation application portal, prepare transcripts, a research statement, and references, and submit by the deadline. Attend information sessions and await interview invitations.
What are the selection criteria for the Hertz Fellowship?
Selection involves a rigorous multi-stage process including application review, preselection, Round 1 interviews (Dec 2026–Jan 2027), and Round 2 interviews (Feb 2027). Selection is led by Hertz Fellows and academic leaders.
Can international students apply for the Hertz Fellowship?
No, the Hertz Fellowship is only open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. International students are not eligible to apply for this fellowship.
What are the benefits of the Hertz Fellowship?
Benefits include up to $250,000 funding over 5 years, freedom to pursue independent research, lifelong mentorship and networking, partnerships with leading institutions, and additional support for finalists at certain universities.
Where can I take the Hertz Fellowship?
The fellowship can be taken at any of the 50+ partner universities in the U.S. where the Hertz Foundation has agreements. These include top institutions across the country.
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