Hertz Fellowship 2026

The Hertz Fellowship is one of the most prestigious doctoral fellowships in the United States, dedicated to supporting outstanding PhD students in applied science, engineering, and mathematics. It provides up to five years of flexible funding, extensive professional development, and membership in a lifelong community of innovators.

Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: United States
• Scholarship Provider: The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation
• Scholarship For: U.S. citizens or permanent residents pursuing a PhD in applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics, or engineering
• Scholarship Value: Up to $250,000 over five years, including stipend, tuition coverage, and additional allowances
• Deadline: October 31, 2025 (11:59 PM PST)

Scholarship Benefits

• Financial compensation:
  • Personal stipend of approximately $38,000 for a nine‑month academic year
  • Full tuition equivalent
  • Additional stipend of $5,000/year for fellows with dependent children
• Freedom to Innovate: Fellows enjoy autonomy to pursue their research interests, choose mentors, and collaborate across disciplines without conventional constraints
• Lifelong Community & Mentorship: Fellows become part of a network of over 1,300 Hertz Fellows, benefiting from mentorship, symposia, workshops, and professional development at all career stages
• Partnership Opportunities: Fellows may engage with partner organizations like the Gates Foundation, Breakthrough Energy, and Analog Devices for internships, collaboration, and career development
• Support for Finalists: Finalists not selected for full funding may receive full benefits through arrangements with institutions such as Case Western Reserve University or Texas A&M University

Scholarship Requirements

• Eligible Applicants: Must be college seniors, first‑year graduate students, or individuals in a gap year before beginning graduate studies
• Field Requirements: Intended to pursue a PhD in applied physical/biological sciences, mathematics, or engineering; research should aim to tackle pressing societal challenges
• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; non‑citizens must demonstrate application for status if advancing to interviews
• Moral Commitment: Applicants make a non‑binding pledge to make their skills available to the U.S. in times of national emergency
• Participating Schools: Many U.S. graduate institutions have agreements to host fellows. Applicants do not need to already attend or plan to attend one—if awarded, schools can be added

How to Apply

1. Application Timeline:
   • Opens: August 28, 2025
   • Application Deadline: October 31, 2025 (11:59 PM PST)
   • Reference submissions due by November 3, 2025
   • Preselection: November 6–17, 2025
   • Round 1 Virtual Interviews: December 2025 – January 2026
   • Round 2 In‑Person Interviews: February 2026
   • Finalists notified: February 2026
   • Awardees notified: April 2026; public announcement in May 2026
   • Funding begins: Fall 2026
2. Information Sessions:
   • September 10, 2025, 6:00 PM EST
   • September 16, 2025, 12:00 PM EST
   • Hosted via Zoom by the Fellowship Director and current Fellows; recordings available afterward
3. Application Components:
   • Personal essays (including research experiences and vision)
   • Four recommenders submit structured evaluation forms—not traditional letters—via the online system
   • No formal project proposal required; instead, focus on articulating your research motivation and potentia

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