- ~USD 38,000 / year stipend (est.)Personal stipend
- Up to 5 yearsMaximum funding period
- 1,300+ fellows networkAlumni community
- 50+ partner universitiesHost institutions
- Founded 1957Programme heritage
- United StatesWhere you study
At a glance
full
Funding
€40k
Max amount
Oct 31, 2026
Deadline
United States (citizens and permanent residents)
Country
Fannie and John Hertz Foundation
Provider
The Hertz Fellowship is a doctoral award from the Fannie and John Hertz Foundation for students pursuing a PhD in the applied physical and biological sciences, engineering and mathematics at accredited US universities. Founded in 1957, the foundation has built a community of more than 1,300 fellows who have worked across fields such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, aerospace, computational biology and national security. The fellowship provides up to 5 years of support, including a tuition equivalent and an annual personal stipend reported in the region of USD 38,000, plus mentorship and access to the Hertz Fellows network. The foundation also partners with more than 50 universities, so some strong finalists who are not selected as Hertz Fellows can still secure full funding at a partner institution. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents and may apply either as incoming PhD students or early in their doctoral programme. The standard application typically closes around 31 October 2026, with interviews following and final awards announced in 2027. Because the stipend, partner list and exact dates change each cycle, confirm the current figures and deadline on the official Hertz Foundation page before applying.
What's covered
- Tuition equivalent — A tuition-equivalent payment covering the cost of doctoral study at the fellow's accredited US institution.
- Personal stipend — An annual cost-of-living stipend reported at approximately ~USD 38,000 / year (est.) for the duration of the award.
- Up to five years of support — Funding for as many as five years of PhD study, giving fellows flexibility to pursue independent research.
- Mentorship — Professional mentorship and connections with leaders across science, academia and industry.
- Hertz Fellows network — Lifelong access to the community of over 1,300 Hertz Fellows plus exclusive events and collaboration opportunities.
- Research flexibility — Academic freedom to follow high-impact, independent research directions during the fellowship.
How to apply
Apply online through the Hertz Foundation, submitting academic records, essays and references before the autumn deadline; shortlisted applicants are interviewed.
- Review eligibility — Confirm you are a US citizen or permanent resident pursuing a PhD in an eligible applied-science, engineering or mathematics field.
- Start the online application — Create an account on the official Hertz Foundation portal and complete the application form.
- Prepare and upload documents — Submit transcripts, a CV or resume, a personal statement on your research interests, and letters of recommendation.
- Complete interviews — Shortlisted candidates attend interviews with the Hertz Fellowship committee; finalists and award recipients are then announced.
Eligibility
CitizenshipMust be a US citizen or permanent resident at the time of application.
Field of studyPhD in the applied physical and biological sciences, engineering or mathematics at an accredited US university.
StageBoth incoming PhD candidates and students in the early stage of doctoral study may apply.
Academic strengthDemonstrated academic excellence, technical proficiency and research creativity.
CommitmentWillingness to make skills available to the United States in times of national emergency and to advance science for the public good.
Strong finalists not selected as Hertz Fellows may still be offered full funding at one of the foundation's 50+ partner universities.
Eligible countries
United States (citizens and permanent residents)
Deadlines
2027 fellowship cohort~31 October 2026 (est.)
Selection
Selection is highly competitive and based on evidence of exceptional intellectual ability, creativity and the potential to make high-impact contributions in science and technology. Applications are screened on academic record, essays and references, after which shortlisted candidates undergo one or more technical interviews with the Hertz committee. Finalists are chosen for the depth of their problem-solving and their commitment to using their work for the public good.
Verified sources
- The Hertz Fellowship - Fannie and John Hertz Foundationhertzfoundation.orgofficial
About the provider
The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation, founded in 1957 and based in Pleasanton, California, is a nonprofit that supports doctoral researchers in the applied sciences, engineering and mathematics, building a multidisciplinary community of innovators advancing US science and technology.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who can apply for the Hertz Fellowship?
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US citizens and permanent residents who are pursuing, or planning to pursue, a PhD in the applied physical and biological sciences, engineering or mathematics at an accredited US university.
What does the fellowship cover?
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It provides a tuition equivalent, an annual personal stipend of around USD 38,000, up to five years of support, mentorship and access to the Hertz Fellows network.
How long does the funding last?
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The fellowship offers up to five years of doctoral funding, giving fellows the freedom to pursue independent research.
Can current graduate students apply?
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Yes. Both incoming PhD candidates and students in the early stage of their doctoral programme are eligible to apply.
When is the application deadline?
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The application typically closes around 31 October 2026 for the following cohort. Confirm the exact date on the official Hertz Foundation site.
Do I need to be a US citizen?
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You must be either a US citizen or a US permanent resident at the time of application; international students without that status are not eligible.
Which fields are supported?
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The fellowship supports the applied physical and biological sciences, engineering and mathematics, including areas such as AI, clean energy and computational biology.
How are finalists selected?
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Applicants are screened on academic record, essays and references, then shortlisted candidates are interviewed by the Hertz Fellowship committee before finalists are chosen.
What happens if I am a finalist but not selected?
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The foundation partners with more than 50 universities, so some strong finalists who are not selected as Hertz Fellows may still receive full funding at a partner institution.
Is there a service commitment?
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Fellows agree to make their skills available to the United States in times of national emergency and to advance science and technology for the public good.
How competitive is the fellowship?
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It is one of the most selective US graduate awards, drawing many more applicants than the small number of fellowships granted each year.
Where do I submit my application?
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Applications are submitted online through the official Hertz Foundation website, where you complete the form and upload supporting documents.