USA Hertz Foundation Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)
The Hertz Foundation Fellowship 2026 is now accepting applications for one of the most prestigious and competitive graduate fellowships in the United States. Offered by the Fannie and John Hertz Foundation, the fellowship supports exceptional doctoral students in applied sciences, engineering, and mathematics who demonstrate outstanding creativity, leadership, and a passion for innovation. The program provides recipients with up to five years of full financial support, professional mentorship, and access to a powerful lifelong network of over 1,300 Hertz Fellows who have shaped some of the most transformative advancements in modern science and technology.
About the Hertz Fellowship
Since its founding in 1957, the Hertz Foundation has been committed to advancing American leadership in science and technology by empowering brilliant young researchers to pursue independent, high-impact work. Hertz Fellows enjoy complete academic freedom to focus on their research without the limitations of traditional funding structures. Beyond financial support, fellows benefit from mentorship, exclusive events, and collaboration opportunities within the vibrant Hertz community. Many fellows have gone on to make remarkable contributions in fields such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, aerospace, computational biology, and national security.
Degree Level
- PhD Fellowship
Available Subjects
- Applied Science
- Engineering
- Mathematics
Benefits
The Hertz Fellowship 2026 offers unparalleled support for graduate students, including:
- Up to five years of funding for PhD study in applied science, engineering, or mathematics.
- Full tuition coverage and a generous personal stipend.
- Professional mentorship and networking with leaders in science and industry.
- Access to the Hertz Fellows Network, a community of researchers and innovators.
- Flexibility to pursue original and independent research ideas.
In addition, the foundation collaborates with over 50 partner universities to ensure smooth award acceptance. Through partnerships with institutions like Case Western Reserve University and Texas A&M University, finalists who are not selected as fellows may still receive full financial support if they enroll at these universities.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to US citizens only.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Must be pursuing or planning to pursue a PhD program in applied science, engineering, or mathematics at an accredited U.S. university.
- Candidates should demonstrate exceptional academic performance, technical proficiency, and creative research potential.
- Applicants are expected to show a commitment to advancing science and technology for the public good.
- Both current graduate students and those entering graduate school in the following academic year are eligible to apply.
- A non-binding moral commitment to make their skills available to the U.S. in times of national emergency is required.
Application Procedure
- Visit the official Hertz Foundation website.
- Complete the online application form before the deadline of October 31, 2025.
- Prepare and upload all required materials, including:
- Academic transcripts
- Resume or CV
- Personal statement outlining research interests and goals
- Letters of recommendation from academic or research mentors
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews with members of the Hertz Fellowship Committee.
- Finalists will be announced in February 2026, and award recipients in May 2026.
About the Hertz Foundation
The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation, based in Pleasanton, California, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing scientific and technological innovation in the United States. For over 60 years, the foundation has nurtured a multidisciplinary community of leaders whose discoveries and inventions continue to shape industries and improve lives worldwide. Through strategic partnerships with leading institutions and organizations—including the Gates Foundation, Breakthrough Energy Discovery, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory—the Hertz Foundation amplifies the global impact of its fellows’ work.
