Hertz Fellowship 2026 – Fully Funded PhD in Applied Sciences, Mathematics & Engineering (USA)

The Hertz Fellowship is one of the most prestigious and generous fellowships in the United States for doctoral students in the applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics, and engineering. Sponsored by the Fannie and John Hertz Foundation, this fellowship supports creative, innovative, and socially committed individuals who are pursuing a full‑time, in‑person PhD at a US institution.

The fellowship provides full tuition coverage, a generous living stipend, and a cost‑of‑education allowance for up to five years. Hertz Fellows are expected to direct their studies toward solving major, near‑term problems facing society.

If you are looking for similar opportunities in the United States, explore fully funded scholarships in USA for international students.

Scholarship Overview

• Fellowship Name: Hertz Fellowship

• Host Country: United States

• Degree Level: PhD (doctoral)

• Eligible Fields: Applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics, engineering

• Eligibility: US citizens or permanent residents

• Application Deadline: Varies (typically late October – early November each year – check official website)

For students seeking other funded programs in North America, check latest scholarships in Canada for all nationalities.

Fellowship Benefits

The Hertz Fellowship provides comprehensive financial support:

• Full tuition and fees for up to five years of doctoral study

• Generous annual living stipend (approximately $38,000 per year)

• Cost‑of‑education allowance paid to the university (approximately $25,000 per year)

• No teaching or research assistant requirements – fellows focus entirely on their research

• Flexibility to change fields or universities during the fellowship period

• Access to a lifelong community of Hertz Fellows, including Nobel laureates, inventors, and entrepreneurs

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Hertz Fellowship, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be a college senior, first‑year graduate student, or in a gap period preparing to apply to graduate school

• Intend to pursue a full‑time, in‑person PhD in the applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics, or engineering at a US institution

• Intend to direct your studies toward understanding and solving major, near‑term problems facing society

• Be a US citizen or permanent resident

Note: The fellowship does not award students pursuing professional degrees other than a PhD (e.g., MD, JD, MBA, DPH, DVM). However, it will support the PhD portion of an MD/PhD program.

Fields of Study

Hertz Fellowships are awarded to graduate students in fields including but not limited to:

• Applied Physics

• Chemistry and Chemical Biology

• Computer Science and Computational Science

• Engineering (all disciplines)

• Materials Science

• Mathematics

• Molecular Biology and Genetics

• Neuroscience

• Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences

• Planetary and Earth Sciences

Applicants must advocate for their specific field and demonstrate how it will be applied to address real‑world challenges with the greatest impact.

Selection Criteria

The Hertz Foundation evaluates applicants based on five key attributes:

• Deep, integrated knowledge – Strong scientific and technical knowledge, ability to articulate ideas clearly

• Creative problem solvers – Ability to bring together expertise and critical thinking from different fields

• Commitment to the greater good – Dedication to solving real‑world problems that impact the nation and the world

• Active leadership – Self‑starters who can build consensus and deliver on ambitious visions

• Lifelong achievers – Track record of success and a desire to grow

Moral Commitment to the United States

Before awarding a fellowship, applicants must make a non‑binding moral commitment to make their skills available to the United States in times of national emergency. This is not a contractual obligation – it is a personal pledge.

Participating Schools (Partial List)

The Hertz Foundation has agreements with over 50 US universities, including:

• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

• Carnegie Mellon University

• Columbia University

• Cornell University

• Duke University

• Georgia Institute of Technology

• Harvard University

• Johns Hopkins University

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

• Princeton University

• Rice University

• Stanford University

• University of California (all major campuses)

• University of Chicago

• University of Michigan

• University of Pennsylvania

• University of Texas at Austin

• University of Washington

• Vanderbilt University

• Yale University

If your school is not on the list, you may ask to have it added.

How to Apply – Step by Step

Step 1: Visit the official Hertz Foundation website at https://www.hertzfoundation.org/fellowship.

Step 2: Review the eligibility criteria and the list of participating schools. Contact the fellowship team at fellowshipinfo@hertzfoundation.org with any questions.

Step 3: Prepare your application materials (typically: CV, transcripts, research proposal, personal statement, and up to five letters of recommendation).

Step 4: Complete the online application. The application typically opens in late summer with a deadline in late October or early November.

Step 5: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for in‑person interviews (typically held in January/February).

Step 6: Fellowship offers are typically announced in late winter/early spring.

For additional financial aid options across North America, explore financial aids for students in North America.

Why Apply for the Hertz Fellowship?

• Prestige – One of the most selective and respected fellowships in the US

• Generous funding – Full tuition + living stipend + education allowance

• No teaching requirements – Focus entirely on your research

• Flexibility – Change fields or universities without losing funding

• Lifelong network – Join a community of over 1,200 Hertz Fellows, including many Nobel laureates and leaders in science and technology

Final Thoughts

The Hertz Fellowship is an extraordinary opportunity for the nation’s most promising graduate students in the applied sciences, mathematics, and engineering. If you are a US citizen or permanent resident with a passion for solving major societal challenges through science and technology, this fellowship can provide the freedom and resources to pursue bold, innovative research. The application deadline typically falls in late October/early November. Start preparing your application early.

For a complete list of open scholarships in North America, visit list of all open scholarships in North America.

Apply Now for Hertz Fellowship