Hertz Fellowship 2027: Up to US$250,000 in PhD Funding
Hertz Fellowship 2027 applications are open until 30 October 2026. This doctoral funding opportunity supports eligible researchers in applied science, mathematics and engineering, with funding beginning in Fall 2027. The official application page confirms the current cycle and deadline.
Read the eligibility conditions before investing time in an application. This is a US-focused fellowship, and admission to a doctoral programme does not automatically establish eligibility or guarantee an award.
In this guide
Table of Contents
Who can apply for the Hertz Fellowship?
Applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents planning full-time, in-person PhD study at a US institution. Eligible fields include applied physical or biological sciences, mathematics and engineering. The usual entry point is first- or second-year doctoral status in Fall 2027.
The eligibility guidance asks candidates to connect their studies with significant, near-term societal challenges. Selection considers scientific understanding, creativity, initiative and the ability to explain ideas, rather than a particular discipline alone.
Standalone professional degrees such as an MBA, JD or MD are not funded. The doctoral research component of an MD/PhD can qualify. Fellows also make a non-binding moral commitment to offer their expertise to the United States during a national emergency; the Foundation explicitly distinguishes this from a contractual obligation.
Hertz Fellowship funding and benefits
The published benefits describe a package worth up to US$250,000. Under the Hertz-only option, support includes a US$38,000 personal stipend for nine months and a full-tuition equivalent, renewable annually for up to five years. Fellows with dependent children may receive an additional US$5,000 annual stipend.
A second option coordinates Hertz support with another fellowship or grant. The Foundation gives an NSF combination as an example, with different stipend arrangements during each funding period. Applicants holding another award should review the applicable terms rather than assume every payment can simply be added together.
The nine-month model leaves summer outside the funded period. Consider how your doctoral programme, research plans and other permitted support would cover those months. The maximum package is an upper limit, not a promise that every fellow receives the same total.
Mentorship and career development
Funding is only one part of the Hertz Fellowship experience. According to the career support programme, fellows are assigned a mentor in their first year and meet annually throughout doctoral training. That relationship provides a setting to discuss longer-term goals and seek advice beyond the immediate research group.
The community also offers career programming, professional connections and access to internship or short-project opportunities. These resources can help researchers explore academic, government, nonprofit and industry pathways. An internship is an opportunity to pursue, rather than a placement guaranteed to every fellow.
Support can continue after graduation. Fellows may request mentoring during transitions such as moving into leadership, changing fields or commercialising an idea. When comparing funding offers, consider the usefulness of this ongoing professional network alongside the financial package.
How to apply and arrange references
- Read the current eligibility and benefits pages linked above.
- Open the official application portal and review each question before drafting.
- Describe your research contributions clearly, distinguishing your own work from a team’s results.
- Ask recommenders early and confirm that they can complete the required form.
- Submit your application by 30 October 2026 and track outstanding references separately.
The recommender instructions set a separate deadline: 2 November 2026 at 6:00 pm Pacific. Naming a recommender triggers an email requesting a reference form. A conventional recommendation letter cannot replace that form.
Reference questions seek concrete examples of creativity, independence and problem-solving. Choose people who know your work well enough to discuss those qualities. Give them the official instructions and a concise reminder of relevant projects; do not write an evaluation for them or suggest claims they cannot substantiate.
Frequently asked questions
Is a separate research proposal required?
No. The official FAQ says the application funds individuals rather than a defined project. You can describe previous research, current work and future interests.
Can applicants outside the normal doctoral stage apply?
Some later-stage applicants may apply, but must explain their circumstances and how funding would make an exceptional difference. Read the detailed FAQ instead of assuming an exception applies.
Must I already attend a participating university?
No. The FAQ permits applications without current enrolment at a participating school. If selected, a fellow can request consideration of another US institution; an agreement is not automatic.
When are interviews and results expected?
First-round interviews take place in December and January, with selected finalists interviewed in person in February 2027. Notification is expected in April, followed by the public announcement in May. Funding begins in Fall 2027.
For other research pathways, explore our fellowship opportunities. Each programme has its own nationality, career-stage and funding conditions.
Official information checked on 14 October 2026. Refer to the Foundation’s current portal for final application instructions.
