The Hertz Fellowship supports the nation’s most promising PhD students in applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics, and engineering. Fellows receive up to five years of financial support and lifelong professional connections to help them tackle society’s most urgent challenges.

Who Can Apply?

• College seniors, first-year graduate students, or those in a gap year preparing to apply to graduate school

• Applicants pursuing a full-time, in-person PhD in the applied sciences, math, or engineering in the U.S.

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents

What is Covered?

• Up to five years of full funding for PhD studies

• Financial support for tuition, fees, and living expenses

• Lifelong membership in a powerful network of Hertz Fellows

Eligibility Criteria

• Must intend to pursue a PhD (not professional degrees such as MD, JD, MBA, etc., except the PhD portion of MD/PhD programs)

• Research focus must aim at solving major, near-term societal problems

• Demonstrated excellence and potential for significant impact in applied sciences, engineering, or mathematics

How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted via the Hertz Foundation’s application portal. Applicants will undergo a rigorous selection process, including essays, recommendations, and interviews.

Deadline
Usually opens in spring and closes in the fall each year (specific 2026 deadline to be confirmed on the Hertz Foundation website).