The Hertz Fellowship 2026, offered by the Hertz Foundation, is one of the most prestigious and competitive fellowships in the United States. It is designed for highly talented students pursuing a PhD in applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics, or engineering. With a funding package valued at up to $250,000, this fellowship provides not only generous financial support but also professional development, networking, and recognition opportunities.

The fellowship enables students to study at over 50 leading U.S. universities that are part of the Hertz network, ensuring access to cutting-edge research and innovation. For aspiring PhD candidates who want to make a significant impact in science, technology, and society, the Hertz Fellowship represents a life-changing opportunity.

About the Hertz Foundation

Founded in 1957, the Hertz Foundation is dedicated to supporting exceptionally talented young scientists and innovators. Its mission is to foster breakthroughs that address society’s most pressing challenges through bold ideas, strong leadership, and groundbreaking research. Hertz Fellows have gone on to become Nobel Prize winners, entrepreneurs, policy leaders, and academic pioneers.

The Foundation has long-standing agreements with over 50 universities across the U.S., allowing fellows to quickly and seamlessly enroll while benefiting from full financial coverage and access to world-class facilities. You can view the full list of participating schools here.

Hertz Fellowship 2026 Overview

Feature	Details
Fellowship Name	Hertz Fellowship 2026
Host Organization	Hertz Foundation
Study Level	PhD
Eligible Fields	Applied Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering
Eligibility	U.S. citizens or permanent residents, college seniors, first-year graduate students, or those in a gap year applying for graduate school
Duration	Up to 5 years
Funding Value	Up to $250,000
Application Opens	August 28, 2025
Deadline	October 31, 2025
Result Announcement	May 2026

Scholarship Benefits

The Hertz Fellowship offers one of the most comprehensive funding packages for PhD students in the U.S.:

• Fellowship valued at up to $250,000
• Choice of two funding models:
  • Option 1 – Full Hertz Support: $38,000 annual stipend, full tuition coverage, renewable up to 5 years
  • Option 2 – Joint Funding Model: Coordination with other fellowships (e.g., NSF) for maximum financial benefit, stipend up to $44,000/year
• $5,000/year stipend for fellows with dependent children
• Full tuition equivalent at participating universities
• Access to internships, professional development, and leadership opportunities
• Lifetime membership in the Hertz Fellows community, with strong networking support
• Awards and recognition for research, innovation, and leadership achievements

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Be college seniors, first-year graduate students, or on a gap year before starting graduate school
• Intend to pursue a full-time, in-person PhD in applied physical sciences, biological sciences, mathematics, or engineering at a U.S. institution
• Be committed to addressing real-world challenges through research and innovation
• Professional degrees (MD, JD, MBA, DVM, etc.) are not eligible, though the PhD portion of an MD/PhD may be supported

Application Process (Step by Step)

1. Check Eligibility
   Ensure you meet citizenship, academic, and program requirements.
2. Prepare Required Documents
   • Updated CV
   • Academic transcripts
   • Research and career statement
   • Letters of recommendation
3. Register Online
   Create an account on the Hertz Fellowship application portal.
4. Submit References
   All reference letters must be submitted by November 3, 2025.
5. Application Preselection
   Initial review between November 6–17, 2025.
6. Interviews
   • Round 1: December 2025 – January 2026
   • Round 2: February 2026
7. Final Notification
   • Fellowship recipients notified in April 2026
   • Official announcement in May 2026

Comparison with Similar Fellowships

Fellowship	Host	Fields	Funding Value	Duration	Eligibility
Hertz Fellowship	Hertz Foundation	Physical & Biological Sciences, Math, Engineering	Up to $250,000	Up to 5 years	U.S. citizens or permanent residents
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship	National Science Foundation	STEM	$159,000 (3 years)	3 years	U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents
NDSEG Fellowship	U.S. Department of Defense	STEM	$124,800 + tuition	3 years	U.S. citizens
DOE Computational Science Fellowship	U.S. Department of Energy	Computational Sciences	Full tuition + $45,000 stipend/year	4 years	U.S. citizens or permanent residents

FAQs About Hertz Fellowship 2026

1. What is the deadline for the Hertz Fellowship 2026?
   The deadline is October 31, 2025.
2. Who can apply for the Hertz Foundation fellowship?
   U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are college seniors, first-year graduate students, or in a gap year.
3. What fields of study are supported?
   Applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics, and engineering.
4. Can MD/PhD students apply?
   Yes, but only the PhD portion is funded.
5. How much is the fellowship worth?
   Up to $250,000, depending on the funding option.
6. How long does the fellowship last?
   It is renewable annually for up to 5 years.
7. Which universities are eligible for Hertz Foundation fellowship?
   The Hertz Fellowship covers over 50 participating U.S. universities. See the full list here.
8. Are international students eligible?
   No, only U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
9. Does the fellowship include professional development?
   Yes, it provides leadership training, networking, internships, and recognition awards.
10. When will I get the results?
    Final recipients will be notified in April 2026, with the official announcement in May 2026.

Important Notes

• Only complete applications with all required documents will be considered.
• Applicants should highlight how their research addresses real-world societal challenges.
• The selection process is highly competitive, so strong academic records and leadership potential are crucial.

The Hertz Fellowship is more than financial aid—it is an investment in future innovators and leaders. If you are passionate about research that solves pressing global problems, don’t miss this chance to apply for the Hertz Fellowship 2026. APPLY NOW.

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