The USA Hertz Foundation Fellowship 2026 is one of the most competitive and prestigious doctoral fellowships available in the United States. Established by the Fannie and John Hertz Foundation, the fellowship supports exceptional students pursuing PhD studies in applied sciences, engineering, and mathematics.

Designed for future innovators and scientific leaders, the fellowship provides up to five years of comprehensive financial support, allowing recipients to focus on high-impact research without financial constraints. Beyond funding, fellows become part of a distinguished community of more than 1,300 researchers, entrepreneurs, scientists, and innovators who have contributed to groundbreaking advancements across multiple disciplines.

The fellowship encourages independent thinking, scientific excellence, and leadership while helping researchers tackle some of today’s most significant technological and scientific challenges.

Fellowship Overview

Available Study Fields

Applicants may pursue doctoral research in eligible STEM disciplines, including:

Applied Sciences

Research that applies scientific principles to solve practical and industrial challenges.

Engineering

All major engineering disciplines offered by accredited U.S. universities.

Mathematics

Pure and applied mathematics supporting scientific and technological innovation.

Why Choose the Hertz Foundation Fellowship?

Unlike many graduate funding programs that only provide financial assistance, the Hertz Foundation Fellowship invests in long-term scientific leadership.

Selected fellows receive extensive support that extends beyond tuition and living expenses, including professional mentoring, leadership development, and opportunities to collaborate with distinguished scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry experts.

The fellowship is particularly valuable for students interested in conducting independent, high-risk, high-impact research.

Financial Benefits

Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive funding package that includes:

Full Tuition Coverage

The fellowship pays full tuition at participating accredited U.S. universities.

Competitive Living Stipend

Recipients receive a generous personal stipend to cover living expenses throughout their doctoral studies.

Five Years of Financial Support

Eligible fellows can receive funding for up to five years, enabling uninterrupted doctoral research.

Professional Mentorship

Each fellow gains access to experienced mentors from academia, government laboratories, and industry.

Hertz Fellows Network

Members join an influential network of over 1,300 Hertz Fellows working across science, engineering, technology, entrepreneurship, and public service.

Research Independence

The fellowship offers exceptional academic flexibility, allowing researchers to pursue innovative ideas without restrictive funding limitations.

Additional University Funding Opportunities

The Hertz Foundation collaborates with more than 50 leading U.S. universities. Even applicants who reach the finalist stage but are not selected may become eligible for generous financial support from participating institutions.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the USA Hertz Foundation Fellowship 2026, applicants must satisfy the following requirements.

Citizenship Requirements

Applicants must be either:

• U.S. citizens, or
• U.S. permanent residents.

Academic Requirements

Candidates should be:

• Planning to begin a PhD program, or
• Currently enrolled in an eligible doctoral program.

Eligible Fields

Research must be conducted in one of the following areas:

• Applied Sciences
• Engineering
• Mathematics

Academic Excellence

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Outstanding academic achievements
• Strong analytical abilities
• Exceptional technical competence
• Original research potential
• Leadership qualities

Commitment to Scientific Advancement

The fellowship seeks individuals dedicated to advancing science and technology while contributing to the public good and supporting national scientific progress.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents before submitting their application:

Academic Transcripts

Official transcripts from previous institutions.

Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume

An updated resume highlighting education, research experience, publications, internships, and achievements.

Personal Statement

A compelling statement describing:

• Research interests
• Career objectives
• Scientific motivation
• Long-term impact of proposed research

Letters of Recommendation

Strong recommendation letters from professors, supervisors, or research mentors familiar with the applicant’s academic and research abilities.

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply successfully.

Step 1

Visit the official Hertz Foundation application portal.

Step 2

Create an applicant account and complete the online application form.

Step 3

Upload all required supporting documents.

Step 4

Review every section carefully before submission.

Step 5

Submit your application before October 31, 2025.

Step 6

Selected candidates will be invited for interviews conducted by the Hertz Fellowship Committee.

Step 7

Finalists are expected to be announced in February 2026, while fellowship recipients will be confirmed in May 2026.

About the Fannie and John Hertz Foundation

The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Pleasanton, California. Since its establishment in 1957, the foundation has supported exceptional scientists and engineers whose research has contributed to major advances in artificial intelligence, aerospace, biotechnology, clean energy, national security, and computational sciences.

Its fellows have gone on to become leading researchers, entrepreneurs, university professors, and innovators at some of the world’s most respected institutions. The foundation also collaborates with prominent organizations and research institutions to strengthen scientific innovation across the United States.

Important Dates

Is the Hertz Foundation Fellowship Fully Funded?

Yes. The USA Hertz Foundation Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded PhD fellowship. Selected fellows receive full tuition support, a competitive living stipend, professional mentoring, research flexibility, leadership development opportunities, and access to one of the strongest scientific alumni networks in the United States.