The Hertz Foundation Fellowship 2026 is open for applications. This fellowship offers one of the most prestigious funding opportunities in the United States for graduate students in science engineering math and related fields. The application window closes on October 31 2025.
In this guide I will explain who can apply what benefits you get how to prepare a strong application and key dates you must not miss.
Details About Hertz Foundation Fellowship
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | Hertz Foundation Fellowship 2026 |
| Country | United States |
| Eligible Applicants | US Citizens and Permanent Residents |
| Fields of Study | Applied Sciences Engineering Mathematics Biological Sciences and related fields |
| Application Open Date | August 28 2025 |
| Application Deadline | October 31 2025 |
| Recommender Deadline | November 3 2025 |
| Interview Dates | December 2025 to January 2026 |
| Finalists Announcement | February 2026 |
| Awards Announcement | May 2026 |
| Funding Duration | Up to 5 years |
| Annual Stipend | About 38000 dollars for 9 months + 5000 dollars per year for dependents |
| Additional Benefits | Full tuition coverage mentoring networking flexibility in research |
Important Dates & Timeline
You must remember these dates if you plan to apply for the 2026 cycle
- Application opens August 28 2025
- Application deadline October 31 2025
- Recommender deadline November 3 2025
- Preselection period November 6 to 17 2025
- Round 1 interviews December 12 to 15 2025 January 9 to 10 and January 16 to 17 2026
- Finalists announced February 2026
- Awards announced May 2026
Read More: MOPGA Fellowship 2026 in France Fully Funded Opportunity
Who Is Eligible to Apply
To be eligible for the 2026 Hertz Fellowship you need to meet these conditions
- You must be a US citizen or permanent resident
- You should be a senior undergraduate a first year graduate student or in a gap year preparing for graduate school
- Your intended graduate work should be in applied physical or biological sciences engineering mathematics or related fields
- You must show exceptional creativity technical skill and a drive to use science or engineering for society
- You must be willing to make your skills available to the US in times of national emergency
Benefits of the Fellowship
The Hertz Fellowship is one of the most rewarding graduate fellowships in the United States. Key benefits include
- Funding for up to five years covering tuition and stipend
- Stipend of around 38000 dollars for nine months
- Extra 5000 dollars per year if you have dependent children
- Professional mentoring and networking with leading experts
- Flexibility in research direction allowing freedom to explore bold ideas
- Partner university opportunities for finalists not selected as fellows
What Goes Into the Application
The application process has several parts
Application Form
You provide personal details academic history and research plans
Essays and Personal Statement
You write essays that show your vision creativity and motivation
Transcripts
You must submit your academic transcripts
Test Scores
GRE scores may be optional but can strengthen your application
Recommendations
You must have four recommenders submit their forms by November 3 2025
Research Proposal
A clear technical description of your research ideas and expected impact
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Follow these steps to make your application stronger
- Start early and prepare in advance
- Select strong recommenders who know your work
- Write a story driven essay that connects your goals and background
- Be ambitious but realistic in your research proposal
- Show independence and creativity in your thinking
- Proofread carefully to avoid mistakes
- Attend information sessions for guidance
What Happens After You Apply
Once you submit your application
- You go through a preselection round in November
- If selected you attend interviews in December or January
- Finalists are announced in February 2026
- Winners are announced in May 2026
- Finalists not selected may still get support from partner universities
Common Questions
- Can international students apply No only US citizens or permanent residents
- Is GRE required Not always but good scores can help
- Can I change research topics later Yes as long as it stays in eligible fields
- Do I need to repay No but fellows commit their skills to serve the US in emergencies
- What if a recommender misses the deadline That can disqualify your application
Conclusion
The Hertz Foundation Fellowship 2026 is a life changing chance for young scientists and engineers who want to create real impact. It offers long term funding mentorship and the freedom to pursue bold research.
If you are eligible start preparing now. Focus on strong essays and secure recommenders. Submit your application by October 31 2025 and references by November 3 2025. Success requires effort but the rewards are worth it.
