Updated 3 October 2026. The 2027 Hertz Fellowship supports eligible US citizens and permanent residents pursuing research PhDs. Applications close on 30 October 2026.
Overview
The Hertz Foundation is accepting applications for its 2027 fellowship, supporting researchers in applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics and engineering.
About the Fellowship
The award backs individual researchers and their development. Applicants can explain their research experience and future interests; the application does not require a fixed research-project proposal.
Benefits
Support can extend to five years, with a total value of up to US$250,000. Benefits include stipend and tuition support, mentoring and access to a scientific community. Funding for successful 2027 fellows begins in autumn 2027.
Eligibility
Candidates must be US citizens or permanent residents pursuing a full-time, in-person research PhD at a US institution in an eligible field. The normal application window covers prospective and early-stage doctoral students who will be in their first or second PhD year in autumn 2027. Confirm your expected PhD year for autumn 2027 before applying.
Application Process
Start with the official application page, then review the eligibility criteria and application FAQ. Selection includes interviews for candidates who advance.
Required Documents
Prepare the requested essays, transcripts and details of four recommenders. Recommenders complete the Foundation’s evaluation form. Unofficial transcripts are accepted initially; GRE scores are optional.
Deadline
The application closes on 30 October 2026. The separate recommender deadline is 2 November 2026 at 6 p.m. Pacific time.
Summary Table
| Study location | United States |
|---|---|
| Level | Research PhD |
| Citizenship | US citizen or permanent resident |
| Award | Up to five years of support |
Preparing a strong application
Our practical advice is to select one research experience that shows how you think. Explain the question, your method, the evidence you collected and the conclusion you could reasonably support. Separate your own contribution from the wider team’s work. If the outcome was unexpected, explain how it changed your next decision.
Keep a checklist for transcripts, essays and reference requests. Give each recommender your current CV and a short reminder of the work you completed together. Check the portal for outstanding items before the deadline; submitting your own form does not automatically complete a reference request.
Final checks
Ask recommenders early and give them enough context to describe your scientific judgement and creativity. In your essays, show how you approach an unfamiliar problem and what you learned from a result that challenged your expectations.
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