The Bergel Institute Fellowship is a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about advancing human knowledge and improving the human condition. Applications for the 2026–2027 cycle close on February 28, 2026. This fellowship welcomes applicants from all countries and backgrounds, regardless of academic affiliation or age. Fellows will spend a year engaged in intensive study and project development in one of six focus areas: Economics, Science, Technology, Consciousness, Health, or Culture.
The program runs primarily online, but fellows must attend two in-person meetings at the Institute’s Florida office. Importantly, the Institute covers travel and lodging for these visits. Fellows receive a $30,000 stipend for the year and are expected to dedicate about 20 hours per week to their projects.
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Key Details:
Application Deadline: February 28, 2026
Eligible Countries: All countries
Program Duration: June 2026 – May 2027
Program Location: Primarily virtual; two required visits to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA
Funding/Benefits: $30,000 stipend, travel and lodging for required meetings
Award Provider: Bergel Institute
About this Program
The Bergel Institute Fellowship supports individuals who want to spend a year developing a project or conducting research that fits within the Institute’s mission. You do not need to be enrolled in any academic program. The fellowship encourages both independent thinkers and those currently in undergraduate or graduate programs to apply. Each year, the Institute lists specific fellowship topics, but you may also propose your own as long as it aligns with one of the six focus areas.
Fellows work closely with Institute staff, participate in monthly meetings, and submit quarterly progress reports. The fellowship acts as an incubator, providing guidance and structure for projects that may continue after the fellowship year. At the end of the program, fellows present their work and future plans to the Institute’s leadership.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to individuals of all ages and nationalities.
- No academic degree or institutional affiliation required.
- Applicants may be enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs anywhere in the world.
- Project topic must fit within Economics, Science, Technology, Consciousness, Health, or Culture.
- Applicants must be able to travel to the U.S. for two required meetings (visa/travel authorization is the applicant’s responsibility).
- Applicants must not use AI to write application responses.
What Fellows Receive: $30,000 stipend, mentorship, support from Institute staff, travel and lodging for two required meetings, and the opportunity to mentor future fellows.
Program Components:
- Year-long project or research in one of six focus areas.
- Monthly virtual meetings and quarterly progress reports.
- Two in-person presentations in Florida (August and May).
- Final deliverables may include manuscripts, business launches, video series, documentaries, or datasets.
- Post-fellowship mentorship role for future fellows.
How to Apply
- Visit the official Bergel Institute Fellowship page to download the application form.
- Prepare your application, ensuring your responses reflect your own analysis and writing.
- Choose a listed fellowship topic or propose your own within the six focus areas.
- Submit your completed application by February 28, 2026.
- If applying to more than one topic, submit a separate application for each.
For further details and to access the application form, 👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
