Bergel Institute — Fellowships
Fellowship Overview
A year of intensive study and project development for individuals of all ages — supported by a $30,000 stipend, mentorship, and two paid Institute visits.
About the Fellowship
The Bergel Institute offers Fellowships to individuals of all ages who wish to spend a year in intensive study and project development in a subject area that aligns with the advancement of human knowledge and the human condition. Applicants do not have to be enrolled in or associated with a school or academic program of any kind.
Fellowship subject matter must fall within one of six major areas: Economics, Science, Technology, Consciousness, Health, or Culture. Each year, the Institute will list specific fellowship topics within these areas. Applicants may pick one or propose a different topic, as long as it aligns with the Institute's goals.
Fellowships run from June to May and are primarily virtual, with two paid Institute visits to the home office in Florida as the only in-person expectations during the Fellowship year. Fellows are expected to work approximately 20 hours per week and to bring a strong intrinsic motivation for the project.
The Fellowship is also intended to function as an incubator, providing time, guidance, and structure for work that continues beyond the Fellowship year. Upon completion, all Fellows are required to serve as mentors for future Fellows.
Key Details
Stipend
$30,000
Duration
June – May (12 months)
Time Commitment
~20 hours/week (~1,000 hours total)
Format
Primarily virtual, with 2 required in-person visits
In-Person Meetings
August 21, 2026 and May 21, 2027 — Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Travel
Travel and lodging for both meetings covered by the Institute
Eligibility
Open to all ages, worldwide — no academic affiliation required
Applications Close
February 28, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Fellows should plan to commit approximately 1,000 hours across the Fellowship year (roughly 20 hours per week). This is designed to support steady progress with clear milestones over the full Fellowship cycle.
It is primarily virtual, but there are two required in-person Institute meetings during the year.
Yes. You can apply from and live anywhere in the world and still be considered for a Bergel Fellowship.
If you are selected and traveling from outside the United States, you are responsible for obtaining any required visa or travel authorization. The Fellowship is primarily virtual, but attendance at the in-person Institute meetings is required, so please consider your ability to travel before applying.
No. Applicants do not need to be enrolled in or associated with any academic program, nor do they have to have a degree of any kind. We are just as interested in your experience and ability to carry out the project you propose.
Yes. You may choose one of the listed sample topics or propose your own, as long as it fits one of the six areas of focus and aligns with the Institute's goals.
Yes. If you are interested in more than one Fellowship, please submit a complete, full application for each Fellowship for which you want to be considered. Each application should be tailored to one specific Fellowship topic.