Enrico Fermi Fellowships 2025/2026 for Graduate Students

Applications are now open for the second cohort of the Enrico Fermi Fellowships, a prestigious opportunity for exceptional graduate students worldwide to advance fundamental science by bridging theoretical and experimental research. This fully funded fellowship, supported by the John Templeton Foundation and managed by the Center for SpaceTime and the Quantum, targets Ph.D. students in fields like Fundamental Physics, Astronomy, Cosmology, Quantum Foundations, and Complexity & Emergence.

The deadline to apply is October 19, 2025, at 23:59 CET (Marseille time). Open to top global students, the program requires no application fee and provides generous financial support, up to EUR 105K per year, to enrich Ph.D. research through cross-disciplinary training. Fellows work under two supervisors, one theoretical, one experimental and are affiliated with a supporting institution.

For more PhD opportunities, click here.

Key Details

• Fields of Study: Fundamental Physics, Astronomy, Cosmology, Quantum Foundations, Complexity & Emergence (e.g., Quantum Optics, Quantum Gravity, Topological Photonics, Complex Systems).
• Funding: Fully funded, up to EUR 105K per year (EUR 75K/year for salary and education costs, up to 10% for travel, conferences, relocation, and visa expenses)
• Application Deadline: October 19, 2025, at 23:59 CET (Marseille time).
• Fellowship Duration: Up to 2 years (longer projects considered exceptionally).
• Start Date: Between April 2026 and January 2027.
• Application Fee: None.
• Number of Awards: 5–10 fellowships expected for the second cohort.
• Nationality: No restrictions

See also: 15 Fully Funded PhD and Postdoctoral Opportunities at the University of Tübingen Germany

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility Requirements

To apply, you must:

• Propose a research project in fundamental science bridging theory and experiment.
• Secure two supervisors (one theoretical, one experimental).
• Have an institution committed to administrative support.
• Be an exceptional Ph.D. student aiming to enrich your graduate experience (Postdocs are not eligible)

Note: Enrico Fermi Fellowships do not provide a degree or have their own graduate program. They are intended to support your project in a hosting institution where you are enrolled in a graduate program.

Priority Research Areas

Examples of target fields include:

• Quantum Optics for Quantum Mechanics questions.
• Tabletop tests for Quantum Gravity (e.g., condensates, optomechanics).
• Solid-State Physics linking Quantum Information and Quantum Gravity.
• Topological Photonics.
• Quantum Computing for fundamental physics simulations.
• Quantum Gravity signatures in gravitational waves or cosmology.
• Complex systems, consciousness, intelligence, or origin of life.

Fields with abundant funding or minimal theory-experiment separation are lower priority.

Funding Details

The fellowship provides up to EUR 105K per year, allocated as follows:

• Student’s Salary and Education Costs: Up to EUR 75K per year for salary support, tuition, tuition waivers, and fees.
• Travel and Related Expenses: Up to 10% of the annual budget (EUR 10.5K) for travel, conferences, relocation, and visa expenses.

Funds are disbursed to the affiliated institution, not directly to the fellow.

Also see: 33 Fully Funded PhD Positions at Eindhoven University of Technology

How to Apply

Applications are only accepted online by completing the dedicated form. Be sure to submit a complete application and visit FAQ page and Application Guidelines for clarification about the application process.