TED Fellowship Program: Every year the TED Fellows program selects a new group of extraordinary, multidisciplinary individuals by open application. We look for innovators on the rise in their respective fields who are doing bold, original work.
The application process
Before submitting an application, we encourage you to learn more about the support the TED Fellows program provides and read our tips for applying.
To apply, you’ll submit an application online during our open application cycle. Your written application is the primary means for showcasing your work — tell us what makes your work unique and impactful. Please write clearly for a general audience and assume we know nothing about your field. We only accept applications written in English. We do not accept late submissions.
Once we’ve received your application, we start reading. We read every application, and therefore the selection process takes time. You can expect to hear back from us 8 months after the application closes. All applicants are notified whether or not they have been selected to join the TED Fellows program.
Who is eligible to Apply for TED Fellowship Program
The TED Fellows Program recognizes the folks working on-the-ground on world-changing ideas — the doers, makers, inventors, advocates, filmmakers and photographers, musicians and artists, educators, scientists, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and human rights activists. If you’re at work on a future-shaping idea and over the age of 18, you should apply.
The TED Fellows program is not an academic fellowship and non-traditional educations are welcome.
In addition to impressive accomplishment, fine character and a good heart are also important traits we look for in TED Fellows.
How is Applicants selected?
TED Fellows are selected by the program staff, with extensive reference checking, fact-checking and consultation with experts across all fields.
Your written application is central to our selection process. We read every application and encourage you to read our tips for applying before submitting your application. These tips are a guide to what we’re looking for when we review your application.
Applicants may receive requests for additional information from our team. But unless we reach out to you, we require no further information from you.
Ultimately, there is no algorithm for how we select our TED Fellows. We select Fellows based on their accomplishments in their respective fields, the potential impact of their work and also their character. The ideal applicant is collaborative in their pursuits and in their nature, and is at a moment in their career to maximize the support of the TED community.
Questions? Learn more in our Program FAQ
How to apply
The TED Fellows program is currently accepting applications for the 2025 TED Fellowship. The deadline to submit your application is June 30, 2021 at 11:59pm UTC.
Submission deadline: June 30, 2021 at 11:59pm UTC
Be sure to convert the deadline to your local time. We do not accept late applications.