Answer first: UC Berkeley’s Miller Institute is accepting worldwide faculty and research-scientist nominations for exceptional early-career scientists in the basic sciences. The three-year fellowship begins with a US$95,000 annual stipend, a US$10,000 yearly research fund and a total estimated award value of US$378,000.
Funding and benefits
Minimum 3% annual increases; the official approximate three-year stipend range is US$95,000–US$106,000.
Reserved to support the Fellow’s research.
Travel to Berkeley for the Fellow and immediate family, plus up to US$3,000 to transport personal belongings.
Medical, dental, vision, short-term disability and life insurance, plus 24 personal days and 12 sick days annually. Fellows make a small premium contribution.
The Miller Institute estimates the total 2027–2030 value—including stipend, covered benefits, research funding, travel and relocation—at US$378,000. Its page also lists 2026 childcare reimbursement of US$2,700 for qualified dependants; a 2027 amount is not listed.
Who is eligible?
- Exceptional early-career scientists working in the basic sciences.
- The PhD must be received between 1 January 2025 and 31 August 2027.
- Applicants may not have more than two years of postdoctoral experience at other institutions by the proposed fellowship start.
- Anyone previously employed as an assistant, associate or full professor is ineligible.
- A nominee cannot hold a paid or unpaid UC Berkeley position during nomination or the competition cycle, which may continue through February 2027.
- Non-US citizens are eligible if they can obtain appropriate status. New international visitors are expected to use J-1 Scholar status; H-1B sponsorship is not supported.
- The fellowship must begin between 1 July and 1 September 2027; deferral is not permitted.
English-language requirement
The official call says non-US citizens must prove English-language proficiency before an award. It does not list a named test, minimum score or automatic waiver rule on the public fellowship page.
Required nomination and application documents
Stage 1: nomination
- Nominee’s legal name, active email, current institution, mailing address and telephone number.
- PhD institution and awarded/expected PhD month and year.
- A current, fellowship-specific nomination letter on institutional letterhead, uploaded as a PDF.
- Nominator’s professional details. Eligible nominators include department chairs, faculty advisers, professors and research scientists; students, postdocs and candidates cannot nominate.
Stage 2: invited application
- Completed online biographical and, where applicable, visa information.
- One-page PDF research statement describing the proposed Berkeley research, including name and title, with at least 0.5-inch margins and 11-point type.
- CV including education, current position/institution, fellowships, awards, substantial non-student occupations and publications that are published or in press.
- Three reference letters, excluding the nominator.
- At least one proposed eligible full-time UC Berkeley faculty host and a separate host support letter for every selected host department.
- Proof of the PhD before the fellowship begins.
How to apply
- Secure an eligible nominator immediately. The candidate cannot self-nominate or apply directly.
- The nominator opens the official nomination portal and submits the required candidate information and PDF nomination letter before the nomination deadline.
- The Miller Institute reviews the nomination. Eligible nominees normally receive application instructions by email within three business days.
- The invited candidate identifies and contacts at least one eligible UC Berkeley faculty host in each chosen host department.
- The candidate uploads the research statement and CV, enters three references and the proposed host, and completes the online form.
- The candidate checks that all reference and host letters are uploaded by the application deadline, then submits the complete application.
Important dates
| Milestone | Official date |
|---|---|
| Nomination deadline | 10 September 2026, 11:59 p.m. GMT−7 |
| Invited application and all letters | 9 October 2026, 11:59 p.m. GMT−7 |
| Result notifications | Mid-December 2026 to mid-February 2027 |
| Fellowship start window | 1 July–1 September 2027 |
Nomination deadline countdown
A candidate cannot submit this form personally. Share the link with an eligible faculty member, adviser, professor, department chair or research scientist who can nominate you.
Nominate / Apply Now Read Official CallSelection notes
Applicants are evaluated first through potential Berkeley host departments and finally by the Miller Institute Executive Committee. The official criteria emphasize academic achievement, scientific promise, outstanding research, clear communication, a meaningful new direction beyond prior work, interdisciplinary curiosity and participation in the Institute community. The FAQ reports a typical overall success rate of about 4–5%, while the current call says approximately 10–12 fellowships are awarded annually.
Frequently asked questions
Can international researchers be nominated?
Yes. Nominations are accepted from institutions worldwide. Non-US awardees must meet the applicable visa and English-proficiency requirements; the Institute does not support H-1B status.
Can I nominate myself?
No. Direct applications and self-nominations are not accepted. The first submission must come from an eligible nominator.
Is an English test such as IELTS or TOEFL required?
The public call requires non-US citizens to prove English proficiency before award but does not specify IELTS, TOEFL, a minimum score or a waiver policy.
Is there an application fee?
No fee is listed on the official fellowship, FAQ or nomination pages.
Must I already have a PhD?
No. Final-year doctoral candidates may be nominated, but the PhD must be awarded by 31 August 2027 and proof provided before the fellowship starts.
Do I need a Berkeley host?
Yes, at the invited application stage. At least one eligible full-time UC Berkeley faculty host must be named for each selected host department, and a host support letter is required.
Official sources
Related opportunities
- Canada Postdoctoral Research Award 2026
- MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026
- Princeton PIIRS Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027–28
Verification disclaimer: ScholarshipHubNow checked this article against the Miller Institute’s current official fellowship call, FAQ, reference guidance and live nomination portal on 9 September 2026. Requirements can change. The official sources and portal control. Details the official pages do not state—such as an application fee, named English test or minimum score—are reported as “not listed,” not inferred.
