Thiel Fellowship

The Thiel Fellowship, founded by Peter Thiel through the Thiel Foundation in 2010, awards up to 20–30 fellows annually with $200,000 disbursed over two years and access to a global network of mentors, investors, and peers. Eligible applicants are individuals aged 22 or younger working on a concrete project—such as a startup, scientific research, social movement, or creative endeavor—and willing to drop out of or pause formal education to pursue it full-time. The program does not take equity in fellows' ventures. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis without fixed deadlines. Fellows receive guidance, networking opportunities, and support but are based globally and need not relocate to a specific location.

• US$200,000 grant disbursed over two years
• No equity taken in fellows' projects
• Access to a global network of mentors, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs
• Guidance and support for project development and scaling
• Opportunities for introductions to potential partners and funders
• Flexibility to remain based anywhere in the world
• Prestige and visibility through association with the Thiel Foundation

Applicants must be aged 22 or younger at the time of application, have not yet received an undergraduate degree, and must be willing to drop out of or pause college if selected. Candidates should demonstrate meaningful progress on a concrete vision (e.g., startup, research, social initiative) and commitment to work full-time on it. No requirement for a team or prior incorporation, though evidence of traction or progress strengthens the application.