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Thiel Fellowship

From anywhere · A grant to build your own idea instead of going to college.

Save to my shortlistOfficial website ↗
Apply any time
$250,000spread over two years
0%of your company taken
≤22age, with no university degree
12fellows chosen in 2026

Why students like it

  • $250,000, spread over two years, to build something new. Source ↗
  • It does not take any share of your company. Source ↗
  • Fellows live all over the world; you do not have to move to San Francisco. Source ↗
  • Applications are open all year, with no deadline. Source ↗

Good to know

  • There is no degree or certificate at the end. Source ↗
  • If you are chosen while in college, you must leave college to accept it. Source ↗
  • Only people aged 22 or younger without a university degree can apply. Source ↗
  • Very few are chosen: 12 fellows in 2026 (from the 2026 announcement; the official site does not give a yearly number). Source ↗

How to apply

Apply onlineThe form is open all year, with no deadline.
Apply from schoolYou can apply while you are still at school or college.
Source ↗

Want a degree too?

Doing this does not close the door. You can still apply to universities in India or abroad afterwards. A counsellor can show you which routes stay open and how long each takes.

Compare all skip-college routes →

Sources, checked 04/11/2026: Thiel Fellowship · FAQ · 2026 announcement (Business Wire). EasyApply and Aditya Edu Ventures are not linked to, paid by or endorsed by Thiel Fellowship. Report a mistake.

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