About the program
Why should I apply to be a Fellow and what are the program benefits?
The TED Fellowship program has the ability to slingshot your career forward. As a Fellow, you will be introduced to a powerful network of innovators that can be future collaborators. By attending and speaking at the TED Conference, you not only have the ability to spread your message far and wide, but you will also meet people who may be able to help your career. Aside from the conference, Fellows have access to personal mentorship opportunities and speaker coaching following conference participation.
The TED Fellows program is looking for people who have 'demonstrated remarkable accomplishment'. What do you mean?
We're looking for makers and doers, not talkers. Wow us with the organizations you’ve started, causes you’ve fought for, research you’ve done, art you’ve created. Actions speak louder than words.
How long does the Fellowship last?
Technically, the Fellowship is a one-year commitment that is centered around a TED Conference. However, we like to say “once a Fellow, always a Fellow” so as long as you are willing to be a part of our community you can be!
What is the Senior Fellows program? How do I become a Senior Fellow?
The word "senior" has nothing to do with age. The Senior Fellows program is an extended two-year Fellowship program. Fellows who have completed the terms of their fellowship may apply to be a TED Senior Fellow. Every year, all the TED Fellows from all the previous years who have applied for the Senior Fellows program will be pooled; 10 from among all of these will be selected to be Senior Fellows. Benefits include: participation in four additional Senior Fellows-focused pre-conferences, attendance to four additional TED events, and potentially the opportunity to deliver a TED Talk on the Fellows stage, TED University or main TED stage.
What do Fellows actually do once they get to the TED Conference?
Fellows will have worked with the team in the months leading up to the conference on a four-minute talk. Once they arrive at the preconference, they will meet the other Fellows, participate in skill-building workshops, and attend talk rehearsals. When the main conference begins, they will deliver their talk on stage and it will be filmed and considered for TED.com. After the talks, Fellows will participate in the conference as a regular attendee. They can watch all other talk sessions, speak with other TED attendees, and meet new collaborators and friends.
Selection process
What is the selection timeline?
Once you apply to be a Fellow, the team rigorously reviews your application. We read every application and therefore the review process takes time. From each applicant pool, we accept 20 Fellows to attend each conference. Therefore, the wait time between when you submitted your application and when you hear back about the results can be a few months. All applicants are notified whether or not they have been chosen for the TED Fellows program.
Do you offer application deadline extensions?
No, we do not. If we accepted one late application, we would have to accept all of them which means the applications would never stop! We are very firm about this deadline. Please make sure you carefully check the time difference if you are not in the U.T.C time zone.
How do I choose my references?
Choose people who know you well and can speak to your passion, dedication and drive. Big names or famous people will not make your application stronger as our goal is to get to know you and your work better, not to speak to a celebrity. We strongly encourage you to avoid using family members as references, unless you run a business together.
Make sure that you check with your references before listing them on your application, as well as provide us with correct contact information. We reserve the right to contact them at any point during the application process, and their failure to respond may weaken your application.
If I have applied in the past but didn’t receive a Fellowship, can I apply again?
Absolutely! We encourage you to persevere. There are many reasons you may not have been selected in the past but could be a great fit for the next class.
I don’t think I have the slightest chance, should I still apply?
If you are interested in being a TED Fellow – apply! In fact, many of our past Fellows never would have imagined receiving a Fellowship in their wildest dreams. Let us be the judge!
