TED Fellows Program

TED Fellows program applications are open for the TED conference in Vancouver, BC, for extraordinary multidisciplinary individuals from all disciplines with a demonstrated track record of excellent work in their field.
Applicants 18 years old and above from all nations are encouraged to apply for the 20 selected fellows for each TED Conference. They will get the TED Talk opportunity, mentorship, coaching, and other benefits and services.
Each year the TED Conference program invites applications, preferably from scientists, entrepreneurs, NGO heads, human rights activists, advocates, filmmakers, photographers, musicians and artists who are makers, doers, and inventors in their area of profession.

Note: TED Fellows program application for 2023 still needs to be updated. However, the expected date for 2023 will be declared soon.

Table of Contents

• TED Fellows Program Eligibility Criteria
• TED Fellows Program Benefits and Values
• Application Process and Requirements
• TED Fellows Program Selection Process
• TED Fellows Program Application Cycle
• TED Fellows Program Terms and Conditions
• TED Fellows Program Contact Details

Eligibility Criteria for the TED Fellows Program

Every year TED Conference program select individuals for the TED Talk from various disciplines who are doing original and bold work in their respective fields:

• Multidisciplinary individuals with fluency in the English language are always encouraged to apply for the fellow program.

1. Since the TED Conference is conducted in English, proficiency in the same language is a requirement but it is not mandatory to be a native English speaker.

• An applicant must be at least 18 year old to apply for the TED program.
• An individual should possess an idea that is worth spreading. 

Benefits and Values of TED Fellows Program

Selected fellows will be granted with various benefits and services as follows:

• TED Talk opportunity on the TED mainstage.
• Fellows will get speaker training and career coaching.
• Selected individuals will be provided with public relations guidance, mentorship, and professional development.
• Opportunity to participate in the global TED Conference in Vancouver.
• The TED fellow program is a platform for individuals to be a part of a collaborative and diverse community with more than 450 outstanding thought leaders.
• TED will sponsor the round-trip economy fair to all fellows.
• Letter of invitation for the visa purpose and visa application fee.
• TED participants will be granted with ground transportation fares to and from the TED Conference.
• Fellows can benefit meals and shared accommodation on site.

Note: TED Fellow program aids skill-building workshops, talk rehearsals, and other services.

Application Process and Requirements for TED Fellows Program 

The general requirements and process of application are as follows:

• Eligible individuals can apply for the fellow program on the ‘Apply to be a TED Fellow’ portal between the applications opening and closing dates of each year.  
• A completed online application consists of things such as.
• General biographical information about the applicant.
• An idea that is worthy enough to spread. 
• A short essay about the individual’s work on the respective discipline.
• Provide three references with valid contact information.
• For references choose people who know the applicant very well but it should not be partners or family members unless both work together professionally.

Note: Provide valid information about references. The TED fellow trust may contact them any time during the application process and their failure in response may weaken the application.

TED Fellows Program Selection Process

As the trust scrutinize each application in detail, it will take six to seven months for TED feedback from the date of application submission:

1. There is no general protocol or criteria for the selection of TED fellows.
2.  Fellows have been selected based on their accomplishments in respective fields, the impact of work and also the character as an individual.
3. The program staff is responsible for the selection of TED fellows. Extensive reference, consultation with experts are the tools used in the selection process.
4. Shortlisting is made by groups as a whole, not by individuals.
5. From each applicant pool, 20 fellows shall be selected to attend the conference.

Note: All applicants shall be notified whether he or she is selected to join the TED program or not. 

TED Fellows Program Application Cycle

• Last date of application: To be announced

Note: Applicants are requested to note that the application deadline is at 11.59 pm UTC (Coordinated Universal Time).

General Terms and Conditions of TED Fellows Program

The terms and conditions to be followed to be shortlisted:

• Once a Fellow is selected he or she can engage with the TED fellows community as long as they want.
• Only individuals are encouraged to apply for the TED fellows program no application of a group allowed.
• No changes can be made once the application is submitted.
• TED program cannot be responsible if a candidate’s visa is denied. 
• Previous applicants who didn’t receive a fellowship can apply for the current program.
• The non-discrimination policy of TED believes in providing equal opportunity to individuals irrespective race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran, refugee status, ancestry, national or ethnic origin.

Contact Details

Email ID - support@ted.com.

For more details, visit our Scholarships 2023 Directory.