Deadline: December 2, 2025
The Microsoft Research Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious global academic program designed to foster collaboration between outstanding scholars and Microsoft Research. This fellowship supports faculty, PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers who are working on open research challenges that drive innovation, advance scientific understanding, and deliver societal impact.
The fellowship is part of Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to building a diverse and inclusive research community across regions — empowering academics to explore groundbreaking ideas while benefiting from direct collaboration with Microsoft’s world-class research teams.
The Microsoft Research Fellowship 2026 is open to eligible researchers from multiple regions around the world and provides unrestricted funding to advance their research efforts.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to faculty members, PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers who are actively engaged in research at accredited academic institutions in the following regions:
- Africa
- Australia & New Zealand
- Canada
- Europe
- India
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Taiwan
- Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the United States
Specific Requirements
- PhD Students: Must be currently pursuing a PhD at an accredited institution in one of the eligible regions.
- Faculty Members: Must hold a terminal degree (such as a PhD) and, if successful, identify a student collaborator.
- Postdoctoral Researchers: Must apply with endorsement from a faculty advisor or department chair.
Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, innovative research ideas, and the potential to contribute significantly to their field through collaboration with Microsoft Research.
Fellowship Award & Benefits
The Microsoft Research Fellowship 2026 provides generous, region-specific financial support, awarded as an unrestricted gift to the recipient’s institution.
Funding Amounts by Region
- Africa: USD 17,000
- United States: USD 47,000
- Other regions: Vary based on location and institutional norms
Awards are typically disbursed to the recipient’s academic institution in March or April of the following year.
In addition to funding, selected fellows may receive:
- Opportunities to collaborate directly with Microsoft Research teams.
- Travel support for visits to Microsoft Research labs or participation in academic events.
- Access to a network of global researchers, mentors, and industry leaders.
Research Focus Areas
The fellowship encourages exploration in open research challenges that align with Microsoft’s strategic research priorities. Examples include (but are not limited to):
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
- Computer Vision and Video Processing
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
- Cloud and Edge Computing
- Data Science and Analytics
- Graphics, Multimedia, and Visualization
- Accessibility, Ethics, and Responsible AI
Researchers are encouraged to propose projects that push the boundaries of knowledge and deliver societal benefit through technology.
Why You Should Apply
The Microsoft Research Fellowship 2026 offers more than funding — it provides a platform for impact and visibility in the global research ecosystem.
- Collaborate with leading researchers at Microsoft Research.
- Advance your academic career through exposure, mentorship, and international recognition.
- Build interdisciplinary partnerships that translate research into real-world solutions.
- Promote diversity and inclusion in global research communities.
Microsoft emphasizes that applicants should “come as they are and do what they love,” making the fellowship inclusive and accessible to scholars from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
Pro Tips for a Strong Application
- Align your proposal with Microsoft’s research themes and demonstrate how your work advances innovation.
- Highlight collaboration potential with Microsoft Research scientists or teams.
- Showcase your unique expertise, especially if you bridge academic theory with real-world industry practice.
- Clearly articulate your research objectives, expected impact, and how the fellowship will enable you to achieve them.
- Ensure institutional eligibility and secure endorsement from a supervisor or department chair, where applicable.
Application Timeline
- Application Deadline: Check the Microsoft Research website for the current regional deadline.
- Notification of Results: Typically announced within a few months after submission.
- Funding Disbursement: March–April of the following year.
Application Links
Ready to take your research to the next level?
👉 Apply for the Microsoft Research Fellowship 2026
👉 Read more about the Microsoft Research Fellowship
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