Microsoft Research has opened applications for the Microsoft Research Fellowship 2026, offering funding, academic collaboration, and global research support for PhD students, faculty, and postdocs. Learn eligibility, benefits, funding amounts, and how to apply.
Overview
The Microsoft Research Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications, creating world-class opportunities for academic scholars—PhD students, faculty, and postdoctoral researchers—to collaborate with Microsoft Research on groundbreaking scientific and technological challenges.
The programme connects academia with Microsoft’s global research labs to accelerate scientific discovery, drive innovation, and address real-world problems across disciplines such as AI, engineering, social sciences, natural sciences, cybersecurity, computing, health, and more.
This is a fully funded fellowship with competitive regional stipends and collaboration opportunities across Microsoft Research hubs worldwide.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to scholars located in:
Africa; Australia & New Zealand; Canada; Europe; India; Hong Kong; Japan; South Korea; Singapore; Taiwan; Argentina; Brazil; Chile; Colombia; Mexico; Puerto Rico; United States
Applicants may apply as:
- PhD students
- Faculty (Professor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor)
- Postdoctoral researchers
Eligibility varies depending on the research challenge you select.
Summary Table for the Microsoft Research Fellowship 2026
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Microsoft Research Fellowship 2026 |
| Eligible Applicants | PhD students, faculty, postdocs |
| Eligible Regions | Africa, Europe, USA, India, Canada, LATAM, Asia-Pacific |
| Funding Amount | $17,000 – $47,000 depending on region |
| Funding Type | One-time unrestricted gift to university |
| Fellowship Areas | Open research challenges across disciplines |
| Application Format | Proposal submission via Microsoft Research |
| Fellowship Benefits | Funding, mentorship, collaboration, travel support |
| Start of Funding | March–April 2026 |
| Duration | Varies based on research challenge |
| No Employment Requirement | Not employment; collaboration award only |
Benefits of the Microsoft Research Fellowship
1. Funding Support (Region-Based)
Stipend amounts (USD):
- United States: $47,000
- Canada: $47,000
- Europe: $27,000
- India: $17,000
- Africa: $17,000
- Australia & New Zealand: $17,000
- Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan: $17,000
- Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Puerto Rico: $17,000
This funding may be used for:
- Research activities
- Travel for collaboration with Microsoft Research
- Workshops and academic development
- Student/postdoc support (for faculty applications)
2. Collaboration With Microsoft Research
Fellows engage in:
- Joint workshops
- Virtual sessions
- Regular check-ins
- Hands-on collaboration with Microsoft researchers
- Access to cutting-edge tools, labs, and global expertise
3. Interdisciplinary Research Environment
The programme supports fields such as:
- AI and machine learning
- Computer science
- Engineering
- Social sciences
- Data science
- Health technology
- Planetary sciences
- Ethics and responsible AI
- Natural sciences
- Human-computer interaction
4. Academic Recognition
Fellows and their institutions receive global visibility and opportunities for future collaboration.
Eligibility Requirements
Student Eligibility
- Must be enrolled in a PhD programme
- Must be attending a degree-granting institution in an eligible region
- May apply independently
- Must submit a research proposal aligned with one of the fellowship’s research challenges
Faculty Eligibility
- Must hold a terminal degree (PhD, DSc, or equivalent)
- Must be employed at an eligible university
- Must include a PhD student collaborator in proposal
- Faculty member and student are both named fellows if selected
Postdoc Eligibility
- Must be affiliated with an eligible university
- Must provide proof of advisor or departmental support
- May apply independently
Provisions of the Award
- Funding provided as an unrestricted university gift, not direct payment
- Fellowship includes travel support for in-person collaboration
- Payments transferred in March/April 2026
- Fellows are expected to maintain academic and ethical standards
- No employment relationship is created
How to Apply
Applicants must:
- Select a research challenge
- Prepare a proposal and supporting documents
- Submit through the Microsoft Research portal
- Await review and potential interview stages
(Exact instructions depend on the challenge you select.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Microsoft Research Fellowship open worldwide?
It is open to scholars in specific regions: Africa, Europe, India, Canada, USA, LATAM, and Asia-Pacific listed above.
2. Do applicants need to be computer scientists?
No. The programme supports all research disciplines connected to Microsoft’s open challenges.
3. Can Master’s students apply?
No. Only PhD students, faculty, and postdocs are eligible.
4. How is the funding paid?
Microsoft sends a one-time gift to the applicant’s university, not directly to individuals.
5. Can faculty apply without students?
No. Faculty proposals must include a PhD student collaborator.
6. Is this a job or employment programme?
No. It is a research collaboration award, not employment.
7. Can the stipend be used for travel?
Yes. The award includes travel support for collaboration with Microsoft Research.
Keywords
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