Are you a researcher, innovator, or PhD student working at the forefront of emerging technologies? Do you want to accelerate your academic or research career while collaborating with some of the world’s leading scientists and engineers? If yes, then the Microsoft Research Fellowship 2025–2026 is an opportunity you cannot afford to miss.
Microsoft Research—a global leader in AI innovation, scientific discovery, and computational breakthroughs—is once again offering its prestigious Fellowship to support the next generation of researchers who are shaping the future of technology and society.
This fellowship is designed to empower outstanding PhD candidates and early-career researchers who are pushing boundaries in fields that will define the next decade of global innovation.
- Call for proposals: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
- Proposal submission deadline: Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET
- Proposal notifications sent by: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Who Should Apply?
This fellowship is ideal for researchers working in cutting-edge areas such as:
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Data Science, Analytics & Computational Modeling
- Robotics & Human-AI Interaction
- Clean Energy, Climate Science & Sustainability Research
- Societal Impact, Ethics & Responsible AI
- Computer Vision, Security & Systems Research
- Health Tech, Bioinformatics & Scientific Computing
If your research has the potential to advance technology, address global problems, or contribute to meaningful scientific progress, this fellowship offers the resources and recognition to take your work to the next level.
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Fellowship Benefits
Microsoft Research Fellows receive a wide range of professional, academic, and financial support, including:
Funding Support
Depending on your region, you will receive USD $17,000–$47,000 to support your research, academic expenses, conference attendance, and project development.
Access to Microsoft Research Labs
Work alongside globally recognized researchers, engineers, and scientists across Microsoft’s world-class research ecosystem.
Mentorship from Leading Experts
Receive guidance from Microsoft’s interdisciplinary research teams, helping you refine your ideas, strengthen your research outputs, and grow your technical excellence.
Join a Global Network of Innovators
Become part of an elite community of researchers from institutions worldwide—collaborating, sharing insights, and shaping the next generation of technological breakthroughs.
Visibility & Prestige
Being selected as a Microsoft Research Fellow significantly boosts your academic profile, enhances your publication opportunities, and opens doors to industry and academic partnerships.
A Truly Global Opportunity
Unlike many fellowship programs limited to specific regions, the Microsoft Research Fellowship welcomes applicants from across the globe, including:
- Africa
- Europe
- United States
- Asia-Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East
- And other research-active regions
This global reach ensures diverse scientific perspectives, equitable access to opportunity, and a richer research community.
Why You Should Apply
This fellowship is more than funding—it is an opportunity to gain recognition, credibility, and access to some of the most advanced research networks in the world. Whether your goal is to publish groundbreaking work, launch a research-driven startup, or transition into a high-impact academic or industry career, the Microsoft Research Fellowship can be a powerful catalyst.
If you believe your research has the potential to change the world, now is the time to take the leap.
How to apply
Please carefully review and consider the below as it relates to the proposal process for the program.
All proposals should be submitted via the submission portal (below). Proposals will not be accepted by email.