Microsoft is opening applications for its prestigious Microsoft Research Fellowship 2026, a global program designed to support exceptional PhD students working on cutting-edge research. For African researchers, this year’s fellowship comes with a $17,000 USD stipend, including travel funding to collaborate with Microsoft Research labs — an incredible opportunity for young scholars pushing the boundaries of science, engineering, computing, and artificial intelligence.
With competitions for research funding growing tighter across Africa, the Microsoft Research Fellowship stands out as a life-changing gateway into world-class innovation, mentorship, and global collaboration.
If you’re a PhD student working on impactful research, this is one opportunity you cannot afford to miss.
Benefits
Selected Microsoft Research Fellows will receive:
- $17,000 USD stipend for African recipients
- Fully-funded travel support to Microsoft Research labs for collaboration
- Access to world-class researchers and mentors at Microsoft
- Opportunities for research partnerships, publication support, and academic visibility
- Exposure to cutting-edge advancements in AI, computer science, engineering, and emerging technologies
- Network expansion across global research ecosystems
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be PhD students enrolled at an accredited university
- Have research aligned with the areas supported by Microsoft Research (AI, Machine Learning, Systems, HCI, Health, Computing, etc.)
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and an impactful research trajectory
- Be able to participate in collaborations with Microsoft researchers
- Submit all required documentation before the deadline
What Microsoft Is Looking For
Microsoft Research is particularly interested in fellows working on:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Responsible & Ethical AI
- Systems and Networking
- Computational Social Science
- Data Science and Engineering
- Health and Biomedical Research
- Security, Privacy, and Trust
- Human-Computer Interaction
Research with strong societal impact, innovation potential, or real-world applicability has an advantage.
Program Timeline
- Application Window: Open now
- Fellowship Year: 2026 cycle
- Travel Collaborations: Throughout the fellowship period
- Funding Distribution: Upon selection and verification
Why It Matters
For students based in Africa, access to global research funding, labs, and mentorship remains extremely limited. The Microsoft Research Fellowship bridges this gap by providing direct support to promising PhD students and enabling them to collaborate with one of the world’s most advanced research teams.
This is an opportunity that not only boosts academic careers but also elevates African innovation on the global stage.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the official portal below:
👉 Apply Here: Begin Application
Ensure your application includes:
- Research statement
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of PhD enrollment
Early submission is strongly recommended.