Microsoft Research Fellowship 2026 for Faculty, PhD Students, and Postdocs ($17,000 USD Stipend)

Are you an academic researcher, PhD student, or postdoctoral scholar seeking funding and collaboration with a world-class technology company? The Microsoft Research Fellowship 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for outstanding scholars to engage in open research challenges that advance scientific understanding, innovation, and social impact.

Through this fellowship, Microsoft aims to strengthen academic-industry collaboration, accelerate knowledge creation, and nurture the next generation of thought leaders in technology and science.

This prestigious fellowship provides a stipend of up to $17,000 USD, depending on the applicant’s region, to support research collaboration, travel, and academic development. It is open to faculty members, PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers from institutions across multiple regions, including Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific.

Microsoft Research Fellowship 2026 Overview

What Is the Microsoft Research Fellowship All About?

The Microsoft Research Fellowship 2026 is a global initiative designed to strengthen ties between academia and industry. It encourages interdisciplinary research collaborations that focus on solving real-world challenges using technology and scientific inquiry.

Through this program, fellows collaborate with Microsoft Research scientists on open research problems spanning computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, climate modeling, and social sciences.

The fellowship recognizes the vital role of academia in advancing discovery and innovation. Academic researchers contribute theoretical knowledge and novel perspectives, while Microsoft Research provides access to technical expertise, advanced computational tools, and real-world datasets. Together, these partnerships help generate new ideas that can address some of the most complex global challenges, from sustainability to digital inclusion and AI ethics.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

The Microsoft Research Fellowship 2026 is open to individuals in academia from eligible regions. However, the specific eligibility requirements differ slightly for students, faculty, and postdoctoral researchers.

General Eligibility

• Applicants must be actively affiliated with an accredited degree-granting institution in one of the eligible regions.
• Proposals are accepted from individuals based in:
  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.
• Applicants must demonstrate a clear alignment between their research focus and the open research areas at Microsoft Research.

Student Eligibility

• Must be currently pursuing a PhD at a recognized and accredited institution.
• Must be enrolled full-time at a degree-granting university in one of the eligible regions listed above.
• The research proposal must demonstrate originality, technical merit, and potential for societal benefit.

Faculty Eligibility

• Faculty applicants must hold a terminal degree (PhD, DSc, or equivalent) in their discipline.
• Must be employed full-time at a degree-granting university in an eligible country.
• Faculty proposals should identify a PhD student to be involved in the research collaboration. If selected, both the faculty member and the student will be named as Fellows.

Postdoctoral Eligibility

• Must be currently employed at a degree-granting institution in an eligible region.
• Applications must include support or endorsement from a faculty advisor or department chair, confirming the institution’s approval of participation in the fellowship program.

Scholarship Benefits

Recipients of the Microsoft Research Fellowship 2026 receive not only financial support but also valuable academic collaboration opportunities.

Financial Benefits

The fellowship provides a stipend that varies by region, including travel and research collaboration expenses:

• Stipends include travel funding to support in-person research visits, workshops, or collaborations at Microsoft Research labs.
• All payments will be made during March/April 2026, directly to the recipient’s institution.
• The rates are reviewed annually to ensure alignment with other global fellowship programs.

Academic and Collaborative Benefits

• Access to Microsoft Research labs and researchers for collaborative projects.
• Opportunities for participation in joint workshops, conferences, and hackathons.
• Professional networking with world-class researchers and industry experts.
• Mentorship and technical guidance from Microsoft’s leading scientists.
• Access to research tools, datasets, and cloud computing resources.

This fellowship is more than financial support; it is a gateway to global research excellence and long-term partnerships.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare a complete and well-organized proposal package containing the following:

• Completed Online Application Form (available on the Microsoft Research Fellowship webpage).
• Research proposal detailing the scope, goals, and expected impact of the collaboration.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) of all collaborators (faculty, student, or postdoc).
• Endorsement letter from the nominating institution or department.
• Proof of enrollment or employment at an eligible university.
• Letters of Recommendation (minimum of two, academic or professional).
• Supporting documents such as publications, presentations, or prior research evidence.

Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply

To apply for the Microsoft Research Fellowship 2026, follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Review Eligibility

Before applying, ensure you meet the regional and academic eligibility criteria (faculty, PhD student, or postdoc).

Step 2: Identify a Research Collaboration Area

Choose an open research challenge that aligns with your field of study and Microsoft Research’s current priorities.

Step 3: Prepare Your Proposal

Draft a compelling proposal highlighting the problem statement, methodology, and expected outcomes. Emphasize how your research contributes to advancing science and society.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

Access the online application portal from the official Microsoft Research webpage and fill in all required sections.

Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline

Submit the complete application package no later than December 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. Early submission is strongly recommended.

Step 6: Wait for Notification

Successful applicants will be notified by February 10, 2026. Fellowship funds will be disbursed in March – April 2026.

Why Apply for the Microsoft Research Fellowship 2026?

• Global Recognition: Becoming a Microsoft Research Fellow enhances your academic and professional reputation.
• Collaborative Research: Engage directly with leading scientists on innovative projects that have global relevance.
• Financial Support: Receive up to $17,000 USD (or more, depending on region) to fund your research and travel.
• Professional Growth: Build your academic network, publish impactful papers, and develop skills through interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Access to Resources: Use Microsoft’s advanced research tools, data, and technology to strengthen your research outcomes.

The program offers scholars not just funding but a platform to collaborate with one of the world’s most respected research organizations, empowering them to shape the future through science and technology.

Application Timeline

For more details or to apply, visit the official Microsoft Research Fellowship webpage.

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