Are you an ambitious doctoral student aiming to conduct high-impact research with full financial support from a global technology leader? The Meta PhD Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded doctoral fellowship designed to support outstanding PhD students whose research aligns with Meta’s core areas of innovation.
Through generous funding, academic freedom, and global recognition, this fellowship has been structured to empower the next generation of researchers in computer science, engineering, and closely related disciplines.
Meta PhD Fellowship 2026
The Meta PhD Fellowship 2026–2027 is an internationally recognized and fully funded opportunity created to support promising PhD candidates enrolled at accredited universities anywhere in the world. Formerly known as the Facebook Fellowship Program, this initiative reflects Meta’s long-standing commitment to advancing research that has both academic depth and real-world applicability.
Unlike traditional university-funded PhD scholarships, this fellowship is awarded directly by Meta and is designed to complement a student’s existing doctoral program. As a result, fellows continue studying at their home universities while receiving financial support, professional recognition, and opportunities to engage with Meta’s global research community.
Meta PhD Fellowship 2026 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Level of Study | PhD |
| Institution | Meta |
| Study Location | Any accredited university worldwide |
| Fellowship Type | Fully Funded Doctoral Fellowship |
| Program Duration | Two Years |
| Eligible Applicants | International PhD Students |
| Research Areas | Computer Science, Engineering, and Related Fields |
| Fellowship Value | Stipend, Tuition Coverage, Conference Travel |
| Application Deadline | September 20, 2026 |
| Language Requirement | English |
What Is the Meta PhD Fellowship All About?
The Meta PhD Fellowship 2026 has been established to identify, encourage, and support doctoral researchers whose work demonstrates originality, technical excellence, and relevance to Meta’s long-term research vision. Rather than focusing solely on academic performance, the fellowship emphasizes the quality and potential impact of a student’s research ideas.
The program supports full-time PhD students who are already enrolled and actively conducting research. During the two-year fellowship period, financial stress is reduced, allowing fellows to concentrate fully on advancing their doctoral work. Furthermore, scholars are provided with visibility within Meta’s research ecosystem, which can significantly enhance future academic or industry career prospects.
Applications are assessed holistically. Therefore, research statements, publication records, and letters of recommendation are carefully reviewed to ensure that selected fellows represent the highest standard of innovation and scholarly potential.
Why the Meta PhD Fellowship Is Highly Prestigious
Several factors contribute to the prestige of the Meta PhD Fellowship 2026. First, it is offered by one of the world’s most influential technology companies, whose products and research shape global digital experiences. Second, the fellowship is highly competitive, with only a limited number of awards granted each year. Consequently, being selected is widely regarded as a mark of academic excellence.
Additionally, fellows are invited to engage with Meta researchers and, in many cases, participate in the annual Fellowship Summit at Meta’s headquarters. Through these interactions, exposure to cutting-edge industry research and interdisciplinary collaboration is achieved.
Applicable Research Areas
The Meta PhD Fellowship supports a wide range of advanced research areas. Applicants must ensure that their doctoral research aligns with at least one of the following focus areas:
- Artificial Intelligence System Hardware–Software Co-Design
- Applied Statistics
- Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Technologies
- AR/VR Battery Research
- AR/VR Wireless Systems
- AR/VR Computer Graphics
- AR/VR Human-Computer Interaction
- AR/VR Human Understanding
- AR/VR Audio and Audio Presence
- AR/VR Photonics and Optics
- AR/VR Future Technologies
- Computational Social Science
- Database Systems
- Distributed Systems
- Economics and Computation
- Human-Computer Interaction (Social Media, People, and Society)
- Networking
- Programming Languages
- Privacy and Data Practices
- Security and Privacy
- Technology Policy Research
Because Meta’s research priorities evolve, applicants are encouraged to review detailed topic descriptions on the official fellowship website before applying.
Scholarship Coverage and Financial Benefits
The Meta PhD Fellowship 2026 provides a comprehensive financial package that supports fellows throughout the award period. The following benefits are included:
- A grant of USD 42,000 per academic year, paid as a one-time annual stipend.
- Full tuition and fees are covered for up to two years (four semesters).
- Up to USD 5,000 in conference travel support, enabling fellows to present research internationally.
- An invitation to visit Meta headquarters for the annual Fellowship Summit.
It should be noted that tuition payments are made directly to the fellow’s university, while the stipend is paid directly to the fellow. Depending on local regulations, the stipend may be subject to taxation.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To be considered for the Meta PhD Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Must be proficient in English.
- Applicants from all countries are eligible to apply.
- Must be enrolled as a full-time PhD student at an accredited university in any country.
- Must be actively involved in ongoing doctoral research during the fellowship period.
- Research work must be related to one or more of the eligible research areas supported by Meta.
- Must remain enrolled during the academic years for which the fellowship is awarded.
Selection decisions are based primarily on the strength of the research proposal, the applicant’s publication record, and the quality of recommendation letters.
Required Documents
A complete application for the Meta PhD Fellowship 2026 must include the following materials:
- A detailed CV or resume, including contact information and relevant coursework.
- A 1–2 page research summary outlining the research focus, its significance, and its relevance to Meta’s research priorities.
- Two letters of recommendation, with at least one provided by the applicant’s academic advisor.
- Accurate contact details for referees, as recommendation letters are submitted directly by referees through the system.
All application components must be carefully prepared, as incomplete or inaccurate submissions may negatively affect evaluation.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply
The application process for the Meta PhD Fellowship 2026 is conducted entirely online and should be followed carefully:
Step 1: Monitor the Official Application Page
Applicants should regularly check the official Meta PhD Fellowship page for updates and detailed instructions.
Step 2: Log In Using a Facebook Account
All applicants are required to apply using an active Facebook account.
Step 3: Prepare Application Materials
Applicants should finalize their CV, research summary, and referee details before starting the application.
Step 4: Submit the Online Application
The completed application must be submitted online before the deadline of September 20, 2026.
Step 5: Reference Submission
Referees will receive automated emails with instructions for submitting recommendation letters.
Step 6: Review and Final Submission
Applications can be saved and edited until the deadline. Once submitted, they will be reviewed by the selection committee.
Selection and Evaluation Process
Applications are reviewed by a panel of experts who assess each submission based on academic merit, originality, and relevance to Meta’s research agenda. As a result, candidates with innovative, forward-looking research ideas are given strong consideration. Final decisions are communicated after the evaluation process has been completed.
Career Impact of this Scholarship
Being awarded the Meta PhD Fellowship 2026 can significantly influence a researcher’s academic and professional trajectory. Fellows gain international recognition, financial stability, and access to a global research network. Consequently, many former fellows go on to secure leading roles in academia, research institutions, and technology companies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Meta PhD Fellowship 2026 fully funded?
Yes, the fellowship covers tuition, provides an annual stipend, and includes conference travel support.
Can students from any country apply?
Yes, applicants from all countries are eligible.
Do I need to study at a specific university?
No, the fellowship supports PhD students enrolled at any accredited university worldwide.
How long does the fellowship last?
The fellowship is awarded for two years.
Is prior work experience required?
No specific work experience is required, but a strong research record is essential.
How competitive is the Meta PhD Fellowship?
The fellowship is highly competitive due to its global scope and limited number of awards.
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