Apply for the Microsoft Research Fellowship 2026 — a global program for PhD students, faculty, and postdocs to collaborate with Microsoft Research on open scientific challenges. Funding up to $47,000. Apply now.
Introduction
The Microsoft Research Fellowship 2026 invites PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty members from around the world to collaborate with Microsoft Research (MSR) on open research challenges that advance science, technology, and society.
This prestigious global fellowship supports groundbreaking research across disciplines — from artificial intelligence and data science to sustainability, healthcare, and computing systems. Fellows receive financial support, mentorship from Microsoft scientists, and the opportunity to engage in cross-sector collaborations that drive real-world impact.
About the Program
Established by Microsoft Research, the fellowship promotes open academic collaboration by connecting university scholars with Microsoft’s global research labs. The goal is to create a space where academic rigor meets industrial innovation, enabling new discoveries that benefit humanity.
Through this program, fellows engage with world-class researchers, gain access to Microsoft’s scientific ecosystem, and contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing technological and societal challenges.
The program welcomes applications from a diverse pool of candidates worldwide — reflecting Microsoft’s commitment to inclusion and excellence in research.
Fellowship Overview
Program Type: Academic Fellowship
Application Regions: Global
Application Deadline: Varies by research challenge (2025–2026 cycle)
Funding Amount: Up to $47,000 USD (depending on region)
Award Distribution: March–April 2026
Collaboration Format: Hybrid (virtual and in-person engagement)
Funding and Benefits
The Microsoft Research Fellowship 2026 provides one-time unrestricted research grants disbursed directly to the fellow’s host university or institution.
Funding Amounts by Region
| Region | Award (USD) |
|---|---|
| Africa | $17,000 |
| Australia & New Zealand | $17,000 |
| Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Puerto Rico | $17,000 |
| Canada | $47,000 |
| Europe | $27,000 |
| India | $17,000 |
| Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan | $17,000 |
| United States | $47,000 |
Funding Covers:
- Research expenses and project costs
- Travel and collaboration visits to Microsoft Research labs
- Attendance at joint workshops, symposia, or hackathons
Note: All funds are transferred to institutions (not individuals) and distributed according to institutional policies.
Who Can Apply for Microsoft Research Fellowship 2026
Eligible Regions
Applicants must be affiliated with universities or research institutions in:
Africa, Australia & New Zealand, Canada, Europe, India, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, or the United States.
Eligibility Criteria
1. PhD Students
- Must be actively pursuing a PhD at an accredited university in an eligible region.
- Can submit proposals independently.
- Should demonstrate strong research potential in relevant scientific domains.
2. Faculty Members
- Professors, Assistant Professors, or Associate Professors with a terminal degree (PhD, DSc).
- Must propose a collaborative project and include a PhD student participant.
- If selected, both faculty and student will be named Fellows.
3. Postdoctoral Researchers
- Must be employed or affiliated with a degree-granting university in an eligible region.
- Need a letter of support from a faculty advisor or department head endorsing participation.
Research Focus Areas
Fellows will collaborate with Microsoft Research teams on cutting-edge projects. Focus areas include, but are not limited to:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
- Data Science and Cloud Computing
- Responsible AI and Ethics in Technology
- Sustainability, Climate, and Environmental Science
- Quantum Computing and Advanced Algorithms
- Computational Biology and Health Informatics
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
- Social Impact, Accessibility, and Inclusive Technology
Each research challenge may define specific themes or problem statements. Applicants are encouraged to align proposals accordingly.
Collaboration Opportunities
Selected fellows will:
- Participate in joint research projects with Microsoft Research scientists.
- Attend workshops, collaborative sessions, and virtual research symposia.
- Gain mentorship from leading industry researchers and thought leaders.
- Publish collaborative work in academic journals and conferences.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online via the Microsoft Research Fellowship Portal.
Application Steps:
- Review the list of open research challenges on the Microsoft Research Fellowship page.
- Identify the challenge most relevant to your field.
- Prepare your proposal (see below).
- Submit your application through the designated form before the regional deadline.
Proposal Requirements:
- Statement of Interest: Outline your research goals, relevance to the challenge, and potential collaboration benefits (typically 2–3 pages).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include academic history, publications, and prior research experience.
- Recommendation Letter: From a faculty advisor or department head (for students and postdocs).
- Endorsement Letter (for faculty): Confirming institutional support.
Note: Applicants may apply to multiple research challenges, but must submit a separate proposal for each.
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Selection and Review Process
Review Stages:
- Initial Screening – Eligibility and proposal completeness check.
- Technical Review – Evaluation by Microsoft Research scientists.
- Final Selection – Based on research quality, innovation potential, and alignment with MSR goals.
Evaluation Criteria:
- Originality and scientific merit of the proposal
- Feasibility and expected research impact
- Relevance to Microsoft Research priorities
- Potential for long-term academic-industry collaboration
Notification:
Successful applicants will be informed by March 2026, with funds disbursed in March–April 2026.
Program Ethics and Conduct
Microsoft upholds a zero-tolerance policy for:
- Harassment, discrimination, or plagiarism
- Misuse of funds or research misconduct
Fellows are expected to maintain professional integrity and academic ethics throughout the program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I apply to more than one research challenge?
Yes. Applicants may submit proposals for multiple challenges, but each must be unique and independently submitted.
2. Are individuals directly paid?
No. Funds are transferred to the fellow’s university or department.
3. What is the time commitment?
The fellowship is project-based and flexible, allowing fellows to integrate it into their ongoing research.
4. Will my research results remain my intellectual property (IP)?
Yes. Fellows retain academic IP rights unless otherwise agreed upon in collaborative arrangements.
5. Can I apply if I plan to change institutions?
Funds can be transferred upon institutional change, subject to Microsoft’s approval.
6. Are there overhead costs or indirect fees?
No. Microsoft does not allow administrative or overhead fees on fellowship funds.
7. Do fellows need to relocate?
No. The fellowship is remote and collaborative, though travel to Microsoft Research labs may be supported.
Final Thoughts
The Microsoft Research Fellowship 2026 represents a unique global opportunity to collaborate on frontier research that transforms technology and society. Whether you are a PhD student, early-career academic, or postdoctoral researcher, this fellowship provides access to Microsoft’s world-leading research network and resources.
If you are driven by curiosity, innovation, and impact — this is your chance to shape the future through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Apply Now: Microsoft Research Fellowship 2026
Keywords
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