Varies by region (e.g., $42,000 USD stipend per year for North America).
Duration
2 academic years
Deadline
June (Annual; varies by region - check official website for specific dates).
Level
PhD / Doctoral
Acceptance
Estimated < 5%
Difficulty
Extremely High
Quick Summary
Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship is a fully funded scholarship offered by Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft Research) for students pursuing studies in United States, Canada, Mexico, EMEA, Asia-Pacific, Latin America. The award covers Covers two years of full tuition and fees plus a generous annual stipend to support living expenses while conducting research. and is open to phd / doctoral students studying computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, social science, human-computer interaction, or related interdisciplinary fields.. The scholarship runs for 2 academic years. Eligibility is generally based on open to PhD students worldwide (depending on regional cycle) who have completed at least one year of their program and are nominated by their university. The application deadline is June (Annual; varies by region - check official website for specific dates)., with an acceptance rate of approximately Estimated < 5%. Students can compare this opportunity against similar scholarships below to find the best fit for their profile.
✨ Should I Apply for Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
60%
Eligibility Match
8%
Win Probability
7/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
30-45 hrs
Time Required
Low (Highly competitive).
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Varies by region (e.g., $42,000 USD stipend per year for North America).
⏳
Duration
2 academic years
📅
Deadline
June (Annual; varies by region - check official website for specific dates).
🔬
Fields
Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Social Science, Human-Computer Interaction, or related interdisciplinary fields.
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 30-40 globally per year.
🌏
Study Country
United States, Canada, Mexico, EMEA, Asia-Pacific, Latin America
🏛️
Provider
Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft Research)
📊
Acceptance
Estimated < 5%
The Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship is a highly prestigious global program designed to support exceptional doctoral students in computer science and related fields. It provides financial support and professional development opportunities for two years, fostering the next generation of computing leaders.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to PhD students worldwide (depending on regional cycle) who have completed at least one year of their program and are nominated by their university.
🏛️ Host University
Accredited universities globally within eligible regions
🤝 Sponsor
Microsoft Research
🔬 Fields of Study
Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Social Science, Human-Computer Interaction, or related interdisciplinary fields.
✨ Key Benefits
Covers two years of full tuition and fees plus a generous annual stipend to support living expenses while conducting research.
🎯 Target Students
Exceptional PhD researchers in computing-related disciplines.
Check official website (thousands of applications globally).
Applicants Last Year
30-40 students globally.
Winners
Estimated < 5%
Acceptance Rate
Low (Highly competitive).
Competition Level
Win Probability
8%
Match Score
60%
Competition
95%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
100% of tuition and fees for two consecutive academic years.
Living Stipend
Provided (e.g., $42,000 USD annual stipend for North America; varies by region).
Total Award
Varies by region (e.g., $42,000 USD stipend per year for North America).
✈️ Travel: Often includes opportunities for travel to Microsoft Research labs or conferences.🏠 Accommodation: Included in the general stipend; no separate housing allowance.💊 Health Insurance: Varies; usually covered by the university through the fellowship funding.🔄 Renewable: No💳 App Fee: $0 USD
🎓 Tuition Coverage
100% of tuition and fees for two consecutive academic years.
🏠 Living Stipend
Provided (e.g., $42,000 USD annual stipend for North America; varies by region).
🏡 Accommodation
Included in the general stipend; no separate housing allowance.
✈️ Travel Allowance
Often includes opportunities for travel to Microsoft Research labs or conferences.
💊 Health Insurance
Varies; usually covered by the university through the fellowship funding.
🎁 Other Benefits
Networking with Microsoft researchers, potential internship opportunities, and professional development support.
🔄 Renewable
No
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Full-time PhD student at an eligible university, nominated by their department, typically in their 2nd or 3rd year of study.
🎓 Academic Level
PhD / Doctoral
📊 Minimum GPA
Varies (Competitive applicants typically have a high GPA, often 3.7+ or equivalent).
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficiency in English is required; specific TOEFL/IELTS scores vary by host university.
💼 Work Experience
Not required, though research publications and academic experience are essential.
🏆 Leadership
Demonstrated leadership in the research community or academic field.
💰 Financial Need
No (Merit-based selection).
🎯 Target Students
Exceptional PhD researchers in computing-related disciplines.
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Research Statement required).
Rec Letters
Yes (Three letters of recommendation required).
Interview
Varies (Finalists may be interviewed by Microsoft researchers).
Application Fee
$0 USD
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes (Three letters of recommendation required). Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
Proficiency in English is required; specific TOEFL/IELTS scores vary by host university.
Interview: Varies (Finalists may be interviewed by Microsoft researchers).
Min GPA: Varies (Competitive applicants typically have a high GPA, often 3.7+ or equivalent).
📋 Application Process
Focus on a clear, impactful research vision. Align your research goals with Microsoft Research's current focus areas and ensure your CV highlights peer-reviewed publications.
💡 Insider Tip: Work closely with your department for the nomination process as universities are often limited in the number of students they can nominate.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
March / April
⏰ Deadline
June (Annual; varies by region - check official website for specific dates).
🎤 Interview
Varies (Finalists may be interviewed by Microsoft researchers).
🎓 Study Starts
Autumn/Fall term following the award announcement.
March / April
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
June (Annual; varies by region - check official website for specific dates).
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Varies (Finalists may be interviewed by Microsoft researchers).
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
Autumn/Fall term following the award announcement.
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Research impact, academic excellence, potential for leadership in the field, and alignment with Microsoft's research objectives.
⚡ Similar Scholarships
Scholarship
Country
Coverage
Level
Microsoft Research PhD FellowshipCurrent
United States, Canada, Mexico, EMEA, Asia-Pacific, Latin America
Full Funding
PhD / Doctoral
—
🇿🇦 North-West University (NWU) Academic Merit Bursary
Open to PhD students worldwide (depending on regional cycle) who have completed at least one year of their program and are nominated by their university.
This scholarship covers: Covers two years of full tuition and fees plus a generous annual stipend to support living expenses while conducting research.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is June (Annual; varies by region - check official website for specific dates).. Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Low (Highly competitive).. Acceptance rate: Estimated < 5%. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
No
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Proficiency in English is required; specific TOEFL/IELTS scores vary by host university., Yes (Three letters of recommendation required). recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.