The Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship supports exceptional PhD students conducting research aligned with Microsoft Research's areas, in computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, and related disciplines. The program runs in several regions (including the Americas, EMEA, and Asia), each with its own process, benefits, and deadline. In the Americas, the fellowship typically provides two academic years of support — covering tuition and fees plus an annual stipend (historically around US$42,000 per year) — and offers the opportunity of a salaried internship at Microsoft Research. Other regions structure their awards and benefits differently. Depending on the region, students are nominated by their university (with a limited number of nominations) or apply through a regional application, usually in the second year of the PhD or beyond. Selection is based on research excellence and alignment with Microsoft Research priorities, and Fellows join a community with access to Microsoft researchers.
Follow your region's process — either secure a university nomination or apply through the regional application — by that region's deadline.
Process, benefits, stage, and deadlines differ by region. In some regions universities nominate; in others students apply directly. Check your region's Microsoft Research Fellowship page.
Several regions worldwide (Americas, EMEA, Asia)
Microsoft Research selects Fellows on the quality and potential impact of their research, academic record, and alignment with Microsoft Research areas. Because several regions cap nominations or run competitive applications, research excellence and fit are the decisive factors.
Microsoft Research is the research division of Microsoft, advancing the state of the art in computing and collaborating with the academic community. Its PhD Fellowship program supports outstanding doctoral students whose work aligns with Microsoft Research areas, fostering the next generation of computing researchers.
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
A fellowship supporting exceptional PhD students whose research aligns with Microsoft Research areas in computing-related fields, run in several regions worldwide with region-specific benefits and processes.
PhD students in computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, or related fields, typically in their second year or beyond, with research aligned to Microsoft Research priorities.
In the Americas, tuition and fees plus an annual stipend (historically ~US$42,000/year) for ~2 academic years, with a salaried Microsoft Research internship opportunity. Other regions differ.
It depends on your region — some regions have universities nominate students, others run a direct regional application. Check your region's Microsoft Research Fellowship page.
Deadlines vary by region, with some in ~autumn. Confirm the exact date and process for your region on the Microsoft Research site.
Typically the second year of the PhD or beyond at the time of the award, though exact stage rules vary by region.
Computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, and related computing research areas aligned with Microsoft Research.
The fellowship offers the opportunity of a salaried internship at Microsoft Research, which is a distinctive benefit alongside the funding.
In the Americas it is typically ~2 academic years; duration and structure vary in other regions.
Highly — whether by capped nominations or competitive application, selection is based on research excellence and fit with Microsoft Research, so the bar is high.
No — it funds your PhD research. The internship is an opportunity, not an obligation, and you remain a student at your university.
Yes — amounts are set per region and can change over time; the ~US$42,000/year figure reflects the Americas region historically. Check the current terms for your region.