International Scholarship Β· Global

Google PhD Fellowship Program

The Google PhD Fellowship Program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students pursuing exceptional research in computer science and related fields. The program provides funding and access to Google researchers for promising PhD candidates worldwide.

Opening SoonExpected to open: MarchOfficial Portal β†’

Quick Facts

Status

Opening Soon

Funding

Fully Funded

Deadline

April 30, 2026

Country

🌍Global
Official Website β†’
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About the Google PhD Fellowship Program

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The Google PhD Fellowship Program is designed to nurture strong relations with the academic community by recognizing graduate students who demonstrate innovative research in areas relevant to computer science. The program supports promising PhD candidates from diverse backgrounds who aim to influence the future of technology.

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Fellowships are available to students across several global regions, including Africa, Australia, Canada, East Asia, Europe, India, Latin America, the Middle East, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and the United States. The program is highly selective and requires students to be nominated by their home university.

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The research areas covered by the fellowship are broad, encompassing fields such as machine learning, human-computer interaction, quantum computing, privacy and security, and systems and networking. Google researchers evaluate applications based on the strength of the research proposal, impact, academic achievements, and leadership potential.

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The program does not make recipients employees of Google, nor does it restrict intellectual property unless the student completes an internship at the company. Awards are paid directly to the fellow's university for distribution, and no overhead costs are permitted to be assessed against the funding.

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Applications must be submitted by an official representative of the university during the designated application window. Students cannot apply directly to the program, and they must remain enrolled full-time in their PhD program for the duration of the fellowship to maintain eligibility.

Eligible Levels

PhD

Eligible Fields

Computer ArchitectureAlgorithms and OptimizationHealth ResearchHuman-Computer InteractionMachine Learning and ML FoundationsMachine PerceptionNatural Language ProcessingPrivacy, Safety, and SecurityQuantum ComputingSoftware Engineering and Programming LanguagesSystems, Networking, and Cloud Computing
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Why Choose This Scholarship?

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Direct financial support for research-related activities and living expenses.

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Recognition by Google researchers as a promising young academic.

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Flexibility to pursue research in a wide range of computer science sub-fields.

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No intellectual property restrictions unless an internship at Google is undertaken.

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Opportunity to engage with a global network of researchers.

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What the Scholarship Covers

Africa: Up to 3-year fellowship with US $15,000 for stipend and research activities
Australia and New Zealand: 1-year fellowship with AUD $20,000 for stipend and research activities
Canada and the United States: Up to 2-year fellowship with US $85,000 per year for tuition, fees, living expenses, and equipment
East Asia: 1-year fellowship with US $10,000 for stipend and research activities
Europe and the Middle East: Up to 2-year fellowship with a yearly bursary for stipend, health care, tuition, and travel
India: Up to 4-year fellowship (early-stage) with US $50,000 or 1-year fellowship (late-stage) with US $10,000
Latin America: Up to 2-year fellowship with US $15,000 per year for stipend and research activities
Southeast Asia: Up to 3-year fellowship with US $10,000 per year
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Eligibility Requirements

6 requirements

Must be nominated by an accredited research institution
Must be enrolled full-time in a PhD program for the duration of the fellowship
Must not be supported by a comparable industry award
Must not be a Google employee or a member of a Google employee's household
Past awardees are not eligible to apply again
Research must align with Google AI Principles
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Documents Checklist

7 documents required

1Student CV with links to website and publications
2Research or dissertation proposal (maximum 3 pages)
3Cover sheet signed by Department Chair
4Short CV of the primary PhD advisor
52-3 letters of recommendation
6Academic transcripts
7Student essay responses (where applicable by region)
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How to Apply - Step by Step

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Review eligibility and application requirements for your specific region on the official website.

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Contact your department or graduate school to inquire about the internal university nomination process.

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Prepare all required application materials in a single, flat PDF file.

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Ensure your university submits the application on your behalf through the official portal during the application window.

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Application Timeline

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March 5, 2026

Applications Open

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April 30, 2026

Applications Close

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August 31, 2026

Notification of Proposal Decisions

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October 31, 2026

Public Announcement of Recipients

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Insider Tips & Pro Tips

TIP 1

Check the specific research areas listed in the application form, as they may vary by region.

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Ensure your research proposal is comprehensive and clearly outlines the direction and potential impact of your work.

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Coordinate with your department early, as universities have limits on the number of students they can nominate.

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Ensure your essay responses, if required, clearly articulate your leadership experience and research goals.

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Verify that your university is an accredited research institution that awards PhD degrees in computer science or adjacent fields.

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Frequently Asked Questions

3 questions - click any to expand

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No, students must be nominated by their university. You should contact your department or graduate school to learn about the internal nomination process.

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No, recipients do not become employees of Google. The award does not affect future employment opportunities or the hiring process.

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Students supported by a comparable industry award are not eligible. However, government or non-profit organization funding is exempt.

Ready to Apply?

Applications open March - get your documents ready now.

Apply on Official Website β†’
Opening Soon

Opens: March

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