GO

Google PhD Fellowship

Global

by Google Research

The Google PhD Fellowship recognizes and supports outstanding PhD students doing exceptional research in computer science, AI, and related fields. Fellows receive $85,000 per year and are matched with a Google Research mentor.

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Funding

$85,000/year (stipend + tuition)

Duration

Up to 3 years

Geography

Global

Eligibility

Must be a full-time PhD student who has completed at least one year of study. Must be nominated by their university department (direct applications not accepted). Open to students at universities worldwide. Must be studying computer science, AI, or a closely related field.

Application

Annual (nominations in spring)

Deadline

April 2026

AI & Machine LearningScience & ResearchDeep TechHealthcare & Biotech

About This Fellowship

The Google PhD Fellowship is one of the most coveted industry research fellowships for doctoral students in computer science and related fields. The program recognizes exceptional PhD students who are already making significant research contributions and provides financial support along with direct mentorship from a Google Research scientist.

Fellows receive approximately $85,000 per year, which includes both a stipend and an educational allowance. The fellowship can last up to three years, representing a total value of up to $255,000. But the financial support is only part of the value — fellows are paired with a Google Research mentor who provides guidance, collaboration opportunities, and a window into the research happening at one of the world's most important technology companies.

The Google PhD Fellowship covers a wide range of research areas, from core AI and machine learning to quantum computing, natural language processing, human-computer interaction, and algorithms. The program operates globally, with separate tracks for students in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region. Being selected as a Google PhD Fellow is a powerful signal of research excellence that opens doors in both academia and industry.

What You Get

Substantial financial support combined with direct access to Google's research organization.

  • Approximately $85,000 per year (stipend + tuition/fees)
  • Up to 3 years of funding (total value up to $255,000)
  • Dedicated Google Research mentor in your research area
  • Invitation to the annual Google PhD Fellow Summit
  • Opportunities for summer internships at Google Research
  • Access to Google compute resources for research
  • Recognition and credential that is highly valued in academia and industry
  • Networking with other Google PhD Fellows worldwide

Research Areas

The fellowship covers a broad range of topics at the frontier of computer science and related disciplines.

  • Machine Learning and AI (core ML, reinforcement learning, generative models)
  • Natural Language Processing and Understanding
  • Computer Vision and Computational Photography
  • Algorithms, Optimization, and Markets
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Quantum Computing
  • Security, Privacy, and Cryptography
  • Systems and Networking
  • Health and Bioscience (computational biology, medical AI)
  • Responsible AI and Ethics

How to Apply

The Google PhD Fellowship is nomination-based — you cannot apply directly.

  • Students must be nominated by their PhD advisor or department
  • Each university department typically receives a limited number of nomination slots
  • Nomination packages include research statement, CV, publications, and advisor letter
  • Must be a full-time PhD student who has completed at least one year of graduate study
  • Strong publication record in top-tier venues is expected
  • Selection committee includes Google Research scientists and external reviewers
  • Regional tracks have separate timelines (North America nominations typically in spring)

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