Google PhD Fellowship Program 2026
URL: https://research.google/programs-and-events/phd-fellowship/
OBJECTIVES
Google PhD Fellowships directly support graduate students as they pursue their PhD, as well as connect them to a Google Research Mentor.
The Google PhD Fellowship Program was created to recognize outstanding graduate students doing exceptional and innovative research in areas relevant to computer science and related fields including the following: computer architecture; algorithms and optimization; health research; human-computer interaction; machine learning and ML foundations; machine perception; natural language processing; privacy, safety, and security; quantum computing; software engineering and programming languages; and systems, networking, and cloud computing.
Applications are evaluated on the strength of the research proposal, research impact, student academic achievements, and leadership potential. Research proposals are evaluated for innovative concepts that are relevant to Google’s research areas, as well as aspects of robustness and potential impact to the field. Proposals should include the direction and any plans of where your work is going in addition to a comprehensive description of the research you are pursuing. Research should align with Google AI Principles.
FUNDING INFORMATION
Fellows will receive:
- Up to 2 year Fellowship
- $85,000 per year, which includes:
- $70,000 Cost of Education allowance towards tuition and fees
- $15,000 stipend to be used for living expenses, travel and personal equipment
- Google Research Mentor
ELIGIBILITY
BU may forward up to 4 current PhD students who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Students who have completed graduate coursework in their PhD by Fall 2026.
- Students must remain enrolled full-time in the PhD program for the duration of the Fellowship or forfeit the award.
- Google employees, and their spouses, children, and members of their household are not eligible.
- Students that are already supported by a comparable industry award are not eligible. Government or non-profit organization funding is exempt.
- Past awardees from the PhD Fellowship program are not eligible to apply again.
Interested applicants must go through BU’s internal selection process and cannot apply directly to the Fellowship Program.
INTERNAL SELECTION
Interested doctoral students should submit the following materials via InfoReady Review by: 4/9/2025
- Student CV with links to website and publications, if available
- Letter signed by the Department Chair confirming the applicant passes the eligibility requirements
- 1 Letter of Recommendation from your thesis advisor
- Short Research/Dissertation Proposal: provide a summary of your dissertation research in no more than 3 pages, excluding references
- Impact Short Essay (350 word limit) answering the following: Describe the desired impact your research will make on the field and society, and why this is important to you. Include any personal, educational, and/or professional experiences that have motivated your research interests
- Example of Leadership Short Essay (350 word limit) answering the following: Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time
- Transcripts of current and previous academic records; unofficial records are accepted for internal review
A faculty committee will review internal proposals and select institutional nominees. For additional information about past Fellows, consult the list of past Fellowship recipients.
DEADLINES
Internal Materials Due: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 by 11:59 pm EDT
External Application Due: Thursday, May 15, 2025