Meta PhD Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)
The United States and global tech industry continue to lead in cutting-edge research, particularly in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, privacy, and systems. The Meta PhD Fellowship (formerly Facebook Fellowship) is one of the most prestigious and competitive awards in computer science and engineering. It supports exceptional PhD students whose research aligns with Meta’s core areas from AI and AR/VR to privacy, economics, and future technologies.
This fellowship provides two years of full funding including tuition, fees, an annual stipend of $42,000, conference travel support up to $5,000, and an invitation to the annual Fellowship Summit at Meta headquarters. It is open to students at accredited universities worldwide, with no citizenship restriction. Also check EPFL Excellence Fellowships 2026 in Switzerland
From my experience guiding PhD applicants to international fellowships, Meta’s program stands out for its focus on both academic excellence and real-world impact. One recipient from India secured the award for work in AR/VR Human-Computer Interaction after a strong research statement and publication record. Another from Brazil was not selected due to a generic recommendation letter. Tools like Numbeo show living costs in major U.S. research hubs (San Francisco, New York, Seattle) average $2,800–4,500/month. The stipend is competitive and sufficient for most locations.
What Is the Meta PhD Fellowship?
The Meta PhD Fellowship supports promising doctoral students conducting research relevant to Meta’s mission and technologies. It recognizes academic excellence, innovation, and potential to advance fields Meta cares about.
Key facts:
- Duration: 2 years (academic years)
- Stipend: $42,000 per year (paid directly to fellow)
- Tuition & fees: Paid directly to the university
- Conference travel: Up to $5,000/year
- Fellowship Summit: Paid visit to Meta HQ
- Open to full-time PhD students worldwide
- Deadline: September 20, 2026 (anticipated; confirm on site)
The fellowship is highly competitive and hundreds apply, only a small number are selected each year.
Eligibility Criteria
You qualify if:
- You are a full-time PhD student enrolled at an accredited university (any country)
- Your research is directly related to one of the listed areas (see below)
- You have not previously received a Meta PhD Fellowship
- You will remain enrolled full-time during the fellowship period
- You are in the early to mid stages of your PhD (strong preference for students with 1–4 years remaining)
No citizenship restriction all international students at U.S. or global universities are eligible.
Strong opinion: Research alignment with Meta’s focus areas is critical. Generic applications rarely succeed.
Fellowship Benefits
Comprehensive support for two academic years:
- Annual stipend: $42,000 (paid directly to fellow; taxable based on local law)
- Full tuition and fees: Paid directly to the university
- Conference travel support: Up to $5,000 per year
- Paid visit to Meta headquarters for the annual Fellowship Summit
- Networking with Meta researchers and other fellows
Table: Annual Support
| Item | Amount/Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stipend | $42,000/year | Direct to fellow |
| Tuition & Fees | Full coverage | Paid to university |
| Conference Travel | Up to $5,000/year | For presenting research |
| Fellowship Summit | Paid visit to Meta HQ | Annual event |
| Duration | 2 years | Academic years only |
No additional health insurance or relocation support.
Research Areas
Applications are evaluated based on alignment with Meta’s priorities. Current areas (2026 cycle expected similar):
- AR/VR Battery Research
- AR/VR Wireless Technology
- Technology Policy Research
- Human-Computer Interaction – Social Media, People, & Society
- AR/VR Human-Computer Interaction
- AR/VR Human Understanding
- AI System HW–SW Co-Design
- AR/VR Computer Graphics
- Database Systems
- Distributed Systems
- Privacy and Data Practices
- Networking
- Programming Languages
- Augmented Reality Audio
- Audio Presence
- Applied Statistics
- Computational Social Science
- Economics and Computation
- Security and Privacy
- AR/VR Future Technologies
- AR/VR Photonics and Optics
Check meta.com/research for the latest list.
Required Documents
- Resume/CV (include email, phone, coursework, publications)
- 1–2 page research summary (identify focus area, importance, applicability to Meta)
- 2 letters of recommendation (one must be from academic advisor)
- All submitted via Meta’s application portal
Why Pursue Research with Meta Fellowship?
Prestigious industry recognition. Direct connection to Meta researchers. Full funding for two years. Networking at Fellowship Summit.
U.S. and global universities offer unmatched research resources.
Contrarian: Extremely competitive. But winners gain significant career advantage. Reviews: “Opened doors to top research labs and industry.”
More Fellowships
Useful Links
- https://metaresearchphdfellowship.smapply.io/ – Official page
- meta.com/research – Research areas
- numbeo.com San Francisco/Seattle – Costs $3,200 single
- ehsaskafaalat.com – PhD fellowships
- phdfellowships.org – Postdoc resources
- goingmerry.com – Clean
Application Checklist
- Confirm research alignment with Meta areas
- Prepare strong research summary
- Secure academic advisor recommendation
- Update CV with publications
- Submit by September 20, 2026
- Track email for updates
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Generic research summary (no Meta relevance). Weak recommendation letters. Late submission. Not aligning with listed areas. Incomplete application.
PAA: Fully funded? Yes ($42k stipend + tuition + travel). Deadline? September 20, 2026. Open to internationals? Yes.
How to Apply for Meta PhD Fellowship?
- Monitor https://metaresearchphdfellowship.smapply.io/.
- Create or log in with Facebook/Meta account.
- Complete the online form (research summary is critical).
- Provide reference email addresses (they submit letters directly).
- Upload CV and any additional materials.
- Submit by September 20, 2026 (anticipated deadline).
- Results announced late fall/early winter 2026.
Tip: Research summary must clearly connect your work to Meta’s interests. Strong, specific letters of recommendation are essential.
