Apple & Google PhD Fellowships 2026 at the University of Cambridge recognise outstanding current PhD students working in relevant research areas. The fellowships are industry awards designed to support researchers who have already demonstrated achievement in their fields.
The University of Cambridge School of Technology coordinates the internal selection process before eligible nominees are put forward to the companies.
Apple & Google PhD Fellowships Overview
- Host institution: University of Cambridge
- Fellowships: Apple Scholars in AI/ML PhD Fellowships and Google PhD Fellowships
- Target applicants: Current PhD students
- Eligibility at Cambridge: PhD students from Year 1 onwards
- Application method: University internal nomination process
- Direct applications to companies: Not permitted through Cambridge’s process
- Typical fellowship recipients: Students in later PhD years, generally Years 2–4
- Next expected application cycle: Spring/Summer 2027
What Are Industry PhD Fellowships?
Industry PhD Fellowships are awards provided by companies to recognise achievement among current PhD students.
According to the University of Cambridge, these fellowships are generally aimed at students in the later stages of their PhD, particularly those in Years 2–4.
Depending on the specific fellowship, support may include:
- A contribution toward university fees and living expenses.
- Travel allowance or research expenses.
- Internship opportunities.
- Mentorship from an employee of the sponsoring company.
- Networking opportunities with other fellows.
The exact benefits vary according to the fellowship scheme and funder.
Apple and Google Fellowship Opportunities
The University of Cambridge identifies two of its most common industry fellowship schemes:
Apple Scholars in AI/ML PhD Fellowships
The Apple Scholars in AI/ML PhD Fellowship recognises PhD researchers working in artificial intelligence and machine learning-related research.
Google PhD Fellowships
Google PhD Fellowships recognise outstanding graduate researchers and provide opportunities for students to develop their research careers through industry-supported fellowship programmes.
Cambridge students should review the individual funder’s requirements because eligibility and selection criteria can vary between schemes.
Are These Fellowships Suitable for New PhD Students?
No.
The University of Cambridge specifically states that its Apple and Google industry PhD fellowships are not suitable as a sole source of funding for incoming PhD students.
There are several reasons.
First, the cash contribution does not cover the complete cost of a PhD, including home or overseas fees.
Second, the fellowships are intended primarily for existing PhD students, particularly those in later years. Incoming students are therefore unlikely to be competitive unless they have substantial relevant industry experience.
Third, fellowship application timelines can vary and may not align with the University of Cambridge’s financial conditions and admission deadlines.
Who Can Apply?
At Cambridge, students cannot apply directly to the companies for these fellowships.
Instead, the University conducts an internal selection process and nominates students to the relevant fellowship scheme.
Cambridge’s internal process accepts applications from current PhD students in Year 1 onwards.
The University explains that incoming students are not permitted to participate in the internal selection process because the number of applications is high and the sponsoring companies generally target students who have already developed substantial research experience.
How Does the Cambridge Selection Process Work?
The process begins with an internal Cambridge selection.
Students submit an outline application to the School of Technology Office.
A panel of academics then evaluates the applications and selects nominees based on the relevant funder’s criteria.
Selected nominees work with the School Office to prepare the full fellowship application before it is submitted to the sponsoring company.
Students are also required to provide a letter of support from their Department as part of their outline application.
Departments provide instructions about obtaining this letter when they circulate fellowship information to their students.
What Are the Companies Looking For?
The requirements differ between fellowship schemes.
Cambridge advises students to carefully review the relevant funder’s website and any information distributed through the University’s fellowship process before preparing an application.
Applicants should therefore tailor their application to the specific fellowship rather than assuming that the same criteria apply to both Apple and Google.
When Will the Next Fellowships Open?
The University of Cambridge states that the next application process for the Google and Apple PhD Fellowships is expected to run in spring/summer 2027.
Therefore, although these fellowships may be referred to as 2026 opportunities, the Cambridge page currently indicates that the next internal application cycle is expected in 2027.
Students interested in applying should monitor communications from their Department Graduate Office and Research Office for the official internal deadlines.
How to Prepare
Current Cambridge PhD students interested in these opportunities should:
- Monitor communications from their Department.
- Review the relevant Apple or Google fellowship criteria.
- Discuss the opportunity with their Department where appropriate.
- Obtain the required departmental letter of support.
- Prepare an outline application for the University’s internal selection process.
- Follow the School of Technology’s instructions and deadlines when applications open.
Final Thoughts
The Apple & Google PhD Fellowships at the University of Cambridge are competitive industry-funded awards intended primarily for current PhD students who have already demonstrated research achievement.
They should not be viewed as full PhD scholarships for prospective students. At Cambridge, applicants must first pass the University’s internal nomination process, and the University does not permit incoming PhD students to apply through this process.
For students currently pursuing a PhD at Cambridge, these fellowships can provide recognition, financial support, research opportunities, industry mentorship and networking opportunities.
The University currently expects the next Apple and Google PhD Fellowship application process to take place in spring/summer 2027.
University of Cambridge — Apple & Google PhD Fellowships
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