Apple has announced the opening of the Apple Scholars in AI/ML PhD Fellowship 2026 program, aimed at recognizing and supporting emerging leaders in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). This prestigious fellowship offers doctoral candidates an opportunity to advance their cutting-edge research while benefiting from mentorship and financial support. The Apple Scholars program is designed to aid doctoral students who are contributing significantly to innovations in AI/ML, particularly in areas that align with Apple's commitment to responsible and impactful research.
In this blog post, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about the Apple Scholars in AI/ML PhD Fellowship 2026, including eligibility, application process, and key research areas.
What is the Apple Scholars in AI/ML PhD Fellowship?
The Apple Scholars in AI/ML Fellowship is a distinguished program designed to support PhD students pursuing research in the fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning. This fellowship offers financial aid, research-related resources, and mentorship opportunities, all aimed at nurturing the careers of outstanding doctoral candidates. The program targets innovative researchers who are focusing on emerging technologies that will have a significant impact on the AI/ML fields.
The fellowship program was introduced as part of Apple’s broader initiative to invest in the next generation of thinkers and innovators in AI. The goal is to foster the development of technologies that address real-world challenges and contribute positively to society.
Also Check: Youth Empowerment Forum 2025 in Switzerland
Research Areas for Apple Scholars:
Applicants for the fellowship must be conducting research in one or more of the following areas:
- Privacy-preserving machine learning: Developing methods to ensure privacy in data-driven machine learning applications.
- Human-centered AI: Creating AI systems that focus on improving human experiences and interactions.
- AI for ethics and fairness: Researching how AI can be used ethically and in a way that promotes fairness.
- AI for accessibility: Exploring AI applications that make technology more accessible for people with disabilities.
- AI for health and wellness: Utilizing AI to advance healthcare, medical research, and personal wellness.
- Machine learning theory: Theoretical work on the foundations of machine learning, including new algorithms and models.
- ML algorithms and architectures: Researching novel machine learning algorithms and system architectures.
- Interactive ML and agents: Developing AI systems capable of interacting with humans in a natural, intuitive way.
- Speech and natural language processing (NLP): Advancing AI technologies for speech recognition, natural language understanding, and generation.
- Computer vision: Improving AI’s ability to interpret and understand visual data from the world.
- Information retrieval, ranking, and knowledge: Enhancing systems that search, organize, and provide access to knowledge.
- Data-centric AI: Focusing on improving AI systems through better use of data, data pipelines, and data strategies.
If your research aligns with any of these areas and you are a PhD candidate at the doctoral level, this fellowship could be the perfect opportunity to accelerate your work in AI/ML.
Fellowship Benefits:
The Apple Scholars in AI/ML PhD Fellowship comes with a comprehensive package that includes financial support and mentorship:
- Generous Stipend: The fellowship provides a stipend for two academic years to help cover living and related expenses.
- $5,000 USD Travel Grant: Each year, scholars will receive a travel grant worth $5,000 USD to support travel costs related to research activities and conferences.
- Mentorship with Apple Researchers: Scholars will have the unique opportunity to be mentored by senior researchers from Apple, enabling them to collaborate with experts in the field and enhance their research.
- Annual Disbursement: All funds are disbursed directly to the nominating university annually, at the start of each academic year. The disbursement is conditional on the scholar’s full-time enrollment in their doctoral program and continuing eligibility.
Required Application Documents:
Applicants must submit the following documents in separate PDF files:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Publication List: Provide a detailed CV and list of academic publications.
- Research Abstract: A concise abstract (max. 200 words) summarizing your research.
- Research Statement: A 4-page maximum statement that covers your past work and proposed research direction for the next two years. This should clearly state your research hypothesis, contributions to the chosen research area, and expected outcomes. Include citations, but avoid personally identifiable information in the main body of the research statement.
- Letters of Recommendation: Submit two letters of recommendation. One must come from your current supervisor, and each letter should be no more than one page.
- Transcripts: Include official academic transcripts from your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- Estimated Tuition and Fees: Submit a document outlining your estimated tuition and fees for the 2025-2026 academic year, including tuition, health insurance, books, and other related expenses. This information is required for planning purposes only and will not impact the fellowship decision.
Also Check: British Council ISPF Early Career Fellowship 2026
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for the Apple Scholars in AI/ML Fellowship 2026, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Doctoral Enrollment: Applicants must be fully registered on the doctoral candidacy list of their school (in DocGS) and a full member of the TUM Graduate School at the time of application.
- PhD Progression: Applicants should be entering the final 2-3 years of their PhD program as of Fall 2025.
- Exclusivity: Applicants must not hold an equivalent industry-sponsored full fellowship during their time as an Apple Scholar (from Fall 2026 to Summer 2028).
If you meet these requirements and have a passion for advancing research in AI/ML, the Apple Scholars in AI/ML PhD Fellowship 2026 is an excellent opportunity to take your work to the next level.
Why Apply for the Fellowship?
The Apple Scholars in AI/ML Fellowship is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for PhD candidates who are eager to push the boundaries of machine learning and artificial intelligence research. Here's why you should consider applying:
- Financial Support: The fellowship provides substantial financial backing for your research and living expenses, allowing you to focus fully on your doctoral studies.
- Mentorship from Industry Leaders: Gain invaluable guidance from Apple researchers who are experts in the field of AI/ML.
- Research Collaboration: The program promotes a collaborative research environment, where scholars can engage with cutting-edge technologies and contribute to impactful projects.
- Career Advancement: Being selected as an Apple Scholar significantly boosts your academic profile and can open doors to various career opportunities in academia and the tech industry.
Also Check: Portugal Government Scholarships 2025-2026
How to apply for the Apple Scholars in AI/ML Fellowship 2026?
In order to apply for the Apple Scholars in AI/ML PhD Fellowship 2026, candidates must be nominated by the TUM Graduate School. The application process begins with submitting a complete set of application documents to the TUM Graduate School’s coordinator, Marina Schmidt (via email at marina.schmidt@tum.de).
The final deadline for applications submission is August 1, 2025. After the application period closes, the TUM Graduate School Prize Committee will review all applications and nominate the top three candidates for the fellowship.
Conclusion:
The Apple Scholars in AI/ML PhD Fellowship 2026 is an exciting opportunity for doctoral students pursuing research in artificial intelligence and machine learning. With financial support, mentorship, and a chance to collaborate with leading experts in the field, this fellowship offers exceptional resources to help you make significant contributions to AI/ML research. So to apply and know more visit the Apple Scholars Fellowship 2026 official link here.