Microsoft Africa Research Institute Fellowship 2026

Microsoft Research Africa offers prestigious research fellowship opportunities for talented Nigerian and African researchers, PhD students, and early-career scientists to collaborate with world-class researchers at Microsoft Research labs in Nairobi, Kenya and Lagos, Nigeria. This is one of the most exciting and career-defining fellowship opportunities available to Nigerian researchers in technology, artificial intelligence, and computer science. About Microsoft Research Africa Microsoft Research Africa was established in 2018 as part of Microsoft global network of research laboratories and is the first Microsoft Research lab on the African continent. Microsoft Research Africa operates out of Nairobi, Kenya and Lagos, Nigeria and conducts cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence, machine learning, computational social science, healthcare technology, and technology for economic development across Africa. The lab brings together world-class researchers from Microsoft and partners across the African continent to work on research that matters for Africa and for the world. About the Fellowship Programme The Microsoft Africa Research Institute (MARI) Fellowship Programme was established to strengthen the research ecosystem in Nigeria and across Africa by providing talented African researchers with the opportunity to work alongside Microsoft researchers on high-impact research projects. Fellows spend time embedded within Microsoft Research Africa collaborating with full-time Microsoft researchers, accessing Microsoft computing infrastructure, and contributing to research that is published in leading international academic journals and conferences. Research Areas Fellows at Microsoft Research Africa work on research across several key areas that are particularly relevant to Nigeria and Africa. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning — including natural language processing for African languages, computer vision, reinforcement learning, and AI fairness and ethics. Health and Biomedical Research — including predictive health models for Nigerian and African disease patterns, digital health tools, and AI-assisted diagnosis. Agricultural Technology — including precision agriculture, crop yield prediction, and digital tools for smallholder farmers. Economic Development and Financial Inclusion — including mobile money, digital lending, and technology-enabled poverty reduction. Education Technology — including AI-powered learning tools for African students and teachers. Climate and Environment — including climate modelling for Africa and technology solutions for environmental challenges. What Fellows Receive Microsoft Africa Research Fellows receive a competitive monthly stipend sufficient to support their living costs during the fellowship period. Fellows receive full access to Microsoft Azure cloud computing resources, high-performance computing clusters, and proprietary Microsoft datasets for their research. Fellows are mentored directly by senior Microsoft researchers who are leaders in their respective fields. Fellows are supported to submit their research to and present at leading international academic conferences. Fellows become part of the Microsoft Research Africa alumni network which includes researchers who have gone on to faculty positions at leading universities, research leadership roles at technology companies, and positions at international organisations. Who Should Apply The Microsoft Africa Research Fellows programme is open to Nigerian citizens who are PhD students at accredited universities, postdoctoral researchers, or early-career faculty members. Exceptional final-year Masters students with demonstrated research ability may also be considered. Applicants should have a strong publication record or research portfolio demonstrating original contributions to their field. A background in computer science, electrical engineering, statistics, mathematics, or a related quantitative field is typically required though researchers from other disciplines working on technology-related problems are encouraged to apply. Duration and Location Fellowships are available for periods ranging from 3 months to 12 months. Fellows may be based at the Microsoft Research Africa office in Lagos, Nigeria or Nairobi, Kenya depending on the nature of their research project and the availability of supervisors. How to Apply Applications are submitted through the Microsoft Research website at microsoft.com/en-us/research/lab/microsoft-research-africa. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. Your application should include a detailed research proposal, your academic CV, copies of your publications or research papers, and a statement of how the fellowship aligns with your research goals and career aspirations. Visit micrise.com.ng daily for more fellowships, research opportunities and international career programmes for Nigerian researchers and academics.