Introduction
A PhD in Computer Science opens doors to advanced research careers in academia, tech industry leadership, and innovation. However, the financial burden can be significant—especially for international students. Fortunately, many top universities and governments offer fully funded PhD scholarships that cover tuition, stipends, research funding, and other expenses.
This guide highlights the best PhD scholarships in Computer Science available to international students in the USA, UK, Europe, Canada, and Asia for 2025.
✅ 1. Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship
Region: Global (USA, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific)
Fields: AI, machine learning, computer vision, security, NLP, HCI, and more
Benefits: Full tuition, annual stipend, and mentorship from Microsoft researchers
Eligibility: Second-year PhD students at eligible universities; international students welcome
Focus: Technical innovation and leadership in research
✅ 2. Google PhD Fellowship Program
Region: Global (India, Europe, North America, Africa, Australia, East Asia)
Fields: AI, ML, algorithms, quantum computing, systems, security
Benefits: Full tuition and fees, generous stipend, access to Google research teams
Eligibility: Strong research track record and PhD enrollment at top institutions
Note: Highly competitive, nominations often required
✅ 3. Facebook (Meta) PhD Fellowship
Region: Global
Fields: Computer vision, NLP, distributed systems, AR/VR, privacy, networking
Benefits: Tuition, $42,000 annual stipend, paid visit to Meta headquarters
Eligibility: Full-time PhD students globally, enrolled in relevant research programs
Application Deadline: Usually in the fall of the previous academic year
✅ 4. ETH Zurich Doctoral Program in Computer Science (Switzerland)
Region: Europe
Benefits: Monthly salary (~CHF 47,000/year), research funding, travel grants
Eligibility: Master’s degree in Computer Science or related field
Focus: Algorithms, robotics, cybersecurity, systems, theory
Note: Admission to PhD includes automatic scholarship/funding
✅ 5. DAAD Graduate Scholarships – Germany
Region: Germany (open to all nationalities)
Fields: Computer Science and related tech fields
Benefits: Monthly stipend (€1,200+), health insurance, travel allowance, German language course
Eligibility: High-achieving international graduates applying to German public universities
Application: Directly through DAAD or via host university
✅ 6. Clarendon Fund – University of Oxford (UK)
Region: United Kingdom
Fields: All DPhil (PhD) programs including Computer Science
Benefits: Full tuition and college fees, annual stipend (~£18,000+)
Eligibility: All nationalities; no separate application needed if applying to Oxford by the early deadline
Focus: Academic excellence
✅ 7. Cambridge International Scholarships – University of Cambridge (UK)
Region: United Kingdom
Benefits: Full tuition and maintenance grant
Eligibility: International PhD applicants with outstanding academic records
Deadline: Typically December
Field: Computer Science and technology areas included
✅ 8. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada)
Region: Canada
Benefits: CAD $50,000 per year for 3 years
Eligibility: Academic excellence, research potential, leadership
Field: Computer Science, engineering, health, social sciences
Universities: Offered through nominated Canadian universities
✅ 9. SINGA (Singapore International Graduate Award)
Region: Singapore
Universities: NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD
Fields: Computer Science, AI, software engineering, robotics
Benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend (S$2,200–2,700), airfare, and settlement allowance
Eligibility: International students with excellent academic background
Language: No IELTS/TOEFL if medium of instruction was English
✅ 10. President’s PhD Scholarships – Imperial College London (UK)
Region: United Kingdom
Benefits: Full tuition, living stipend (~£22,900/year), research costs
Eligibility: Outstanding academic and research background
Field: Computer Science (AI, ML, bioinformatics, cybersecurity, etc.)
Highly Competitive: Requires academic excellence and a strong research proposal
🎓 Bonus: University-Based Fully Funded PhD Programs in Computer Science
These universities often fully fund all admitted PhD students:
MIT (USA) – Research assistantships and fellowships
Stanford University (USA) – Fully funded CS PhD with competitive stipend
Carnegie Mellon University (USA) – One of the world’s top CS research hubs
University of Toronto (Canada) – UofT CS PhD is well-funded and globally respected
University of Edinburgh (UK) – Offers multiple internal and external scholarships
🔍 Tips to Secure a PhD Scholarship in Computer Science
Build a Strong Research Profile: Publish papers, contribute to open-source projects, or work on real-world tech problems.
Connect with Supervisors Early: Reach out to professors whose work aligns with your interests.
Prepare a Solid Research Proposal: Clear goals, methodology, and relevance are essential.
Excel in Your Application: High GPA, strong GRE (if required), and tailored statement of purpose.
Apply Early: Deadlines for major scholarships are usually between September and January.
Conclusion
Pursuing a PhD in Computer Science with a fully funded scholarship is not only achievable but highly rewarding. Whether you aim to work in AI, cybersecurity, or advanced systems design, these scholarships provide the financial freedom to focus on impactful research at top global institutions.