NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program 2026 | Fully Funded For Africans
African Ph.D. students now have the chance to apply for the prestigious NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program 2026, a fully funded research fellowship designed to support groundbreaking work in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, computer graphics, and high-performance computing. This global fellowship is open to talented doctoral candidates worldwide, including those from Africa, providing financial support, mentorship, and the opportunity to work directly with NVIDIA researchers.
Summary of NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program 2026
- Open to Ph.D. students worldwide, including Africans.
- Fellowship award of up to $60,000.
- Focus areas include AI, machine learning, computer graphics, robotics, and advanced computing.
- Applicants must have completed at least one year of Ph.D. study.
- Mandatory summer internship at an NVIDIA research office in 2026.
- Application deadline: September 15, 2025.
About the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program
The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program has supported exceptional doctoral candidates for more than 25 years. Its goal is to empower the brightest minds in technology and research by funding their advanced studies and providing industry-level mentorship. Since its inception, the fellowship has awarded over $7.3 million in funding to more than 200 Ph.D. students.
For the 2026 academic year, NVIDIA is seeking innovative African and global scholars conducting research that aligns with their mission to transform industries with advanced computing technologies.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program 2026, applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a Ph.D. program and have completed at least one academic year.
- Conduct research related to NVIDIA’s areas of focus, such as AI, robotics, graphics, machine learning, autonomous systems, or high-performance computing.
- Be available for a full-time, in-person internship at an NVIDIA research office during summer 2026.
- Demonstrate outstanding academic performance, research capability, and innovation potential.
Benefits of the Fellowship
Successful applicants will enjoy:
- Financial Support – Each fellow receives up to $60,000 to fund doctoral research.
- Industry Mentorship – Direct engagement with NVIDIA researchers and experts.
- Global Internship Opportunity – A summer 2026 placement at an NVIDIA research lab.
- Research Networking – Collaboration with global leaders in AI, robotics, and advanced computing.
- Career Advancement – Increased visibility and opportunities in both academic and industry careers.
Application Timeline
| Stage | Date |
| Application Opens | Ongoing (2025 cycle) |
| Application Deadline | September 15, 2025 |
| Internship Program | Summer 2026 |
| Fellowship Year Begins | 2026–2027 Academic Year |
How to Apply
Interested candidates must follow these steps:
- Prepare Application Materials
- Updated CV, academic transcripts, and research statement.
- Two or more letters of recommendation from academic supervisors.
- A clear proposal demonstrating how your Ph.D. research aligns with NVIDIA’s technology focus.
- Submit Application Online
- Applications must be submitted through NVIDIA’s official portal: NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Application Portal
- Confirm Internship Availability
- Applicants should ensure they can attend the mandatory 2026 summer internship at an NVIDIA research office.
- Await Selection Results
- Successful applicants will be notified after the review process and invited to begin preparations for the internship and fellowship year.
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Why African Ph.D. Students Should Apply
The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program 2026 is a unique chance for African students to gain global recognition in highly competitive technology fields. With Africa emerging as a hub for AI and digital innovation, this fellowship provides:
- Access to world-class research mentorship.
- A pathway to contributing to global scientific and technological advancement.
- Funding that reduces financial barriers for doctoral students.
- Enhanced career prospects through hands-on collaboration with one of the world’s leading technology companies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who can apply for the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program 2026?
Ph.D. students worldwide, including Africans, who have completed at least one year of doctoral study. - What is the value of the fellowship?
Each award is valued at up to $60,000, covering doctoral research support. - Is an internship required?
Yes. Fellows must complete an in-person internship at an NVIDIA research office during summer 2026. - What are the eligible fields of research?
Artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, computer graphics, autonomous systems, healthcare technology, and high-performance computing. - What is the deadline for applications?
The deadline is September 15, 2025.
Conclusion
The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program 2026 is one of the most competitive and rewarding fellowships for African doctoral students in technology-related fields. With its full funding, mentorship, and internship opportunities, it provides the perfect platform for scholars to expand their research, build global networks, and establish themselves as future leaders in AI and computing.
Interested candidates should prepare their applications carefully and apply before the deadline.
Apply here: NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Application Portal