The Facebook Fellowship Program offers a prestigious opportunity for PhD students pursuing research in the fields of computer science, computer engineering, or related areas. If you aspire to complete your doctoral studies with a fully funded scholarship from one of the world’s most influential companies, this is your chance. In this article, we will cover the essential details about the Facebook Fellowship, its benefits, eligibility criteria, and the step-by-step application process.
What is the Facebook Fellowship Program?
The Facebook Fellowship Program for 2025-2026 is a fully funded scholarship designed to support outstanding PhD students conducting research in areas crucial to Facebook’s mission and technological advancements. This fellowship provides a comprehensive financial package, including tuition fees, a generous stipend, and funding for travel to academic conferences.
The fellowship is aimed at supporting students whose research aligns with Facebook’s priorities in computer science, engineering, and related fields. The scholarship is available to international students and is awarded for a period of two years.
Program Focus Areas
The Facebook Fellowship Program covers a wide range of disciplines within computer science and engineering. Some of the main research areas of focus include:
- Applied Statistics
- AR/VR Computer Graphics
- AR/VR Photonics and Optics
- AR/VR Future Technologies
- Blockchain and Cryptoeconomics
- Computational Social Science
- Computer Vision
- Database Systems
- Distributed Systems
- Economics and Computation
- Energy Efficient Video Compression
- Instagram/FB App Well-being and Safety
- Machine Learning
- Natural Language Processing
- Networking
- Privacy and Data Use
- Programming Languages
- Security and Privacy
- Social and Economic Policy
- Spoken Language Processing and Audio Classification
- Systems for Machine Learning
For more details on the specific topics of interest, you can visit the official website.
Facebook Fellowship Program Benefits
The Facebook Fellowship Program offers a comprehensive set of benefits for selected candidates, including:
- $42,000 Annual Stipend: This grant is provided annually to cover living expenses during the academic year.
- Full Tuition Coverage: The scholarship includes full coverage of tuition fees for up to two years (four semesters).
- Conference Travel Support: Fellows receive up to $5,000 in funding for travel to conferences relevant to their research.
- Fellowship Summit: A paid visit to Facebook’s headquarters for the annual Fellowship Summit, offering valuable networking and learning opportunities.
The stipend and tuition fees are paid directly to the recipient’s university, with the stipend sent directly to the fellow. Please note that stipends are subject to local tax laws.
Eligibility Criteria for the Facebook Fellowship Program
To be eligible for the Facebook Fellowship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Level: Applicants must be enrolled as full-time PhD students and actively engaged in research at an accredited university.
- Relevant Research Areas: Research must align with one or more of the designated focus areas (as listed above).
- Application Submission: Applicants must submit their application online using their Facebook account.
- Academic Standing: The fellowship is open to PhD students in the first or second year of their doctoral program.
- Minority Representation: PhD students from under-represented minority groups in the tech industry may be considered for the Emerging Scholar Award.
The applications will be assessed based on the strength of the applicant’s research statement, publication record, and letters of recommendation.
Application Process for the Facebook Fellowship Program
The application process for the Facebook Fellowship Program is straightforward, but it is essential to follow each step carefully. Here’s how to apply:
- Stay Updated: Visit the official Facebook Fellowship Program application page regularly for updates.
- Create a Facebook Account: All applicants are required to use their Facebook account to apply for the fellowship.
- Prepare Required Documents:
- Resume/CV: Include your contact details (email, phone, mailing address), academic history, and coursework.
- Research Summary: Submit a 1-2 page research summary that outlines your area of focus, the importance of your work, and how your research aligns with Facebook’s interests.
- Letters of Recommendation: Provide two letters of recommendation, with one being from your academic advisor.
- Enter Reference Details: In your application, you will be asked to provide the email addresses of your referees. They will receive an email with a link to submit their recommendation letters.
- Submit or Save Your Application: You can save and edit your application until the submission deadline. Be sure to review all information before submitting.
The deadline for the 2025-2026 application cycle is September 20, 2024. The application portal will open in August 2024.
Learn More
For more information about the Facebook Fellowship Program, eligibility criteria, and the application process, visit the official website.
Conclusion
By applying for the Facebook Fellowship, you can take the next step in your academic career while receiving valuable financial support and a range of opportunities to advance your research.