Pursuing a PhD in Computer Science is a gateway to cutting-edge research, academic careers, and leadership roles in tech industries. However, the cost of a doctoral degree can be high. Fortunately, many institutions around the world offer fully funded PhD scholarships in Computer Science for 2025, covering tuition, living expenses, and even travel grants. This guide outlines the best opportunities, eligibility requirements, and how to apply successfully.
What Does "Fully Funded" Mean?
A fully funded PhD scholarship typically includes:
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Full tuition fee waiver
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Annual stipend or living allowance ($20,000 to $45,000)
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Research or teaching assistantship
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Health insurance
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Travel/conference funding (in some cases)
Top Universities Offering Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Computer Science (2025)
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – USA
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Scholarship: MIT EECS PhD Fellowship
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Funding: Full tuition + $43,000 stipend/year
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Focus Areas: AI, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing
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Deadline: December 2024
2. University of Cambridge – UK
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Scholarship: Gates Cambridge Scholarship
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Funding: Full fees + maintenance allowance + airfare
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Focus Areas: Human-Computer Interaction, Algorithms, Bioinformatics
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Deadline: October 2024 (international)
3. ETH Zurich – Switzerland
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Scholarship: ETH Zurich Doctoral Fellowship
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Funding: Full tuition + CHF 47,000/year
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Focus Areas: Computer Vision, Robotics, Distributed Systems
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Deadline: Rolling admissions
4. University of Toronto – Canada
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Scholarship: Faculty of Computer Science Doctoral Funding
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Funding: Full tuition + $25,000–$35,000/year
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Focus Areas: NLP, Big Data, Software Engineering
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Deadline: Varies by department
5. National University of Singapore (NUS) – Singapore
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Scholarship: NUS Research Scholarship
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Funding: Full tuition + S$2,200–S$3,000/month stipend
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Focus Areas: AI, Data Analytics, Computer Networks
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Deadline: January and August intakes
6. Australian National University (ANU) – Australia
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Scholarship: ANU PhD Scholarship in Computer Science
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Funding: Full fees + AUD 34,000/year stipend + relocation & thesis allowance
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Deadline: April and August 2025
Key Eligibility Criteria
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Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or related field
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Strong academic background (GPA 3.5+/4.0 or equivalent)
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Research proposal or statement of interest
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Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
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GRE scores (required by some US programs)
How to Apply for Fully Funded PhD Scholarships
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Choose Your Research Area: AI, cybersecurity, databases, etc.
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Contact Potential Supervisors: Reach out to professors whose work aligns with your interests.
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Prepare Required Documents:
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Academic transcripts
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Letters of recommendation
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Research proposal
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Statement of purpose
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CV/resume
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Apply Through University Portals: Follow instructions for both admission and scholarship applications.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
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Start Early: Applications open 8–12 months before the program starts
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Tailor Your Proposal: Align it with the supervisor’s ongoing research
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Demonstrate Research Potential: Highlight past publications or project work
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Apply Widely: Target at least 5–8 programs for higher chances
A fully funded PhD in Computer Science in 2025 offers not only free education but also the chance to be part of transformative global research. Whether you're passionate about AI, quantum computing, or ethical tech, there’s a scholarship out there for you.
Ready to Apply?
Explore these prestigious PhD programs, prepare your application early, and take the next step toward an elite research career—without student debt.