Apple Scholars in AIML: 2026 Cohort, Nomination-Only

What Is Apple Scholars in AIML?

Apple Scholars in AIML is a PhD fellowship programme for researchers working on fundamental and applied machine learning and artificial intelligence. Apple describes the programme as supporting emerging research leaders while they pursue their doctoral degrees.

The programme is global, but access is institution-based rather than through an open public application form.

What Support Does Apple Confirm?

Apple’s current programme description confirms three core benefits:

• research funding while Scholars pursue their PhDs;
• mentorship with Apple researchers working in relevant areas; and
• internship opportunities with Apple.

Apple does not publish one universal current cash award, travel allowance or institution-level administrative package on the central programme page. Any such details should be checked in the nomination material supplied to the invited university.

How the Nomination Route Works

1. Apple invites participating universities or institutions.
2. The invited institution runs its own internal process to identify nominees.
3. The university submits nominations to Apple under the programme process.
4. Apple evaluates nominees based on research innovation, leadership, collaboration and commitment to advancing the field.
5. Selected Scholars receive the programme’s research support, mentorship and internship opportunities.

Research Areas Represented in the 2026 Cohort

The 2026 Apple Scholars span a broad range of AIML topics, including:

• AI for health and wellness;
• information retrieval and knowledge;
• machine-learning theory;
• ML algorithms and architectures;
• human-centered AI;
• data-centric AI;
• privacy-preserving machine learning;
• speech and natural language;
• interactive machine learning and agents;
• AI for ethics and fairness;
• computer vision; and
• AI for accessibility.

These areas describe the 2026 scholar cohort; they should not be treated as a permanent exhaustive eligibility list for future nomination cycles.

How Prospective Candidates Should Prepare

• Confirm whether your university is an invited institution.
• Check your university’s internal nomination timeline rather than searching for a universal Apple deadline.
• Prepare a concise research narrative showing originality, leadership and contribution to AIML.
• Clarify your individual role in publications and collaborative projects.
• Show how your doctoral research advances fundamental or applied machine learning.
• Ask your department or graduate school what internal documents are required for nomination.

Because the programme is nomination-based, the strongest preparation often begins with your own institution’s internal process rather than with Apple directly.

2026 Cohort Status

Apple announced the 2026 Scholars on 21 April 2026. The cohort includes researchers from universities across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and South America, reinforcing the programme’s global reach.

Apple states that the fellowship has now supported more than 120 emerging leaders in computer science and engineering across seven programme years.