phd fellowship

Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship

Region: Global

For eligible students at universities globally pursuing research aligned to Microsoft Research areas of focus.

Update : Microsoft Research has paused our call for proposals/nominations for the 2023 calendar year. We are exploring new avenues to invest in our academic partnerships and bring together students and researchers to collaborate, share knowledge, and pursue new research directions.

To learn more about the recently announced Microsoft Research AI & Society Fellows program , uniting eminent scholars and experts to collaborate on research at the intersection of AI and society, visit our program page .

The Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship is a global program that identifies and empowers the next generation of exceptional computing research talent. Microsoft recognizes the value of diversity in computing and aims to increase the pipeline of talent receiving advanced degrees in computing-related fields to build a stronger and inclusive computing-related research community. We currently offer PhD fellowships in Asia-Pacific, Canada and the United States, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa), Latin America, Australia and New Zealand.

Over the last two decades, the Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship program has supported over 700 fellows around the world, many of whom have gone on to work at Microsoft. Others have gone on to perform pioneering research elsewhere within the technology industry or accept faculty appointments at leading universities.

See your region for details, instructions, and answers to common questions.

• Asia-Pacific
• Australia & New Zealand
• Canada & United States
• Middle East
• Latin America

We are always looking for the best and brightest talent and celebrate individuality. We invite and encourage candidates to come as they are and do what they love.

The Microsoft Research 2022 Global PhD Fellowship recipients were announced in October 2022. Meet all the 2022 PhD Fellowship recipients on our “ 2022 Fellows ” page or hear about what this opportunity means to a few PhD fellows from around the globe below.

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•       Financial Aid       Scholarship       Fellowship Opportunities

Fellowship Opportunities Where to Find Them & How to Apply

Once reserved almost exclusively for PhDs and graduate students, fellowships are now increasingly open to a much wider student base — and in some cases, even non-students in the early stages of their careers. Most fellowships are paid but the value of a fellowship goes far beyond a monetary stipend. Those who are accepted into these programs, which are often highly competitive, gain advanced professional experience that’s typically hard to come by in positions right after college. Successful candidates also earn the coveted title of "fellow," which is bound to catch the eyes of prospective employers. Keep reading to learn more about fellowship programs, where to search for them, what to know when applying and what to expect along the way.

What are Fellowships?

What are the benefits, how to apply, prioritizing your proposal, how to nail the interview, examples of fellowship opportunities, where to find more fellowships.

Fellowships are short-term programs that can last for several years but are generally limited to a few months. Unlike most internships, fellowships generally come with paid stipends. In some cases, fellows enjoy additional benefits like health care, housing or student loan repayment. The real benefit, however, is the professional development that fellows can expect to get out of the experience. These competitive programs require significant commitment from the candidate, and no matter what type of fellowship you're pursuing, you should apply for a fellowship you're truly ready to see through to the end. Fellowships can be awarded, administered and funded by universities and colleges, corporations, nonprofits, foundations, media groups and governmental entities.

Given the structure of fellowships, fellows usually gain significant experience quickly. They’re given weighty responsibility and are expected to meet demanding challenges that otherwise would likely be reserved for higher-level professionals. Fellowships foster professional development, provide intensive training and open the door to high-level networking opportunities.

Once accepted into a program, fellows are given the professional support and resources needed to pursue and achieve accomplishments that would rarely be available to interns or professionals at the beginning of their careers. Fellows receive training and unique mentorship opportunities and are exposed to instructors, speakers and leaders who are at the top of their fields — many of whom were likely fellows themselves. The work fellows do is challenging, interesting and highly applicable to their academic and professional pursuits.

There are, however, some drawbacks to keep in mind. The rigorous application process can be stressful. On top of that, a serious, binding commitment is required and the stipends awarded rarely compete with the salaries that someone qualified for a fellowship could command in the job market. Fellowship compensation can vary widely but as an example, at the University of California, Berkeley , $25,000 for a 9-12 month program is considered generous. Berkeley fellows also receive healthcare coverage, student loan repayment assistance and stipends for housing. Other fellowships may offer such benefits – or more – but it’s not always a guarantee.

According to Crystal Olivarria, a career coach at Career Conversationalist , applying for a fellowship is more rigorous and in depth than applying for a job or even admission into a university. A big part of getting it right, she says, is adopting the right state of mind.

"Fellowships should not be viewed as prizes to win but rather as rewards earned," Olivarria says. She goes on to explain that fellowships should be thought of as advanced scholarships. “They usually require a more detailed application process. This is because fellowship administrators want to know what candidates have done, what knowledge and skills were gained and how that all can be applied to the cause the fellowship supports."

If you've identified a fellowship you'd like to pursue, you might be wondering about next steps. One of the key ingredients to a successful application is getting an early start. "Schedule plenty of time to apply, don’t rush through the process," advises Olivarria. She notes that the application process can be complex, requiring lots of prerequisite paperwork — like intent-to-apply forms — all of which come with strict submission deadlines. Personal statements — which are required for most fellowships and tend to carry significant weight among administrators and review committees — require multiple drafts, revisions and fine tuning. If you don't leave yourself enough time, you'll put additional stress on yourself, are more likely to encounter errors or miss important steps and won’t show administrators and committees what you’re truly capable of.

Start by getting your preliminary documents in order, including your resume, transcripts and letters of recommendation. The committee will want to review these foundational documents first. From there, they'll move onto the heart of your application — the fellowship proposal.

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Your proposal is the part of the application that gives you the opportunity to introduce yourself to the committee, explain what you intend to accomplish and present your case for why you're the right candidate. The good thing is your proposal doesn't have to be submitted as a finished product — most review committees expect your goals, plans and intentions to evolve throughout the process. But a proposal should provide evidence that you've carefully thought through why you want the fellowship and how you can contribute to the program.

Fellowship applications and the proposals they require all have unique guidelines and procedures, which applicants must understand completely before they get started and follow closely once they do. While you should read through all requirements carefully, there are some basic guidelines that can be applied to most fellowship proposals. Prospective fellows should consider the following when drafting a proposal:

If you're applying for a fellowship, chances are you're a specialist who has traveled a long path toward an academic niche. It's likely that at least some of the people reviewing your application won't hail from that world. You’ll want to demonstrate your knowledge but should avoid industry jargon and complex language that only those in your field are likely to understand.

Write in a conversational tone that's neither too manufactured nor too informal. Let your personality come through and stick to language and ideas that are truly your own.

A fellowship proposal is where you will share your accomplishments with the committee so they can understand what you've achieved. Modesty won’t help you, but neither will bragging — and never, ever exaggerate or embellish any accomplishments or accolades.

You're more than likely not going to get it right on the first draft. The revision process is as important as the writing process, and you'd be wise to get a second — or third or fourth, if possible — set of eyes on your proposal before you submit. Your school's alumni organization might be able to pair you with a mentor or advisor, and alumni of the fellowship program itself are uniquely qualified to review your work. As Olivarria sums it up, "Look for ways to enhance the application by consulting with a mentor and asking for their feedback and input."

A strong application containing a well-crafted proposal can lead to an interview with administrators and a review committee. Whether or not interviewing is your strong suit, preparation is key to this critical part of the process. Like proposals, interviews can include a wide spectrum of possible scenarios and formats so there's no one correct way to prepare. Also like proposals, however, there are a few standards for success that can be applied almost universally during fellowship interviews. Candidates should consider the following to prepare for an interview.

You're likely to emerge from the application process feeling like you know every nook and cranny of the fellowship program. The reality, however, is that it all can blur together during the frantic race to submit paperwork, meet deadlines and compile all the necessary materials. Now that the dust has settled, take some time to revisit the program details, brush up on exactly what the fellowship entails, who it's designed for, what it hopes to accomplish and why you felt you were a good match in the first place.

Even if you started early, the application process was probably still stressful and hectic. Re-read what you wrote, how you presented yourself, what language you used and the strengths you highlighted. Your application, after all, represents the totality of everything your interviewers know about you. It's also going to be the basis for many of the questions they’ll ask you during the first critical meeting.

You will, of course, have to answer plenty of questions, but you'll almost certainly be asked to present your interviewers with questions of your own. This is an excellent chance to demonstrate how much time you've taken to learn about the fellowship and the people and work involved. This is a good opportunity to showcase your inquisitive nature and your critical-thinking skills but it’s also a good time for you to get more information on things that weren’t clear or on details that weren’t discussed in the program description.

You'll of course be asked to discuss where you've been, what you've done and where you see yourself in the future, even if it's just the near future in terms of the fellowship. But be prepared for off-topic questions designed to let interviewers see the core of your personality and experiences. They might ask about your favorite historical figure, your biggest weakness or something you would have done differently if given the chance. They are, after all, trying to get a better understanding of who the real you really is, which leads to the final point.

Preparation is key. Reciting rehearsed, canned answers that you presume a review committee might want to hear is not. It's natural to be guarded when you're nervous but try to let your true personality shine through — it's gotten you this far, after all. Remember that you're there because the committee was impressed with you, your work, your style and your ambitions. People win fellowships. Rehearsed answers and lists of accomplishments do not.

In many cases, fellowship programs are offered, directed and funded by colleges and universities. In those cases, the application, interview and acceptance processes are usually conducted through the higher learning institution itself. A few examples of these college- and university-specific fellowships include programs like those offered through:

• The University of Colorado
• NYU School of Law
• Columbia University
• Northeastern University
• Stanford University
• University of California, Berkeley

For prospective fellows who don't yet know exactly what program they're even looking for, but do know their school of choice, it might make more sense to search the target school's fellowship database, which many prominent colleges and university now maintain. Examples of university- and college-based databases include:

• Cornell University Fellowship Database
• University of Chicago Fellowship Database
• Yale University Fellowships and Funding
• University of Southern California Awards and Fellowship Database
• University of Illinois Fellowship Finder
• Rutgers University Fellowship and Grant Database
• Harvard University CARAT Database For Grants and Fellowships
• Tufts University Scholarship and Fellowship Listings

In many other cases, however, fellowships are sponsored, funded and administered by outside associations, foundations and organizations not related to a college or university. Examples of some of the most prestigious and well-known are:

The ANY fellowship program is geared toward candidates with a passion, background and talent for immigration issues, particularly how they apply to education for first-generation college students.

This fellowship is open to those who have been residents, fellow members and members in good standing of the ACP for at least two years since completion of their residency.

Through the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the American Society of Anesthesiologists offers medical students fellowship opportunities across a dozen specialist concentrations.

Many of the CDC's fellowships provide direct gateways to future careers with the globally recognized governmental health organization.

Search for dozens of fellowship opportunities in specializations like anesthesia, emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, pediatric, psychiatry, surgery and women's health.

Designed exclusively for New York City math and science teachers in public schools, MFA's two unique fellowships both run for four full years.

Half a dozen fellowships across a range of academic levels and areas of study are issued through the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine.

NYFA awards $7,000 fellowships to originating artists living in New York or Native American reservations within the state. Applicants come from a wide variety of disciplines and backgrounds.

Search for any one among dozens of fellowships at several levels of academic achievement, including postdoctoral early career, postdoctoral any stage, library fellowships and residential fellowships and humanities centers.

The most promising early career scientists and scholars compete for highly competitive Sloan fellowships.

The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program is one of the better-known fellowships, and many other highly desirable fellowships are placed through the Smithsonian. There are also a broad range of fellowship opportunities throughout the Smithsonian's vast network of museums, units and research centers.

The Terra Foundation offers a variety of fellowships for both established and emerging scholars.

Anyone from business leaders to public servants can apply for the Coro Fellowship, which takes place entirely in urban settings. The program is designed to prepare community leaders and changemakers for the rigors of advanced community service and civic improvement.

Truman scholars can pursue fellowships beyond graduation through the Truman Albright Fellows, Truman Democracy Fellows and the Truman Governance Fellows.

The Pratt Association's highly competitive fellowships run for two semesters and expose the winning candidates to professional experience in some of New York City's most celebrated cultural institutions.

The Woodrow Wilson Dissertation Fellowship in Women's Studies is for PhD candidates who plan to complete their dissertations during the year of their fellowship.

Prospective fellows who are looking for a broad range of programs and opportunities — or who just want to see what's out there before they commit — have several databases and fellowship search engines to help them in that journey. To find and explore more fellowship opportunities, try the following resources:

More than 10,000 programs are available on this database, all of which are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

Although it focuses on grants, the Mellon database is also packed with fellowship opportunities.

The founders of ProFellow know some of the best opportunities are buried online. More than 1,000 funded fellowships can be found on this database, which is easily searchable just by filling out a few information fields.

The PSJD database allows users to search for research and academic fellowships, organizational fellowships and project-based fellowships.

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Nationally Competitive Graduate Fellowships

Fellowships below are just a few of the many options that exist – this is NOT an exhaustive list. Please make sure to search the databases listed on the previous page for even more funding options.

The majority of fellowships have deadlines from October – January and require institutional nomination/assistance.

LEGEND: (M) = Master’s (D) = Doctoral/PhD candidates;  Awards open to most programs unless designated “STEM”

Please click the headers to organize the table differently, if desired.

“*” indicates eligibility to international students

Graduate School

Princeton Fellowships

Both the Graduate School and our campus partners offer generous funding to promote academic innovation across disciplines.

Central to our financial support model, Princeton University fellowships are provided to all incoming Ph.D. students and are also available to support students in purpose-driven ways throughout their studies.

University fellowships usually begin in August with the start of the new academic year. Twelve-month awards run from August through July; ten-month awards run from August through May.

Explore University Fellowships

Jan. 12, 2024

Fantastic stem phd fellowships and where to find them (and how to win them too), by sathvik ajay iyengar. in this blog, we will delve into the intricate world of phd fellowships, exploring eligibility criteria, application processes, and shedding light on my journey as an international phd student..

Embarking on a Ph.D. journey is not just about academic pursuit; it's a transformative experience that often requires financial support. PhD fellowships serve as crucial lifelines for doctoral candidates, providing financial backing, networking opportunities, and professional development. In this blog, we will delve into the intricate world of PhD fellowships, exploring eligibility criteria, application processes, and shedding light on my journey as an international PhD student.

Eligibility Criteria:

PhD fellowships come with diverse eligibility criteria, ranging from academic merit to citizenship status. Some fellowships may be open to all candidates, irrespective of nationality, while others might be restricted to specific citizenships or research domains. It's crucial for applicants to carefully review and meet these eligibility requirements. Common criteria include enrollment in a Ph.D. program, academic achievements, and sometimes a demonstrated commitment to specific research areas. Many fellowships also restrict what ‘phase’ of your Ph.D. you must be in (pre-candidacy, post-candidacy, post-3 years in, pre-/post-defence, and so on). This can weave into the next critical consideration (cue drumroll):

Understanding the timelines associated with fellowship applications is paramount. Fellowships often follow specific application cycles, with deadlines varying across institutions and programs. Some fellowships even have multiple calls throughout the year! It is best to start the application process well in advance, so you have ample time to refine research proposals, secure letters of recommendation, and prepare application materials. Missing deadlines can be detrimental, as many fellowship programs operate on a competitive basis.

Fellowship Application Focus:

Different fellowships have distinct focal points in their application processes. For instance, the AAAS Science Policy Fellowship emphasizes expertise or interest in science policy, encouraging applicants with a passion for shaping policy decisions. On the other hand, the National Science Foundation (NSF) fellowships may prioritize research proposals, evaluating the scientific merit and potential impact of the proposed work. Prospective applicants should tailor their materials to align with each fellowship's specific requirements and objectives.

Writing up a Compelling Application:

Before you start writing, it is essential to understand the goals and objectives of the fellowship thoroughly. Tailor your application to align seamlessly with the mission and values of the program. Demonstrating a clear connection between your goals and those of the fellowship enhances your chances of success.

Tell a Cohesive Story: Craft a narrative that flows seamlessly from your academic background to your future aspirations. Your story should be compelling, illustrating how the fellowship fits your academic and career trajectory. Create a cohesive and engaging narrative that captivates the reader.

Highlight Your Achievements: Showcase your academic and research achievements prominently. Be specific about your contributions, publications, and any notable projects. Quantify your impact whenever possible, providing tangible evidence of your capabilities.

Connect with the Fellowship's Focus: Tailor your application to emphasize how your research interests or academic goals align with the fellowship's focus. Clearly articulate how your work contributes to the program's broader goals, showcasing your dedication and understanding of their mission.

Address Weaknesses Proactively: If there are any gaps or weaknesses in your application, address them proactively. Whether it's a lower GPA during undergrad or a brief hiatus in your research, explaining the circumstances and highlighting how you've overcome challenges can demonstrate your resilience and growth.

Demonstrate Impact: Articulate the potential impact of your work on your field or society at large. Convey a sense of purpose and commitment to making a positive difference. Whether through policy changes, scientific advancements, or societal improvements, showcase the tangible outcomes of your efforts.

Follow Application Guidelines: Adhere closely to the fellowship's application guidelines. Pay attention to word limits, required documents, and any specific instructions. A well-organized and compliant application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

Show Passion and Enthusiasm: Infuse your writing with a genuine passion for your field of study or policy area. Conveying enthusiasm for your research or advocacy adds a personal touch to your application, making it more memorable for the reviewers.

Edit and Revise: Editing is a crucial step in the application process. Review your materials for clarity, conciseness, and grammar. Ensure your writing is polished, error-free, and effectively communicates your message. Multiple rounds of proofreading can significantly enhance the quality of your application. And remember, grammar, grammar, GRAMMAR!

Finalization and Feedback:

Crafting a compelling fellowship application is an art, and like any art form, it benefits immensely from constructive feedback. Refining your application materials involves a critical examination of each component, ensuring that your narrative is impactful and aligns seamlessly with the fellowship's objectives. Here are some key considerations:

Peer Review:  Review your application materials with your peers or colleagues. Fresh perspectives can identify areas where your narrative may need clarification or where you might be underselling your achievements. Constructive criticism is invaluable in polishing your materials to perfection.

Faculty Input: Seek input from your academic advisors or mentors. Their wealth of experience can provide insights into how well your application aligns with the expectations of the fellowship committee. They can also offer guidance on emphasizing key academic and research achievements.

Tailoring for Specific Fellowships: Not all fellowships are created equal, nor should your application materials be one-size-fits-all. Tailor your documents for each fellowship, ensuring that your experiences and aspirations resonate with the program's specific goals. Highlighting relevant achievements and aligning your narrative with the fellowship's ethos can significantly enhance your chances.

Clarity and Brevity: Conciseness is critical. Ensure your application materials are clear, focused, and free from unnecessary jargon. Fellowship committees often review numerous applications, and a well-articulated, concise narrative is more likely to capture their attention.

Seek Guidance from Fellowship Alumni: Connect with previous fellowship recipients you're applying for. Their insights into the selection process and the factors contributing to their success can be invaluable. Understanding the expectations of someone who has walked the same path can provide a unique perspective.

Professional Editing: Consider exploring professional support to refine your writing at an early stage. Whether you turn to university resources like the Center for Academic and Professional Communication (CAPC) or take advantage of the available GPS Fellowship Coaching, engaging with these services before reaching a final draft can significantly enhance your application. Don't feel the need to delay seeking assistance until your writing is complete; CAPC and GPS coaching offer comprehensive guidance beyond grammatical and sentence-level edits. Consultants and coaches can assist you in shaping core content, expressing a robust central message or theme, and weaving a compelling narrative. Seeking advice early ensures you avoid merely "polishing" statements with weak content or structure. Coaches, especially, can aid in goal setting, establishing feasible timelines, and providing accountability, thereby increasing the likelihood of actively working on and submitting a well-crafted application.

Remember, the application process is iterative. Don't hesitate to revisit and revise your materials multiple times. Each round of feedback and refinement brings you closer to an application that meets the criteria and stands out from the rest. Embrace the feedback process as a vital step toward securing the fellowship that aligns best with your academic and career aspirations.

Rice University's Online Resource: Rice University’s Graduate and Postdoctoral Scholars Office (GPS) provides a valuable online resource for PhD candidates seeking fellowships. This comprehensive database offers a centralized platform for students to explore various fellowship opportunities, access application guidelines, and gain insights into successful application strategies. Utilizing such resources can significantly enhance the chances of securing coveted fellowships. There are also other fellowship databases (e.g., ProFellow for STEM and H-net for Humanities and Social Sciences) to search, scour, and identify fellowships that fit your needs.

Embarking on a Ph.D. journey is undoubtedly challenging, but it can be a rewarding experience with the proper support. Navigating the realm of PhD fellowships involves careful consideration of eligibility criteria, adherence to timelines, and tailoring applications to align with specific fellowship objectives. Rice University's online resource provides a valuable starting point. As an international PhD student, I hope my journey demonstrates that opportunities exist for those who seek them with determination and a strategic approach.

About the author: 

Sathvik Ajay Iyengar is a current Ph.D. student in Materials Science and NanoEngineering Program. His interests include 2D materials, the physics and chemistry of their atom-thick arrangements, and applications in new device architectures.  Read more .

Further Reading:

Fantastic STEM PhD Fellowships and Where to Find Them (Part 2- A Personal Experience)

Take the Cake: A Sweet Celebration of Major Fellowship Winners

Preparing for and Giving a Presentation at My First BIG Conference (BMES)

IBM PhD Fellowship Awards

Supporting research and innovation

About the program

Nominations for the 2021 IBM PhD Fellowship Award program will be accepted until October 23, 2020 at 12:00 AM (midnight) US Eastern Time. Notification of the results will take place in March of 2021

Nominate your PhD student for an IBM PhD Fellowship Award

We are pleased to announce the 2020 IBM PhD Fellowship awardees!

View the 2021 IBM PhD Fellowship Awardees.

Since 1951, the IBM PhD Fellowship Program has collaborated with faculty, students, and universities by recognizing and supporting exceptional PhD students that address focused areas of interest in technology. The nomination period for the 2024 PhD Fellowships will be open from July 15, 2024 through August 30, 2024 11:59PM Eastern Time.

Nominating faculty must submit thoroughly developed proposals, remain engaged during the vetting and due diligence process, and use the university domain email address for all correspondence.

Hybrid Cloud Quantum Computing / Quantum Systems Artificial Intelligence Cloud / Open Source Technologies Security / Cyber Security Data Science Systems

Since the creation of the IBM PhD Fellowship Program in 1951, we have supported thousands of PhD students. The program seeks to increase the number of under-represented minority students in the referenced science topics of interest by encouraging a diverse applicant pool.

log in to the university awards application

Eligibility

Students must be nominated by a doctoral faculty member and must be a full-time student in a PhD program over the two consecutive academic years of the award or forfeit their fellowship. Students should have three years remaining in their graduate program at the time of nomination. For example, nominees that are enrolled in a four year graduate program should have completed two years of their graduate program as of summer 2021 in order to benefit the most. Students from US embargoed countries are not eligible for the program. Award recipients will be selected based on their overall potential for research excellence, the degree to which their technical interests align with those of IBM, and their academic progress to - date, as evidenced by publications and endorsements from their faculty advisor and department head. Students receiving a comparable fellowship or internship from another company or institution (does not include academic scholarships) during the same IBM funded academic period may not be eligible for an IBM PhD Fellowship. The university credential email addresses must be entered in the nomination form.

• Must be nominated by a doctoral faculty member; students cannot nominate themselves.
• Must be enrolled full-time in a PhD program over the academic year of the award or forfeit the fellowship.
• Should be within two years of their estimated graduation date at the time of the nomination.
• That are from U.S. embargoed countries or attending institutions located in U.S. embargoed countries are not eligible for the program.
• There is a limit of three nominations per department. Four nominations are allowed from each university. Faculty should coordinate their nomination(s) with their department chair. IBM encourages that Faculty will consider a diverse slate of candidates for nominating to the program.
• Receiving a comparable fellowship, internship, or support from another company or institution (except for academic scholarships) during the IBM PhD Fellowship funding period are ineligible for this award. IBM reserves the right to revoke nominee’s eligibility and withdraw the funding of the PhD award upon knowledge of such award.
• Must stay in the same program for the duration of the award —no transferring of departments or schools.
• Their potential for research excellence. All awardees will have an IBM mentor for the duration of the award period and are strongly encouraged to intern during the year of their award. The internship is not guaranteed or mandatory. All student visas must align with terms of the internship.
• The degree to which the nomineesʼ research aligns with IBM focus areas.
• Academic standing, publications, and endorsements from faculty advisors and department heads.

Questions? Please review the frequently asked questions before applying at the IBM Fellowship Awards nomination portal or contacting [email protected] .

IBM PhD Fellowship Award Details

IBM PhD Fellowships are awarded worldwide. The value of the awards vary by the country in which the university is located.