Location: Bulgaria
Program: Postgraduate – Graduate Research Fellowship
Eligibility: All Nationalities
Duration: 6 to 12 months
Deadline: Not fixed. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis (year-round)
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The INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship is one of Eastern Europe’s most exciting and prestigious research opportunities, offering highly motivated graduate students from around the world the chance to conduct in-person research at the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) in Sofia, Bulgaria, under the direct mentorship of world-class INSAIT faculty. The programme is explicitly modelled after the most successful research programmes at MIT, Caltech, and ETH Zurich, and participants are expected to contribute actively to ongoing research projects within their groups, with the strong likelihood of co-authoring paper submissions for top computer science conferences and journals.
INSAIT was established in April 2022 in collaboration with ETH Zurich and EPFL and is the first research institute of its kind in Eastern Europe, dedicated to achieving world-class excellence in computer science, artificial intelligence, and technology research. Located in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, which joined the Schengen Area in 2024, INSAIT offers international researchers a state-of-the-art research environment, access to a diverse and internationally minded academic community, and the exceptional cultural experience of one of Europe’s most affordable and historically rich capital cities. The institute’s ambition is to establish itself as one of the world’s leading research institutions in AI and computer science, attracting the brightest talent from across the globe and producing research that pushes the boundaries of technology and transforms the world.
Benefits of the Fellowship
This fellowship will provide the following to its recipients:
- Monthly gross pay of €3,307 to cover living expenses for the full 6 to 12 month fellowship duration
- Accommodation support
- Travel support
- Assistance with visa application and documentation
- No application fee
- Opportunity to deliver a final presentation as part of the INSAIT seminar series
- Other benefits
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Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this fellowship, applicants must meet the following:
- Must be a graduate student currently enrolled in a Master’s programme at any accredited university worldwide, or a recent graduate of a Master’s programme
- Must be pursuing or have completed a degree in a STEM field, specifically Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or Engineering
- Open to students of all nationalities from anywhere in the world
- Must be willing and able to be physically present at INSAIT in Sofia, Bulgaria for the full duration of the fellowship (6 to 12 months); remote work is strictly not permitted
- Undergraduate students are not eligible for the Graduate Research Fellowship but may apply for the separate INSAIT Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
- Must submit a CV and transcript (or Master’s diploma) in PDF format through the official INSAIT online application portal
- Upon selection, must confirm participation within 5 days of receiving the invitation
Note: Kindly check the official webpage for full and detailed requirements
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Selection Criteria
The INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship selection process is highly competitive and is conducted on a rolling basis, with each application evaluated by potential mentors on the basis of the applicant’s academic background, research experience, and suitability for the ongoing projects within their research group. Academic performance is fundamental, with the selection committee reviewing the CV, academic transcripts or Master’s diploma, and assessing the applicant’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to active research at the level expected of a top global institution. Shortlisted candidates are invited to a brief online interview with a potential mentor, during which research interests, project fit, and availability are discussed, and the final selection is based on both the quality of the application materials and the outcome of the mentor interview, with candidates notified of the decision within approximately one month of submitting their application.
How to Apply
CLICK HERE to visit the official webpage ad submit your application.
