Deadline: On a rolling basis
The INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded research program designed for outstanding graduate students seeking to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge computer science and artificial intelligence research. The fellowship provides the unique opportunity to work directly with world-class faculty at the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) in Sofia, Bulgaria.
This competitive program is modeled after research opportunities offered by top global institutions such as MIT, Caltech, and ETH Zurich, giving participants exposure to world-standard research practices and collaboration environments.
About the INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship 2026
The INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship 2026 offers motivated graduate students an opportunity to engage in advanced research in computer science and related disciplines. Participants will contribute to ongoing projects under the mentorship of INSAIT faculty and may co-author research papers for leading international conferences and journals.
The program aims to empower talented individuals by fostering innovation, creativity, and academic excellence in an international research setting.
Fellowship Duration and Format
- Duration: 6–12 months (determined jointly by the fellow and research mentor).
- Location: On-site at INSAIT, Sofia, Bulgaria. Remote research is not permitted.
Participants are required to reside in Sofia for the entire duration of their fellowship to fully immerse themselves in the research environment.
Funding and Benefits
Selected fellows receive a fully funded research experience that covers all essential expenses, allowing them to focus on academic and research excellence.
Benefits Include:
- Monthly Stipend: Approximately €3,307 to cover living costs.
- Accommodation: Provided for the first two weeks upon arrival in Bulgaria.
- Travel Support: Financial assistance for travel arrangements.
- Visa Support: Assistance with visa processing and documentation.
This generous funding package ensures participants can focus entirely on research and development throughout their stay.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be currently enrolled in a Master’s program or have graduated within the past 12 months from a Master’s degree at an accredited university.
- Hold an academic background in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, or Mathematics.
- Demonstrate strong research potential and academic performance.
- Applications from female candidates and individuals historically underrepresented in STEM fields are strongly encouraged.
Program Expectations
During the fellowship, participants will be actively engaged in research and academic development. Fellows are required to:
- Develop and discuss a project plan with their assigned faculty mentor.
- Prepare a final report summarizing research outcomes (ideally formatted as a manuscript for a conference or journal submission).
- Deliver a final presentation as part of the official INSAIT Seminar Series.
These deliverables are designed to ensure each fellow’s work contributes meaningfully to the academic and research goals of INSAIT.
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit their applications online through the official INSAIT portal. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, meaning there is no fixed deadline, and candidates can apply anytime during the cycle.
Required Documents:
- A current CV (in PDF format).
- An unofficial transcript or Master’s diploma (in PDF format).
Candidates are advised to ensure all documents are well-structured, professional, and tailored to reflect their research interests and academic achievements.
Why Apply for the INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship 2026?
This fellowship represents an exceptional opportunity for graduate students looking to build a global research profile and gain valuable mentorship in a competitive academic environment. Participants will work alongside top researchers, develop advanced technical skills, and contribute to groundbreaking research projects that could define the future of computer science and AI.
By joining the INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship 2026, you gain exposure, funding, and mentorship that can elevate your career trajectory in academia or industry.
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