Doctoral Fellowship in Bulgaria 2026 | PhD at INSAIT

INSAIT is offering fully funded PhD fellowships in Sofia, Bulgaria. This institute partners closely with ETH Zurich and EPFL. It’s the first major AI and computer science research institute in Eastern Europe. Students receive world-class mentorship while pursuing independent research careers. The program accepts applications year-round through rolling admissions. This flexibility allows candidates to apply whenever they’re ready.

Program Snapshot

• Host Institution: INSAIT, in partnership with ETH Zurich and EPFL
• Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
• Duration: Up to five years
• Stipend: €39,684 gross annually, with 10% flat income tax
• Application Process: Rolling admissions, year-round

Focus Areas

• Computer science and artificial intelligence
• Mathematics, physics, and statistics
• Data science and electrical engineering
• General AI and machine learning research

About INSAIT

This institute aims to become a leading global AI research powerhouse. Doctoral students receive mentorship from professors at MIT, Yale, and ETH Zurich. The program offers genuine intellectual freedom alongside excellent working conditions. Compensation remains highly competitive compared to typical European PhD stipends. Because admissions run continuously, prospective students avoid rigid annual deadlines entirely.

What Makes This Program Distinctive

INSAIT connects doctoral candidates directly with top international faculty advisors. Students select specific research interest areas during their initial application. This helps match candidates with advisors working in their chosen field. The institute’s partnership model brings genuine Western European academic standards eastward. Response times remain relatively fast, with decisions arriving within two months.

Who Can Apply

Applicants need a completed or nearly completed Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Eligible fields include computer science, mathematics, and electrical engineering broadly. Final-year Bachelor’s or Master’s students may also apply immediately. Strong English proficiency is expected throughout the application and program. INSAIT welcomes excellent candidates from any country or academic background.

Required Materials

Applicants submit a curriculum vitae detailing academic and professional achievements. Degree certificates and official transcripts must accompany every application submitted. A clear motivation letter explaining PhD interest is required too. Two recommendation letters remain optional, though strongly encouraged where possible. English proficiency certificates, like TOEFL or IELTS, should be included if available.

How to Apply

Complete the application through INSAIT’s official recruitment platform online.

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Conclusion

This fellowship offers an exceptional combination of generous funding, world-class mentorship, and genuine research independence at a rapidly growing institution. Its rolling admissions process makes it especially accessible compared to programs with rigid annual cycles. Given the strong compensation and prestigious partner network, prospective candidates should prepare a compelling motivation letter and apply as soon as their materials are ready.

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