Summary
The Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT), in partnership with Sofia University, is offering fully funded, world-class PhD Fellowships. The doctoral program is designed to train independent scientists and future technology leaders through rigorous mentorship by internationally recognized researchers, competitive financial support (€39,684/year), and strong ties to top global institutions and tech industry leaders (such as Google DeepMind and AWS).
Fully Funded PhD Fellowship at INSAIT (Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology)
Designation
- Position: Doctoral Researcher / PhD Student Fellow
- Degree Awarded by: INSAIT at Sofia University
Key Program Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Host Institution | INSAIT (Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology) |
| Partner / Degree Granting | Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” |
| Fellowship Amount | €39,684 gross per year (Full funding) |
| Program Duration | Up to 5 years (split into exploratory and deep research phases) |
| Target Level | Bachelor’s or Master’s degree holders/graduates |
| Working Language | English |
| Application Mode | Online via INSAIT application portal |
| Application Deadline | Rolling Admissions (Open Year-Round) |
Research Areas
Doctoral candidates can conduct cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research in areas including:
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (Foundation Models, LLMs, Robotic VLA)
- Computer Vision & Robotics
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- Secure and Trustworthy AI / Information Security and Cryptography
- Regulatory AI Compliance
- Quantum Computing
- Algorithms & Theoretical Computer Science
Location
- City/Country: Sofia, Bulgaria
- Address: Synergy Tower, blvd. Tsarigradsko shose 111R, 1784 Sofia, Bulgaria (with fully covered international exchange/visits to external partner labs such as ETH Zurich, etc.)
Eligibility / Qualification
- Academic Background: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (completed or in the final year of completion) in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
- B.Sc. Direct Entry: Students holding only a Bachelor’s degree are also eligible; they will complete their Master’s degree requirements during the first 2 years while receiving the full annual fellowship stipend.
- Language Proficiency: Strong command of the English language (working and teaching medium is 100% English; formal certificates like TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge are welcome).
- International Applicants: Open to candidates of all nationalities worldwide.
Scholarship Description
- Full Financial Support: Admitted doctoral students receive €39,684 gross per year for the duration of the program (up to 5 years).
- Industry & Partner Fellowships: Direct fellowship pathways supported by global industry leaders such as Google DeepMind and Amazon Web Services (AWS).
- Travel & Collaboration Coverage: Fully covered international visits (up to ~3 months/year) when co-advised by external mentors at partner institutions (e.g., ETH Zurich, MIT CSAIL).
- Program Structure:
- Part I (Up to 2 years): Research exploration, foundational coursework, and thesis topic definition.
- Part II (Up to 3 years): In-depth research, thesis execution, top-tier conference publications (e.g., CSRankings venues), and dissertation defense.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically through the INSAIT PhD Application Portal:
- Access the Portal: Visit the official INSAIT PhD Page and click on the application link (or email
contact@insait.aiif access issues occur). - Prepare Required Documents (in English):
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detail your education, research experience, publications, and awards.
- Transcripts & Degree Certificates: Official copies of Bachelor’s/Master’s diplomas and grade records.
- Motivation Letter (Statement of Purpose): Up to 2 pages (A4 format) outlining your research interests, career objectives, and motivation to join INSAIT.
- Recommendation Letters (Optional but encouraged): Contact details or letters from two academic/scientific referees.
- English Language Certificate: TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge score report (if available).
- Assessment: Applicants will be notified within 2 months of application submission, followed by technical interviews with prospective faculty advisors.
Last Date for Apply
- Rolling Basis: There is no strict fixed deadline. INSAIT accepts and reviews doctoral applications year-round. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible to allow time for interview scheduling and visa/work permit processing.
