ELLIS PhD Program: Call for Applications 2026, Europe

Summary

The ELLIS PhD Program is a prestigious initiative designed to cultivate and educate top talent in machine learning and related research fields. It achieves this by connecting outstanding students with leading academic and industrial researchers across Europe. The program emphasizes networking and training through various activities, including summer schools and workshops. Each PhD student benefits from co-supervision by two ELLIS researchers, typically based in different European countries, fostering an international research experience.

Designation

• PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher

Table of Important Dates

Research Area

• Machine Learning
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related fields
• Interdisciplinary applications of AI/ML (e.g., biology, law, finance)

Location

• Primarily European institutions.
• Exchange periods and co-supervision may involve institutions in different European countries or, in some cases, Canada/US (for CIFAR partnership).

Eligibility/Qualification

General Requirements

• Outstanding academic record.
• Interest in machine learning and related research areas.
• Ability to conduct an exchange of at least 6 months with a secondary advisor.

Supervision Models

• Academic & Industry Tracks: Jointly supervised by two ELLIS researchers (one ELLIS Fellow/Scholar/Unit Member and one ELLIS Fellow/Scholar/Unit Member/Member), both based in Europe.
• Interdisciplinary Track: One ELLIS Fellow/Scholar and one tenured faculty in a non-AI field, both based in Europe.
• ELLIS/CIFAR Partnership: One ELLIS Fellow/Scholar based in Europe and a CIFAR fellow (Canada/US) or Canadian AI Chair holder (Canada).
• ELLIS/MP-AIX Collaboration: One ELLIS Fellow/Scholar based in Europe and one MP-AIX researcher.

Exchange and Time-Sharing Requirements

• Academic Track: PhD student must visit the secondary advisor in a different European country for a minimum of 6 months. (Exception: If co-supervisor is outside Europe, they must be an ELLIS Fellow/Scholar).
• Industry Track: Minimum 50% time at academic partner, minimum 6 months with industry partner. Industry partner must be Europe-based.
• Interdisciplinary Track: Minimum 50% time with primary advisor, minimum 6 months with secondary advisor (non-AI expert). Secondary advisor must be Europe-based. (Exception: If both advisors are in the same university/different departments, no 6-month visit required, but regular meetings are mandatory, and a 1-month abroad period is encouraged).
• The PhD degree must be awarded by a European institution, unless one advisor is a CIFAR Fellow/Canadian AI Chair holder.

Scholarship Description

The ELLIS PhD Program aims to foster and educate the best talent in machine learning and related research areas. It provides a structured doctoral experience with dual supervision from leading academic and industrial researchers across Europe. Students benefit from an international exchange component, requiring a minimum 6-month visit to their secondary advisor’s institution. The program supports three distinct tracks: Academic, Industry, and Interdisciplinary, allowing for diverse research and career paths. Successful candidates will gain access to a vibrant network, including summer schools and workshops, and contribute to cutting-edge AI research. Funding for the program is supported by the European Union’s Horizon research and innovation programme (ELIAS, ELLIOT) and G-Research.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply online through the ELLIS application portal. The process involves several steps:

1. Register: Applicants must first register on the portal to receive login details.
2. Complete Application Form: Provide personal details, indicate preferences for research fields and potential supervisors, and list relevant degrees and experience.
3. Upload Documents: Submit the following as PDFs:
   • A two-page motivational letter (explaining interest in ELLIS, research statement, and optionally, specific advisors of interest).
   • Current CV detailing educational background, work experience, publications, presentations, and awards.
   • Unofficial transcripts of all university studies (BSc, MSc) with English translations.
   • (Optional) Additional documents such as a thesis, published paper, or project portfolio (single PDF, <20 MB).
4. Provide References: Supply contact details for a minimum of 2 (maximum 3) referees who have agreed to submit recommendations. It is crucial to contact referees personally before sending a formal request via the portal. Referees should be professionally established (independent investigator, principal scientist, group leader, lecturer or above); a maximum of one reference can be from a postdoc. References from PhD students or classmates are not accepted.
5. Parallel Applications: Some institutions may require separate applications through their official channels. Applicants should check advisor profiles on the portal and, if necessary, apply to both the ELLIS program and the advisor’s institution in parallel to avoid delays.

Only complete applications will be considered. Please consult the ELLIS FAQs and webpage before applying.

Last Date for Apply

31 October 2026, 23:59 AoE (for application submission)

25 November 2026, 23:59 AoE (for referee recommendation submission)

Apply Link

ELLIS PhD Program Application Portal (Portal opens 1 October 2026)