PhD at INSAIT in Bulgaria: Fully Funded Doctoral Fellowship of €39,684 Per Year for International Students

Are you an aspiring researcher in computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, mathematics, physics, statistics, or electrical engineering looking for a fully funded PhD opportunity in Europe? The Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) in Sofia, Bulgaria, is offering talented doctoral candidates the opportunity to pursue a world-class PhD while receiving a full doctoral fellowship of €39,684 gross per year.

The INSAIT PhD programme is designed for ambitious students who want to develop into independent scientists, researchers, technology leaders, and deep-tech innovators. Successful candidates work closely with leading researchers from INSAIT and affiliated international institutions, while undertaking advanced research in computer science and artificial intelligence.

Unlike many scholarship programmes that have a fixed annual deadline, INSAIT uses a rolling admission process, meaning prospective doctoral candidates can submit applications throughout the year.

Opportunity Overview

• Opportunity: PhD at INSAIT
• Category: Scholarship / Fully Funded PhD Fellowship
• Host Institution: INSAIT – Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology
• Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
• Study Level: Doctoral / PhD
• Fields: Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics and Electrical Engineering
• Funding: €39,684 gross per year
• Programme Duration: Up to 5 years
• Application System: Rolling admissions
• Deadline: No fixed deadline; applications are accepted throughout the year
• Language: English
• Degree Issuing Institution: INSAIT at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”
• Eligible Applicants: International applicants are welcome

About INSAIT

INSAIT is the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology, located in Sofia, Bulgaria. The institute was established in 2022 in partnership with leading technical universities including ETH Zurich and EPFL and operates as a special unit of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski.” Its mission is to build a world-class research and education environment focused on computer science, artificial intelligence and related technologies.

The institute aims to attract outstanding researchers and train the next generation of scientists and technology leaders. Its research ecosystem has connections with internationally recognized academic and technology institutions, making the PhD programme particularly attractive to candidates seeking international research exposure.

For doctoral candidates, the programme goes beyond classroom-based education. Students are expected to become active researchers, work with experienced advisers, contribute to high-quality research and develop the expertise necessary to pursue careers in academia, industry, entrepreneurship and advanced research laboratories.

What Does the INSAIT PhD Fellowship Offer?

One of the most significant features of the programme is its financial support.

All admitted doctoral candidates receive a full PhD fellowship worth €39,684 gross per year. This financial support is intended to allow students to concentrate fully on their doctoral research rather than having to seek unrelated employment to finance their studies.

INSAIT also notes that doctoral fellowships may be available through major technology companies, including DeepMind and Amazon Web Services.

The fellowship therefore provides an opportunity for qualified researchers to pursue advanced doctoral studies while receiving substantial financial support.

Key financial benefit

• €39,684 gross per year
• Full doctoral fellowship for admitted candidates
• Financial support can continue during the first two years for candidates who enter with a Bachelor’s degree and complete their Master’s degree within the programme
• Students are expected to dedicate themselves full-time to doctoral research
• There is no requirement to repay the fellowship if a candidate ultimately fails the doctoral programme, according to INSAIT’s FAQ.

It is important to understand that the stated amount is gross, rather than net, meaning the amount received after applicable taxes or deductions may be lower.

Who Is Eligible for the INSAIT PhD?

INSAIT is looking for talented candidates with strong academic backgrounds who have obtained, or will have obtained by the time they begin the doctoral programme, a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

The institute generally considers applicants with academic backgrounds in:

• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Statistics
• Electrical Engineering

Candidates who are currently completing their Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees may also be considered, provided they obtain the relevant degree before beginning the doctoral programme. Recent Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates are therefore encouraged to apply if they meet the academic requirements.

Applicants with only a Bachelor’s degree

An important feature of the programme is that applicants do not necessarily need to already hold a Master’s degree.

A candidate who has a Bachelor’s degree but does not yet have an MSc can be admitted with the expectation that they will complete their Master’s degree during the first two years of the INSAIT doctoral programme.

During this period, the student remains financially supported through the €39,684 gross annual fellowship and is expected to continue toward the second part of the PhD programme if successful.

This makes the opportunity particularly interesting for outstanding Bachelor’s graduates who want to move directly into an advanced research environment.

Are International Students Eligible?

Yes. International applicants are explicitly welcome.

INSAIT states that it aims to become an international, world-class research and education institution and embraces diversity. English is the working language, and communications within the programme take place in English.

Therefore, the programme is not restricted to Bulgarian citizens.

Qualified candidates from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania and other parts of the world can be considered, provided they meet the academic and programme requirements.

For international candidates, however, immigration requirements should be considered. INSAIT notes that visa applications and work-permit procedures can sometimes affect the timing of a student’s start date.

What Research Areas Can PhD Students Pursue?

Applicants do not necessarily have to commit to one highly specific PhD research topic before submitting their application.

INSAIT allows candidates to identify several areas of interest. Students are encouraged to have a general idea of the research directions they would like to explore, but their interests can evolve during the programme.

The institute also encourages interdisciplinary research and collaboration, meaning a final PhD topic may combine several areas of computer science, artificial intelligence, mathematics or related disciplines.

This approach is particularly useful for candidates who have strong technical interests but are still exploring the precise research problem they want to investigate.

How Long Is the INSAIT PhD Programme?

The doctoral programme can last up to five years and is divided into two major stages.

Part I: Up to two years

During the first part, the student works on research with their adviser while exploring potential research directions.

The objective is to develop sufficient expertise and research understanding to formulate a specific PhD thesis topic.

By the end of this stage, the candidate is expected to define the theme of their doctoral research and defend it before an INSAIT graduate committee.

The first two years are not necessarily limited to one research topic. Students are encouraged to gain exposure to multiple areas and collaborate with other researchers.

Part II: Up to three years

After successfully completing the first stage, the student proceeds to the second part of the programme.

The focus then becomes deeper research into the selected thesis topic, with the objective of producing significant and original research results.

INSAIT explains that, as a rule of thumb, a PhD thesis should be based on at least three publications in top academic venues. However, the final thesis should form a coherent body of academic work rather than simply being a collection of previously published papers.

Students are also expected to contribute to the broader research environment by collaborating with other doctoral researchers and potentially supervising or working with Master’s students.

World-Class Mentorship and Research Supervision

A major advantage of the INSAIT PhD is access to experienced researchers and international mentors.

Students are mentored by INSAIT faculty members as well as affiliated mentors. The institute’s broader research network includes researchers associated with leading institutions around the world.

For students who are supervised primarily by an external adviser, INSAIT has a structure designed to facilitate close collaboration with the adviser’s research group.

An externally supervised student may spend approximately three months per year visiting the adviser’s institution. According to INSAIT, these visits are fully covered by the institute.

The arrangement can allow students to work directly with established research groups while maintaining their connection to INSAIT.

External advisers are also expected to visit INSAIT several times per year and provide regular technical guidance to their doctoral students.

This international supervision model can provide doctoral students with exposure to different research environments and international academic networks.

Who Issues the PhD Degree?

INSAIT is legally part of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski.”

Consequently, the official doctoral degree is issued by INSAIT at Sofia University.

This means students are participating in INSAIT’s specialized research environment while the degree is institutionally connected to Sofia University.

Required Application Documents

Candidates should prepare a strong application package before applying.

The main documents requested by INSAIT include the following.

1. Curriculum Vitae

Applicants should provide a detailed academic and professional CV.

The CV should highlight:

• Universities attended
• Degrees obtained or currently being completed
• Academic achievements
• Relevant professional experience
• Research experience
• Publications, where applicable
• Technical achievements
• Extracurricular achievements
• Awards and distinctions
• Other accomplishments relevant to doctoral research

For a competitive PhD application, candidates should ensure that the CV demonstrates evidence of research potential rather than simply listing educational qualifications.

2. Degree Certificates

Applicants who have already graduated should submit official copies of their Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree certificates.

Candidates still completing their degrees should ensure that their graduation timeline is compatible with the expected start of the doctoral programme.

3. University Transcripts

Applicants must provide official university transcripts showing their academic coursework, academic hours and grades.

Strong academic performance can be important because INSAIT evaluates the quality of a candidate’s coursework and grades as part of the admissions process.

4. Recommendation Letters

Recommendation letters are listed as optional, but candidates can submit two letters from individuals who can attest to their academic and scientific achievements.

Ideally, referees should be able to provide meaningful evidence of the applicant’s:

• Research ability
• Academic performance
• Technical skills
• Intellectual curiosity
• Problem-solving ability
• Independence
• Potential for doctoral research

Recommendation letters should include the full contact details of the recommender.

5. Motivation Letter

The motivation letter is an important component of the application.

Candidates should clearly explain:

• Why they want to pursue a PhD
• Why they are interested in INSAIT
• Their general research interests
• Their academic and research objectives
• Their long-term goals
• Relevant experiences or achievements
• Why INSAIT’s research environment is appropriate for their ambitions

INSAIT recommends that the motivation statement generally be no more than two A4 pages.

6. English Language Proficiency

Applicants are expected to have a strong command of English.

Where available, candidates can provide formal evidence of English-language proficiency, such as:

• IELTS
• TOEFL
• Cambridge English qualifications
• Other recognized English-language certificates

INSAIT’s working language is English, so candidates should be comfortable conducting academic communication and research in English.

Important Document Requirement

All application documents must either be issued in English or translated into English.

Applicants should therefore make sure that documents originally issued in another language are accompanied by appropriate English translations.

INSAIT also explains that official documents are accepted for initial admission, but documentation may need to be legalized when the doctoral contract is issued.

How Is the Application Assessed?

INSAIT evaluates applicants based on several factors rather than relying on one qualification alone.

The assessment may consider:

1. Academic qualifications
2. Quality of university coursework
3. Academic grades
4. Extracurricular achievements
5. Motivation
6. Recommendation letters
7. Research potential
8. Alignment with the institute’s research interests
9. Performance during technical assessments or interviews

Strong grades can help demonstrate academic preparation, but applicants should also use their CV and motivation letter to show evidence of curiosity, technical ability and research potential.

Technical Interview

Candidates who successfully progress through the initial assessment may be invited to a technical interview.

The interview may be conducted by the faculty member or members who are interested in the candidate’s profile.

This stage provides the research group with an opportunity to assess the candidate’s technical preparation, research interests and suitability for doctoral-level work.

Applicants should therefore be prepared to discuss their academic background, technical knowledge, previous projects, research interests and reasons for applying to INSAIT.

When Will Applicants Receive a Decision?

INSAIT states that applicants should receive notification of the application result within two months of applying.

If an adviser or several advisers are interested in the candidate, the applicant may be contacted for further steps, including technical interviews and assessments.

Successful progression can ultimately result in a working PhD contract.

Is There an Application Deadline?

There is no fixed annual deadline for the INSAIT PhD programme.

INSAIT uses a rolling admissions process, allowing candidates to apply at any point during the year.

Deadline: Rolling Admissions

Because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, prospective applicants should not interpret the absence of a fixed deadline as a reason to delay.

Candidates should apply when they have a strong application package ready, particularly because the programme is competitive and applicants may be contacted by potential advisers after submission.

What Happens If You Are Admitted?

Successful candidates can expect to begin the doctoral programme as soon as possible, subject to the relevant administrative requirements.

For international students, visa and work-permit procedures can affect the start date.

Once the doctoral programme begins, students are expected to dedicate themselves fully to research at INSAIT.

The programme specifically requires PhD students to be 100% focused on their doctoral research and not work other jobs alongside their studies.

Career Opportunities After the PhD

The INSAIT PhD is designed not only to award a doctoral degree but also to prepare students for high-level careers in research and technology.

According to INSAIT, graduates may pursue opportunities including:

• University research and academic careers
• Professorships
• Research scientist positions
• Artificial intelligence research
• Big-tech research laboratories
• Industrial research and development
• Engineering R&D departments
• Deep-tech entrepreneurship
• Technology startups
• International research collaborations

Potential employers and research environments mentioned by INSAIT include major technology and research organizations such as DeepMind, Google Brain, Microsoft Research and Amazon, among others.

For candidates interested in becoming research scientists or technology entrepreneurs, the combination of advanced research, international mentorship and industry connections can provide a strong foundation for future career development.

Why This PhD Opportunity Stands Out

There are several reasons qualified candidates may want to consider the INSAIT doctoral programme.

1. Full financial support

The €39,684 gross annual fellowship provides substantial financial support throughout the doctoral programme.

2. International research environment

International applicants are welcome, and English is the working language.

3. Strong academic mentorship

Students have access to INSAIT faculty and affiliated international mentors.

4. Flexible research direction

Students can explore several research areas before settling on a final PhD topic.

5. International research exposure

Students working with external advisers may have opportunities to spend approximately three months per year at the adviser’s institution, with visits covered by INSAIT.

6. Five-year programme structure

The programme allows up to five years for exploration, thesis development and advanced research.

7. Opportunity for Bachelor’s graduates

Applicants who have only a Bachelor’s degree can potentially enter the doctoral programme and complete a Master’s degree during the first two years.

8. Strong career potential

The programme is designed to prepare graduates for academic careers, research laboratories, startups and industrial R&D.

How to Apply for the INSAIT PhD

Interested candidates should first review the official PhD programme information and identify the research areas that align with their academic and professional interests.

Applicants should then prepare their application documents, including their CV, academic records, degree certificates where applicable, motivation letter and supporting recommendation letters.

The application is submitted through INSAIT’s online recruitment platform.

Candidates who encounter difficulties accessing the application platform can contact INSAIT through the contact details provided on the official programme page.

APPLY HERE

How to Make Your Application More Competitive

Although there is no single formula for gaining admission, prospective candidates can take several practical steps to strengthen their applications.

Demonstrate academic strength

Highlight courses and academic projects that are directly relevant to your intended research area.

For example, applicants interested in machine learning could emphasize coursework in:

• Algorithms
• Linear algebra
• Probability
• Statistics
• Optimization
• Machine learning
• Artificial intelligence
• Programming

Highlight research experience

Research experience can help distinguish an applicant from candidates who have only completed coursework.

Include:

• Research projects
• Undergraduate or Master’s theses
• Publications
• Preprints
• Research internships
• Technical projects
• Open-source contributions
• Conference participation
• Laboratory experience

Write a targeted motivation letter

Avoid submitting a generic statement that could be sent to any university.

Explain specifically why INSAIT’s research environment appeals to you and identify broad research areas that interest you.

Your statement should connect your previous experience, current interests and future research ambitions.

Choose recommenders carefully

If submitting recommendation letters, choose people who know your academic or research capabilities well.

A detailed letter from someone who has directly supervised your research can generally provide more meaningful evidence than a generic letter from someone who knows you only superficially.

Prepare for technical interviews

Candidates who progress to the interview stage should be prepared to explain their previous projects and demonstrate their technical understanding.

Review the fundamentals relevant to your intended research area and be ready to discuss why particular research problems interest you.

Visit HERE to learn more about the PhD at INSAIT in Bulgaria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I have not yet completed my Master’s degree?

Yes. INSAIT can consider applicants who have a Bachelor’s degree but not a Master’s degree. Such students are expected to complete the Master’s degree during the first two years of the doctoral programme.

Can international students apply?

Yes. INSAIT explicitly welcomes international applicants and conducts its academic communication in English.

Do I need to choose my exact PhD topic before applying?

No. Candidates can identify several areas of interest, and their research interests may evolve during the programme. INSAIT also encourages interdisciplinary research.

Is the fellowship fully funded?

Admitted candidates receive a full doctoral fellowship of €39,684 gross per year.

How long does the PhD take?

The programme can last up to five years, divided into an initial period of up to two years and a second period of up to three years.

Is the PhD full-time?

Yes. Students are expected to be fully focused on their doctoral research and not hold other jobs during the programme.

Does INSAIT have a fixed application deadline?

No. The programme operates on a rolling admissions basis, so applications can be submitted throughout the year.

When will I receive an application decision?

INSAIT states that applicants will be notified within two months of applying.

What language are the studies conducted in?

English is the working language at INSAIT, and communications take place in English.

Is it necessary to legalize documents?

Official documents are accepted for initial acceptance, but documentation may need to be legalized when the doctoral contract is issued.

What happens if I fail the doctoral programme?

According to INSAIT’s published FAQ, candidates are not required to repay the salary or fellowship they received before failing the programme.

Conclusion

The INSAIT PhD programme in Bulgaria represents a significant opportunity for ambitious researchers seeking fully funded doctoral study in computer science, artificial intelligence and related technical disciplines.

With a €39,684 gross annual doctoral fellowship, a programme lasting up to five years, international mentorship, opportunities for collaboration with leading research groups and an English-language research environment, the programme is particularly suited to candidates who want to build careers in advanced research, academia, artificial intelligence, deep technology or technology entrepreneurship.

The absence of a fixed annual deadline is another important advantage because INSAIT uses rolling admissions and allows qualified candidates to apply throughout the year. However, prospective applicants should still prepare carefully and submit a strong application rather than waiting unnecessarily.

For candidates with a strong background in computer science, mathematics, data science, physics, statistics or electrical engineering, this programme could provide the financial support, mentorship and international research exposure needed to progress toward becoming an independent scientist or technology leader.

Applicants should review the official programme requirements carefully, prepare a research-focused CV and compelling motivation letter, gather their academic documents and submit their application through the official INSAIT application platform.

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