INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship 2026 and INSAIT, Sofia (Open Year-Round)

The INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship 2026 is now accepting applications, providing a world-class research opportunity in the heart of Europe. This fully funded initiative by the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) is designed for high-achieving graduate students and recent graduates in STEM fields. Consequently, it offers a unique platform to work under the mentorship of experienced faculty on cutting-edge projects.

Modeled after successful research programs at prestigious institutions like MIT, Caltech, and ETH Zurich, this fellowship ensures a rigorous and rewarding academic experience. Furthermore, selected fellows receive generous financial support, including a monthly stipend of €3,307, allowing them to focus entirely on their research. Therefore, ambitious researchers looking to enhance their profiles and co-author papers for top conferences should apply for the INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship 2026.

Program Highlights

Feature	Details
Program Title	INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship 2026
Host Institution	Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT)
Location	Sofia, Bulgaria
Duration	6 to 12 Months
Stipend	€3,307 per month
Deadline	Open Year-Round (Rolling Basis)

Program Overview

The INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship 2026 aims to immerse students in a high-level research environment. Specifically, the program encourages fellows to contribute to ongoing projects within their research groups, fostering collaboration and innovation. The structure of the fellowship is designed to mirror top-tier global research programs, ensuring that participants receive mentorship comparable to that found at leading universities like ETH Zurich.

During the program, fellows are expected to deliver tangible academic outputs. This includes creating a project plan in collaboration with a mentor, submitting a final report formatted as a conference paper, and delivering a final presentation as part of the INSAIT seminar series. The ultimate goal is to submit work to appropriate computer science conferences and journals.

Eligibility Criteria

To ensure a competitive cohort, the institute has established specific eligibility requirements for the INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship 2026.

• Academic Status: Applicants must be currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Master’s program at an accredited university.
• Field of Study: Candidates should have a background in a STEM-related field, such as Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or Engineering.
• Diversity: The program strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups in STEM.
• Physical Presence: Remote work is not permitted; fellows must be physically present at the institute in Sofia, Bulgaria, for the entire duration (minimum 6 months).

Financial Benefits and Support

The INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded program that provides comprehensive financial assistance to international students.

• Monthly Stipend: Fellows receive a generous stipend of €3,307 to cover living expenses.
• Accommodation: The fellowship covers the costs of accommodation for the duration of the stay.
• Travel and Visa: Support is provided for travel expenses and visa processing.
• Mentorship: Access to guidance from highly experienced faculty members.

Application Requirements

Applicants must prepare the following documents in PDF format to apply for the fellowship:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed resume highlighting academic and research achievements.
• Academic Records: An unofficial transcript or a Master’s diploma from the applicant’s university.
• Motivation Letter: A one-page letter outlining the candidate’s research interests and reasons for applying.

Application Process

The application process for the INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship 2026 is straightforward and conducted entirely online.

1. Access Portal: Click the ‘Apply Now’ button on the official website to access the application form.
2. Submit Documents: upload the required PDF documents (CV, Transcripts, Motivation Letter).
3. Review: Ensure all eligibility criteria are met before submission.
4. Selection: Successful candidates will agree upon the exact duration of the fellowship (6-12 months) with their assigned mentor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there a deadline for the INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship 2026?

No, there is no specific deadline. Applications are accepted and reviewed throughout the year.

2. Can I participate in the fellowship remotely?

No, the fellowship requires in-person presence at the institute in Sofia, Bulgaria.

3. What is the value of the stipend?

Fellows receive a monthly stipend of €3,307, along with coverage for accommodation and travel.

4. Who is eligible to apply?

Graduate students (Master’s level) and recent graduates in STEM fields like Computer Science, Math, and Engineering are eligible.

5. How long does the fellowship last?

The duration of the fellowship ranges from a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of 12 months.