About the opportunity
INSAIT provides a world-class research environment for talented individuals to become independent scientists and technology leaders. The PhD program, legally part of Sofia University, is designed to be interdisciplinary and encourages collaboration with both internal and external world-class researchers. The program lasts up to 5 years, split into two parts: an initial two-year period for research exploration and thesis topic definition, and a subsequent three-year period focused on producing strong research results and deepening the research.
Funding and benefits
- Full PhD fellowship of €39,684 gross per year.
- Mentorship from world-class researchers.
- Full financial support during the first two years for students who only hold a Bachelor's degree and must complete a Master's.
- Full coverage of costs for visits to external advisers' workplaces (approximately 3 months per year).
- Potential for additional fellowships from big-tech companies like DeepMind and Amazon Web Services.
Who can apply?
- Must have obtained a Bachelor's or Master's degree by the time the program starts.
- Generally interested in students with degrees in computer science, data science, mathematics, physics, statistics, or electrical engineering.
- Must be 100% focused on research at INSAIT and not hold other jobs upon starting.
- Strong command of the English language is required.
Required documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) including universities attended, professional experience, and achievements.
- Degree certificates (official copies of diplomas for Bachelor's and Master's, if graduated).
- University transcripts (official copies listing all coursework, academic hours, and grades).
- Motivation Letter (up to 2 pages, A4 style, articulating why the candidate wants to pursue a PhD at INSAIT).
- English Language Proficiency certificate (e.g., TOEFL, Cambridge, IELTS), if available.
- Recommendation letters (optional, two letters attesting to academic and scientific achievements).
When to apply
- Rolling admission process: students can apply at any point during the year.
- Applicants are notified of the result within two months of applying.
How to apply
- Submit the application via the official application platform.
- Upload all required documents.
- If selected, participate in a technical interview conducted by interested faculty.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Aspiring researchers with a strong academic background in computer science, mathematics, or related STEM fields.
- Individuals seeking a fully funded, interdisciplinary environment that encourages collaboration with global tech leaders.
What should you think carefully about?
- The program requires a 100% commitment to research, prohibiting other employment during the tenure.
- Applicants must be prepared for a long-term commitment of up to five years in Sofia, Bulgaria.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
The program is designed for those aiming to become independent scientists or technology leaders. With full financial support and mentorship, it is an excellent platform for students to transition from a Bachelor's or Master's degree into high-level AI research.
Our take
This is an excellent opportunity for dedicated researchers looking for a world-class environment in AI. It is less suitable for those who need to balance their studies with external employment or who are not prepared for a multi-year research focus.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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