INSAIT Opens Applications for Fully Funded Graduate Research Fellowship in Bulgaria
The Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) has announced opportunities for graduate students worldwide through its INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship (INSAIT GRF), a fully funded research program aimed at training the next generation of researchers in computer science, artificial intelligence, and related fields.
Based in Sofia, Bulgaria, the fellowship offers selected graduate students the opportunity to work closely with INSAIT faculty on cutting-edge research projects, gaining hands-on experience in a high-performance academic environment. The program is open to highly motivated students seeking exposure to advanced research methodologies and international research standards.
INSAIT says the fellowship is modeled after elite research training programs at institutions such as MIT, Caltech, and ETH Zurich, providing participants with an immersive research experience comparable to leading global academic centers.
Program Structure and Research Focus
The INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship allows fellows to actively contribute to ongoing research within assigned research groups. Under close faculty mentorship, participants are expected to make substantive research contributions, with many projects leading to co-authorship on papers submitted to top-tier computer science conferences and peer-reviewed journals.
According to the institute, the fellowship is particularly suited for students considering a future PhD program, an academic research career, or advanced research roles in industry. Fellows gain practical experience in collaborative research, rigorous experimentation, and scholarly publication.
Duration and Location
The fellowship runs for six to twelve months, depending on the scope of the research project and agreement between the fellow and their mentor. Start and end dates are flexible and finalized after selection.
INSAIT requires all fellows to be physically present on campus in Sofia for the full duration of the program. Remote participation is not permitted, a condition the institute says is necessary to ensure full integration into its research community, seminars, and collaborative activities.
Funding and Benefits
The INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship is fully funded and provides comprehensive financial and logistical support, including:
A monthly gross stipend of €3,307, intended to cover living expenses in Sofia
Accommodation for the first two weeks following arrival
Travel and relocation assistance
Visa support for international fellows
INSAIT notes that this funding structure allows participants to focus entirely on research without financial constraints.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to applicants from around the world. Eligible candidates must:
Be currently enrolled in a Master’s program or have graduated within the past 12 months
Have an academic background in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, or Mathematics
Be enrolled in or graduated from an accredited university
INSAIT also encourages applications from women and individuals from groups historically underrepresented in STEM, reflecting its stated commitment to diversity and inclusion in research.
Application Process and Timeline
Applications for the INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
The selection process includes:
Review of applications upon submission
Notification of results within one month
Online interviews for shortlisted candidates
Issuance of official offers to selected fellows, who must confirm participation within five days
Once confirmed, fellows work with their assigned mentors to define research objectives, scope, and timelines ahead of the program start.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit their materials through INSAIT’s official online application platform. Required documents, uploaded in PDF format, include:
A current CV outlining academic background and research interests
An unofficial academic transcript or Master’s diploma
INSAIT advises prospective applicants to apply early due to the rolling admissions process.
Fellowship Deliverables
Throughout the program, fellows are expected to meet high academic and research standards. Key deliverables include:
A research project plan developed at the start of the fellowship
A final written research report, typically structured as a conference paper and often submitted to an academic conference
A final presentation delivered as part of the INSAIT seminar series
The institute says these deliverables ensure fellows leave the program with tangible research outputs and professional academic experience.
More details here.
