INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship in Bulgaria

Applications are now open for the INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship (INSAIT GRF), a prestigious research opportunity for graduate students in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, and Mathematics. This fully funded fellowship offers a 6-12 month research experience at INSAIT in Sofia, Bulgaria, under the mentorship of world-class faculty. The program follows the model of top institutions like MIT, Caltech, and ETH Zurich.

Selected fellows receive a generous monthly stipend of €3,307, along with accommodation support, travel assistance, and visa processing. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, with no application deadlines. There is no application fee to apply for this program.

This fellowship is open to current Master’s students and recent graduates (within 12 months of graduation) from accredited universities worldwide. The program particularly encourages applications from female students and underrepresented groups in STEM. You can check out more Internships, BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details

• Host Institution: INSAIT, Sofia, Bulgaria
• Duration: 6-12 months
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Monthly Stipend: €3,307 (gross)
• Application Deadline: Rolling basis (year-round)
• Application Fee: None
• Eligible Fields: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, Mathematics
• Eligibility: Current Master’s students or graduates within last 12 months
• Nationality: Open to all international students
• Response Time: Within one month of application

Program Overview

The INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship (INSAIT GRF) program offers highly motivated graduate students from around the world an opportunity to engage in research activities under the mentorship of INSAIT faculty. The program follows the model of top successful research programs at MIT, Caltech, and ETH Zurich.

Participants will contribute to ongoing projects within their research groups and have the potential to co-author paper submissions for top computer science conferences and journals.

Also check: Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)

Program Duration

The fellowship spans 6 to 12 months, with the exact duration determined through discussion between the student and their mentor.

Important: Remote work is not permitted. Students must be physically present at the institute in Sofia, Bulgaria throughout the program to ensure optimal engagement and benefits.

Financial Support & Benefits

Monthly Stipend

All selected students receive a monthly gross pay of €3,307 to cover living expenses.

Additional Support

• Accommodation: INSAIT arranges and covers accommodation costs for the first two weeks after arrival
• Travel Support: Assistance provided for travel arrangements
• Visa Support: Help with visa application and processing

Also check: Stipendium Hungaricum Doctoral Scholarship Programme 2026-2027 and Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship 2026/2027 (Study in Hungary) for BS and MS

Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible to apply if you are:

• Currently enrolled in a Master’s program at an accredited university, OR
• Graduated from a Master’s program within the last 12 months

Academic Background

Applicants should have majored in:

• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Statistics
• Mathematics

Note: INSAIT especially encourages applications from female students and other groups historically underrepresented in STEM fields.

Check this: Hardiman PhD Scholarship at University of Galway (Fully Funded)

Application Timeline

• Rolling Applications: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis
• Response Time: Candidates will be informed within one month of applying
• Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview
• Acceptance: Selected candidates have five days to confirm their participation
• Pre-Program: Selected applicants will engage with mentors to discuss projects, define scope, and establish timelines

How to Apply

Submit your application through the online platform with the following documents in PDF format:

• Current CV
• Unofficial transcript OR Master’s diploma from your university

Also check this internship: UNESCO Internship Program 2026

Program Requirements

Throughout the fellowship, students must deliver:

• Project Plan: Discussed and finalized with your mentor at the beginning of the program
• Final Report: A comprehensive summary of your work structured as a conference paper (often intended for conference submission)
• Final Presentation: Delivered as part of the INSAIT seminar series

Check also: ESO Internship Program 2026 in Germany – Fully Funded

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I am graduating in the spring of the year I am applying in, am I eligible for the program?

A: Yes, you are eligible.

Q: When exactly can I start working on my research project?

A: The exact start and end dates are decided between you and your mentor. After selection and mentor matching, you’ll discuss the project timeline together.

Q: Is any preference given to local students compared to international ones?

A: No! All students are evaluated solely on their application materials, regardless of their country of origin.

Q: Can I continue to work on this project beyond the end of the program?

A: In general, yes. This should be discussed directly with your mentor.

Q: Can I take a vacation during the research program?

A: Vacation time can only be taken with your mentor’s approval.