The INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF) 2026 is a premium research program in Sofia, Bulgaria, modeled after elite institutions like MIT and ETH Zurich. It offers highly motivated Master’s students and recent graduates (within 12 months) the opportunity to conduct 6–12 months of on-site research under world-class mentorship. Participants receive a significant monthly gross stipend of €3,307, along with initial accommodation, travel, and visa support. The program emphasizes high-impact output, with fellows expected to produce conference-level papers and presentations. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Paid INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | INSAIT (Institute for Computer Science, AI and Technology) |
| Location | Sofia, Bulgaria (On-site required) |
| Category | Graduate Research Fellowship |
| Eligible Disciplines | CS, EE, Statistics, Mathematics |
| Reward | €3,307 Monthly Gross Pay + Accommodation Support |
| Duration | 6 – 12 Months |
| Application Deadline | Rolling Basis (Apply Anytime) |
Paid INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship 2026 Details
The INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship (INSAIT GRF) is designed for students who aspire to reach the highest levels of academic and industrial research. By providing an environment that mimics the research culture of top-tier global universities, INSAIT enables fellows to focus entirely on solving complex problems in Computer Science and AI.
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Unlike traditional internships, this fellowship integrates students into the core of the institute’s research groups. Fellows work side-by-side with faculty members who have international reputations, aiming to publish their findings in top-tier journals and present at prestigious global conferences.
The Research Environment in Sofia
Based in the vibrant capital of Bulgaria, INSAIT offers a unique gateway to the European tech ecosystem. The fellowship is strictly on-site, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where “hallway conversations” lead to breakthroughs. With heavy backing from the Bulgarian government and academic partnerships with ETH Zurich and EPFL, the institute provides resources rarely found in Eastern Europe.
Benefits for the Paid INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship 2026
Tier 1: Financial Compensation & Living Stipend (Up to €3,307 Monthly)
- Monthly Salary: Fellows receive a competitive gross monthly pay of €3,307, which is highly significant relative to the cost of living in Sofia.
- Initial Housing: INSAIT arranges and pays for the first two weeks of accommodation to ensure a smooth transition for international researchers.
Tier 2: Relocation & Logistics Support
- Travel Coverage: The program provides financial support for the initial travel to Bulgaria.
- Visa Assistance: Dedicated administrative support for securing the necessary research visas for non-EU citizens.
Tier 3: Academic Publication & Professional Exposure
- Publication Support: Mentorship focused on co-authoring papers for top CS conferences.
- Seminar Series: Opportunities to present research to the broader scientific community through the INSAIT seminar series.
Eligibility Requirements for INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Applicants must demonstrate exceptional mathematical and technical skills. Strong preference is given to students with prior research experience or high academic rankings.
- Study Status: Open to current Master’s students or those who have graduated from an accredited Master’s program within the last 12 months.
- Major: Must have majored in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, or Mathematics.
- Program Admission: Applicants must be willing to relocate to Sofia for the duration of the 6-12 month project (no remote work allowed).
How to Apply for INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowships 2026 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Visit the INSAIT online portal and select the Research Fellowship track.
- Automatic Evaluation: Your CV and transcripts are initially screened for technical alignment with current research groups.
- Eligibility Assessment: Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by potential faculty mentors to discuss specific project interests and technical depth.
- Notification of Award: Admission is granted on a rolling basis; candidates will receive a formal offer letter detailing their project scope and start date.
Application Deadline: On Rolling Basis
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I work remotely for the INSAIT fellowship?
No, remote work is not permitted. All fellows must be physically present at the institute in Sofia, Bulgaria.
2. Is there a specific start date for the program?
Since applications are rolling, start dates are flexible and are determined between the student and the mentor.
3. I graduated 14 months ago; am I still eligible?
The official requirement states graduation within the last 12 months. However, highly qualified candidates are always encouraged to contact the faculty.
4. What is the “Gross Pay” mentioned?
The €3,307 is the gross monthly amount. This is subject to standard Bulgarian taxes and social contributions, but the net remains very high for local living standards.
5. Does INSAIT help with long-term housing?
While they only cover the first two weeks, the administrative team often provides guidance and resources to help fellows find affordable apartments in Sofia.
6. Are female students prioritized?
INSAIT explicitly encourages applications from female students and underrepresented groups in STEM to promote diversity in AI research.
7. What kind of research topics are available?
Topics range across the spectrum of AI, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Robotics, Systems, and Formal Methods.
8. Can I apply if my Master’s degree is not yet finished?
Yes, current Master’s students are eligible to apply and often use this fellowship to conduct research for their thesis.
9. What documents do I need to prepare?
You only need a PDF of your current CV and an unofficial transcript or diploma. Recommendation letters are usually requested later if you pass the first round.
10. How long does the fellowship last?
The duration is typically between 6 and 12 months, depending on the complexity of the research project.
