Bulgaria INSAIT Summer Research Fellowship 2026 – Program Closed, Next Cycle in 2027

Note: The application deadline for the INSAIT Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) 2026 was March 8, 2026. The program has concluded, and applications are now closed. The next application cycle is expected to open in February 2027. Prospective applicants should prepare their documents and monitor the official INSAIT fellowship page for updates.

About the INSAIT Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship 2026

The INSAIT Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) 2026 was a prestigious fully funded program hosted by the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) in Sofia, Bulgaria. It targeted international undergraduate students pursuing STEM majors, offering them an opportunity to engage in advanced research projects in computer science and artificial intelligence during an 8 to 12-week summer period.

Participants received a monthly stipend of €1,500, accommodation, travel expense coverage, and visa assistance to support their stay and research activities. The fellowship ran from June 1 to August 31, 2026, with applications accepted from February 4 to March 8, 2026.

Program Highlights

• Host: INSAIT, Sofia, Bulgaria
• Duration: 8 to 12 weeks (June 1 – August 31, 2026)
• Eligibility: Undergraduate STEM students with a minimum GPA of 3.5
• Funding: Monthly stipend (€1,500), accommodation, travel, and visa assistance
• Research Areas: Computer Vision, Robotics, Foundational Models, AI Agents, NLP, Algorithms & Theory, Quantum Computing, AI for Mathematics, Safe and Trustworthy AI

Preparing for the Next INSAIT Summer Research Fellowship Cycle

The next application period for the INSAIT Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship is anticipated to open in February 2027. Interested students should begin preparing their application materials, including a CV, academic transcripts, and a motivation letter. Maintaining a strong GPA and gaining relevant research experience will strengthen candidacy.

Stay updated by visiting the official INSAIT fellowship page: https://insait.ai/surf/

Cost of Studying and Living in Sofia, Bulgaria for International Students

While the SURF fellowship covers all major expenses, students considering study or research opportunities in Bulgaria should be aware of typical costs:

During the SURF fellowship, accommodation and travel were fully covered, and the stipend was designed to cover living expenses.

Funding Options for International STEM Students

Besides the INSAIT Summer Research Fellowship, international students can explore other funding opportunities such as:

• University Scholarships: Many Bulgarian and European universities offer merit-based scholarships for international STEM students.
• Government Scholarships: Programs like Erasmus+ and national scholarships may provide financial support.
• Education Loans: Some banks and financial institutions offer loans tailored for international students.
• Research Assistantships: Graduate students may find assistantships that cover tuition and living costs.
• Employer Sponsorship: Some companies sponsor students for internships or research projects.

Check specific university and scholarship portals for detailed eligibility and application procedures.

Alternatives to the INSAIT Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship

If you missed the 2026 INSAIT SURF application, consider other prestigious summer research fellowships for STEM undergraduates:

• DAAD RISE Program (Germany): Paid summer research internships in natural sciences and engineering.
• MIT Summer Research Program (USA): Research opportunities for underrepresented students in STEM.
• Google Summer of Code: Open-source software development internships.
• European Space Agency (ESA) Summer Internships: Research projects in space science and engineering.

These programs also offer stipends and valuable research experience and can be excellent alternatives while preparing for future INSAIT cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: What was the application deadline for the INSAIT SURF 2026?
  A: The deadline was March 8, 2026, and applications are now closed.
• Q: When will the next INSAIT Summer Research Fellowship open?
  A: The next cycle is expected to open in February 2027.
• Q: What funding did the INSAIT SURF 2026 provide?
  A: It was fully funded, including a €1,500 monthly stipend, accommodation, travel expenses, and visa assistance.
• Q: Who was eligible to apply?
  A: International undergraduate STEM students with a minimum GPA of 3.5 were eligible.
• Q: How can I prepare for the next application?
  A: Prepare your CV, transcripts, and motivation letter, maintain strong academic performance, and monitor the official INSAIT website for updates.
• Q: Are there similar fellowships available?
  A: Yes, programs like DAAD RISE, MIT Summer Research, and Google Summer of Code offer similar opportunities.