Application Deadline: October 9, 2026
About the Scholarships
The GATE Institute at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” has officially opened applications for the 2026-2027 Google DeepMind AI Master’s Scholarships. This prestigious scholarship programme offers two fully funded places for outstanding students to pursue a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence and related disciplines at the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics (FMI) at Sofia University. The programme is funded by Google DeepMind, one of the world’s leading AI research organisations. It aims to increase access to advanced AI education while supporting talented students from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and financial need. Unlike previous years when only one scholarship was offered, the 2026-2027 academic year features two fully funded scholarships, enabling more talented students to pursue postgraduate studies in one of Europe’s leading AI research environments.
About GATE Institute
The GATE Institute is Bulgaria’s first Centre of Excellence dedicated to Big Data and Artificial Intelligence. The institute brings together researchers, students, industry experts, government institutions, and international partners. Its mission is to develop cutting-edge technologies and innovative data-driven solutions addressing important societal and economic challenges. Students studying within the GATE research environment benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration, AI research projects, Big Data technologies, machine learning applications, innovation ecosystems, international partnerships, and exposure to real-world technological challenges.
Scholarship Benefits
Each scholarship provides financial support throughout the entire 18-month duration of the eligible Master’s programme. The indicative total funding available to each successful scholar is USD 28,695.06.
The scholarship package covers:
- Full tuition fees for the Master’s programme
- Housing expenses
- Living costs
- Academic travel support
- Equipment expenses
- Relocation expenses
- Access to AI-related academic conferences
This comprehensive funding package enables students to participate fully in academic activities, international conferences, research collaborations, and professional development opportunities without significant financial concerns.
Why This Scholarship Matters
Artificial intelligence continues to reshape sectors such as healthcare, finance, agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, cybersecurity, climate research, education, and public administration. The Google DeepMind AI Master’s Scholarships aim to prepare graduates capable of contributing innovative AI solutions to these and many other sectors. The increase from one scholarship to two demonstrates the growing commitment of Google DeepMind and GATE Institute to developing future AI specialists and making postgraduate education more accessible. For students passionate about artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and related technologies, this represents an exceptional opportunity to earn a postgraduate degree while minimising financial barriers.
Eligible Master’s Programmes
Successful applicants will study at the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics (FMI), one of Bulgaria’s leading institutions in mathematics, computer science, AI, and information technology.
Eligible Master’s programmes include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Information Retrieval and Knowledge Discovery
- Big Data Technologies
Each of these programmes prepares students with advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to address complex technological challenges in academia, industry, and research.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the scholarship, candidates must satisfy all of the following requirements:
- Be ordinarily resident in Bulgaria or another European Union (EU) Member State
- Achieve a candidate-student examination success rate of at least 4.50
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum overall grade of 4.50
- Apply for and be admitted to one of the eligible Master’s programmes at Sofia University for the 2026–2027 academic year
- Meet the scholarship programme’s financial eligibility criteria
Financial Eligibility Requirements:
Financial need forms an important component of the selection process. Eligibility will be determined based on:
- Total household income
- Number of family members living within the household
The calculated income per household member must fall below the minimum salary level in Bulgaria as of 1 January 2026. Applicants should prepare supporting financial documentation to demonstrate compliance with these requirements.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit a complete application package before the deadline.
Required documents include:
- Completed scholarship application form
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Bachelor’s degree diploma and/or academic transcripts demonstrating academic performance
- Financial eligibility documents
- Proof of application or admission to one of the eligible Master’s programmes
- Additional supporting documents where applicable
Only complete applications submitted before the deadline will be considered.
Selection Process
Applications will be assessed by an independent selection panel comprising professors from the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics and representatives of GATE Institute.
The evaluation process includes:
1. Eligibility Verification: Applicants will first be assessed to ensure they satisfy all scholarship eligibility requirements
2. Academic Assessment: The panel will evaluate academic achievements, degree performance, examination results, and educational background
3. Motivation and Qualifications: The committee will carefully examine the motivation letter, Curriculum Vitae, relevant experience, professional qualifications, career aspirations, and potential contribution to the AI field
4. Financial Assessment: Financial documentation will be reviewed to determine whether applicants satisfy the programme’s financial eligibility requirements
Following the evaluation process:
- Two scholarship recipients will be selected
- One additional candidate will be placed on a waiting list
The final nomination of scholars will be completed by 31 October 2026.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: July 7, 2026
- Application Deadline: October 9, 2026
- Admission Examinations/Admission: According to the official Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics website
- Final Selection of Scholars: By October 31, 2026
- Academic Year Begins: October 2026
Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their documentation early to avoid last-minute delays.
How to Apply
Application Link: Click here to apply
For More Information: Visit the Official GATE Institute Google DeepMind Scholarship Page
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