Looking for a fully funded AI Master’s scholarship in Europe? The Google DeepMind AI Master’s Scholarships 2026–2027 at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” in Bulgaria are now open for applications. This prestigious scholarship is offered by Google DeepMind in partnership with the GATE Institute – Big Data for Smart Society and the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics. The program will award two fully funded scholarships to outstanding students pursuing postgraduate studies in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, and related fields.
As part of Google DeepMind’s global scholarship initiative, launched in 2017, the program collaborates with leading universities worldwide to support talented students in AI and computer science. The initiative focuses on expanding access to world-class AI education, promoting diversity and inclusion, and helping students from underrepresented and financially disadvantaged backgrounds achieve their academic and career goals.
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support throughout the 18-month Master’s program, allowing scholars to focus on advanced coursework, innovative research, and professional development. Students will benefit from studying at one of Bulgaria’s leading universities while gaining access to cutting-edge AI research, expert faculty, industry networking opportunities, and an international learning environment.
Sofia University Google DeepMind AI Master’s Scholarships 2026 Overview
Host Country: Bulgaria
University: Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”
Host Institute: GATE Institute – Big Data for Smart Society
Scholarship Provider: Google DeepMind
Degree Level: Master’s Degree
Duration: 18 Months
Scholarship Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligible Applicants: Residents of Bulgaria and European Union (EU) Member States
Application Deadline: 09 October 2026
Degree Level
The scholarship is available for students pursuing a:
- Master’s Degree
Eligible Master’s Programs
Applicants must be admitted to one of the following Master’s programs:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Information Retrieval and Knowledge Discovery
- Big Data Technologies
Only students enrolled in these eligible programs will be considered for the scholarship.
Eligible Nationalities
Applications are open to students who are ordinarily resident in:
- Bulgaria
- Any European Union (EU) Member State
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a permanent resident of Bulgaria or another European Union (EU) Member State.
- Achieve a minimum score of 4.50 in the candidate-student admission examination.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree with an overall academic grade of at least 4.50.
- Apply for and be admitted to one of the eligible Master’s programs at Sofia University for the 2026–2027 academic year.
- Meet the scholarship’s financial eligibility requirements.
- Demonstrate that the household income per family member is below Bulgaria’s minimum monthly salary as of 1 January 2026.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Full tuition fee coverage.
- Accommodation and living expenses.
- Academic and study-related travel funding.
- Financial support for essential equipment.
- Relocation assistance (where applicable).
- Funding to attend AI conferences, workshops, and academic events.
- Full financial support for the entire 18-month Master’s program.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following:
- Completed scholarship application form.
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Motivation letter.
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or official academic transcripts.
- Financial eligibility documents.
- Proof of admission or application to an eligible Master’s program.
- Additional supporting documents (if required).
Selection Process
Applications will be evaluated by a committee consisting of professors from the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics and representatives of the GATE Institute.
The selection process includes:
- Verification of eligibility requirements.
- Review of submitted documents.
- Assessment of academic achievements.
- Evaluation of motivation, qualifications, and relevant experience.
- Financial eligibility verification.
Final selections will be based on academic excellence, leadership potential, research capability, and fulfillment of all scholarship requirements.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Apply for admission to one of the eligible Master’s programs at Sofia University.
- Prepare all required application documents.
- Complete the online scholarship application form.
- Upload all supporting documents.
- Submit your application before 09 October 2026.
Note: Only complete applications submitted before the deadline will be considered.
Application Deadline
09 October 2026
Apply Now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Google DeepMind AI Master’s Scholarship 2026 fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation, relocation support, academic travel, equipment costs, and conference funding for the full 18-month Master’s program.
2. Who can apply for the scholarship?
Applicants who are permanent residents of Bulgaria or any European Union (EU) Member State and meet the academic and financial eligibility criteria can apply.
3. Which Master’s programs are eligible?
The scholarship is available for students admitted to:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Information Retrieval and Knowledge Discovery
- Big Data Technologies
4. How many scholarships are available?
The program offers two fully funded scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year.
5. What is the minimum academic requirement?
Applicants must have:
- A Bachelor’s degree with a minimum overall grade of 4.50.
- A candidate-student examination score of at least 4.50.
6. What documents are required?
Applicants need a completed application form, CV, motivation letter, Bachelor’s degree or transcripts, financial eligibility documents, proof of admission/application, and any additional supporting documents requested.
7. What is the application deadline?
The last date to apply is 09 October 2026.
8. Who funds the scholarship?
The scholarship is funded by Google DeepMind and administered in partnership with the GATE Institute – Big Data for Smart Society and Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”.
