Are you passionate about artificial intelligence and looking to pursue a master’s degree without worrying about the financial burden? The GATE Institute Google DeepMind AI Master’s Scholarship 2026–2027 offers you the opportunity to study at Sofia University through a fully funded scholarship designed for outstanding students interested in AI, big data, and related technologies.
The scholarship is offered by the GATE Institute at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” with funding from Google DeepMind. It provides comprehensive financial support to talented students admitted to selected AI-related master’s programmes at the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics.
Beyond tuition coverage, scholars receive funding for living expenses, accommodation, travel, equipment, and academic conference participation, allowing them to focus entirely on developing world-class expertise in artificial intelligence.
GATE Institute Google DeepMind AI Master’s Scholarship 2026-2027
The Google DeepMind AI Master’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious postgraduate funding opportunities available to students pursuing advanced studies in artificial intelligence. For the 2026–2027 academic year, the GATE Institute has increased the number of available scholarships from one to two, providing more opportunities for talented students to benefit from this highly competitive programme.
Each scholarship covers the entire 18-month master’s programme and provides an estimated funding package worth USD 28,695.06, making it a fully funded scholarship. The initiative aims to develop the next generation of AI experts by removing financial barriers and giving scholars access to high-quality education, cutting-edge research, and valuable industry exposure.
GATE Institute Google DeepMind AI Master’s Scholarship 2026-2027 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | Bulgaria |
| Study Destination | Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” |
| Scholarship Type | Master’s Degree |
| Eligible Programmes | Artificial Intelligence, Information Retrieval and Knowledge Discovery, Big Data Technologies |
| Funded By | Google DeepMind |
| Administered By | GATE Institute & Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, Sofia University |
| Eligible Applicants | Residents of Bulgaria and European Union Member States |
| Scholarship Value | Fully Funded (Approx. USD 28,695.06) |
| Duration | 18 Months |
| Number of Awards | Two Scholarships |
| IELTS/TOEFL | Not Specified |
| Application Opens | 07 July 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 09 October 2026 |
| Final Selection | By 31 October 2026 |
| Academic Session | 2026–2027 |
What Is the Google DeepMind AI Master’s Scholarship All About?
The Google DeepMind AI Master’s Scholarship was established to support talented students pursuing postgraduate education in artificial intelligence and related disciplines. Since its launch in 2017, Google DeepMind has partnered with universities around the world to improve access to AI education and encourage greater diversity within computer science and artificial intelligence.
At Sofia University, the scholarship is administered through the GATE Institute, Bulgaria’s first Centre of Excellence in Big Data and Artificial Intelligence. Scholars study within an interdisciplinary research environment where they collaborate with researchers, industry experts, public institutions, and international partners working on innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
The scholarship supports students enrolled in one of the following master’s programmes:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Information Retrieval and Knowledge Discovery
- Big Data Technologies
Throughout the programme, students gain advanced theoretical knowledge alongside practical research experience in machine learning, artificial intelligence, data science, and related technologies, preparing them for successful careers in academia, research, and industry.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
Applicants wishing to apply for the GATE Institute Google DeepMind AI Master’s Scholarship must satisfy the following requirements:
- Be ordinarily resident in Bulgaria or another European Union member state.
- Have achieved 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 gain admission into one of the eligible master’s programmes at Sofia University for the 2026–2027 academic year.
- Meet the scholarship’s financial eligibility requirements.
Financial eligibility is determined by calculating the total household income divided by the number of family members. The resulting income per household member must be lower than Bulgaria’s minimum salary level as of 1 January 2026.
Scholarship Benefits
The Google DeepMind AI Master’s Scholarship is fully funded, providing comprehensive financial support throughout the 18-month master’s programme.
Successful applicants will receive:
- Full tuition fee coverage.
- Financial support for housing and living expenses.
- Academic travel funding.
- Equipment allowance.
- Relocation support.
- Funding to attend AI-related academic conferences.
- Total scholarship value of approximately USD 28,695.06.
The scholarship package is designed to remove financial barriers so students can dedicate themselves fully to academic excellence, research, and professional development.
Eligible Master’s Programmes
Applicants must secure admission into one of the following programmes offered by the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics at Sofia University:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Information Retrieval and Knowledge Discovery
- Big Data Technologies
Only students admitted to one of these programmes will be considered for the scholarship.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit a complete application package that includes:
- Completed scholarship application form.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Motivation letter.
- Bachelor’s degree diploma and academic transcripts or other evidence of academic performance.
- Documents verifying financial eligibility.
- Proof of application or admission to one of the eligible master’s programmes.
- Additional supporting documents where applicable.
Incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the Google DeepMind AI Master’s Scholarship:
Step 1: Apply for an Eligible Master’s Programme
Submit your application for admission to one of the eligible master’s programmes at the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, Sofia University.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required documents, including your CV, motivation letter, academic records, proof of admission, and financial eligibility documents.
Step 3: Complete the Scholarship Application
Fill out the official online scholarship application form carefully and ensure all required information is accurate.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Upload all required documents and submit your application before the deadline of 09 October 2026.
Step 5: Await the Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee comprising professors from the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics and representatives of the GATE Institute.
Successful applicants will be notified after the final selection process.
Selection Process
The selection panel will evaluate applications based on several important criteria, including:
- Verification of eligibility requirements.
- Review of all submitted documents.
- Academic performance.
- Motivation and commitment to artificial intelligence.
- Relevant qualifications and experience.
- Financial eligibility.
After completing the assessment, two scholarship recipients and one waitlisted candidate will be selected.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 07 July 2026
- Application Deadline: 09 October 2026
- Admission to Eligible Master’s Programmes: According to the official Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics admission schedule
- Final Selection of Scholars: By 31 October 2026
- Academic Year Begins: October 2026
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to avoid last-minute delays.
Why Study at GATE Institute and Sofia University?
Studying at the GATE Institute offers students a unique opportunity to learn within one of Europe’s emerging centers for artificial intelligence research and innovation.
Some of the key advantages include:
- Access to advanced AI and big data research facilities.
- Collaboration with leading researchers and international experts.
- Opportunities to participate in innovative research projects.
- Exposure to industry partnerships and practical AI applications.
- Strong preparation for careers in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and research.
Combined with Google DeepMind’s generous funding, the programme equips scholars with the knowledge, practical experience, and professional network needed to thrive in one of today’s fastest-growing technology sectors.
For more information and to submit your application, visit the official scholarship application portal before 09 October 2026.
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