ELLIS PhD Program 2027: Fully Funded Research Opportunities in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Across Europe
Overview
The European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems offers a doctoral initiative focused on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and related interdisciplinary subjects. This doctoral path connects promising candidates with established experts across participating institutions in Europe, supported by funding initiatives including ELIAS, ELLIOT, and G-Research. The curriculum develops future specialists through collaborative supervision, international research exchanges, specialized training, and networking events.
Participants can choose from three distinct research tracks. The Academic Track involves joint supervision by researchers in different European countries, requiring at least six months with a secondary advisor abroad. The Industry Track combines academic and industrial research, requiring candidates to spend at least half their time at an academic institution and a minimum of six months with a European industry partner. The Interdisciplinary Track combines machine learning with another field, such as biology or law, pairing the student with an artificial intelligence researcher and a tenured academic in the secondary discipline.
Who can apply
Candidates must demonstrate strong academic preparation, research potential, and interest in intelligent systems or related disciplines. Specific admission criteria depend on the participating advisor and host institution. The doctoral degree must generally be awarded by a European institution, though specific exceptions apply for eligible CIFAR Fellows or Canadian AI Chair holders. The applicant pool is highly competitive, typically accepting fewer than five percent of registered applicants.
How to apply
Applicants must register and complete all required sections through the official application portal. The submission must include an application form detailing qualifications and preferences, a two-page motivational letter explaining research interests and background, a curriculum vitae, and university transcripts with English translations where necessary. Candidates may also submit an optional single PDF under twenty megabytes containing a thesis, published paper, or research portfolio.
Applicants must provide contact details for two or three referees through the portal before the deadline. At least two referees must hold established professional positions such as principal scientist, lecturer, or independent investigator, while no more than one may be a postdoctoral researcher. References from PhD students and classmates are not permitted. Certain participating institutions also require a separate parallel application through their own university admissions systems.
Key dates
The application portal opens on 1 October 2026. The final deadline for candidate applications and reference requests is 31 October 2026 at 23:59 Anywhere on Earth. Referees have until 25 November 2026 at 23:59 Anywhere on Earth to submit their recommendations. Application reviews take place from November to December 2026, followed by interviews in January and February 2027. Admission decisions are issued between late February and March 2027, with the programme commencing in 2027 depending on the host institution and advisor.