ELLIS PhD Program 2026 Call: Machine Learning PhDs Across Europe (2027 Start)

Job Description

The ELLIS PhD Program has opened its 2026 call for machine learning PhD positions in Europe. One application reaches about 200 advisors across the ELLIS network. Each student is co-supervised by two researchers in different countries, or with an industry lab or a non-AI field. Decisions come in early 2027.

At a glance

• Position: PhD student in the ELLIS PhD Program (Academic, Industry or Interdisciplinary track)
• Where: At an ELLIS advisor’s institution in Europe, with an exchange of at least 6 months with the co-advisor
• Funding: Pay and contract come from the host institution; the call page gives no figure
• Start: No common start date; it depends on the advisor and institution
• Apply: 31 October 2026, 23:59 AoE (firm)

What the machine learning PhD program offers

• Joint supervision by an ELLIS Fellow, Scholar or Unit Member and a second advisor in another European country (Academic track)
• Industry track: at least half your time at the university and at least 6 months with an industry partner based in Europe
• Interdisciplinary track: a second advisor in a field outside AI, such as biology, law or finance
• Joint supervision with a CIFAR Fellow or Canadian AI Chair holder is also possible
• Summer schools, workshops and networking across Europe’s ML research labs
• Research areas across machine learning, from theory and deep learning to robotics, health, NLP and ML for science

Why this role matters

Most PhD applications go to one lab at a time. ELLIS lets you apply once and be seen by many strong ML groups across Europe. The built-in exchange means two labs and often two countries on your CV. Competition is tough: ELLIS says fewer than 5% of registered applicants are usually accepted.

Key dates

• 1 October 2026: application portal opens
• 31 October 2026, 23:59 AoE: firm deadline for applications and for requesting references
• 25 November 2026, 23:59 AoE: last day for referees to upload letters
• November–December 2026: review; January–February 2027: interviews
• Late February–March 2027: decisions

What ELLIS is looking for

• You must be a prospective PhD student; current PhD students follow a separate route described in the ELLIS FAQ
• A two-page motivation letter that also covers your past research and future direction
• A CV with education, experience, publications, talks and awards
• Unofficial transcripts of your BSc and MSc, with English translations
• Two or three referees, at least two at the level of independent investigator or above

Nice to have

• A thesis, paper or project portfolio as one PDF under 20 MB (optional)

Pay and location

The call page does not state pay. Your contract and salary come from the institution of your advisor. The PhD degree must come from a European institution, unless one advisor is a CIFAR Fellow or Canadian AI Chair holder.

How to apply

Apply through the official ELLIS page. The closing date is 31 October 2026, 23:59 AoE (firm). Register on the ELLIS application portal, then complete the form, upload documents and request references before the deadline. Some advisors also need a parallel application through their own university.

See all our PhD positions, or browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.