ELLIS PhD Program 2026: PhDs in machine learning across Europe

The ELLIS PhD Program pairs PhD students in machine learning and related fields with leading researchers in Europe's ELLIS network. Each student has two advisors, the main one in the ELLIS network, and spends at least 6 months with the second advisor. Three tracks: Academic (an academic partner in another country), Industry (an industry lab in Europe) and Interdisciplinary (AI together with a field such as biology, law or finance). You apply once, through the ELLIS portal: choose up to 10 advisors from those recruiting this year and up to 5 research fields. You send a two-page motivational letter with a research statement, your CV, transcripts of all your university studies with an English translation, and the contact details of 2-3 referees. Referee requests must be sent through the portal before 31 October 2026 (23:59 AoE), the same deadline as the application. Referees then have until 25 November. Some advisors' universities also need a separate application in parallel: check each advisor's profile on the portal. Admission is competitive: 5-10% of eligible applicants are accepted. Reviews run in November and December, interviews in January and February, decisions in late February and March 2027.