Research-Oriented Master’s Scholarships

Are you passionate about research in machine learning-driven AI and aspire to obtain a PhD? Our prestigious Research-Oriented Master's Scholarship is designed to fast-track your academic career.

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Scholarship Information

Target group:

  • Exceptional PhD candidates currently studying at the master’s level.

Aim:

  • Prepare and qualify exceptional students for rapid entry into PhD studies in machine learning-driven AI, facilitating their transition to a doctoral program.

Arrangements:

  • Scholarship holders will be integrated into an ELIZA fellow’s research group during their master’s studies, and will actively participate throughout their programme.
  • Thesis supervision by an ELIZA fellow (academic or industrial).
  • Optional (but encouraged) co-supervision by a second ELIZA fellow at a different site.
  • Scholarship holders will participate in the ELIZA curriculum.
  • Possibility of taking cross-listed master’s level courses from other sites (regular course credit).
  • Adherence to the fast-track PhD and/or master’s regulations of the hosting institution is required.

Funding:

  • Funding will follow the official DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) rates.
  • Additional support for married candidates and those with children.
  • Relocation assistance is provided, with the specific amount depending on individual circumstances and following DAAD guidelines.

Admissions:

  • The cut-off dates every year are the 25th of April and 25th of October, then scholarship decisions will be made for the respective semester.
  • Key acceptance criteria: outstanding aptitude for PhD studies in machine learning-driven AI will be based on the candidate’s background in AI and other relevant fields, undergraduate grades, research experience, diversity considerations including gender balance and geographic origin, applicant’s motivation and fit with the hosting fellows and ELIZA’s four research areas.
  • The fast-track PhD and/or master’s admission process of the hosting institution must be respected.

The ELIZA Supervision Concept: 

  • A core element of the ELIZA experience is our co-supervision model—mandatory for PhD students and highly encouraged for Master’s students. This approach means students are guided by two ELIZA fellows, either from different ELIZA sites or from both academia and industry. For Master’s students, co-supervision is optional but strongly recommended, especially during the thesis phase, to benefit from broader mentorship and cross-site collaboration.
  • This close and structured co-supervision provides diverse perspectives, accelerates research progress, and prepares students for leading roles in both academia and industry. Master’s students are encouraged to take advantage of this model, gaining additional guidance and connections across the ELIZA network.

Application process:

Our Commitment to Diversity 

While this scholarship is primarily focused on research excellence and a fast-track to a PhD, ELIZA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in AI research. We thus encourage applications from students of all backgrounds—it is our strong belief that diversity enriches our educational community.