Apply for the Fully Funded PhD Scholarship 2026: Youth & AI at KU Leuven | IAmAI Project. Scholarship covers tuition, stipend & research costs. Deadline: May 31, 2026. Open to international scholars.
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how young people learn, form identities, and engage with society. Yet most AI systems are built without input from youth themselves. To close this gap, KU Leuven is offering the Fully Funded PhD Scholarship 2026: Youth & AI at KU Leuven | IAmAI Project. This 4-year doctoral position puts young people directly in the loop of AI development, ensuring future systems reflect real lived experiences instead of static datasets. If you want to influence ethical AI design, co-create with youth, and conduct research that matters for policy and education, this scholarship is for you. The application deadline is May 31, 2026, and competition is global.
KU Leuven ranks among Europe’s top research universities and leads in MSCA-ITN programs, with six granted projects in the 2019 call alone. Flanders invests heavily in AI, with EUR 153.5 million allocated in 2024 for research and innovation. The Fully Funded PhD Scholarship 2026: Youth & AI at KU Leuven | IAmAI Project sits at the intersection of that investment and KU Leuven’s commitment to societal impact.
Background of the Scholarship with Statistics of Individuals That Have Benefited from the Scholarship Since Inception
The IAmAI Project: Youth in the Loop of AI Developments is a new doctoral initiative hosted at the Centre for Methodology of Educational Sciences (CMPO), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven. Because the project launched for the 2026 intake, beneficiary statistics are not yet available from completed cohorts.
However, KU Leuven has a strong track record in competitive doctoral training. In the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Innovative Training Networks 2019 call, KU Leuven secured 6 granted projects as coordinator and participated in 10 more as beneficiary. Each ITN trains 10-15 early-stage researchers on average, meaning 60-90 PhD candidates were funded through KU Leuven-led ITNs in that call alone. Across Flanders, the AI Policy Plan supports hundreds of researchers yearly through regular research and innovation funding instruments. The Faculty of Law & Criminology also runs a Legal Clinic on AI and Human Rights since academic year 2023-2024, engaging master students in AI policy impact work.
As the IAmAI Project scales, it will contribute to Flanders’ broader goal of transferring AI research outcomes to industry and society. First results and beneficiary numbers will be reported through KU Leuven’s annual research reporting and the Flemish AI Barometer. 0b3a
What the Scholarship Is About
The Fully Funded PhD Scholarship 2026: Youth & AI at KU Leuven | IAmAI Project develops participatory methodologies that bridge how AI systems are built and how young people actually learn, grow, and experience the world. Supervised by Melissa De Smet, an expert in qualitative and mixed-methods research, the PhD explores how AI can be co-created with youth.
Unlike conventional AI PhDs that focus only on model performance, this project emphasizes:
1. Co-creation with young people as active stakeholders
2. Innovative qualitative and participatory research methods
3. Ethical AI design and policy recommendations for education
4. Multidisciplinary collaboration across psychology, education, and computer science.
The goal is to ensure AI systems better reflect dynamic youth experiences rather than relying solely on historical data.
Available Fields of Study
The PhD is hosted in the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences but is inherently interdisciplinary. Core fields include:
1. Educational Sciences: Methodology, learning analytics, digital pedagogy
2. Psychology: Developmental psychology, youth identity, human-computer interaction
3. AI & Society: Participatory AI design, AI ethics, human-centered computing
4. Qualitative & Mixed-Methods Research: Co-creation, action research, digital ethnography
5. Policy & Governance: Translating youth insights into AI policy recommendations
KU Leuven also hosts ELLIS units tackling fundamental AI challenges with societal impact, and institutes working on AI, law, and human rights, offering collaboration opportunities.
Benefits of the Scholarship
The Fully Funded PhD Scholarship 2026: Youth & AI at KU Leuven | IAmAI Project provides:
1. Full tuition waiver for 4 years at KU Leuven
2. Competitive monthly stipend aligned with Flemish PhD salary scales to cover living costs in Leuven
3. Research budget for fieldwork, participant incentives, conference travel, and open-access publication
4. Training & supervision from CMPO and access to KU Leuven Doctoral School courses
5. International network via KU Leuven’s MSCA and ELLIS connections
6. Impact pathway: Direct contribution to Flanders AI Policy Plan pillars on ethical governance and public engagement
7. Career development: Experience in co-creation, policy, and multidisciplinary research valued in academia, edtech, and AI ethics roles.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate:
1. Master’s degree in Psychology, Educational Sciences, Social Sciences, Human-Computer Interaction, AI & Society, or related field. Final-year master’s students may apply if graduating before September 2026
2. Strong background in qualitative or mixed-methods research. Experience with participatory methods, youth work, or co-design is an asset
3. Interest in AI and youth: Motivation to bridge technical AI development with lived experiences of young people
4. Academic excellence: Transcripts showing high grades, especially in research methods and thesis work
5. English proficiency: C1 level. KU Leuven accepts IELTS 7.0, TOEFL 100, or equivalent. Dutch is not required
6. International applicants welcome: No nationality restriction stated.
Scholarship Duration
The position is a *4-year full-time PhD contract*, starting between September – October 2026. Funding covers the entire doctoral trajectory subject to positive yearly evaluations, which is standard at KU Leuven.
Required Application Documents
Prepare the following as PDF files:
1. CV – Max 2 pages, highlight research experience, publications, and work with youth or AI
2. Motivation letter – 1-2 pages explaining fit with IAmAI Project aims and CMPO expertise
3. Research statement – 2-3 pages outlining how you would approach “youth in the loop” of AI. Reference co-creation methods
4. Master’s diploma + transcripts – With certified English translation if needed
5. Writing sample – Master’s thesis chapter or publication showing qualitative/mixed-methods skills
6. English proficiency proof – IELTS/TOEFL or letter from university if prior degree was in English
7. Two reference letters – At least one academic referee familiar with your research
8. Copy of passport/ID
Selection Process
1. Eligibility check: KU Leuven HR verifies degrees and language
2. Academic review: Prof. Melissa De Smet and CMPO panel assess research fit, methods expertise, and motivation
3. Shortlisting: Top candidates invited for online interview late June 2026
4. Interview: 30-45 minutes on research proposal, ethics of working with youth, and AI knowledge
5. Final decision: Offers sent by July 2026. Ranking considers academic merit, methodological skill, and alignment with project 2343
How to Apply With Official Application Website
Submit all documents through the KU Leuven online job portal:
https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/vacatures
Search vacancy number or keywords “IAmAI Youth AI PhD CMPO”. Do not email documents unless the vacancy specifies. Create an account, upload PDFs, and complete the form before the deadline.
Application Deadline
Deadline: May 31, 2026, 23:59 CET. Late applications are not considered. Time zone: Europe/Brussels. Apply at least 48 hours early to avoid portal issues.
Tips to Be Ahead of Other Applicants
1. Align with Flanders AI priorities: Read the Flanders AI Policy Plan pillars on ethical governance and youth engagement. Mention how your research supports “trust in AI through ethical governance”
2. Show co-creation experience: Give concrete examples of working with teenagers, schools, or NGOs. The project is about “youth in the loop”
3. Methodological edge: Detail experience with digital diaries, photovoice, participatory workshops, or living labs. Cite your thesis if relevant
4. Contact the supervisor early: Email Melissa De Smet in April with a 200-word pitch. Ask 1 smart question about participatory methods. Don’t ask for info already online
5. Link to EU context: Reference that 32.7% of EU people used generative AI in 2025, but only 9.4% for formal education. Position your PhD as closing that gap
6. Proofread for clarity: KU Leuven reviewers value concise academic writing. No jargon without explanation
7. Highlight policy impact: Explain how findings could inform the Knowledge Centre for Data & Society or Flemish AI Academy
Conclusion
The Fully Funded PhD Scholarship 2026: Youth & AI at KU Leuven | IAmAI Project is a rare chance to shape how AI serves the next generation. You will join a top-ranked university, work in a funded Flemish AI ecosystem, and develop methods that make AI design truly participatory. With full funding, expert supervision, and strong policy links, this PhD positions you at the forefront of AI & society research. Prepare a methods-focused application, submit by May 31, 2026, and take your place in the loop of AI developments.
Official Application Website
Apply via KU Leuven Jobs: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/vacatures
Project host: Centre for Methodology of Educational Sciences (CMPO): https://ppw.kuleuven.be/cmp
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Q1: Is the IAmAI PhD open to non-EU students?
A: Yes. The call lists no nationality restriction. International scholars can apply and KU Leuven will assist with visa.
Q2: Do I need a computer science background for Fully Funded PhD Scholarship 2026: Youth & AI at KU Leuven | IAmAI Project?
A: No. The project seeks expertise in qualitative and mixed-methods, youth studies, or education. Technical AI skills are welcome but not mandatory.
Q3: What is the monthly stipend amount for Fully Funded PhD Scholarship 2026: Youth & AI at KU Leuven | IAmAI Project?
A: KU Leuven PhD stipends follow Flemish scales, approx. €2,400 – €2,700 net/month in year 1, increasing yearly. Exact amount is in the contract.
Q4: Can I combine this Fully Funded PhD Scholarship 2026: Youth & AI at KU Leuven | IAmAI Project certificate with teaching?
A: Limited teaching or supervision tasks may be included, max 10% of time, as part of doctoral training.
Q5: Is Dutch required for the Fully Funded PhD Scholarship 2026: Youth & AI at KU Leuven | IAmAI Project ?
A: No. Supervision and dissertation are in English. Basic Dutch helps for daily life in Leuven but is not required.
Q6: When will interviews be held for Fully Funded PhD Scholarship 2026: Youth & AI at KU Leuven | IAmAI Project?
A: Shortlisted candidates are typically interviewed late June 2026, with decisions in July.
Q7: Can I propose my own research questions within IAmAI?
A: Yes, within the project scope of participatory youth-AI methods. Discuss fit in your research statement.
Q8: Where can I find updates about Fully Funded PhD Scholarship 2026: Youth & AI at KU Leuven | IAmAI Project ?
A: Check CMPO website and KU Leuven Doctoral School news. Flanders AI updates are on the central AI Policy Plan platform.