PhD Degree in Artificial Intelligence - About Minimum Qualification, Universities, And Admission 2025-26

About This Course

The Artificial Intelligence Ph.D. programs highlighted here represent a new era of advanced AI education, designed for learners who want to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving technological world. As one of the first AI doctoral programs of its kind in the region, the University of North Dakota’s Artificial Intelligence Ph.D. places students at the center of innovation, research excellence, and real-world impact. Studying at an institution that is shaping AI education in the Midwest gives candidates a strong academic foundation combined with forward-looking research exposure.

A key strength of these AI doctoral programs is their deeply interdisciplinary nature. Students collaborate with experienced faculty and researchers from computer science, data analytics, biomedical sciences, engineering, psychology, law, and other related fields. This collaborative structure allows learners to customize their research journey based on individual interests, whether they are inclined toward theoretical AI foundations or applied, industry-driven solutions. Core areas of study include machine learning, neural networks, autonomous systems, and ethical AI, ensuring graduates are prepared to solve complex, modern challenges.

The PhD in Human-Inspired Artificial Intelligence takes this vision further by focusing on human-centered and socially responsible AI development. The program emphasizes building AI technologies that are ethical, globally beneficial, and compatible with human values. Research training spans areas such as cognitive AI, social and interactive AI, creative AI, health-focused AI, and responsible AI, offering a balanced blend of technical depth and human awareness.

In addition, the online Doctor of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning offers a flexible, research-based pathway for working professionals. This program combines advanced AI & ML theory with hands-on application, preparing graduates to lead AI projects across industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. With strong research training, graduates are equally ready for leadership roles in industry or academic careers in research and teaching.

Eligibility

The Department welcomes applications from motivated and research-oriented candidates who are not eligible for the Direct PhD route and wish to pursue their doctoral journey through the Regular PhD program. This pathway is designed to offer equal opportunity to students from diverse academic backgrounds while maintaining strong academic and research standards.

Applicants who hold only a Bachelor’s degree in disciplines such as Computer Science (CS), Electrical Engineering (EE), Electronics and Communication (EC), Artificial Intelligence (AI), or Data Science (DS), and do not possess a Master’s degree, can still be considered under specific conditions. Candidates graduating from Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs) must have secured a minimum CGPA of 8.0 or above. For such applicants, submission of a valid GATE score is not compulsory, making it an attractive option for high-performing students from premier institutions.

On the other hand, candidates with a Bachelor’s degree from non-CFTI institutions are required to hold a valid GATE score. This ensures a standardized assessment of academic preparedness and technical competence for research-intensive doctoral studies.

Applicants who already hold an MTech, ME, or MS degree in CS, EE, EC, AI, DS, or closely related areas, including Artificial Intelligence, are also eligible. Students currently in the final year of their Master’s program may apply as well, provided they are able to complete all degree requirements before admission into the PhD program.

In addition, candidates with an MSc, MCA, or equivalent postgraduate qualification, along with an EMDS (MTech in Data Science) degree from IIT Hyderabad, are eligible to apply under the Regular PhD category.

Overall, the Regular PhD program is structured to recognize academic merit, technical depth, and research potential, offering a flexible yet rigorous entry route for aspiring researchers aiming to build a strong foundation in advanced engineering and computing domains.

PhD Degree in Artificial Intelligence Admission Process

The Apply Now button available on the right side will direct you to the official Applicant Portal, where the entire application process is managed. Through this portal, you can create your account, complete and submit your application form, upload all required supporting documents, and formally request references from your chosen referees.

Please note that an application is considered complete only when all mandatory steps are fulfilled. This includes the successful submission of the application form along with all supporting documents through the Applicant Portal. Where applicable, the prescribed application fee must also be paid within the given timeline. Detailed information regarding application fees and the specific courses that require payment can be found on the official fee information page. In addition, all nominated referees must submit their reference letters before the deadline. If any of these steps remain incomplete, the application will not move forward for evaluation.

Applicants are advised to strictly adhere to the deadlines mentioned in this section. Missing the stated deadlines will result in the inability to submit or finalize the application, regardless of partial completion.

To ensure a fair and efficient assessment process, all applicants must upload clear copies of their degree certificates (where applicable) and complete academic transcripts. This must include the final page of the transcript or a separate grading scale document that explains how marks or grades are awarded. Providing this grading information is essential, particularly for applicants holding international qualifications, as it helps evaluators accurately assess academic performance.

Candidates who are required to demonstrate English language proficiency are strongly encouraged to upload valid test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, along with their application. Submitting language scores at the time of application helps avoid delays and supports a smoother review process.

Future Scope

During your PhD, you will develop deep expertise in the latest advancements in Artificial Intelligence through rigorous research, hands-on projects, and the successful publication of your doctoral thesis. This research-focused training equips you with strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills that are highly valued across industries.

By the time you graduate, you will be well prepared to confidently enter the job market, with practical experience in applying AI techniques to real-world challenges. Career opportunities in Artificial Intelligence span a wide range of sectors, including finance, healthcare, transportation, and various service industries, where AI-driven innovation continues to shape the future.