Hello everyone.

I'm interested in pursuing PhD studies in Electrical Engineering/Computer Science. As far as I know, most programs in american and european universities start in September (fall term), and the application must be submitted by December of the previous year. Currently I'm working on two publications (while finishing my Master's thesis). Since I'd prefer to have at least one publication accepted before applying, I think I won't manage to submit a decent application by December 2016. However, if everything goes as expected, I'd be graduating by March/April next year, possibly with one journal paper accepted. Thus, I'd like to apply by that time.

Since I don't want to start in September 2018 but won't manage to submit my application in December 2016 either, I'd like to know whether there are any institutions that offer PhD programs starting at spring term (i.e., January 2017).

A bunch of PhD laboratories at Imperial College of London accept applications at any time of the year. Similarly, EPFL in Switzerland has two rounds of applications, the first in December and a second one by April of the next year. I haven't found any institution in the USA using this flexible application scheme. :(

Goodbye and thank you very much!

PS: I'm aware that it is an unorthodox, non-academical criterion to choose my applications and I beg pardon for this.