I've read deadlines can be as late as March, but I wouldn't put my bets on it as you say I'll try applying early. Well, good thing I love math! And looking at AI, I'd probably need to read more about what China is doing about since with living in the Imperial Core I resent any possibility of doing AI development for it. It's just moral and philosophical restrictions I've put on myself, so if AI benefits as many as it can in China and won't tip the Class Struggle in favour of the bourgeoisie I'll gladly take it.

(I hope my hand won't really be forced into it by external factors. I don't like rushed decisions and being in this situation makes me annoyed)