Recruitment cycle Cohort 2025

About ACHIEVE

Cloud and Networking Infrastructure, with the emergence of new trends like High-Performance Computing (HPC), are pivotal in driving Europe's key policy objectives like the Green Deal and digital transformation. The project, Advanced Cloud and High-performance computing Education for a Valiant Europe (ACHIEVE) is designed to enhance the quality of EU higher education in the domain of IT infrastructures and in particular HPC which is used to solve several complex questions in computational and data-intensive sciences. It offers a comprehensive approach, covering aspects from cloud computing, network architecture, to the advanced skills on HPC systems and their applications in answering complex questions like the simulation and modelling of physical phenomena (such as climate change, energy production, drug design, global security, and materials design), the analysis of large data sets (such as those in genome sequencing, astronomical observation, and cybersecurity), and the intricate design of engineered products, such as airplanes.

ACHIEVE aims to implement a double-degree master's program (ISCED Level 7, 120 ECTS) focusing on Cloud and Networking Infrastructure with two specializations that align with the strategic development of advanced, green, and efficient HPC systems. Additionally, it includes a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. This program will be collaboratively designed and delivered by eight higher education institutions from six different countries, in partnership with major industry associations and companies specializing in cloud computing and HPC, along with an innovative SME for educational program delivery, a non-profit association, and EIT Digital, a leader in advanced digital skills education in Europe.

The two specialised master’s programmes, also include a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, are designed and delivered by a consortium consisting of 8 higher education institutions from 7 different countries, 2 innovative SMEs, 2 large enterprises, 3 leading research centre in Information Systems and EIT Digital, a pan-European organisation with in-depth knowledge and experience in the digital skills domain.

About the scholarships

ACHIEVE provides eligible students the financial support to take part to the education programmes and offers scholarship programmes to promote diversity in terms of gender, age, social and economic background. ACHIEVE’s scholarships allow the greatest number to have access to high-quality education in digital areas and increase diversity among students and future digital experts.

The students awarded a scholarship will be financially supported during their two years of studies in one of the double-degree in Masters’ programmes offered by ACHIEVE.

Types of scholarships available

Three types of scholarships are available:

• scholarship of excellence, including a full tuition fee waivers and a monthly allowance,
• full tuition fee waivers,
• half tuition fee waivers.

The monthly allowance will be weighted based on the country correction coefficient (CCCs) of the country where a student is studying. Thus, the monthly allowance provided to a student it can vary between the first and second year of studies.

How to apply

To apply to a ACHIEVE scholarship, candidates must enrol into one of ACHIEVE two master’s programmes.

Enrolment is done via a single application portal. When enrolling to one of the two master’s programmes, applicants are given the opportunity to select 3 options as Entry University and 3 options as Exit University with order of priority. It gives students a wider choice: applicants who would not be accepted to their preferred education institution might still be accepted by another education institution. At the same time, as the capacity of each education institution is limited, the multiple-option offer ensures that a high number of applications is processed.

To apply to one of the two ACHIEVE Master’s programme, candidates are required to upload into the application portal the following documentation:

1. Degree Certificate/Diploma in its original language and translated into English (If your university does not provide this service, the translation has to be done by an authorised translator and his/her credentials, signature and stamps must be visible in the translated document). In case of ongoing studies, a statement certifying that you are in the final year of your studies. The statement must be written by the degree administration office (or equivalent department) confirming that you are enrolled on the final year of your education and giving your expected completion date. Note: If applying to Aalto as entry, your bachelor degree must be completed by July 31, 2025.
2. Official and stamped transcript of records in original language and translated into English. All courses taken must be included. Please scan the front and back of every document- all stamps and signatures must be fully visible.
3. Proof of English proficiency. The requirement of English proficiency will vary depending on the higher education institution/country selected by the applicant. Please refer to EITD Master School website ‘Admissions’ tab for more information.
4. Curriculum Vitae including details on your academic and professional career.
5. A letter of motivation (maximum 3 pages) to prove the innovative potential of the applicant and their need for financial support. In this letter applicants will be required to discuss and/or propose an entrepreneurial idea and to explain their financial situation and need for financial support.
6. Supporting documents regarding the applicant’s financial situation (e.g. credit report).
7. An official ID, such as passport or National ID.

The allocation of scholarships will be done at the end of the selection process and before sending the letter of acceptance.

Eligibility requirements

ACHIEVE scholarships are available to nationals of one of the eligible countries:

• EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs))
• Listed EEA countries and countries associated to the Digital Europe Programme (associated countries) or countries which are in ongoing negotiations for an association agreement and where the agreement enters into force before grant signature and scholarship acceptance signature.

Only students enrolled and accepted in one of ACHIEVE Masters’ programme are eligible to financial support. When receiving their letter of acceptance and study offer, students will be notified of their scholarship allocation.

Selection criteria

The scholarships will award applicants based on merit. To quantify merit, a merit score (on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the maximum) will be given to each applicant accepted to one of the master’s programmes. Three elements will be considered in assigning a merit score:

1. previous academic and professional experience of an applicant,
2. curriculum vitae, and
3. letter of motivation, which also includes the motivation for an applicant to receive financial support.

(1) This criterion assesses the applicant's relevant academic achievements (GPA, degrees earned, relevant coursework, etc.) and any related professional experience. Higher scores will be awarded for stronger academic records, significant relevant experience, and demonstrable achievements. (2) This criterion evaluates the completeness, relevance, and quality of the submitted curriculum vitae. Higher scores will be awarded for CVs that are well-organized, clearly highlight relevant skills and experience, and demonstrate a strong career trajectory. (3) This criterion assesses the clarity, coherence, and persuasiveness of the applicant's explanation of their need for financial assistance. Higher scores will be given for statements that effectively communicate the applicant's financial situation and demonstrate a compelling need for support.

The initial merit score value will be an average of the two merit scores assigned by the two Local Programme Coordinators accepting an applicant (the Local Coordinator at the Entry University and the Local Coordinator at the Exit University). The merit scores assigned by Local Programme Coordinators will be reviewed by Programme Leaders to ensure uniformity between the scores given by Local Programme Coordinators from different universities and different countries. A final meeting including the Programme Leaders, all Local Programme Coordinators and the Quality Assurance Manager of the ACHIEVE project will be set at the end of each Recruitment Period to agree and deliberate on the final merit score of each applicant.

Promotion of diversity in terms of gender, social and economic background

The ACHIEVE scholarship programme will thrive to promote diversity and inclusion through its scholarship opportunities:

• Priority will be given to female applicants from any EU country or EU-associated country. The scholarship programme for women will aim increase female participation in master’s programmes in Cloud and Networking Infrastructure.
• Priority will be given to applicants from RIS countries - included in the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS). The scholarship programme for participants from RIS countries is aimed to support the participation of students from countries with moderate or modest innovation score and with lower gross domestic product. Countries eligible to take part to the RIS include 1) EU members states, 2) Horizon Europe associated countries, and 3) outermost regions such as Guadeloupe, and Réunion (France), the Azores and Madeira (Portugal), and the Canary Islands (Spain).

Payment arrangements

The scholarship is reflected as a discount in the tuition fee. The candidates are informed of the net amount of the tuition fee, after deducting the applicable amount of the scholarship.

• half tuition fee waivers: the nominal value of the granted scholarship is of 2,500EUR per year
• full tuition fee waivers: the nominal value of the granted scholarship is of 5,000EUR per year
• scholarship of excellence, including a full tuition fee waivers and a monthly allowance: the nominal value of the granted scholarship is of 5,000EUR plus a monthly allowance of 900 EUR weighted based on the country correction coefficient (CCCs) of the country where a student is studying.

The students awarded a scholarship will be financially supported during their two years of studies.

Number of scholarships available

Scholarships will be allocated on a rolling basis, until all financial support schemes are exhausted for the current recruitment cycle. With this call ACHIEVE will make available 75 scholarships (including excellence, full waiver and half-waiver) to be distributed among the two Master’s programmes.

Application information: https://masterschool.eitdigital.eu/cloud-and-networking-infrastructure

The application process can be started here: https://academy.eitdigital.eu/

Information on programme fees: https://masterschool.eitdigital.eu/admissions/fees

Required documents for application: https://masterschool.eitdigital.eu/admissions/required-documents

Web link for further information: https://www.eitdigital.eu/eu-collaborations/achieve

Email address for further information: achieve@eitdigital.eu