Cohort 2025 PES application

The ACHIEVE project, known as Advanced Cloud and High-performance computing Education for a Valiant Europe, aims to enhance higher education in IT infrastructures, particularly in High-Performance Computing (HPC). This initiative focuses on cloud computing, network architecture, and advanced skills in HPC systems, applying them to critical domains like climate change simulation, energy production, drug design, cybersecurity, and advanced product design.

The project implements a double-degree master's program (ISCED Level 7, 120 ECTS) centered on Cloud and Networking Infrastructure, with a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. It is collaboratively delivered by eight higher education institutions across seven countries, alongside industry partners and EIT Digital.

The program offers scholarships to support students in achieving their educational goals, promoting diversity concerning gender, age, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Full tuition fee waivers of 5,000 EUR per year and a monthly allowance based on the country correction coefficient will be provided to cover the costs of education. The total funding available for the program is 150,000 EUR, allocated to 15 scholarships (including full and half waivers).

Eligible applicants include students nationals from EU Member States, EEA countries, or those associated with the Digital Europe Programme. Applicants must be enrolled and accepted into one of the ACHIEVE master's programs, with a selection process based on merit, considering academic achievements, CVs, and motivation letters, prioritizing female applicants and those from Regional Innovation Scheme countries.

The application process operates on a rolling basis with no concrete deadline, although the scholarship opportunity is set to open on August 7, 2025, and close on October 20, 2025. Required documents for application include academic transcripts, proof of proficiency in English, a detailed CV, a motivation letter, and other supporting documentation regarding financial needs.

The merit-based selection will evaluate the candidates’ academic qualifications and need for financial support. The outcome of the scholarship allocation will be communicated through acceptance letters. The ACHIEVE program is a strategic EU investment aimed at developing digital skills essential for Europe's technological future, thereby addressing challenges in key sectors through advanced education.

The ACHIEVE project, or Advanced Cloud and High-performance computing Education for a Valiant Europe, aims to enhance higher education in IT infrastructures, particularly in High-Performance Computing (HPC). HPC is used to address complex questions in computational and data-intensive sciences. The project addresses cloud computing, network architecture, and advanced skills in HPC systems, applying them to areas like climate change simulation, energy production, drug design, global security, materials design, large data set analysis (genome sequencing, astronomical observation, cybersecurity), and engineered product design (e.g., airplanes).

ACHIEVE will implement a double-degree master's program (ISCED Level 7, 120 ECTS) focusing on Cloud and Networking Infrastructure, with specializations aligning with advanced, green, and efficient HPC systems. A minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship is also included. The program is designed and delivered by eight higher education institutions from six countries, partnered with industry associations, cloud computing and HPC companies, an educational SME, a non-profit association, and EIT Digital.

The specialised master’s programme includes a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and is delivered by a consortium of 8 higher education institutions from 7 countries, 2 innovative SMEs, 2 large enterprises, 3 leading research centers in Information Systems, and EIT Digital.

ACHIEVE offers scholarships to support students in these education programs, promoting diversity in gender, age, and socioeconomic background. Scholarships provide access to high-quality education in digital areas and increase diversity among students. Scholarship recipients receive financial support during their two years of master's studies.

Available scholarships include full tuition fee waivers. The monthly allowance is weighted based on the country correction coefficient (CCCs) of the study location, varying between the first and second year.

To apply for an ACHIEVE scholarship, candidates must enroll in one of the ACHIEVE master’s programs via a single application portal. Applicants select 3 Entry University options and 3 Exit University options with priority order. This multiple-option approach ensures a higher number of applications are processed, even if the applicant is not accepted into their first-choice institution.

Required application documents include:

Degree Certificate/Diploma in its original language and translated into English (with translator's credentials, signature, and stamps visible). If studies are ongoing, a statement from the degree administration office confirming final year enrollment and expected completion date. For Aalto entry, the bachelor's degree must be completed by July 31, 2025.

Official and stamped transcript of records in original language and translated into English, including all courses taken (front and back of every document scanned to show all stamps and signatures).

Proof of English proficiency (requirements vary by institution/country; refer to the EITD Master School website ‘Admissions’ tab).

Curriculum Vitae with academic and professional career details.

A letter of motivation (maximum 3 pages) demonstrating innovative potential and need for financial support, including an entrepreneurial idea and explanation of financial situation.

Supporting documents regarding the applicant’s financial situation (e.g., credit report).

An official ID, such as a passport or National ID.

Scholarship allocation occurs after the selection process and before acceptance letters are sent.

Eligible countries for ACHIEVE scholarships include:

EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs)).

Listed EEA countries and countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme (associated countries).

Countries in ongoing negotiations for an association agreement that enters into force before grant and scholarship acceptance signature.

Only students enrolled and accepted into an ACHIEVE Master’s program are eligible for financial support. Scholarship allocation is communicated with the letter of acceptance and study offer.

Scholarships are awarded based on merit. A merit score (1 to 5, with 5 being the maximum) is assigned based on:

Previous academic and professional experience.

Curriculum vitae.

Letter of motivation, including the motivation for financial support.

The merit score considers:

Relevant academic achievements (GPA, degrees, coursework) and professional experience.

Completeness, relevance, and quality of the CV.

Clarity, coherence, and persuasiveness of the explanation of financial need.

The initial merit score is the average of scores from the Local Programme Coordinators at the Entry and Exit Universities. Programme Leaders review these scores for uniformity. A final meeting with Programme Leaders, Local Programme Coordinators, and the Quality Assurance Manager finalizes each applicant's merit score.

The ACHIEVE scholarship program promotes diversity and inclusion, prioritizing:

Female applicants from any EU country or EU-associated country to increase female participation in Cloud and Networking Infrastructure master’s programs.

Applicants from RIS countries (EIT Regional Innovation Scheme), supporting students from countries with moderate or modest innovation scores and lower gross domestic product. RIS countries include EU member states, Horizon Europe associated countries, and outermost regions (Guadeloupe, Réunion, Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands).

The scholarship is reflected as a discount in the tuition fee. Candidates are informed of the net tuition fee after the scholarship deduction. Full tuition fee waivers have a nominal value of 5,000 EUR per year. Scholarship recipients receive financial support during their two years of studies.

A total of 15 scholarships (including full waiver and half-waiver) are available for distribution among the two Master’s programs in this call. Scholarships are allocated on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.

Key Dates:

Opening date: 07 August 2025

Deadline date: 20 October 2025 17:00 (Brussels time)

Expected duration of participation: 18 months

Total funding available: 150,000.00 EUR

Project acronym: ACHIEVE

Full name of the EU funded project: Advanced Cloud and High-performance computing Education for a Valiant Europe

Grant agreement number: 101190015

Topic: DIGITAL-2023-SKILLS-05-SPECIALEDU - Specialised education programmes in key capacity areas

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

In summary, the ACHIEVE project offers scholarships for a double-degree master's program focused on Cloud and Networking Infrastructure with specializations in advanced HPC systems, including a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The program aims to enhance education in IT infrastructures and HPC, addressing complex scientific and societal challenges. Scholarships are available to eligible students from EU member states, EEA countries, and associated countries, with priority given to female applicants and those from RIS countries. The application process involves enrolling in one of the ACHIEVE master's programs and submitting required documents, including academic transcripts, a CV, a motivation letter, and proof of financial need. Scholarships are awarded based on merit and promote diversity and inclusion. The project is funded under the DIGITAL program and seeks to develop specialized education programs in key capacity areas.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are students who are nationals of EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs)), listed EEA countries, 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 for financial support.

Funding Type: The funding type is a scholarship, which includes full tuition fee waivers and a monthly allowance. The scholarship is reflected as a discount in the tuition fee, and the nominal value of a full tuition fee waiver is 5,000 EUR per year. The monthly allowance is weighted based on the country correction coefficient (CCCs) of the country where a student is studying.

Consortium Requirement: This opportunity is for single applicants, specifically students applying for a scholarship to participate in a double-degree master's program. The master's program itself is delivered by a consortium of higher education institutions, but the scholarship application is individual.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility includes EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs)), listed EEA countries, 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.

Target Sector: The target sector is digital skills, specifically in the areas of Cloud and Networking Infrastructure and High-Performance Computing (HPC). The master's program also includes a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Mentioned Countries: EU member states, EEA countries, France (Guadeloupe, Réunion), Portugal (Azores, Madeira), Spain (Canary Islands).

Project Stage: The project stage is education and training, specifically supporting students in a double-degree master's program (ISCED Level 7, 120 ECTS).

Funding Amount: The total funding available for this call is 150,000 EUR, which will be distributed among 15 scholarships (including full waiver and half-waiver) for the two Master’s programmes. The nominal value of a full tuition fee waiver is 5,000 EUR per year.

Application Type: The application type is an open call, with a single-stage deadline model. Scholarships will be allocated on a rolling basis until all financial support schemes are exhausted for the current recruitment cycle.

Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money in the form of tuition fee waivers and a monthly allowance to support their studies.

Application Stages: The application process appears to be a single-stage process, where candidates apply to the ACHIEVE master's program through a single application portal and are then considered for a scholarship based on merit.

Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned, but the document states that 15 scholarships are available for the current recruitment cycle.

Co-funding Requirement: Co-funding is not explicitly required, but the letter of motivation should explain the applicant's financial situation and need for financial support, implying that the scholarship is intended to cover a significant portion, if not all, of the student's expenses.

The ACHIEVE project offers scholarships to students pursuing a double-degree master's program in Cloud and Networking Infrastructure, with specializations aligned with advanced, green, and efficient HPC systems, including a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The program is designed to enhance the quality of EU higher education in IT infrastructures and HPC, addressing complex challenges in computational and data-intensive sciences. The scholarships, which include full tuition fee waivers (5,000 EUR per year) and a monthly allowance, aim to promote diversity in terms of gender, age, and socioeconomic background. Eligible applicants must be nationals of EU Member States, listed EEA countries, or countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme and must be accepted into one of the ACHIEVE Master’s programmes. The selection process is based on merit, considering academic achievements, the quality of the curriculum vitae, and the clarity and persuasiveness of the applicant's motivation letter, including their need for financial support. Priority is given to female applicants and those from RIS countries. The application deadline is October 20, 2025. The total funding available for this call is 150,000 EUR, distributed among 15 scholarships.