DIGI-ME Double Degree Scholarship Award Procedure and Selection Rules at UNIVAASA (University of Vaasa)

The University of Vaasa is offering the DIGI-ME Double Degree Scholarship under the DIGI-ME project with a total allocation of €41,500 to fund up to five scholarships for full-time master’s students enrolled in the MIB or SBD programmes to undertake a 7–8 month double degree mobility at University of Pavia or Grenoble School of Management between August 2026 and May 2027. Each scholarship is paid as a lump sum comprising a monthly contribution of €700, a one-time travel contribution of €500 and an optional monthly top-up of €250 for applicants meeting predefined fewer-opportunities criteria, disbursed in two tranches (80% on signing the Mobility Agreement and 20% after successful completion). Eligibility requires matriculation in academic year 2025–2026, citizenship of EU/DEP participating countries, and English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 88); the scholarship is incompatible with other EU funding for the same purpose. Applications must be submitted via the dedicated online form by 22 June 2026 17:00 CET with transcripts, CV, motivation letter, English evidence and ID; selection is by internal evaluation with a 70% threshold and ranking by score.

What it funds

Lump‑sum scholarships to support 7 to 8 month student mobility (Aug 2026–May 2027) for participation in DIGI-ME double degree paths at the University of Pavia (Italy) or Grenoble School of Management (France). Funding covers monthly living contribution, travel, and an additional monthly top‑up for students with fewer opportunities.

Total available:Up to €41,500 allocated to this UNIVAASA call to fund up to 5 scholarships (up to 3 for Pavia; up to 2 for Grenoble). Individual components: monthly contribution €700, one‑time travel €500, plus €250/month extra for eligible fewer‑opportunities students. ¹

Who can apply

1. 1Current full‑time students matriculated in academic year 2025‑2026 on the University of Vaasa MIB or SBD master programmes
2. 2EU/EEA citizens or citizens of Digital Europe Programme participating countries (DEP list applies)
3. 3Students who have not exceeded standard study duration and are not on academic leave
4. 4Required English proficiency (IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 88, Cambridge 180, or a bachelor taught fully in English)

Selection & payment

Applications submitted exclusively via the dedicated form by 22 June 2026, 17:00 CET. Eligible applications are internally evaluated (threshold 70%). Scholarships awarded by rank; acceptance required within five business days. Payments: 80% first tranche after signing the Mobility Agreement, 20% final tranche after successful completion and verification.

Scholarship is incompatible with other EU funding for the same purpose. Selected students must sign Declaration of Honour, Mobility Agreement and Learning Agreement. Tax treatment follows Finnish law; recipients should verify personal tax obligations.

How to apply:Submit required documents (transcript, CV, motivation letter/study plan, English proof, ID/passport) via the dedicated form by the deadline. Full application guidelines and the call document are available online DIGI-ME guidelines. ¹

Footnotes

1. 1Full guidelines and application form are published by the DIGI-ME project: digime-project.eu and the call PDF: digime-project.eu

Basic call data and purpose

Call title:DIGI-ME Double Degree Scholarship Award Procedure and Selection Rules at UNIVAASA (University of Vaasa). Project acronym: DIGI-ME (DIGital skills for transformative Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship). Grant agreement number: 101123009. Call identifier: DIGITAL-2022. Opening date: April 2026 (guidelines reference 22 April 2026; portal metadata shows 23 April 2026). Submission deadline: 22 June 2026, 17:00 CET/Brussels time. Expected duration of participation: single mobility action of 7 to 8 months occurring between August 2026 and May 2027. Total funding available for this University of Vaasa targeted open call: €41,500. The objective is to fund scholarships enabling University of Vaasa master’s students to undertake a double degree mobility at University of Pavia (Italy) or Grenoble School of Management (France) to acquire advanced digital skills related to innovation management and entrepreneurship.

Who can apply and eligible applicant types

Primary eligible applicants:individual students currently registered as full-time master’s students at the University of Vaasa in either the Master’s Programme in International Business – Sustainable Global Business (MIB) or Master’s Programme in Strategic Business Development (SBD), matriculated in academic year 2025–2026, who have not exceeded the standard duration of the curriculum and are not on academic leave. Applicant types (categorisation): university students (individuals), higher education institution beneficiaries (University of Vaasa acts as funder/disbursing body). Nationality eligibility: passport holders of EU/EEA countries and Digital Europe Programme (DEP) associated countries as listed in the official DEP list of participating countries. English proficiency and documentation requirements apply.

Funding type, amounts, components and number of awards

Funding type:The mechanism is scholarships provided as lump sums (financial grant / stipend) disbursed by the University of Vaasa as part of the DIGI-ME project Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP).

Total funds and number of awards:Total allocation for this open call at University of Vaasa: €41,500. Up to five scholarships will be awarded: up to three (3) recipients for the double degree path with University of Pavia and up to two (2) recipients for the double degree path with Grenoble School of Management.

Individual financial breakdown and conditions:Scholarships support a single mobility action lasting 7–8 months (depending on the Learning Agreement) between August 2026 and May 2027. Fixed components: ITEM A monthly contribution of €700; ITEM B one-time travel contribution of €500. Additional component: ITEM C monthly top-up of €250 for participants with fewer opportunities (only if applicant meets defined criteria; supporting documents requested from successful applicants). Disbursement: two tranches — first tranche equal to 80% of the estimated total scholarship paid within 30 days of signing the Mobility Agreement and after submission of a duly approved Learning Agreement and correct bank details; second tranche (20% balance) paid at end of mobility subject to compliance with administrative obligations, regular completion of the authorised mobility period, achievement of training results consistent with the Learning Agreement, and correct administrative conclusion. Failure to meet conditions may lead to loss of second tranche and possible recovery of sums already paid.

Eligibility and special conditions

Core eligibility criteria:enrollment in MIB or SBD at University of Vaasa for academic year 2025–2026; full-time status; within standard study duration; not on academic leave. Nationality: EU/EEA or DEP participating countries (full DEP list available in official DEP document). Language: proficiency in English is required — evidence via IELTS Academic minimum overall 6.5, TOEFL iBT minimum 88, Cambridge C1/C2 minimum 180, or a bachelor’s degree fully taught in English. Incompatibility: the scholarship is incompatible with other EU funds for the same costs — applicants must declare they have not received other EU funding for the same purpose. Participants with fewer opportunities are eligible for ITEM C if they meet listed criteria (disability ≥50% certified invalidity; refugee/international/subsidiary protection or displaced; dependent minor children under specified conditions; sustained employment; recognised national-level athlete; orphan of at least one parent with conditions; child of victims of terrorism or organised crime). Supporting documentation for ITEM C is requested only from successful applicants.

Application process, submission method and timeline

Application method:single-stage open call. Submission is done exclusively through the dedicated online form provided by University of Vaasa (the call states EXCLUSIVELY via the dedicated form). Application period referenced in guidance: 22 April 2026 09:00 CET to 22 June 2026 17:00 CET. Portal metadata indicates opening on 23 April 2026; deadline as 22 June 2026 17:00 (Brussels time). The process is single-stage (applicants submit full documentation by deadline). Required post-selection agreements: Declaration of Honour, Mobility Agreement and Learning Agreement to be signed by selected recipients. Successful applicants must confirm acceptance of the scholarship offer within five business days by email to digime@uwasa.fi. Appeals/redress are allowed within three business days of results notification to the same contact.

1. 1Application period opens: April 2026 (guidance: 22 April 2026) — close: 22 June 2026 17:00 CET.
2. 2Submission channel: dedicated online form (mandatory).
3. 3Selection steps: admissibility/eligibility check → internal expert evaluation → ranking/selection and reserve list.
4. 4Notification: email with Evaluation Summary Report; accepted candidates must confirm in 5 business days.
5. 5Appeal: submit written appeal within 3 business days of result; reviewed by a panel (two University of Vaasa DIGI-ME reps and one external member).

Evaluation, scoring and selection

Evaluation is internal and carried out by a panel of experts from the University of Vaasa. Only eligible candidates enter evaluation. The evaluation methodology uses three phases: admissibility/eligibility check, internal expert evaluation, and ranking/selection. Candidates must achieve a minimum evaluation threshold of 70% to be eligible for selection. A reserve list policy applies if more qualified candidates exist than available scholarships.

1. 1Academic background — 65% of overall score. Assessed using weighted average grade adjusted by ratio of earned to expected ECTS credits plus academic/research/work achievements.
2. 2Motivation / Personal statement — 25% of overall score. Evaluated from the motivation letter/study plan focusing on alignment with DIGI-ME digital skills, innovation, international business and entrepreneurship.
3. 3Additional academic and non-academic experience — 10% of overall score. Assessed from CV and reported achievements.

Required documents and application template outline

All required documents must be uploaded to the dedicated form in PDF format by the deadline. The guidance provides a step-by-step application checklist and indicates applicants will create a profile on the dedicated form and upload documents. Successful applicants will be asked to sign the Declaration of Honour, Mobility Agreement and Learning Agreement prior to first tranche payment.

1. 1Completed online application via the dedicated form (applicant profile).
2. 2Transcript of Records (passed exams and grades within MIB or SBD programmes).
3. 3Curriculum Vitae (max 3 pages; no photo).
4. 4Personal Statement / Motivation Letter / Study plan for exchange abroad (max 3 pages).
5. 5Evidence of English language competency (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, or degree in English).
6. 6Copy of passport or national identity card.
7. 7Optional: voluntary information on gender, age and socio-economic status (for diversity considerations).

Suggested structure for motivation letter / study plan (applicants):Title and applicant identification; study objectives and planned courses at host institution (link to DIGI-ME educational offering and host programmes); specific learning outcomes expected and how they map to your University of Vaasa degree; relevance to innovation, digital skills and career objectives; evidence of prior achievements and preparedness for mobility; explanation of any special conditions (fewer opportunities) if applicable; concise timeline for mobility and post-mobility academic recognition.

Tax, legal and administrative notes

Tax treatment:the scholarship is subject to Finnish tax legislation. Depending on the nature and payer, it may be tax-exempt or taxable and may need declaration in the recipient’s tax return. Grants paid by public authorities are generally tax-exempt; private payments may be tax-exempt up to certain thresholds; grants are subject to certain mandatory contributions (health insurance contribution, public broadcasting tax) and pension insurance considerations (MYEL). Recipients must verify their individual tax situation and comply with obligations; more information is provided on the Finnish Tax Administration website Grants - vero.fi ¹.

Selection priorities and diversity provisions

DIGI-ME and University of Vaasa explicitly promote diversity, social and economic equality and gender balance. Applicants may voluntarily provide information on gender, age and socio-economic background. In case of tied scores, the tie-breaker priority order is: female applicants; applicants from low socio-economic backgrounds; applicants with disabilities; applicants from low DESI countries; applicants belonging to minority groups. These data are collected voluntarily, treated confidentially under GDPR, and used for diversity monitoring and selection measures only.

Application stages and process count

Number of application stages:three main processing stages described in the call: (1) admissibility and eligibility check; (2) internal evaluation by a panel of experts; (3) ranking and selection (including reserve list and notifications). The process is single-stage from the applicant perspective (submit full application once); internal assessment has three steps.

Consortium and geographic scope

Consortium requirement:not applicable to applicants — individual students apply; the call is run by University of Vaasa as part of the DIGI-ME consortium. Beneficiary geographic eligibility (scope): applicants must be passport holders of EU/EEA countries or DEP participating countries (see official DEP list). Explicitly mentioned countries/locations in call materials: Finland (University of Vaasa — funder and payor location; Finnish tax rules referenced), Italy (University of Pavia — host), France (Grenoble School of Management — host). DEP list includes EU/EEA, EFTA/EEA states, acceding/candidate countries and other associated countries as defined in the official DEP participating countries document.

• Explicitly mentioned countries: Finland, Italy, France.
• Regional scope: EU/EEA and DEP associated countries as per Digital Europe Programme participation list.

Target sector and project stage

Target thematic sector:digital skills education focusing on innovation management, entrepreneurship, international business and advanced digital technologies (education/training sector bridging management, digitalisation, AI/data topics). Project stage expected for applicants: education/mobility — students at the learning/validation stage, preparing for advanced coursework, practice and degree completion; not an industrial R&D project.

Nature of support, co-funding and compatibility

Beneficiaries receive monetary support (lump-sum scholarships). Co-funding requirement:applicants are not required to provide co-funding; however the scholarship cannot duplicate EU funds for the same purpose (double funding is forbidden). Selected recipients will sign Learning and Mobility Agreements and are responsible for any compliance obligations related to the DIGI-ME project and Digital Europe Programme rules. Cancellation of mobility for non-justified reasons will require refund of paid amounts and may result in exclusion from future University mobility selections.

Success rates and selection likelihood

Published call provides fixed number of awards (up to 5). The absolute success rate depends on the number of eligible applicants; call materials do not supply expected applicant volumes so an exact overall success rate cannot be derived. Practically, maximum awards = 5; applicants should assume competitive selection. Selection threshold: minimum 70% score for consideration; ranking determines final award order. Reserve list will be used if awardees do not accept.

Contacts, publication and legal disclaimer

Contact for application technical issues and queries:digime@uwasa.fi. Administrative contact after selection: outgoing.international@uwasa.fi. The call is launched and funded through the DIGI-ME project and the financial support is provided directly by the University of Vaasa; the call is NOT an EU action — publication on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal is for visibility only. Data protection and GDPR compliance references are provided; University of Pavia acts as Data Controller for data submitted through the dedicated form and consortium data is stored as described in the guidelines.

Concise checklist for prospective applicants

1. 1Confirm enrolment status: you must be a full-time MIB or SBD student at University of Vaasa, matriculated in 2025–2026 and within normal study duration.
2. 2Verify nationality eligibility: EU/EEA or DEP participating country passport holder.
3. 3Prepare documentation: transcript, CV (max 3 pages), motivation letter/study plan (max 3 pages), English proficiency proof or degree in English, passport/ID copy, optional diversity data.
4. 4Complete dedicated online form and upload all documents by 22 June 2026 17:00 CET. Late or alternative submissions are not accepted.
5. 5If selected, sign Declaration of Honour, Learning Agreement and Mobility Agreement and ensure bank details are correct to receive the first tranche (80%).
6. 6Comply with mobility and reporting obligations to receive the final 20% tranche; failure may lead to recovery of paid amounts.

What this opportunity is about and how to explain it

This open call is a targeted scholarship opportunity run by the University of Vaasa as part of the EU-funded DIGI-ME project to financially support a small number of its master’s students to participate in double degree mobility with the University of Pavia (Italy) or Grenoble School of Management (France). It is a single-stage, competitive open call where eligible full-time MIB or SBD students matriculated in 2025–2026 may apply via a dedicated online form by 22 June 2026. Awards are lump-sum scholarships covering living and travel costs, paid in two instalments, with additional top-ups available for students meeting predefined fewer-opportunity criteria. Selection is internal, scored primarily on academic background (65%), motivation (25%) and additional experience (10%), with a passing threshold of 70%. The call includes clear eligibility, documentation and contractual requirements (Declaration of Honour, Learning Agreement, Mobility Agreement) and is governed by Finnish tax and University of Vaasa administrative rules. The call specifies an explicit incompatibility with other EU funding for the same purpose and contains provisions promoting diversity and tie-breaking rules that favour under-represented groups. The total pot for this specific University of Vaasa call is €41,500 and up to five scholarships will be distributed, making the allocation limited and competitive.

Footnotes

1. 1Official Finnish Tax Administration guidance on taxation of grants and scholarships is available at Grants - vero.fi (vero.fi).

Funding Opportunity Overview

The DIGI-ME Double Degree Scholarship is a cascade funding opportunity launched by the University of Vaasa under the Digital Europe Programme. This scholarship supports students enrolled in master's programmes to undertake a double degree exchange at partner institutions in Italy or France, with a focus on advanced digital skills in innovation management and entrepreneurship. The opportunity is part of the broader DIGI-ME project, a four-year initiative co-funded by the European Union's Digital Europe Programme through the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA).

Funding Details

Total Funding Available:€41,500 total for all scholarships awarded through this call.

Number of Awards:Up to 5 scholarships total: up to 3 scholarships for the University of Pavia double degree programme and up to 2 scholarships for the Grenoble School of Management double degree programme.

Scholarship Structure:Scholarships are provided as lump sums to cover living and subsistence costs during a 7 to 8 month mobility period from August 2026 to May 2027. Each scholarship comprises a minimum of two components and a maximum of three components as follows: Item A - Monthly contribution of €700.00; Item B - Travel contribution of €500.00 (one-time fee); Item C - Additional monthly contribution of €250.00 for participants with fewer opportunities (optional, based on eligibility criteria).

Payment Mechanism:Scholarships are paid in two instalments. The first tranche equals 80 percent of the total estimated amount and is paid within 30 days of signing the Mobility Agreement, provided the student has presented a duly approved Learning Agreement and correctly entered bank details. The second tranche of 20 percent is paid at the end of the mobility period, subject to verification of compliance with administrative obligations, regular completion of the authorised mobility period, achievement of training results consistent with the Learning Agreement, and correct administrative conclusion of the mobility.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements to be considered for this scholarship.

Academic Background:Applicants must be regularly enrolled full-time students at the University of Vaasa in one of two master's programmes: Master's Programme in International Business - Sustainable Global Business (MIB) or Master's Programme in Strategic Business Development (SBD). Students must have been matriculated in the academic year 2025-2026, must not have exceeded the standard duration of the curriculum, and must not be on academic leave.

Nationality:Applicants must be citizens of European Union member states or Digital Europe Programme (DEP) associated countries. DEP participating countries include EEA countries (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein), acceding and candidate countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine), and Switzerland. ¹

English Language Proficiency:Proficiency in English is a fundamental requirement. Unless the applicant is a native English speaker, certified evidence of English proficiency must be provided meeting one of the following minimum thresholds: IELTS Academic score of 6.5, TOEFL iBT score of 88, Cambridge English (C1/C2) score of 180, or successful completion of a fully English-taught bachelor degree.

Double Funding Prohibition:The scholarship is incompatible with other European Union funds allocated for the same purpose. All applicants must declare in the application form that they have not received other European Union funds for the same purpose.

Participants with Fewer Opportunities:To qualify for the additional Item C monthly contribution of €250.00, applicants must meet one or more of the following criteria prior to the start of the mobility period: have a disability with a certified percentage of invalidity of at least 50 percent; hold refugee status or benefit from international or subsidiary protection, or are displaced persons; have dependent minor children born during the 2025-26 academic year; are engaged in employment for at least six months within the 12 months preceding the mobility period; are recognised professional athletes with a certificate from their relevant sports federation; are orphans of at least one parent (under age 26 or financially dependent on the deceased parent); or are children of victims of terrorism or organised crime. Supporting documents for Item C will be requested only from successful applicants.

Application Requirements and Documents

All applications must be submitted exclusively through the dedicated online form by the deadline. The following documents must be included with the application.

• Transcripts of Records: Official transcripts showing all passed exams and related grades within the MIB or SBD programmes. If the student studied at a foreign educational institution during the 2025-2026 academic year, study merits must be provided according to the regulations of the issuing university.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV outlining academic history, professional experience, skills, and relevant achievements. No photo is required. Maximum length is 3 pages.
• Personal Statement/Motivation Letter: A statement explaining motivation for applying, interest in the programme, and how the applicant's background aligns with the DIGI-ME path of the double degree programme at either the University of Pavia or Grenoble School of Management. Maximum length is 3 pages.
• English Language Competency: Certified evidence of English proficiency meeting the specified minimum scores, unless the applicant is a native English speaker or has completed a fully English-taught bachelor degree.
• Copy of Passport or ID Card: A valid copy of a passport or identity card.
• Optional Information: Applicants may voluntarily provide information on gender, age, and socio-economic status. In case of equal scores, these factors may be positively considered during evaluation in line with the University of Vaasa commitment to supporting a diverse student body.

Application Timeline and Deadlines

Application Period:Applications are accepted from 22 April 2026 at 09:00 CET (Brussels time) until 22 June 2026 at 17:00 CET (Brussels time). This is a single-stage submission process.

Expected Duration of Participation:7 to 8 months, depending on the individual Learning Agreement, in the period from August 2026 until May 2027.

Evaluation Timeline:Internal evaluation by University of Vaasa experts is scheduled for 23-24 June 2026. Successful candidates will be notified by 24 June 2026 and formally invited by the University of Vaasa as double degree students.

Evaluation Process and Criteria

The evaluation process follows a three-step methodology:admissibility and eligibility check, internal evaluation by experts, and ranking and selection of applicants.

Admissibility and Eligibility Check:An initial verification filters out non-eligible applications. An application is considered eligible only if it meets all eligibility criteria listed in the call and includes all required documents. Applications marked as non-eligible receive a rejection letter with justification.

Internal Evaluation by Experts:Applications passing the eligibility check undergo internal evaluation by a panel of three experts from the University of Vaasa. Only eligible candidates are evaluated. Successful candidates must reach an evaluation threshold of 70 percent.

Evaluation Criteria and Scoring:Applications are assessed based on three components with the following weightings: Academic background (65 percent) - assessed based on the weighted average grade, adjusted by the ratio of earned to expected ECTS credits; Motivation (25 percent) - reflects the applicant's positive mindset towards advanced digital skills in innovation, international business and entrepreneurship, assessed based on the motivation letter; Additional experience (10 percent) - considers both academic and non-academic achievements as reported in the applicant's CV.

Ranking and Selection:Following expert evaluation, all eligible applicants are ranked according to their final assessment scores. Scholarships are awarded based on order of merit, beginning with the highest-ranked candidates. If the number of qualified applicants exceeds available places, candidates meeting the quality threshold but falling below the offer cut-off are placed on a reserve list, ranked by score, and may receive a waiver offer if selected candidates decline or fail to accept their offer within the stipulated deadline.

Diversity and Inclusion Considerations:DIGI-ME and the University of Vaasa are committed to promoting diversity, social and economic equality, and gender balance. In the case of equal scores assigned to more than one applicant, the selection committee will prioritize female applicants, applicants from low socio-economic backgrounds, applicants experiencing disabilities, applicants from low DESI-countries, and applicants belonging to minority groups, in this order. All information provided regarding gender, age, and social background is collected voluntarily and treated confidentially in accordance with GDPR regulations, used solely for diversity monitoring and inclusive selection measures.

Results Notification and Acceptance

Following expert evaluation, all eligible applicants are ranked according to their final assessment scores. Successful applicants receive an Evaluation Summary Report together with an invitation to proceed to the enrolment phase. Rejected applicants who passed the eligibility check receive an Evaluation Summary Report. Ineligible applicants receive a rejection letter. Successful applicants must confirm their acceptance of the formal scholarship offer within five (5) business days by replying to the University of Vaasa Open Call team at digime@uwasa.fi.

Redress and Appeals Process

Applicants who are not satisfied with the evaluation of their application may submit a written appeal within three (3) business days of receiving their result. Appeals are reviewed by a panel composed of two University of Vaasa DIGI-ME representatives and one external member. Appeals are typically not allowed for disagreements with academic judgment (score) or if the decision was based on the applicant's misunderstanding of application instructions. Valid grounds for appealing generally focus on errors in the assessment process or claims of discrimination. All requests for appeal must be sent to the DIGI-ME University of Vaasa Open Call team at digime@uwasa.fi.

Programme Enrolment and Conditions

To secure the DIGI-ME University of Vaasa Scholarship, successful applicants must formally accept the offer via email and sign the Declaration of Honour within five (5) business days of receiving the email from the DIGI-ME Open Call team. Acceptance confirms agreement to academic and participation conditions designed to ensure success in the programme. These conditions include completing the double degree programme by October 2027, adhering to specified course requirements, and actively participating in student ambassador activities. A list of successful applicants will be shared with the Unit for International Relations at the University of Vaasa, School of Management, which will conduct manual registration for each student in the nomination admission system used for regular incoming exchange students.

Tax Treatment and Financial Obligations

The scholarship provided under this call is subject to applicable Finnish tax legislation. Depending on the nature and purpose of the grant, it may be either tax-exempt or taxable income and may need to be declared in the recipient's tax return. ² Grants or scholarships awarded for studies, academic research, or artistic activities may be tax-exempt. If the grant is paid by a public authority such as the State of Finland, a municipality, or other public bodies, it is generally fully tax-exempt regardless of the amount. If the grant is paid by a private entity, it is tax-exempt only up to the annual limit defined by the State artist grant; any amount exceeding this threshold may be considered taxable income. Grants are subject to certain mandatory contributions, including the health insurance contribution and the public broadcasting tax. Grant recipients are typically covered by pension insurance under the MYEL system, and the corresponding income may be taken into account when calculating social security contributions. Recipients are responsible for verifying their individual tax situation and complying with all applicable tax obligations.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Acceptance of the mobility period constitutes a formal commitment by the candidate. Cancellations must be limited to serious and duly documented cases of force majeure. Any cancellation of the assigned mobility period must be communicated in writing to the DIGI-ME coordinator, must be adequately justified, and must be submitted promptly. Cancellation entails the refund of any financial contributions already received. The reason for cancellation and/or failure to communicate it may be evaluated for possible exclusion of the candidate from subsequent selection processes for the University's international mobility programmes. Failure to comply with administrative and procedural obligations, failure to regularly complete the authorised mobility period, failure to achieve training results consistent with the Learning Agreement, or failure to correctly conclude the mobility administratively will result in the loss of the right to the balance payment and may lead to total or partial recovery of sums already received.

Data Protection and Confidentiality

The University of Pavia (UNIPV) acts as Data Controller for data submitted through the dedicated application form. The dedicated form design and operational procedures ensure that data is managed in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR). Data will also be stored in the project repository on Microsoft Teams managed by the project coordinator at the University of Pavia in Italy. The DIGI-ME consortium must retain generated data until five years after the balance of the DIGI-ME project is paid or longer if there are ongoing procedures such as audits, investigations or litigation. Selected applicants are required to maintain confidentiality of any project data, documents, invoices and other materials during implementation and for 5 years after project completion. This confidentiality period can be extended by agreement with the European Commission and the DIGI-ME consortium. Information shared during the project is only considered non-confidential if DIGI-ME agrees and confirms it in writing within 15 days. Confidential information must only be used for project implementation unless otherwise agreed upon. Any information shared during the application stage is treated as confidential.

About the DIGI-ME Project

The DIGI-ME project is a four-year initiative co-funded by the European Union through the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) under grant agreement number 101123009. The project aims to create, develop, nurture and sustain a wide community of European Union leaders able to master digitally enabled tools and processes. The project is coordinated by the University of Pavia and involves eight partners from Italy, Finland and France, including three Higher Education Institutes (University of Pavia, Grenoble Ecole de Management, University of Vaasa), a technology park, a research and excellence center, a venture capital firm, and two innovative SMEs. The project develops single, double and multiple master's programmes (120 ECTS) delivered by the three Higher Education Institutes. The courses target students of economics, business administration, finance, management, engineering and data science who meet entry criteria. Students gain knowledge and skills in digital technologies including Explainable AI, generative AI, augmented intelligence, digital twin, blockchain, data analytics, IoT and cybersecurity. Learning is highly customised according to student needs and accessible through a one-stop-shop platform. The project also creates DETI (Digital Ecosystem for Transformative Innovation), an international ecosystem that transfers digital skills from research and academic institutions to the labour market by bringing together higher education institutions, science parks and digital innovation hubs.

Contact Information

For technical issues on the application process:digime@uwasa.fi. For administrative information after the selection procedure: outgoing.international@uwasa.fi. For general project information: info@digime-project.eu or +06 48 48 87 40 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). DIGI-ME Open Call Documents and additional information are available at DIGI-ME Educational Offer.

Important Legal Disclaimer

This call and the financial support provided through it is NOT an EU action. This call is launched solely by the University of Vaasa. The financial support to selected successful applicants will be provided directly by the University of Vaasa in its own name and under its own responsibility. The University of Vaasa's responsibility includes the preparation and drafting of this call as well as the selection of successful applicants who will receive the financial support. The publication of this call in the EU Funding and Tenders Portal is made solely for information purposes with the aim of increasing visibility to the general public, including potential applicants. This publication shall not be construed as direct or indirect approval of the content and conditions of this call by relevant EU authorities or as any form of waiver from the University of Vaasa's described responsibility.

Footnotes

1. 1The full list of Digital Europe Programme participating countries is available in the official EU guidance document on DEP country participation, which includes all EU member states plus the listed associated countries.
2. 2For detailed information on Finnish tax treatment of grants and scholarships, applicants should consult the Finnish Tax Administration website at vero.fi or seek professional tax advice to understand their individual tax obligations.