DIGI-ME One Semester Exchange Scholarship Award Procedure and Selection Rules at Grenoble Ecole de Management (EESC - GEM)

The DIGI-ME One Semester Exchange Scholarship at Grenoble Ecole de Management funds tuition and mobility for master (M1/M2) students to undertake a single semester exchange of up to four months between January and June 2027 at the University of Pavia or the University of Vaasa. The call has a total budget of €21,000 with up to six scholarships (fixed €3,000 per beneficiary plus an optional €500 top-up for applicants meeting defined fewer‑opportunities criteria, maximum €3,500 each). Eligible applicants are full‑time GEM master students enrolled for 2026–2027 who are EU or eligible DEP country citizens, meet English proficiency requirements, and do not receive other EU funding for the same costs; applications are submitted via the GEM online form from 18 September 2026 to 18 November 2026 at 18:00 Brussels time. Payments are made in two instalments (80 percent after Mobility Agreement signature, 20 percent after verified completion) and selection is by an internal evaluation panel with a 70 percent threshold and scoring weights of 65 percent academic background, 25 percent motivation, and 10 percent additional experience.

What it funds

Overview

Targeted scholarships to cover tuition fees for one-semester exchanges (up to 4 months) in the DIGI-ME path at the University of Pavia (Italy) or the University of Vaasa (Finland). Mobility takes place between January and June 2027.

Funding available:Total budget for this GEM call: €21,000. Individual award: fixed contribution €3,000 per selected student; extra €500 for students meeting defined fewer-opportunities criteria. Up to 3 scholarships for Pavia and up to 3 for Vaasa ¹.

1. 1Who can apply: GEM master level students (M1 or M2), enrolled full-time for 2026–2027 and not on academic leave; EU or eligible DEP country citizens.
2. 2Language: Evidence of English proficiency required (minimum TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.0, Duolingo 100, Cambridge A-C or degree taught fully in English).
3. 3Incompatibility: Cannot receive other EU funding for the same costs; applicants must declare this.

Selection:internal evaluation by a three-expert GEM panel. Minimum pass threshold 70%. Scoring: Academic background 65%, Motivation 25%, Additional experience 10%. Reserve list and redress procedure available.

Application essentials:Apply only via the dedicated online form between opening and deadline. Required documents include transcripts, 1-page CV, 1-page motivation letter, English proficiency proof, and ID/passport. Successful applicants must sign a Mobility Agreement and will receive payment in two instalments (80% then 20%).

This call is launched and funded by Grenoble Ecole de Management under the DIGI-ME project (Grant Agreement 101123009). Publication on the EU portal is for visibility; GEM is responsible for the selection and payment.

Further details and the published outcome will be available on the GEM DIGI-ME page GEM DIGI-ME page ¹.

Footnotes

1. 1Official GEM call information and outcome notices are posted on the GEM DIGI-ME page linked above.

Key Administrative Facts

Call title:DIGI-ME One Semester Exchange Scholarship Award Procedure and Selection Rules at Grenoble Ecole de Management (EESC - GEM). Opening date: 18 September 2026. Submission deadline: 18 November 2026, 18:00 Brussels time (single-stage). Expected duration of participation: 3 to 4 months (one semester mobility between January 2027 and June 2027). Total funding available for this call at GEM: €21,000. Project acronym: DIGI-ME. Grant Agreement Number: 101123009. Action type: Specialised education programmes or modules in key capacity areas DIGITAL-2022.

Primary objective:Support GEM master level students to complete their curriculum by funding tuition for a one semester exchange at University of Pavia (Italy) or University of Vaasa (Finland) to develop advanced digital technology skills and related innovation, international business and entrepreneurship competences.

Eligible Applicant Types

Primary eligible applicants are individual students enrolled at Grenoble Ecole de Management (GEM) at master level (M1 or M2) who meet the conditions below. This is not an open call for organisations; the scholarship is awarded to individuals (students) facilitated by GEM.

1. 1Individual students regularly enrolled at GEM (M1 or M2) for academic year 2026–2027
2. 2Applicants must be full-time students and not on academic leave
3. 3Citizens of the European Union or of eligible DEP countries listed in the Digital Europe participating countries document (list-3rd-country-participation_digital_en.pdf)

Funding Type and Nature of Support

Funding type:scholarship (lump-sum grant disbursed by Grenoble Ecole de Management). Nature of support: monetary payments to individual beneficiaries for tuition-related costs during a single mobility action (up to four months). The call explicitly states that it is not an EU action; GEM provides the financial support in its own name and under its responsibility.

Funding amount per beneficiary:Fixed component (Item A): €3,000 one-time payment per selected candidate. Additional component (Item B): €500 one-time top-up available for participants meeting the defined fewer opportunities criteria. Total per beneficiary can be €3,000 or €3,500 depending on eligibility for Item B. Up to six scholarships will be awarded at GEM: up to three for University of Pavia mobility and up to three for University of Vaasa mobility. Aggregate funding available for the call is €21,000.

Consortium Requirement and Application Type

Consortium requirement:single-applicant scheme (individual student applicants). Application type: open call submitted exclusively through the dedicated GEM online form between 18 September 2026 09:00 (Brussels time) and 18 November 2026 18:00 (Brussels time).

Geographic and Beneficiary Scope

Geographic eligibility:Citizens of EU Member States and eligible DEP participating countries as per the Digital Europe participating countries list (document referenced in the call). Host universities are in Italy (University of Pavia) and Finland (University of Vaasa). Mobility period occurs within Europe. Entities under EU restrictive measures or otherwise ineligible under programme rules cannot participate.

Target Sector and Project Stage

Target sector:education and skills development with a focus on advanced digital technologies, digital transformation, innovation management and entrepreneurship. Project stage: student learning and academic mobility (education/training stage; practical application and learning outcomes during one semester exchange).

Detailed Financial and Payment Rules

Scholarship composition:Item A fixed contribution €3,000 toward tuition fees. Item B additional contribution €500 for participants with fewer opportunities (documented evidence requested only from successful applicants). Mobility duration: up to four months between January 2027 and June 2027. Payment mechanism: two instalments. First instalment: 80% of the estimated scholarship amount paid within 30 days of signing the Mobility Agreement provided the Learning Agreement is approved and bank details are entered. Second instalment: remaining 20% paid at end of mobility following verification of administrative obligations, completion of authorised mobility period, achievement of Learning Agreement outcomes and submission of arrival and departure certificates. Non-compliance may trigger recovery of payments. Cancellation rules: cancellations limited to serious, documented force majeure; cancellations require written notification to DIGI-ME Coordinator and GEM Global DIGI-ME Section and may require refund of amounts received.

Definition of Participants with Fewer Opportunities (Item B eligibility)

1. 1Recipients of the French CROUS national student grant at one of the four highest grant levels (levels 4, 5, 6 or 7)
2. 2Disability with certified degree of invalidity of at least 50%
3. 3Refugees, persons with international or subsidiary protection, or displaced persons
4. 4Students with dependent minor children (birth certificate required; up to first birthday if birth occurs during 2026–2027 academic year)
5. 5Students engaged in documented employment or self-employment for at least six months in the 12 months preceding mobility (excluding occasional work and excluding employment by close family up to second degree)
6. 6Recognised professional athletes (national interest certificate from relevant federation required)
7. 7Orphans of at least one parent with conditions on age or dependency as specified
8. 8Children of victims of terrorism or organised crime

Eligibility Criteria and Required Documents

Eligibility summary:enrolled GEM master students (M1 or M2), full-time, enrolled for 2026–2027 and not on academic leave; citizen of EU or eligible DEP country; sufficient English proficiency; not receiving double EU funding for the same costs.

1. 1Required documents: full higher education transcripts; CV (maximum 1 page, no photo); personal statement / motivation letter (max 1 page); certified proof of English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.0 or Cambridge A/B/C or Duolingo 100 or a Bachelor taught fully in English); copy of passport or ID card; optional demographic and socio-economic information (gender, age, socio-economic status)

Language and Double-Funding Rules

English is the official language of the Open Call and the master programmes; evidence of proficiency required unless native speaker. Double support rule: recipients must declare they have not received other EU funding for the same incurred costs; double funding for same costs is prohibited under EU rules.

Evaluation Process, Scoring and Selection

Applications submitted only via the dedicated online form. An eligibility check is performed; eligible applications are evaluated by an internal GEM expert panel of three experts. Successful candidates must reach minimum threshold of 70%. Final ranking determines award order. Reserve list will be created for candidates meeting threshold but below cut-off.

Evaluation threshold:70% of total score required to be considered a successful candidate. In the event of equal final scores, priority order is applied to promote diversity and inclusion: female applicants; applicants from low socio-economic backgrounds; applicants with disabilities; applicants from countries with a low DESI score; applicants belonging to minority groups. Collection of demographic/social data is voluntary and treated confidentially under GDPR.

Results, Acceptance, Redress and Appeals

Notifications:results published on GEM DIGI-ME page and selected candidates contacted. Successful applicants must accept placement within five business days by emailing GEM Global – DIGI-ME Section at digime.mobility@grenoble-em.com. Reserve list candidates may be offered scholarships if selected candidates decline or do not accept. Redress: written appeal may be submitted within three business days of receiving result; appeals reviewed by two GEM Global members and one external member; appeals submitted to digime.mobility@grenoble-em.com.

Tax Treatment and Liability

Scholarship is intended for educational purposes and tuition support; it is not remuneration for employment or services. Under French tax law, educational grants are generally not treated as employment income when not paid in exchange for work, but tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and current legislation. Beneficiaries are responsible for their tax obligations and should consult French tax authorities or a qualified adviser. GEM does not provide tax advice and accepts no liability for individual tax treatment.

Application Stages and Timelines

1. 1Stage 1: Submission via GEM dedicated online form during open period (18 Sep 2026 to 18 Nov 2026)
2. 2Stage 2: Eligibility check by GEM
3. 3Stage 3: Internal evaluation by panel of three GEM experts and scoring using the published criteria
4. 4Stage 4: Publication of results, award offers and candidate acceptance (including reserve list management)
5. 5Stage 5: Mobility Agreement signature, payment of first instalment (80%) and mobility delivery followed by verification and final payment (20%)

Number of application stages:5 (as described).

Success Rates and Co-funding

Success rates:not explicitly stated by GEM. Available data: up to six scholarships will be awarded (up to three for Pavia, up to three for Vaasa) from applications received. Applicants should assume relatively competitive selection due to limited number of awards versus student population. Co-funding requirement: no applicant co-funding is required for the scholarship itself. However, applicants must declare they are not receiving other EU funding for the same costs. Any other travel, subsistence or tuition top-ups beyond the scholarship amount are the responsibility of the student unless otherwise arranged.

Application Templates and Form Structure

Applications must be submitted via the dedicated GEM online form (link provided in call). The application collects applicant personal and academic details for statistical transparency and possible sharing with the European Commission. Required uploaded documents include transcripts, CV (1 page), motivation letter (1 page), proof of English level, and passport/ID copy. The form includes declarations regarding EU funding double-support and optional demographic questions (gender, age, socio-economic status). Supporting documents for Item B (fewer opportunities) are requested only from successful applicants and must be provided to validate the additional €500 top-up.

Mentioned Countries and Institutions

• France (Grenoble Ecole de Management administers the call and disburses funds)
• Italy (University of Pavia is a host institution)
• Finland (University of Vaasa is a host institution)
• European Union Member States and eligible Digital Europe participating (DEP) countries as listed in the referenced participating countries document

For the full list of eligible DEP third countries refer to the Digital Europe Programme participating countries document: list-3rd-country-participation_digital_en.pdf DIGI-ME Project Page ¹

Full Summary: What is this opportunity about and how to interpret it?

This call is a targeted scholarship round administered by Grenoble Ecole de Management under the DIGI-ME project (co-funded by the EU under Grant Agreement 101123009). Its objective is to fund tuition for master students at GEM undertaking a one semester exchange (up to four months) at either the University of Pavia (Italy) or the University of Vaasa (Finland) during January–June 2027. The scholarship is a lump-sum tuition contribution of €3,000 (Item A) with an additional €500 top-up (Item B) for students meeting clearly defined fewer opportunities criteria. Up to six scholarships are available at GEM (three per host institution maximum), with aggregate funding of €21,000. Applicants must be full-time GEM M1 or M2 students enrolled in 2026–2027, meet nationality/participation country requirements, demonstrate minimum English proficiency, provide academic transcripts, CV, and a motivation letter, and declare they are not receiving other EU funding for the same costs. Applications are submitted exclusively via the GEM online form during the open period. Eligible applications are evaluated by a three-expert GEM panel against published weightings (65% academic background, 25% motivation, 10% additional experience) with a 70% threshold. Award payments are split 80% on signature of the Mobility Agreement and 20% after completion and verification of learning outcomes and administrative certificates. The call includes diversity and inclusion measures, an appeal process, and clear tax and legal disclaimers noting that this financial support is a GEM action administered in its name and under its responsibility.

Footnotes

1. 1GEM DIGI-ME project page hosts the call outcome information and further applicant guidance. See: grenoble-em.com.

This opportunity is a targeted scholarship call under the DIGI-ME project, aimed at supporting master’s students at Grenoble Ecole de Management to complete a one semester exchange at the University of Pavia or the University of Vaasa, with a focus on advanced digital technologies and digital skills development. The call is published on the EU Funding and Tenders Portal under DIGITAL-2022 and is part of the Digital Europe programme ecosystem, although the scholarship itself is expressly stated not to be an EU action and is administered by Grenoble Ecole de Management in its own name and responsibility [3][5].

Funding purpose and opportunity scope

The scholarship supports tuition and mobility related expenses for a single mobility period lasting up to four months, taking place between January 2027 and June 2027 at either the University of Pavia in Italy or the University of Vaasa in Finland. The stated purpose is to help students complete their curriculum while strengthening knowledge and skills in advanced digital technologies as one of the DIGI-ME target areas [3][5].

The total amount available for this call is €21,000, with up to three selected candidates funded for the Pavia track and up to three selected candidates funded for the Vaasa track. The project acronym is DIGI-ME and the full project name is DIGital skills for transformative Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship, under grant agreement number 101123009 [3][5].

Who can apply

Eligible applicants are students regularly enrolled at Grenoble Ecole de Management at master’s level, specifically M1 or M2, for the academic year 2026 to 2027. Applicants must be full time students, not on academic leave, and must be citizens of the European Union or eligible DEP countries under the Digital Europe programme participation rules [3][5].

Applicants must also demonstrate English proficiency unless they are native English speakers. Accepted minimum evidence includes TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS Academic or IELTS Indicator 6.0, Cambridge English at Grade A, B or C for Proficiency, Advanced or Business Higher, Duolingo English Test 100, or a bachelor’s degree fully taught in English with official proof [3][5].

The call also requires that applicants have not received other European Union funding for the same purpose, because double support for the same incurred costs is prohibited. Applicants must declare this in the application form [3][5].

Funding amount and structure

The scholarship is paid as a lump sum with a fixed component and an additional component for participants with fewer opportunities. The fixed component is €3,000 as a one time payment towards tuition fees [3][5].

The additional component is €500 as a one time payment for participants with fewer opportunities, subject to documentary proof only from successful applicants. The full scholarship value can therefore reach €3,500 for eligible recipients who also meet one or more of the fewer opportunities criteria [3][5].

• Fixed tuition contribution: €3,000
• Additional inclusion support: €500
• Maximum possible amount per beneficiary: €3,500
• Total budget available for the call: €21,000

Fewer opportunities eligibility for the additional amount

The €500 additional contribution is available to students who, before the start of mobility, meet at least one of the listed social or vulnerability criteria. These include CROUS recipients at grant levels 4, 5, 6 or 7, a disability with at least 50 percent invalidity, refugee status or subsidiary protection, displaced person status, dependent minor children, qualifying employment history, recognised professional athlete status, orphan status under the stated conditions, or being a child of victims of terrorism or organised crime [3][5].

• CROUS social grant levels 4, 5, 6 or 7
• Disability with at least 50 percent invalidity
• Refugee, subsidiary protection, or displaced person status
• Dependent minor child under the stated conditions
• Documented employment or self employment for at least six months in the prior 12 months
• Recognised professional athlete
• Orphan status under the stated age and dependency rules
• Child of a victim of terrorism or organised crime

Payment conditions and timing

The scholarship is paid in two instalments. The first instalment is 80 percent of the estimated scholarship amount and is paid within 30 days of signing the Mobility Agreement, provided that the Learning Agreement has been duly approved and signed by GEM and the host institution and the beneficiary has correctly entered bank details in the system [3][5].

The second instalment is the remaining 20 percent and is paid at the end of the mobility period only after verification of administrative compliance, successful completion of the authorised mobility, achievement of the agreed learning outcomes, and proper completion of arrival and departure certificates. Failure to meet these conditions may result in loss of the final payment and recovery of amounts already paid [3][5].

Cancellations are allowed only in serious and duly documented force majeure situations. Any cancellation must be communicated promptly in writing to the DIGI-ME Coordinator, with the GEM DIGI-ME office copied, and any financial contribution already received must be refunded [3][5].

Application dates and duration

The call opened on 18 September 2026 and closes on 18 November 2026 at 18:00 Brussels time. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the dedicated form, and the expected duration of participation is three to four months [3][5].

Application documents required

Applicants must submit a transcript of records, a one page curriculum vitae, a one page motivation letter, proof of English proficiency, and a valid passport or identity card. Optional information on gender, age and socio economic status may also be provided and may be considered in tie breaking situations [3][5].

1. 1Transcript of records showing completed examinations and grades
2. 2Curriculum vitae with academic history, professional experience, skills and achievements
3. 3Motivation letter explaining interest in the programme and fit with the DIGI-ME path
4. 4English language certificate or equivalent proof
5. 5Passport or identity card copy
6. 6Optional diversity related information on gender, age and socio economic status

Evaluation and selection method

Only eligible candidates are assessed. Applicants must achieve a minimum threshold of 70 percent, and files are scored on academic background at 65 percent, motivation at 25 percent, and additional experience at 10 percent [3][5].

The academic background score is based on weighted average grade and the ratio between earned and expected ECTS credits. Motivation is evaluated through the applicant’s commitment to digital skills, innovation, international business and entrepreneurship, while additional experience covers academic and non academic achievements reported in the CV [3][5].

If candidates obtain equal scores, priority is given in the following order:female applicants, applicants from low socio economic backgrounds, applicants with disabilities, applicants from countries with a low DESI score, and applicants belonging to minority groups. Voluntary diversity data are treated confidentially under GDPR and used only for diversity monitoring and inclusive selection measures [3][5].

Results, reserve list and redress

Eligible applicants are ranked by final score, and scholarships are awarded from the top of the ranking until the available places are filled. Candidates meeting the threshold but not selected immediately are placed on a reserve list and may be offered a place if a selected applicant declines or fails to confirm acceptance in time [3][5].

Successful applicants must confirm acceptance within five business days. Unsuccessful applicants may submit a written appeal within three business days of receiving the result, and appeals are reviewed by a panel consisting of two GEM Global members and one external member [3][5].

Important conditions and applicant considerations

This scholarship is intended only for educational mobility and does not constitute remuneration for work, services or research. The call notes that tax treatment depends on the beneficiary’s individual circumstances and the law in force at the time of payment, so applicants should seek independent tax advice if needed [3][5].

The legal disclaimer makes clear that the call is not an EU action and that the publication on the EU portal is for visibility only. GEM is solely responsible for drafting, administering and selecting beneficiaries, while personal data may be shared with relevant bodies such as EU agencies and the host institution as required by law [3][5].

Practical applicant takeaways

• This is a small, competitive scholarship with up to six placements and a maximum total award of €3,500 per student
• It is designed for GEM master’s students preparing a one semester exchange to Pavia or Vaasa
• Academic performance is the dominant selection factor, but motivation and broader achievements also matter
• Applicants with fewer opportunities may receive an additional €500 if they meet the criteria
• Missing the Learning Agreement, bank details or mobility documentation can delay or jeopardise payment
• The application deadline is strict and the form must be used exclusively

The official topic documentation identifies the call as DIGITAL-2022, while the opportunity page on the EU portal records a single stage procedure and a duration of participation of three to four months [3][5].

Footnotes

1. 1The opportunity is published on the EU Funding and Tenders Portal for information purposes, but the scholarship is administered by Grenoble Ecole de Management and is not itself an EU action [3][5].