DIGI-ME Triple Degree Scholarship Award Procedure and Selection Rules at Grenoble Ecole de Management (EESC - GEM)

Grenoble Ecole de Management (GEM) is offering a GEM‑managed DIGI‑ME Triple Degree Scholarship to support enrolled full‑time GEM students in three eligible MSc programmes undertaking mobility to the University of Pavia and the University of Vaasa as part of the DIGI‑ME triple degree pathway. The total envelope is €100,000 with up to 10 scholarships of €8,000 each and a possible €2,000 fewer‑opportunity top‑up, paid in two instalments (80% at start, 20% after successful completion). Eligible applicants must be enrolled for academic year 2026–2027, be citizens of the EU or eligible Digital Europe Programme countries, demonstrate required English proficiency, and must not receive other EU funding for the same costs. Applications are submitted via the dedicated GEM online form between 18 September 2026 and the deadline 18 November 2026 at 18:00 Brussels time.

What it funds

Summary

Up to €100,000 is available to fund targeted scholarships (lump sums) at GEM to support tuition and mobility-related costs for students participating in the DIGI-ME triple degree path with University of Pavia and University of Vaasa. A maximum of 10 scholarships will be awarded.

Value per beneficiary:Fixed component: €8,000 (one-time). Additional €2,000 one-time top-up for participants meeting "fewer opportunities" criteria. Payments made in two instalments (80% after Mobility Agreement, 20% after completed mobility) ¹.

1. 1Who can apply: Full-time GEM students enrolled in 2026–2027 in one of the DIGI-ME master's programmes (MSc Managing with Data and AI; MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship; MSc Management in International Business).
2. 2Nationality/residence: EU citizens or citizens of eligible DEP participating countries (see programme list).
3. 3Language: Proof of English proficiency required (TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.0, Duolingo 100, Cambridge A–C, or bachelor taught fully in English).
4. 4Duration supported: two mobility periods totalling 8 to 10 months (Pavia: Jan–May 2027; Vaasa: Jan–May 2028).
5. 5Application window: 18 September 2026 (09:00 CET) to 18 November 2026 (18:00 Brussels time). Submission via the dedicated GEM form only.

Selection:internal evaluation by a 3-expert GEM panel. Eligibility and scoring threshold 70%. Criteria weight: academic background 65%, motivation 25%, additional experience 10%. Diversity tie-break rules apply. Results published on the GEM DIGI-ME page.

Important:This call is launched and administered by Grenoble Ecole de Management; funding is provided directly by GEM under the DIGI-ME project co-funded by the EU. Applicants cannot receive other EU funding for the same costs.

Footnotes

1. 1Official call entry and application access are available on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal and via the GEM application form GEM application form and EU portal listing.

Opportunity snapshot

Call title:DIGI-ME Triple Degree Scholarship Award Procedure and Selection Rules at Grenoble Ecole de Management (EESC - GEM). Project acronym: DIGI-ME. Full project name: DIGital skills for transformative Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship. Grant Agreement No.: 101123009. Call identifier: DIGITAL-2022. Opening date: 18 September 2026. Submission deadline: 18 November 2026, 18:00 Brussels time (single-stage). Expected duration of participation: 8 to 10 months. Total funding available under this GEM-targeted call: €100,000. Up to ten scholarships will be awarded.

Primary aim:To support selected GEM master students to complete the DIGI-ME path of a triple degree programme with host mobility periods at the University of Pavia (Italy) and the University of Vaasa (Finland), expanding competence in advanced digital technologies, innovation management and entrepreneurship.

Detailed financial conditions

Scholarships are disbursed as lump sums to contribute to tuition fees for two mobility periods totalling 8 to 10 months (one mobility at University of Pavia in Jan–May 2027 and one at University of Vaasa in Jan–May 2028, subject to the student’s Learning Agreement). Each awarded student receives a fixed component and may receive an additional component if eligible under specific fewer-opportunity criteria.

1. 1Item A (fixed): €8,000 one-time payment per selected beneficiary as total contribution towards tuition fees.
2. 2Item B (conditional additional): €2,000 one-time payment for participants with fewer opportunities (eligibility demonstrated prior to mobility; supporting documents requested only from successful applicants).

Payment schedule:two instalments. First instalment: 80% of the total estimated scholarship paid within 30 days of signing the Mobility Agreement, conditional on submission of a duly approved Learning Agreement and correct bank details. Second instalment: remaining 20% paid at the end of the mobility period after verification of administrative obligations, completion of mobility and achievement of learning outcomes. Failure to fulfil conditions can lead to loss of final payment and recovery of sums already paid. Cancellation rules demand written notice with proof of force majeure and refund of paid amounts.

Eligible applicants and formal eligibility rules

Eligibility is restricted to students enrolled in specific GEM MSc programmes, holding citizenship in the EU or eligible DEP countries, enrolled full-time for academic year 2026–2027, not on academic leave, and meeting English language requirements. The scholarship is incompatible with receiving other EU funding for the same purpose.

1. 1Eligible study programmes (must be regularly enrolled students in 2026–2027 and full-time, not on leave): MSc Managing with Data and Artificial Intelligence; MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship; MSc in Management in International Business.
2. 2Nationality/geographic eligibility: Citizens of the European Union or of eligible DEP (Digital Europe Programme participating) countries. The full DEP participating countries list is provided in the referenced official document List of Participating Countries in the Digital Europe Programme ¹.
3. 3Language requirement: Proficiency in English (unless native speaker) demonstrated by one of: TOEFL iBT 80; IELTS Academic/Indicator 6.0; Cambridge English (Proficiency, Advanced, Business Higher) grade A, B or C; Duolingo English Test 100; or a Bachelor's degree fully taught in English (official proof required).
4. 4No double EU funding: Applicants must declare they have not received other EU funding for the same purpose.

Fewer opportunities: criteria for Item B

Participants qualifying for the additional €2,000 (Item B) are defined by meeting one or more of the following before mobility start: recipients of French CROUS grant at levels 4–7; certified disability with at least 50% invalidity; refugee or subsidiary protection status or displaced persons; dependent minor children (birth during academic year 2026–2027, with proof up to first birthday); engaged in employment for at least six months in the 12 months preceding mobility (documented); recognised professional athletes of national interest (certificate required); orphan of at least one parent under defined conditions; children of victims of terrorism or organised crime. Supporting documentation for Item B is requested only from successful applicants.

Application process and required documents

Applications must be submitted exclusively via the dedicated GEM online form between 18 September 2026 (09:00 Brussels time) and 18 November 2026 (18:00 Brussels time). Eligibility checks are followed by internal evaluation by a panel of three GEM experts. Applicants provide standard personal and study information for statistical and transparency purposes; the applicant list may be shared with the European Commission.

1. 1Transcripts of records for passed exams and grades (including study merits for any foreign institution attended in 2025–2026, according to GEM rules).
2. 2Curriculum vitae (detailed, one page maximum, no photo).
3. 3Personal statement / motivation letter (maximum 2 pages) explaining motivation and fit with DIGI-ME triple degree path with University of Pavia and University of Vaasa.
4. 4Certified English language evidence meeting minimum scores or proof of a Bachelor’s degree fully taught in English.
5. 5Copy of passport or identity card (valid).
6. 6Optional demographic information (gender, age, socio-economic status) which may be used to prioritise in tie-break situations.

Evaluation, scoring and selection

Only eligible applications proceed to evaluation. Candidates must achieve at least 70% to be considered successful. A panel of three GEM experts performs the evaluation. Results are published on the GEM DIGI-ME page and ranked by final score; scholarships awarded beginning with highest-ranked until funds/existing slots are exhausted. Reserve list is established for eligible candidates who meet threshold but fall below cut-off; reserve candidates may be offered scholarships if successful candidates decline or fail to accept.

Diversity and tie-break priority:In case of equal scores, priority order is female applicants; applicants from low socio-economic backgrounds; applicants with disabilities; applicants from countries with low DESI scores; applicants from minority groups. Demographic data is collected voluntarily and processed confidentially in accordance with GDPR.

Notification, acceptance and redress

Successful applicants must confirm acceptance within five business days by emailing GEM Global – DIGI-ME Section at digime.mobility@grenoble-em.com. Unsuccessful applicants may file a written appeal within three business days of receiving results; appeals are reviewed by two GEM Global members and one external member. All appeals must be sent to digime.mobility@grenoble-em.com.

Legal and administrative notes

This call is launched and administered solely by Grenoble Ecole de Management. Although the DIGI-ME project is co-funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 101123009, the scholarship call and the payments are provided by GEM in its own name and under its own responsibility; publication on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal is for information and visibility only and does not imply EU approval of the call content or conditions. Personal data will be processed by GEM for programme purposes and may be communicated externally as required by law (GDPR references provided). GEM provides no tax advice; scholarship recipients are responsible for any personal tax obligations and should consult French tax authorities or a qualified adviser. Relevant public tax information pages are referenced (impots.gouv.fr and service-public.fr).

Categorisation and structured extraction

1. 1Eligible Applicant Types: Students enrolled in eligible master programmes at Grenoble Ecole de Management (MSc Managing with Data and Artificial Intelligence; MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship; MSc Management in International Business). Applicant types include individuals (students). The opportunity is not open to organisations, companies, universities other than as host institutions for mobility; it is targeted at individual student beneficiaries.
2. 2Funding Type: Scholarship grant (lump sum financial support toward tuition fees).
3. 3Consortium Requirement: Single applicant (individual student). No consortium required.
4. 4Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): Citizens of the European Union and eligible DEP participating countries (see DEP participating countries list). Mobility hosts: University of Pavia (Italy) and University of Vaasa (Finland).
5. 5Target Sector: Education and skills development with emphasis on digital skills, innovation management and entrepreneurship; thematic focus on advanced digital technologies (Digital/education/skills).
6. 6Mentioned Countries: France (GEM is in France; French tax references), Italy (University of Pavia host), Finland (University of Vaasa host); European Union member states and DEP participating third countries as per DEP list ¹.
7. 7Project Stage: Education/mobility stage supporting students during mobility periods—targeted at education completion; stage corresponds to implementation of mobility and learning (validation/completion of study programme).
8. 8Funding Amount: Total budget available for this call €100,000. Individual awards: €8,000 fixed per student (Item A); plus €2,000 additional for eligible fewer-opportunity participants (Item B). Up to ten candidates to be funded.
9. 9Application Type: Open call via dedicated online form (exclusive submission channel) during fixed call window (single-stage).
10. 10Nature of Support: Monetary financial support (scholarship lump sums to individuals).
11. 11Application Stages: 1 primary submission stage followed by internal eligibility check and evaluation and then ranking/award; functionally a single-stage application with evaluation and possible appeal (total process stages: submission, eligibility check, evaluation/scoring, ranking/offer, acceptance, payment and mobility monitoring).
12. 12Success Rates: Not explicitly provided. Up to ten scholarships available; success probability depends on number of applicants. Minimum threshold to pass evaluation is 70%; final award based on ranking until slots exhausted.
13. 13Co-funding Requirement: No co-funding required from applicants. However, scholarships are incompatible with receiving other EU funding for the same costs; applicants must declare non-receipt of other EU support for same purpose.

Application form template and structure (guidance)

Applications must be completed through the GEM dedicated online form (link referenced in the call). The required documents and suggested structure applicants must prepare are listed below to mirror the online form fields and annexes requested.

1. 1Applicant personal information: full name, date of birth, nationality, contact details, GEM student ID, copy of passport or ID card.
2. 2Programme and enrolment details: chosen GEM MSc programme (one of three eligible), enrolment confirmation for academic year 2026–2027, full-time status confirmation, declaration of not being on academic leave.
3. 3Learning Agreement details: planned mobility periods and intended host universities (University of Pavia and University of Vaasa), proposed modules/ECTS breakdown for each mobility period (approved Learning Agreement must be provided prior to first instalment payment).
4. 4Bank details: IBAN and account holder details for scholarship payments (correct entry required for first instalment).
5. 5Academic documentation upload: transcripts of records for passed exams and grades; if study at a foreign institution in 2025–2026 occurred, include relevant study merits according to GEM practices.
6. 6Curriculum vitae upload: one-page CV, no photo, detailing academic history, experience and achievements.
7. 7Motivation letter upload: personal statement (maximum two pages) explaining fit with DIGI-ME path, motivations for triple degree and how applicant will develop advanced digital skills in innovation/entrepreneurship/international business.
8. 8English language proof upload: certified test report or degree certificate proving instruction in English.
9. 9Declaration of other EU funding: explicit declaration confirming the applicant has not obtained other EU funding for the same purpose.
10. 10Optional demographic inputs: gender, age, socio-economic status and any fewer-opportunity indicators (note: supporting documents for Item B are requested only from successful applicants).
11. 11Consent and privacy checkbox: acceptance of GEM data processing terms and acknowledgement of legal disclaimer that GEM administers and funds the scholarships in its own name.

Key contacts and where to apply

Application portal:GEM dedicated online form (link referenced in the call; applicants should use GEM’s mobility form system). Contact emails: DIGI-ME Coordinator at digi-me@unipv.it (University of Pavia project coordinator) and GEM Global – DIGI-ME Section at digime.mobility@grenoble-em.com for GEM-specific questions and acceptance confirmations. Official call page on EU portal provides visibility and references.

Summary and practical advice

This is a targeted scholarship call administered by Grenoble Ecole de Management under the EU-funded DIGI-ME project to finance tuition costs for GEM master students participating in the DIGI-ME triple degree path with mobility phases at the University of Pavia (Italy) and the University of Vaasa (Finland). The call offers fixed tuition support of €8,000 per beneficiary and an additional €2,000 for students meeting defined fewer-opportunity conditions, with up to ten awards and a total envelope of €100,000. Applications are submitted via a dedicated GEM online form in a single-stage process, evaluated internally by a three-member GEM panel against weighted criteria (academic background 65%, motivation 25%, additional experience 10%), and require a minimum 70% score to be eligible for award. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in the 2026–2027 academic year in one of three eligible GEM MSc programmes, meet specified English language requirements, and be citizens of the EU or eligible DEP countries. Payment is in two instalments (80% after signing Mobility Agreement and providing a Learning Agreement; 20% after verification of completed mobility and learning outcomes). The scholarship is not EU-funded directly to recipients by the Commission; GEM provides funding under its own responsibility as part of the DIGI-ME project. Applicants should prepare transcripts, a concise CV, a focused motivation letter (max two pages), proof of English proficiency, and identification, and must declare they have not received other EU funding for the same purpose. Use the specified GEM online form within the call dates, verify bank details and timely submit the approved Learning Agreement to secure the first instalment, and be prepared to provide supporting documents for Item B if awarded the additional component. For DEP country eligibility details consult the Digital Europe Programme participating countries list List of Participating Countries in the Digital Europe Programme ¹.

Footnotes

1. 1DEP participating countries list and details are maintained by the Digital Europe Programme guidance. See the official List of Participating Countries in the Digital Europe Programme (version referenced by the call) at the EU website: ec.europa.eu

This opportunity is a GEM-managed scholarship call linked to the DIGI-ME triple degree pathway, which spans Grenoble, Pavia and Vaasa and is designed to strengthen advanced digital skills for innovation, entrepreneurship and international business.[1][2]

The call is published on the EU Funding and Tenders Portal for visibility, but the financial support is provided by Grenoble Ecole de Management in its own name and under its own responsibility.

Key funding facts

What the funding is for

The scholarship is a lump sum intended to help students pay tuition fees and support participation in the triple degree mobility path. It covers the GEM DIGI-ME route to the University of Pavia and the University of Vaasa, with an expected total mobility duration of 8 to 10 months.

The opportunity supports completion of the full curriculum through a triple degree format and is focused on advanced digital technologies, one of the DIGI-ME target areas.[1][2]

Who can apply

• Students regularly enrolled at Grenoble Ecole de Management in one of three DIGI-ME MSc programmes: Managing with Data and Artificial Intelligence, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, or Management in International Business.
• Applicants must be enrolled for academic year 2026 to 2027, study full-time and not be on academic leave.
• Applicants must be EU citizens or citizens of eligible DEP countries.
• Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency unless they are native speakers.
• Applicants must not receive double EU support for the same costs.

The GEM programme pages confirm that these DIGI-ME masters are delivered in English and are linked to the wider digital-skills partnership between GEM, the University of Pavia and the University of Vaasa.[1][4][6][7][14]

Language requirements

• TOEFL iBT 80
• IELTS Academic or IELTS Indicator 6.0
• Cambridge English Proficiency, Advanced or Business Higher at grade A, B or C
• Duolingo English Test 100
• A bachelor degree fully taught in English, with official proof

These English thresholds match the DIGI-ME programme entry expectations published for GEM masters in the broader project ecosystem.[6][7][14]

Funding amount and payment terms

Each selected beneficiary receives a one-time fixed contribution of €8,000. Applicants who meet one or more fewer-opportunity criteria may receive an additional one-time €2,000, bringing the maximum scholarship value to €10,000 per beneficiary.

• First instalment: 80 percent of the estimated total scholarship amount, paid within 30 days after signing the Mobility Agreement, once the Learning Agreement and bank details are in place.
• Second instalment: remaining 20 percent, paid after the mobility period ends and only if administrative obligations, the authorised mobility period, the learning outcomes and final completion requirements are all satisfied.
• Failure to meet final conditions can lead to loss of the final payment and recovery of amounts already paid.
• Cancellations are restricted to serious force majeure cases and must be documented in writing.

Fewer-opportunity top-up

The €2,000 top-up is reserved for applicants who, before the mobility period starts, fall into one or more of the defined fewer-opportunity categories, including CROUS levels 4 to 7, disability of at least 50 percent, refugee or subsidiary protection status, dependent minor children, employment of at least six months in the previous 12 months, recognised professional athlete status, orphan status under the call definition, or being a child of a victim of terrorism or organised crime.

Supporting evidence for the top-up is requested only from successful applicants.

Selection process

• Applications are submitted exclusively through the dedicated form.
• Only eligible candidates are evaluated.
• A three-expert panel from GEM performs the internal assessment.
• A minimum total score of 70 percent is required.
• Awards are made in merit order and reserve listing may apply.

Academic performance is based on weighted average grade and the ratio of earned to expected ECTS credits, while motivation and broader experience are assessed through the motivation letter and CV.

Documents to prepare

• Transcript of records showing passed exams and grades
• Curriculum vitae of maximum one page
• Motivation letter of maximum two pages
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Copy of passport or identity card
• Optional diversity information on gender, age and socio-economic status

Equal treatment and diversity rules

If candidates tie on score, preference is given in this 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.

The optional diversity data are collected voluntarily, kept confidential and used only for diversity monitoring and inclusive selection measures.

Results, appeals and acceptance

• Successful applicants must confirm acceptance within five business days.
• Unsuccessful applicants may submit a written appeal within three business days.
• Appeals are reviewed by two GEM Global members and one external member.
• Reserve-listed applicants may be offered a place if a selected candidate declines or misses the acceptance deadline.

Practical assessment for applicants

This is a highly targeted student mobility scholarship rather than a broad open research grant. The strongest candidates are likely to be GEM students already admitted to one of the three eligible MSc programmes, with strong academic records, a compelling motivation for digital innovation, and clear evidence of fit with the triple degree route.

Applicants should pay special attention to the mobility obligation, the tuition-fee purpose of the award, the incompatibility with other EU support for the same costs, and the need to complete the mobility successfully to secure the final instalment.

Official call information is available at EU Funding & Tenders Portal.