Phortify Internship (Traineeship) Grants - Pilot Call

Phortify Internship (Traineeship) Grants – Pilot Call offers cascade funding of €91,800 to support short-term, practice-oriented internships in photonics. Eligible applicants are students enrolled during the internship either in Phortify Masters programmes or participating in Phortify-labelled internships implemented by Phortify partners, with priority for underrepresented groups. Grants are awarded as monthly allowances (for example €1,200/month for master students and €800/month for bachelor students) or partner-specific lump sums to cover internship-related costs. The call operates on a rolling basis from 4 February 2026 until 3 February 2027 and applications are submitted via the MyPhortify portal with evaluation by eligibility check and comparative scoring by local selection committees.

What it funds

Short summary

Small-scale internship grants to support short, learning-oriented photonics placements (not employment) aligned with the PHORTIFY project. Support covers mobility-related costs, subsistence or a monthly allowance depending on the partner.

Deadline:Single-stage call. Closing date 03 February 2027 23:59 CET. Applications are submitted via the MyPhortify portal and processed on a rolling evaluation schedule ¹.

Who can apply

Students only (must be students at time of internship). Two applicant categories:A) enrolled in a Phortify Master programme at a participating university, or B) non-degree students taking a Phortify-labelled internship administered by a Phortify partner. Applicants must be nationals of EU Member States, associated countries, or countries cooperating under the Digital Europe Programme (authoritative list published with the call).

Selection & evaluation

Two-stage process:eligibility check (pass/fail) then comparative scoring (Academic Excellence, Motivation and Alignment with Phortify objectives, Overall Applicant Profile). Maximum score 15. Rolling ranking; funding allocated until the call budget is exhausted with tie-break rules favouring underrepresented groups.

Available funding (examples)

1. 1Total call budget published on portal: €91,800 (call page)
2. 2Apply via MyPhortify; local partner pages host application forms and instructions
3. 3Internships must be implemented under the responsibility of a Phortify partner institution

Participating partners include universities and research/industry partners across the Phortify consortium (examples: ICFO, TU/e, WUT, FSU, Activer Fiber Systems). Specific partner-hosted opportunities and conditions vary by institution.

Footnotes

1. 1MyPhortify portal and application information: MyPhortify

Phortify Internship Grants provide short-term, learning-based, photonics-focused placements that are Phortify-labelled, aligned with the Phortify project objectives, and implemented under the responsibility of a Phortify partner institution. Internships are educational activities and do not constitute employment. The call is open in a rolling manner until the stated deadline or until budget exhaustion, with evaluations conducted periodically.

Primary links:EU call page: EU F&T Portal listing | Phortify applications hub: MyPhortify | Partner examples: AFS Jena | ICFO | TU/e Applied Physics | TU/e EE: Semiconductor Devices and Technology | TU/e EE: Connected World Technologies | WUT Mechatronic Devices and Systems | WUT Photonics | FSU Jena M.Sc. Photonics | FSU Jena M.Sc. Quantum Science & Technology

What the opportunity funds

The call supports short-term, Phortify-labelled internships in photonics and closely related digital technologies. Financial support takes the form of monthly allowances for the internship duration or lump-sum contributions toward overall internship costs (e.g., travel, accommodation, subsistence). The scheme is designed to widen participation in photonics, supporting diversity, equity and inclusion objectives across Europe by prioritising underrepresented groups and regions.

Participating institutions and example study tracks

• Active Partner Organisations: Activer Fiber Systems (AFS), ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Warsaw University of Technology (WUT), Friedrich Schiller University (FSU).
• Illustrative Phortify-related study programmes and tracks: TU/e Master of Science in Applied Physics; TU/e Master of Science in Electrical Engineering with tracks: Semiconductor Devices and Technology; Connected World Technologies. WUT Master of Science in Mechatronics; WUT Master of Science in Photonics. FSU Master of Science in Photonics; FSU Master of Science in Quantum Science & Technology.

Eligibility and who should apply

Eligible applicants are students who, at the time of the internship, fall into one of the following categories and meet all call requirements.

1. 1Category A – Phortify degree-seeking students: Enrolled in one of the Phortify Master’s Degree Programmes at a consortium university and undertaking a Phortify-related internship during their studies.
2. 2Category B – Non-degree-seeking students: Not enrolled in a Phortify Master’s programme but participating in a Phortify-labelled internship implemented under a Phortify partner’s responsibility.

Core internship requirements:The internship must be directly related to Phortify thematic areas and objectives; contribute to the student’s academic and professional development; be carried out during the student’s period of study; and be implemented under the responsibility of a Phortify partner institution. Internships are learning-based and non-employment.

Nationality eligibility:Applicants must be nationals of an EU Member State, of an associated country, or of a country with an ongoing cooperation agreement under the Digital Europe Programme. Eligible countries may include those participating in Digital Partnerships, Trade and Technology Councils, digital dialogues, or other forms of international digital cooperation with the European Commission. The authoritative list will be published with the call and may be updated.

Required documentation:Latest official academic transcripts for BSc and, if applicable, MSc; a Phortify-specific motivation letter showing alignment with Phortify objectives; a curriculum vitae. Applications missing required documents or failing eligibility checks are rejected.

Funding instruments and amounts

Support is provided as either monthly allowances for the actual internship duration or lump-sum grants not linked to duration. Partner institutions determine the applicable modality. Funding must be used solely for internship-related costs.

• €1,200 per month for master students
• €800 per month for bachelor students
• €600 per month for a maximum duration of 6 months
• €2,000 lump sum (not linked to duration)
• €2,000 lump sum (not linked to duration)
• €1,500 lump sum (not linked to duration)

Overall budget ceiling:Total funding available under this pilot call is €91,800. Funding is allocated on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.

Application and evaluation process

Where to apply:Applications must be submitted via the Phortify website through MyPhortify, which lists all funding opportunities under this pilot call, provides detailed instructions, and links to local forms.

• Calls are advertised on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, the Phortify website, and partner institution websites.
• Single-stage submission with rolling intake while the call remains open.

Evaluation framework and principles:A predefined evaluation framework applies across all partner institutions to ensure transparency, equal treatment, merit-based selection, and alignment with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion objectives in line with EU guidance.

Evaluation stages:Stage 1: Eligibility verification (pass/fail). Stage 2: Comparative assessment and ranking.

Scoring criteria (0–5 points each, max 15):Academic excellence; Motivation and alignment with Phortify objectives; Overall applicant profile (skills, experience, background, potential contribution).

Ranking, allocation, and frequency:Evaluations occur at regular intervals, typically every 2–3 months or earlier depending on volume and budget. Eligible applications are ranked by merit. In case of oversubscription, funding is awarded to higher-ranked applications. Tie-breaks apply DEI-oriented rules prioritising underrepresented groups such as women and students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.

Selection committees and transparency:Local selection committees at partner institutions conduct evaluations, applying conflict-of-interest and impartiality safeguards. Outcomes and decisions are documented; awarded grants are communicated to the Phortify Coordinator, and aggregate data are reported according to project obligations.

Key categorisations and structured extraction

Eligible Applicant Types:Individual students only: bachelor and master’s students. Includes Phortify degree-seeking students and non-degree-seeking students undertaking Phortify-labelled internships. Not open to companies, universities, or consortia as applicants.

Funding Type:Grant via cascade funding, delivered as stipends/allowances or lump-sum contributions for internship-related costs.

Consortium Requirement:Single applicant. No consortium required.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):Nationals of EU Member States, associated countries to the Digital Europe Programme, or countries with ongoing Digital Europe cooperation agreements (including those in Digital Partnerships, Trade and Technology Councils, and digital dialogues). The authoritative list will be published with the call and may be updated.

Target Sector:Photonics and optics; quantum science and technology; integrated photonics and semiconductors; digital technologies and ICT; advanced manufacturing and mechatronics; education and training in advanced digital skills.

Mentioned Countries:Germany (Jena and FSU; AFS Jena), Spain (ICFO, Barcelona), Netherlands (Eindhoven University of Technology), Poland (Warsaw University of Technology). Regional scope includes the EU and eligible partner countries under the Digital Europe Programme.

Project Stage:Training and placement stage. Short-term, practice-oriented internships aimed at skills development and professional exposure rather than research commercialisation. Activities are educational and non-employment.

Funding Amount:Per-beneficiary indicative amounts: €1,200/month (masters), €800/month (bachelors), €600/month up to 6 months, or lump sums of €2,000 or €1,500. Total call budget is €91,800; allocation continues on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.

Application Type:Open call with rolling submissions via MyPhortify; single-stage submission and evaluation.

Nature of Support:Money in the form of grants (monthly allowances or lump sums) for internship-related costs; no non-monetary services described under this specific call.

Application Stages:Two stages: 1) Eligibility verification (pass/fail); 2) Comparative assessment with scoring and ranking.

Success Rates:Not specified. Awards depend on merit ranking per evaluation round and budget availability; DEI tie-break rules may apply when scores are equal.

Co-funding Requirement:No explicit co-funding requirement is stated. Funds must be used solely for internship-related activities as defined. Applicants should consult partner-specific conditions for any local financial rules.

How to apply: steps and expected content

1. 1Check eligibility: confirm student status during the internship period; verify nationality eligibility per the call’s authoritative list when published; ensure the internship is Phortify-labelled, thematically aligned, and implemented under a partner institution.
2. 2Identify host and opportunity: consult MyPhortify for available internships and partner-specific offers; review partner programme pages where relevant.
3. 3Prepare documents: official academic transcripts (BSc and, if applicable, MSc); Phortify-specific motivation letter explaining alignment with Phortify objectives; CV detailing skills, experience, and background.
4. 4Submit application: complete the online process via MyPhortify; follow any linked local partner forms and instructions; respect rolling submission timelines and any partner-specific conditions.
5. 5Follow evaluation: applications undergo eligibility check then comparative assessment scored on academic excellence, motivation and alignment, and overall profile. Rankings determine awards; tie-breaks apply DEI prioritisation.

Templates and application structure

No universal application template is provided in the call text. Applicants submit via MyPhortify and, where applicable, partner-local forms. The minimum content requirements are consistent across partners. A Phortify-wide evaluation framework document is published on the Phortify website and applies to all partner institutions.

• Applicant identification and nationality confirmation compliant with Digital Europe Programme cooperation country rules.
• Academic evidence: full official transcripts for BSc (and MSc if applicable).
• Motivation letter specific to Phortify: clarify motivation, fit to Phortify objectives, expected learning outcomes, and relevance to photonics/digital skills.
• Curriculum vitae: education, technical skills, relevant projects or lab experience, internships, publications if any, extracurriculars and activities reflecting DEI engagement or broader impact.
• Internship description or reference: details sufficient to confirm Phortify labelling, thematic alignment, duration, and implementation under a partner institution’s responsibility.

Important compliance and disclaimers

• This call and the financial support are administered solely by Phortify as cascade funding; it is not an EU action. Publication on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal serves informational visibility purposes only.
• Internships are educational placements and do not establish an employment relationship.
• Funding must be used only for internship-related costs within the modalities described.
• The authoritative list of eligible nationalities will be published with the call and may change according to European Commission guidance.

Summary and rationale

The Phortify Internship (Traineeship) Grants – Pilot Call offers cascade funding to support short-term, practice-oriented internships in photonics and adjacent digital technology domains across a European partner network. It targets current bachelor and master’s students, both those enrolled in Phortify masters and those outside Phortify provided the internship is Phortify-labelled and partner-implemented. The scheme advances Digital Europe objectives by harmonising advanced photonics education, strengthening digital skills, and fostering mobility, while explicitly promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. Awards are delivered as monthly stipends or lump sums to defray internship costs. Applications are open on a rolling basis until the deadline or budget exhaustion, evaluated in two stages under a common framework with transparent criteria: academic excellence, motivation and project alignment, and overall applicant profile. With a total budget of €91,800 and defined per-beneficiary amounts, the call is well-suited for students seeking hands-on photonics experience within leading European institutions and industrial partners such as AFS, ICFO, TU/e, WUT, and FSU. All proposals must be submitted via MyPhortify, where detailed instructions and partner links are provided.

This pilot call provides cascade funding for short-term, practice-oriented Phortify-labelled internships in photonics, supporting students enrolled in Phortify Masters programmes or participating in Phortify activities at partner institutions. Total funding available is €91800, with grants offered as monthly allowances or lump sums to cover internship-related costs such as travel, accommodation, and subsistence.

Call Details

The call opens on 4 February 2026 and closes on 3 February 2027 at 23:59 Brussels time. It operates as a rolling call with evaluations every 2-3 months or as needed until budget exhaustion. Applications are submitted via the Phortify website at phortify.eu, where detailed instructions and local forms are available. Advertised on EU Funding & Tenders Portal, Phortify site, and partner websites.

Primary URL:EU Funding & Tenders Portal

About Phortify Project

Phortify (PHOtonics education netwoRk for nexT-gen Innovation and digital skills excellence For industrY and society, Grant Agreement 101226191) enhances and harmonises photonics education across Europe under DIGITAL-2024. It offers a two-year European Masters in Photonics Engineering at 7 universities, stand-alone modules, mentoring for women postdocs/early PIs, and immersive events. Focuses on widening participation for underrepresented groups in STEM: women, gender minorities, low-income backgrounds, first-generation students, disabilities, underrepresented regions/cultural groups.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to students who are nationals of EU Member States, associated countries, or countries with EU cooperation under Digital Europe Programme (authoritative list on Phortify site). Must be enrolled as students during internship. Two categories:

• Category A: Enrolled in Phortify Masters programmes at consortium universities, undertaking Phortify-related internship.
• Category B: Non-Phortify Masters students in Phortify-labelled internships under partner responsibility.

Internship must relate to Phortify themes/objectives, contribute to student development, occur during studies, and be under Phortify partner responsibility. Internships are learning-based, not employment.

Required Documentation

• Latest official BSc and MSc (if applicable) transcripts.
• Phortify-specific motivation letter on funding motivation and project alignment.
• Curriculum vitae (CV).

Incomplete applications are ineligible.

Participating Partners and Programmes

Internships hosted by Phortify partners including Activer Fiber Systems (AFS), ICFO, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e: MSc Applied Physics; MSc Electrical Engineering - Semicon Devices/Connected World Technologies), Warsaw University of Technology (WUT: MSc Mechatronics; MSc Photonics), Friedrich Schiller University (FSU: MSc Photonics; MSc Quantum Science & Technology). Additional partners contribute to network (7 universities total).

Evaluation Process

Two stages:1) Eligibility check (pass/fail); 2) Comparative scoring (0-5 per criterion, max 15 points): Academic Excellence, Motivation/Alignment with Phortify Objectives, Overall Profile. Local selection committees per partner ensure transparency, merit, DEI. Ranking by merit; ties favour underrepresented groups (women, disadvantaged backgrounds). Framework on Phortify website.

Funding Details

Total budget:€91800. Support as monthly allowance or lump sum (partner-specific), for internship costs only.

Important Notes

This is cascade funding by Phortify project, not direct EU action. Phortify handles all responsibilities. Check MyPhortify for updates/eligible countries list. Priority to DEI objectives.

For full details, consult Phortify MyPhortify and official call page.