Recruitment cycle Cohort 2025

The EMotion Artificial Intelligence specialists for Europe (EMAI4EU) project aims to educate the next generation of specialists in Emotion Artificial Intelligence through a double-degree master's program. This program is collaborative and designed by eight higher education institutions from five countries, along with four SMEs and a leading AI research center, supported by EIT Digital. The program focuses on fostering strong interactions between academia and business, enhancing entrepreneurial skills, and promoting diversity in the student population. Scholarships are offered to provide financial support to eligible students enrolled in the master's program. Three types of scholarships are available: a scholarship of excellence that includes full tuition fee waivers and a monthly allowance, full tuition fee waivers, and half tuition fee waivers. The total funding available for this call is €525,000. Applicants must be nationals or residents of EU Member States, EEA countries, or countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme. Priority is given to female applicants and those from countries participating in the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS). Applications can be submitted through a single portal, and required documents include academic credentials, proof of English proficiency, a curriculum vitae, and a letter of motivation outlining the applicant’s innovative potential and financial needs. Scholarships are allocated based on merit using a scoring system that assesses academic and professional experience. The opening date for applications is March 21, 2025, with multiple cut-off dates, including May 20, 2025, and June 15, 2025. Overall, the EMAI4EU project is designed to promote high-quality education in Emotion AI, enhance mobility and integration in the knowledge triangle, and support the next wave of innovation and entrepreneurship within this field.

The EMotion Artificial Intelligence specialists for Europe (EMAI4EU) project aims to educate the next generation of specialists and innovators in Emotion Artificial Intelligence within Europe. This will be achieved through the design and delivery of a double-degree master’s programme (ISCED Level 7, 120 ECTS) in Artificial Intelligence, specializing in Emotion Artificial Intelligence, and including a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

The master’s programme is a collaborative effort, designed and delivered by 8 higher education institutions from 5 different countries, along with 4 innovative SMEs, a leading AI research center, and EIT Digital, a pan-European organization experienced in delivering education programmes in advanced digital skills across Europe. The EMAI4EU master’s programme aims to foster strong interactions and mobility between academia and business, strengthen knowledge triangle integration, promote entrepreneurship, foster inclusiveness, and boost the growth of the existing EIT Digital ecosystem.

EMAI4EU offers scholarships to provide financial support to eligible students participating in the education programmes. These scholarships are designed to promote diversity in terms of gender, age, and social and economic background, ensuring access to high-quality education in digital areas for a broader range of students. Scholarship recipients will receive financial support during their two years of studies in the double-degree Masters’ programme.

There are three types of scholarships available:a scholarship of excellence (including full tuition fee waivers and a monthly allowance), full tuition fee waivers, and half tuition fee waivers. The monthly allowance is weighted based on the country correction coefficient (CCCs) of the country where the student is studying, which means the monthly allowance can vary between the first and second year of studies.

To apply for an EMAI4EU scholarship, candidates must enrol in the EMAI4EU master’s programme through a single application portal. During enrolment, applicants can select 3 options as Entry University and 3 options as Exit University, ranked by priority. This multiple-option system increases the chances of acceptance, as applicants not accepted to their preferred institution may still be accepted by another.

Required documents for the EMAI4EU Master’s programme application include:Degree Certificate/Diploma in its original language and translated into English (if the university does not provide this service, the translation must be done by an authorized translator with visible credentials, signature, and stamps). For ongoing studies, a statement certifying final year status from the degree administration office (or equivalent department) confirming enrolment in the final year and providing the expected completion date is needed. An official and stamped transcript of records in the original language and translated into English, including all courses taken (front and back of every document must be scanned to ensure all stamps and signatures are fully visible). Proof of English proficiency, which varies depending on the higher education institution/country selected by the applicant (refer to the EITD Master School website ‘Admissions’ tab for more information). A Curriculum Vitae detailing academic and professional career. A letter of motivation (maximum 3 pages) demonstrating the applicant's innovative potential and need for financial support, including a discussion or proposal of an entrepreneurial idea and an explanation of their financial situation. Supporting documents regarding the applicant’s financial situation (e.g., credit report). An official ID, such as a passport or National ID. Scholarship allocation occurs at the end of the selection process, before sending the letter of acceptance.

EMAI4EU scholarships are available to nationals or residents of EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs)), listed EEA countries, countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme (associated countries), or countries in ongoing negotiations for an association agreement that enters into force before grant signature. Only students enrolled and accepted into the EMAI4EU Masters’ programme are eligible for financial support. Scholarship allocation will be communicated upon receiving the letter of acceptance and study offer.

Scholarships are awarded based on merit, quantified by a merit score (1 to 5, with 5 being the maximum). The merit score is based on: previous academic and professional experience, curriculum vitae, and letter of motivation, including the motivation for financial support. The initial merit score is an average of scores assigned by the Local Programme Coordinators at the Entry and Exit Universities. These scores are reviewed by Programme Leaders to ensure uniformity. A final meeting involving Programme Leaders, Local Programme Coordinators, and the Quality Assurance Manager will be held to agree on the final merit score for each applicant.

The EMAI4EU scholarship programme promotes diversity and inclusion. Priority is given to female applicants from any EU country or EU-associated country to increase female participation in master’s programmes. Priority is also given to applicants from RIS countries (included in the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme), which supports students from countries with moderate or modest innovation scores and lower gross domestic product. Eligible RIS countries include EU member states, Horizon Europe associated countries, and outermost regions such as Guadeloupe, Réunion (France), the Azores and Madeira (Portugal), and the Canary Islands (Spain).

The scholarship is reflected as a discount in the tuition fee, with candidates informed of the net tuition fee after deducting the scholarship amount. Half tuition fee waivers are valued at €2,500 per year. Full tuition fee waivers are valued at €5,000 per year. The scholarship of excellence includes a full tuition fee waiver of €5,000 plus a monthly allowance of €900, weighted based on the country correction coefficient (CCCs). Students awarded a scholarship receive financial support during their two years of studies.

Scholarships are allocated on a rolling basis until all financial support schemes are exhausted for the current recruitment cycle. This call makes available 63 scholarships (including excellence, full waiver, and half-waiver).

The opening date for applications is 21 March 2025. There are multiple cut-off deadlines:20 May 2025 at 17:00 (Brussels time) and 15 June 2025 at 17:00 (Brussels time). The expected duration of participation is 18 months. The total funding available is €525,000.00. The project acronym is EMAI4EU, and the full name is EMotion Artificial Intelligence specialists for EUrope. The grant agreement number is 101123289. The topic is DIGITAL-2022 - Specialised education programmes or modules in key capacity areas.

Application information is available at masterschool.eitdigital.eu. The application process can be started at academy.eitdigital.eu. Information on programme fees is available at masterschool.eitdigital.eu. Required documents for application are listed at masterschool.eitdigital.eu. Further information can be found at eitdigital.eu. For further inquiries, contact EMAI4EU@eitdigital.eu.

In summary, the EMAI4EU project offers scholarships for a double-degree master's program in Artificial Intelligence with a specialization in Emotion Artificial Intelligence and a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The program is designed to train the next generation of AI specialists in Europe, fostering collaboration between academia and business. Scholarships are available to eligible students from EU member states, EEA countries, and associated countries, with a focus on promoting diversity and inclusion. The scholarships cover tuition fees and may include a monthly allowance, and are awarded based on merit and the applicant's potential to contribute to the field of Emotion AI. The application process requires several documents, including academic transcripts, a letter of motivation, and proof of English proficiency. The project aims to boost the EIT Digital ecosystem and promote entrepreneurship in the field of AI.

Eligible Applicant Types:The eligible applicant type is students who are nationals or residents of eligible countries and who are accepted into the EMAI4EU Master's programme.

Funding Type:The funding type is a scholarship, which includes tuition fee waivers (full or half) and a monthly allowance for some scholarships. This is considered cascade funding.

Consortium Requirement:This opportunity is for single applicants, specifically individual students.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):The geographic eligibility includes EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs)), listed EEA countries, and countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme (associated countries) or countries in ongoing negotiations for an association agreement that enters into force before grant signature. Priority will be given to applicants from RIS countries included in the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS). Countries eligible to take part to the RIS include 1) EU members states, 2) Horizon Europe associated countries, and 3) outermost regions such as Guadeloupe, and Réunion (France), the Azores and Madeira (Portugal), and the Canary Islands (Spain).

Target Sector:The target sector is Artificial Intelligence, specifically Emotion Artificial Intelligence, with a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. This falls under the broader category of ICT and digital skills.

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

Project Stage:The project stage is education and training, specifically a double-degree master’s programme (ISCED Level 7, 120 ECTS).

Funding Amount:The funding amount is variable, consisting of three types of scholarships:

1. Scholarship of excellence:Full tuition fee waiver (€5,000 per year) plus a monthly allowance of €900, weighted by the country correction coefficient (CCC).

2. Full tuition fee waiver:€5,000 per year.

3. Half tuition fee waiver:€2,500 per year.

The total funding available for this call is €525,000.00.

Application Type:The application type is an open call with multiple cut-off dates.

Nature of Support:Beneficiaries will receive money in the form of tuition fee waivers and, for some, a monthly allowance.

Application Stages:The application process involves enrolling in the EMAI4EU master’s programme through a single application portal, submitting required documents, and undergoing a selection process based on merit. The allocation of scholarships occurs after the selection process and before the letter of acceptance is sent. Therefore, there are multiple stages, including application submission, evaluation, and scholarship allocation.

Success Rates:The success rate is not explicitly stated, but the availability of 63 scholarships suggests a competitive process.

Co-funding Requirement:Co-funding is not explicitly required, but the scholarships are designed to cover tuition fees and provide a monthly allowance, implying that students may need to cover additional living expenses.

The EMAI4EU (EMotion Artificial Intelligence specialists for Europe) project offers scholarships to students who enroll in its double-degree master’s programme in Artificial Intelligence with a specialization in Emotion Artificial Intelligence and a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The programme is designed and delivered by a consortium of higher education institutions, SMEs, a research center, and EIT Digital. The scholarships aim to promote diversity and inclusion, providing financial support to eligible students from EU Member States, EEA countries, and countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme. There are three types of scholarships available: excellence scholarships (full tuition waiver and monthly allowance), full tuition waivers, and half tuition waivers. The scholarships are awarded based on merit, considering academic and professional experience, curriculum vitae, and a letter of motivation. Priority is given to female applicants and applicants from RIS countries. The application process involves enrolling in the master’s programme through a single application portal and submitting required documents, including degree certificates, transcripts, proof of English proficiency, a CV, a letter of motivation, and supporting documents regarding financial situation. Scholarships are allocated on a rolling basis until all funds are exhausted, with 63 scholarships available for the current recruitment cycle. The opening date for submissions is March 21, 2025, with multiple cut-off dates, including May 20, 2025, and June 15, 2025. The EMAI4EU project aims to train the next generation of specialists and innovators in Emotion Artificial Intelligence in Europe, fostering strong interactions between academia and business and promoting entrepreneurship.