Recruitment cycle Cohort 2025

The SPECTRO project, also known as SPecialised Education programmes in CybersecuriTy and RObotics, offers scholarships for students pursuing double-degree master's programs in Cybersecurity and Robotics, which are essential for developing skills in key digital technology areas. Funded by the EU under the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03-SPECIALISED-EDU topic, the project comprises a consortium of 12 higher education institutions from seven countries along with innovative SMEs and research centers. The primary goal is to enhance digital skills and foster diversity in education.

Two master's programs focus on different aspects of technology. The Cybersecurity program covers ethical hacking, blockchain technologies, and quantum cryptography, while the Robotics program includes autonomous systems, Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence, also integrating a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Students eligible for the scholarships must be nationals of EU Member States, EEA countries, or associated with the Digital Europe Programme. The scholarships aim to promote diversity in gender, age, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Three types of scholarships are available: excellence scholarships provide full tuition waivers plus a monthly allowance, while full and half tuition fee waivers are also offered. The financial support is substantial, with up to €570,000 allocated to 62 scholarships for the current recruitment cycle.

The application process involves enrolling in one of the SPECTRO master's programs through a single application portal, where students select their preferred universities. Required documents include academic credentials, proof of English proficiency, a CV, a letter of motivation, and identification. Scholarships are awarded based on merit, with priority given to female and applicants from countries with lower innovation scores.

Applications open on March 21, 2025, with multiple cut-off dates, the first being May 20, 2025, and the second on June 15, 2025. The scholarships cover tuition and possibly monthly allowances, promoting access to quality education in critical digital fields. Further details can be found on online application portals.

The SPECTRO project, short for SPecialised Education programmes in CybersecuriTy and RObotics, offers scholarships for two double-degree master's programs (ISCED Level 7, 120 ECTS) in Cybersecurity and Robotics. These programs are designed to equip students with skills in key digital technology areas for the future of Europe. The project is funded by the EU under the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03-SPECIALISED-EDU topic, which focuses on specialised education programmes or modules in key capacity areas. The grant agreement number is 101123118.

The Cybersecurity master's program provides a general overview of cybersecurity's role in creating a safe and inclusive digital society. It also equips students with practical skills in ethical hacking, blockchain technologies, and quantum cryptography. The Robotics master's program approaches autonomous systems from both a computer science and an electronic engineering perspective, covering topics from the basics of autonomous systems to specific skills such as Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotics. Both master's programs include a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

The programs are designed and delivered by a consortium of 12 higher education institutions from 7 countries, 2 innovative SMEs, 1 leading research centre in Information Systems, and EIT Digital. EIT Digital is a pan-European organization with experience in the digital skills domain.

SPECTRO scholarships provide financial support to eligible students participating in the education programs. The scholarships aim to promote diversity in terms of gender, age, and social and economic background, allowing a greater number of students to access high-quality education in digital areas. Scholarship recipients receive financial support during their two years of studies in one of the double-degree master's programs.

Three types of scholarships are available:
1. Scholarship of excellence, including a full tuition fee waiver and a monthly allowance.
2. Full tuition fee waiver.
3. Half tuition fee waiver.

The monthly allowance is weighted based on the country correction coefficient (CCCs) of the country where the student is studying, which means the allowance can vary between the first and second year of studies. The nominal value of the half tuition fee waiver is 2,500 EUR per year. The nominal value of the full tuition fee waiver is 5,000 EUR per year. The scholarship of excellence includes a full tuition fee waiver of 5,000 EUR plus a monthly allowance of 900 EUR, weighted based on the country correction coefficient.

To apply for a SPECTRO scholarship, candidates must enroll in one of the two SPECTRO master's programs through a single application portal. Applicants can select 3 options as Entry University and 3 options as Exit University with order of priority. This multiple-option offer ensures that a high number of applications are processed, even if applicants are not accepted to their preferred institution.

Required documents for the application include:
1. Degree Certificate/Diploma in its original language and translated into English. If the university does not provide translation, it must be done by an authorized translator with visible credentials, signature, and stamps. If studies are ongoing, a statement from the degree administration office (or equivalent) confirming enrollment in the final year and giving the expected completion date is required. Note: If applying to Aalto as entry, the bachelor's degree must be completed by July 31, 2025.
2. Official and stamped transcript of records in the original language and translated into English. All courses taken must be included, and both the front and back of every document must be scanned to ensure all stamps and signatures are fully visible.
3. Proof of English proficiency. The requirements vary depending on the higher education institution/country selected. Refer to the EITD Master School website ‘Admissions’ tab for more information.
4. Curriculum Vitae including details on academic and professional career.
5. A letter of motivation (maximum 3 pages) to prove the innovative potential of the applicant and their need for financial support. Applicants must discuss and/or propose an entrepreneurial idea and explain their financial situation and need for financial support.
6. Supporting documents regarding the applicant’s financial situation (e.g., credit report).
7. An official ID, such as a passport or National ID.

Scholarships are allocated at the end of the selection process, before sending the letter of acceptance.

SPECTRO scholarships are available to nationals of eligible countries, including:
1. EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs)).
2. Listed EEA countries and countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme (associated countries).
3. Countries in ongoing negotiations for an association agreement, where the agreement enters into force before grant signature.

Only students enrolled and accepted into one of the SPECTRO Master's programs are eligible for financial support. Scholarship allocation will be communicated when students receive their letter of acceptance and study offer.

Scholarships are awarded based on merit. A merit score (on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the maximum) is given to each applicant accepted into one of the master's programs. Three elements are considered in assigning a merit score:
1. Previous academic and professional experience.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Letter of motivation, including the motivation for receiving financial support.

The initial merit score is an average of the scores assigned by the two Local Programme Coordinators accepting the applicant (Entry and Exit University). These scores are reviewed by Programme Leaders to ensure uniformity. A final meeting involving Programme Leaders, Local Programme Coordinators, and the Quality Assurance Manager is held at the end of each Recruitment Period to agree on the final merit score for each applicant.

The SPECTRO scholarship program promotes diversity and inclusion. Priority is given to female applicants from any EU country or EU-associated country to increase female participation in Cybersecurity and Robotics master's programs. 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. Candidates are informed of the net tuition fee amount after deducting the scholarship.

Scholarships are allocated on a rolling basis until all financial support schemes are exhausted for the current recruitment cycle. For the current call, SPECTRO will make available 62 scholarships (including excellence, full waiver, and half-waiver) to be distributed among the two Master’s programs.

The opening date for applications is 21 March 2025. The deadline model is multiple cut-off, with deadline dates on 20 May 2025 and 15 June 2025, both at 17:00 (Brussels time). The expected duration of participation is 18 months. The total funding available is 570,000.00 EUR.

Further information can be found at the following links:
Application information for robotics: https://masterschool.eitdigital.eu/autonomous-systems
Application information for cybersecurity: https://masterschool.eitdigital.eu/cyber-security
Application process: https://academy.eitdigital.eu/
General information: https://www.eitdigital.eu/eu-collaborations/spectro/
Programme fees: https://masterschool.eitdigital.eu/admissions/fees
Required documents: https://masterschool.eitdigital.eu/admissions/required-documents
Email: spectro@eitdigital.eu

In summary, the SPECTRO project offers scholarships for master's programs in Cybersecurity and Robotics, aiming to foster digital skills and promote diversity. The scholarships cover tuition fees and may include a monthly allowance. Applicants must enroll in one of the master's programs and meet specific eligibility criteria, with selection based on merit and a commitment to promoting gender balance and inclusion of students from RIS countries. The application process requires submitting various documents, including academic transcripts, a motivation letter, and proof of English proficiency. The project seeks to support the next generation of digital experts by providing financial assistance and access to high-quality education.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are students who are nationals of EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs)), listed EEA countries, countries associated to the Digital Europe Programme (associated countries), or countries which are in ongoing negotiations for an association agreement and where the agreement enters into force before grant signature. Only students enrolled and accepted in one of SPECTRO Masters’ programmes are eligible for financial support.

Funding Type: The funding type is a scholarship, which includes tuition fee waivers and a monthly allowance for some scholarships.

Consortium Requirement: This opportunity is for single applicants, specifically students applying for a scholarship to attend a double-degree master's program.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility includes EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs)), listed EEA countries, countries associated to the Digital Europe Programme (associated countries), or countries which are in ongoing negotiations for an association agreement and where the agreement enters into force before grant signature.

Target Sector: The target sectors are cybersecurity and robotics, with a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. These fall under the broader category of digital skills and education.

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 for students pursuing a Master's degree (ISCED Level 7), which implies they are in the education/development stage of their careers.

Funding Amount: The funding amount varies depending on the scholarship type:
Half tuition fee waivers: 2,500 EUR per year.
Full tuition fee waivers: 5,000 EUR per year.
Scholarship of excellence: 5,000 EUR plus a monthly allowance of 900 EUR, weighted based on the country correction coefficient (CCCs).
The total funding available for this call is 570,000 EUR, which will be distributed among 62 scholarships.

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

Nature of Support: The 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 one of the SPECTRO master's programs through a single application portal, submitting required documentation, and undergoing a selection process based on merit. The exact number of stages isn't explicitly stated, but it involves at least enrollment, document submission, and evaluation.

Success Rates: The success rate cannot be determined from the provided information. The number of applications is unknown, but 62 scholarships are available.

Co-funding Requirement: Co-funding is not explicitly mentioned as a requirement. The scholarship aims to cover tuition fees and provide a monthly allowance, suggesting it is intended to be a primary source of funding for the students.

The SPECTRO (SPecialised Education programmes in CybersecuriTy and Robotics) project offers scholarships to students pursuing double-degree master's programs in Cybersecurity and Robotics. These programs also include a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The scholarships are available to nationals of EU Member States, EEA countries, and countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme. The project aims to promote diversity in terms of gender, age, and socioeconomic background. There are three types of scholarships: excellence scholarships (full tuition waiver and monthly allowance), full tuition fee waivers, and half tuition fee waivers. To apply, students must enroll in one of the SPECTRO master's programs through a single application portal, selecting their preferred entry and exit universities. The application requires various documents, including degree certificates, transcripts, proof of English proficiency, a CV, a letter of motivation, and supporting documents regarding financial situation. Scholarships are awarded based on merit, considering academic and professional experience, the CV, and the letter of motivation. Priority is given to female applicants and applicants from RIS countries. The scholarship is reflected as a discount in the tuition fee, and the monthly allowance varies based on the country where the student is studying. A total of 62 scholarships are available for the current recruitment cycle. The deadline has multiple cut-off dates, with the first being May 20, 2025, and the second being June 15, 2025. The total funding available is 570,000 EUR. The SPECTRO project aims to provide high-quality education in digital areas and increase diversity among students and future digital experts. The master's programs cover areas such as ethical hacking, blockchain technologies, quantum cryptography, Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotics.