Overview
The available scholarships include three options: half tuition fee waivers which cover 50% of tuition costs, full tuition fee waivers which cover the entire tuition cost, and excellence scholarships that provide both a full tuition fee waiver and a monthly living allowance, which is adjusted based on the cost of living in the host country. For the 2026-2028 academic years, the nominal values of the waivers are set at EUR 3,000 per academic year for half waivers and EUR 6,000 for full waivers.
To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must be nationals of EU Member States, EEA countries, or countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme. They must also be enrolled and accepted in one of the SPECTRO Master's programs. The application process is described as an open call and allows interested candidates to apply through a dedicated portal. The process includes several evaluation stages: pre-screening to verify university recognition and GPA requirements, an evaluation by a program selection committee, and a general requirements check for eligibility.
The selection criteria include the suitability of the Bachelor's degree, recognition of the home university, academic success, entrepreneurial experience, and overall application evaluation. Scholarships are awarded based on a rolling basis until the available budget of EUR 546,000 is fully allocated or the maximum number of recipients, approximately 52 scholarships, is reached.
The program is structured to remove financial barriers to education in advanced technological fields, thereby preparing the workforce needed for Europe's digital future. The application opens on December 11, 2025, and the deadline is set for June 30, 2026, at 17:00 Brussels time. The SPECTRO project, while published on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, is managed independently by SPECTRO, which handles the awarding and administration of the scholarships.
Detail
Three types of scholarships are available: half tuition fee waivers (covering 50% of tuition costs), full tuition fee waivers (covering the entire tuition cost), and scholarships of excellence (including a full tuition fee waiver and a monthly living allowance adjusted to the cost-of-living index of the host country).
To apply, candidates must enroll in one of SPECTRO's two master’s programs through a single application portal, selecting three entry and three exit university options with priority. Required documents include a degree certificate/diploma in the original language and translated into English, a statement certifying final year studies (if applicable), mandatory technical prerequisites, official and stamped transcript of records in the original language and translated into English, proof of English proficiency, a curriculum vitae, a letter of motivation (maximum 3 pages) discussing an entrepreneurial idea and financial need, supporting documents regarding the applicant’s financial situation, and an official ID.
The Master School Scholarship allocation process involves pre-screening, evaluation and ranking by a program selection committee (10 members for Autonomous Systems and 7 for Cybersecurity), and a general requirements check. Selected students must sign an agreement with the EIT Digital Master School. The SPECTRO project operates under the standard terms and conditions applicable to EU-funded projects.
Eligibility requires applicants to be nationals of EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories), listed EEA countries, and countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme. Only students enrolled and accepted into a SPECTRO Master’s program are eligible.
The selection committee consists of local program representatives from each participating university, with one member appointed as Programme Lead. The Programme Lead assigns applicants to selection committee members based on university preferences. Each member evaluates applicants and assigns grades based on criteria. Applicants are placed on a single, unified merit-based ranking list. Gender and RIS status are used as priority conditions in cases of equal final merit score.
The selection criteria include: Suitability of acquired Bachelor’s degree for intended study program (weight 1, evaluation range 1-5), Quality and recognition of home university (weight 1, evaluation range 1-5), Study success (weight 1, evaluation range 1-5), Entrepreneurial and Innovative experience (CV, Recommendations) (weight 1, evaluation range 1-5), Innovative and Entrepreneurial attitude (Letter of Motivation) (weight 1, evaluation range 1-5), and Overall evaluation of CV and application (weight 1, evaluation range 1-5). The evaluation range is 1 (Non-satisfactory) to 5 (Excellent).
The initial merit score is an average of scores from the Local Program Coordinators at the Entry and Exit Universities. Programme Leaders review these scores to ensure uniformity. A final meeting is held to agree on the final merit score. Students with an average grade of 3 are considered admissible. The Master School Office proposes scholarship distributions per Master program. Tie-breaking factors include gender (favoring female applicants) and citizenship in RIS countries.
The scholarship program promotes diversity through an overarching scholarship program, a scholarship program for women, and a scholarship program for participants from RIS countries. SPECTRO aims for at least 30% female scholarship recipients and at least 40% of RIS countries scholarship recipients. Applicants submit one application and are considered for all scholarship types.
Countries eligible for the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) include EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories) and Non-EU countries: listed EEA countries and countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme.
Applicants can appeal by contacting the Master School Office (masterschool@eitdigital.eu) without any official deadline. The Head of Master School Office reviews the appeal with the Head of Education Programmes, the Admission Officer, and the Programme Lead.
Scholarships are applied as tuition fee discounts. Tuition fee waivers are applied as a reduction of the tuition cost. Monthly allowances (EUR 900 per month, adjusted by Eurostat Country Correction Coefficients) are paid directly to students.
For the academic years 2026-2028, the nominal values are: Half tuition fee waiver (EUR 3,000 per academic year), Full tuition fee waiver (EUR 6,000 per academic year), and Excellence scholarship (full tuition fee and monthly living allowance).
Students submit a single application and are considered for all three scholarship types. Allocation follows a merit-based ranking system. Scholarships are assigned in order of the ranking list: Scholarships of Excellence, Full Tuition Fee Waivers, and Half Tuition Fee Waivers. Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis until the budget is consumed or the maximum number of recipients is reached.
The indicative cap is 52 scholarships (including excellence, full waiver, and half-waiver). The indicative split is approximately 13 Scholarships of Excellence, 26 Full Tuition Fee Waivers, and 13 Half Tuition Fee Waivers.
Further information is available at the provided links for robotics and cybersecurity programs, application process, general information, Master program fees, required documents, and the email address spectro@eitdigital.eu.
The legal disclaimer states that this call is not an EU action but is launched solely by SPECTRO, who is responsible for the financial support and selection of applicants.
Data protection requires applicants to agree with the EIT Digital Privacy policy and Master School Terms and Conditions. Applicants have the right to access, correct, or erase their data, or withdraw consent at any time by contacting privacy@28digital.eu.
The opening date for submissions is December 11, 2025, and the deadline is June 30, 2026, at 17:00 (Brussels time). The expected duration of participation is 24 months. The total funding available is EUR 546,000. The project acronym is SPECTRO, and the grant agreement number is 101123118. The topic is DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03-SPECIALISED-EDU - Specialised education programmes or modules in key capacity areas.
In summary, the SPECTRO scholarship program offers various levels of financial aid, including tuition waivers and living allowances, to students pursuing master's degrees in Cybersecurity and Robotics. The program emphasizes diversity and merit, with specific targets for female and RIS country participation. The application process involves submitting required documents and undergoing a multi-stage evaluation. Scholarships are awarded based on a ranking system, and recipients are expected to adhere to the terms outlined in an agreement with the EIT Digital Master School. This initiative aims to support talented students and promote expertise in key digital technology areas within Europe.
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Breakdown
Funding Type: The funding type is a scholarship. The scholarships are available in three forms: half tuition fee waivers, full tuition fee waivers, and scholarships of excellence, which include a full tuition fee waiver and a monthly living allowance.
Consortium Requirement: The opportunity is for a single applicant, 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). The EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) countries are also specifically targeted.
Target Sector: The target sectors are cybersecurity and robotics. The master's programmes cover key digital technology areas, including ethical hacking, blockchain technologies, quantum cryptography, Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems.
Mentioned Countries: EU Member States, EEA countries, RIS countries (countries included in the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme). Aalto University in Finland is mentioned as a possible entry university.
Project Stage: The project stage is for students pursuing a Master's degree (ISCED Level 7, 120 ECTS).
Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary depending on the type of scholarship:
Half tuition fee waiver: EUR 3,000 per academic year.
Full tuition fee waiver: EUR 6,000 per academic year.
Excellence scholarship: Full tuition fee waiver (EUR 6,000 per academic year) and a monthly living allowance of EUR 900, adjusted by the Eurostat Country Correction Coefficients (CCCs).
Total funding available is 546,000 EUR.
Application Type: The application type is an open call. Students apply directly through the Master School application portal. Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis.
Nature of Support: The beneficiaries receive both money in the form of tuition fee waivers and, for excellence scholarship recipients, a monthly living allowance.
Application Stages: The application process involves several stages:
Pre-screening: Conducted by the Admission Officer at the Master School Office (KTH), verifying university recognition/accreditation, GPA of at least 70%, and Bachelor's degree relevance.
Evaluation and ranking: Performed by the programme selection committee (10 members for Autonomous Systems, 7 for Cybersecurity).
General requirements check: Conducted by the KTH admission office, led by the Admission Officer at the Master School Office, confirming the provided documents.
Final selection and scholarship allocation.
Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly stated, but the document mentions that 52 scholarships are available across the two Master's programmes. Scholarships are awarded based on a merit-based ranking system, and the highest-ranked candidates receive scholarships until the allocated number is reached or the available budget is fully consumed.
Co-funding Requirement: There is no explicit mention of a co-funding requirement. The scholarships cover tuition fees and, in some cases, living allowances.
Summary:
The SPECTRO scholarship program offers financial support to students pursuing double-degree master's programs in Cybersecurity and Robotics. These programs are designed to equip students with skills in key digital technology areas. The scholarships are available to nationals of EU Member States, EEA countries, and countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme. There are three types of scholarships: half tuition fee waivers, full tuition fee waivers, and excellence scholarships (which include a living allowance). The application process involves pre-screening, evaluation by a selection committee, and a general requirements check. Scholarships are awarded based on a merit-based ranking system, with consideration given to promoting diversity in terms of gender and participation from RIS countries. The application deadline is June 30, 2026. The total funding available for this call is 546,000 EUR, and approximately 52 scholarships will be awarded. The program aims to increase female participation and support students from countries with moderate or modest innovation scores. The SPECTRO project, while published on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, is not an EU action and is solely the responsibility of SPECTRO.
Short Summary
Impact The SPECTRO scholarship program aims to democratize access to advanced master's education in critical digital technology domains, specifically in Cybersecurity and Robotics, thereby addressing skills gaps in these areas. | Impact | The SPECTRO scholarship program aims to democratize access to advanced master's education in critical digital technology domains, specifically in Cybersecurity and Robotics, thereby addressing skills gaps in these areas. |
Applicant Eligible applicants are individual students who are nationals of EU Member States, EEA countries, and countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme, and who are enrolled in SPECTRO's master's programs. | Applicant | Eligible applicants are individual students who are nationals of EU Member States, EEA countries, and countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme, and who are enrolled in SPECTRO's master's programs. |
Developments Funding will support specialized education programs in Cybersecurity and Robotics at the master's level (ISCED Level 7). | Developments | Funding will support specialized education programs in Cybersecurity and Robotics at the master's level (ISCED Level 7). |
Applicant Type This funding is designed for individual students pursuing master's degrees in specialized fields. | Applicant Type | This funding is designed for individual students pursuing master's degrees in specialized fields. |
Consortium This funding is intended for single applicants only, specifically individual students. | Consortium | This funding is intended for single applicants only, specifically individual students. |
Funding Amount The total funding available for this call is approximately €546,000, distributed across various scholarship types. | Funding Amount | The total funding available for this call is approximately €546,000, distributed across various scholarship types. |
Countries Eligible countries include EU Member States, EEA countries, and countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme, promoting inclusivity across Europe. | Countries | Eligible countries include EU Member States, EEA countries, and countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme, promoting inclusivity across Europe. |
Industry The funding targets the education sector, specifically focusing on digital technology education in Cybersecurity and Robotics. | Industry | The funding targets the education sector, specifically focusing on digital technology education in Cybersecurity and Robotics. |
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