Objective of the call
The objective of this topic is to address gaps in the EU academic and training offer for advanced digital skills in key digital areas, strengthen partnerships between education providers, businesses and research actors across the EU, and support the skills needed for deployment of advanced digital technologies in strategic sectors.
This work strand focuses on academic excellence in selected key digital areas beyond those covered by the sectoral academies (topic 4.1) and beyond the applied-technology strand (digital health and Destination Earth). It supports the design and delivery of higher education programmes and related training opportunities that bring EU added value through cross-border collaboration.
Scope of activities
This call supports the design and delivery of:
• Higher education programmes at ISCED levels 5–8 (short-cycle tertiary, bachelor, master, doctoral).
• Stand-alone modules and other advanced digital skills training opportunities.
Target digital areas include (non-exhaustive):
• Data science and data analytics
• Internet of Things
• Robotics
• Blockchain
• Advanced communication networks (5G/6G)
• Edge and cloud computing
• Software engineering (including, where appropriate, open-source management)
Projects may also cover interdisciplinary programmes and applications in strategic sectors (examples mentioned include video games, agriculture, autonomous mobility). Multidisciplinary programmes that include areas covered under topic 4.1 may be supported but must ensure cooperation with the actions funded under that topic.
Supported activities may include:
• Attracting qualified teaching staff.
• Scholarships and internships for students.
• Purchase or leasing of equipment.
• Activities establishing partnerships between education and training providers, industry and research centres.
• Cross-border collaboration, networks and exchange of practices to ensure EU added value.
• Support to international cooperation on digital topics, including measures to support participation of students from partner countries (e.g. scholarships or fee waivers) and promoting female students’ participation.
Eligible applicants
- higher education institutions
- vocational education and training institutions
- research organisations
- businesses
- other relevant related organisations and social partners
- Organisations based in EU Member States, EFTA/EEA, or Associated Countries (more info on eligible countries will be published soon)
Specific consortium we are looking for:
Higher education institutions and vocational education and training providers working jointly with research organisations and businesses (including relevant technology and sectoral companies), supported by other relevant organisations and social partners. Consortia should demonstrate cross-border cooperation and strong involvement of industry and research actors in programme design and delivery, including practical training components (e.g. internships, laboratory experiences, on-the-job training).
Funding conditions
Type of action:
Lump sum grant
Funding rate:
50%
Indicative budget
€31 million
Indicative duration of the action
48 months
Deadline for submission
Q2 2027