UPC-MERIT Scholarship for master’s in Machine Learning and Cybersecurity for Internet Connected Systems Open Call 2025

Overview

Objectives

The official Master’s degree in Machine Learning and Cybersecurity for Internet-Connected System aims to provide advanced and specialised scientific and technological training in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, with an emphasis on their application in internet-connected systems, including computer systems of multiple degrees of complexity in general and Internet of Things systems in particular. It addresses the current shortage of professionals who have this kind of training, which is highly valued in industry and research in Information and Communications Technology (ICT). The master's program is mainly practical and focused on both application and theoretical foundation. Contrary to more specialized programs, this master's degree offers a broader training in three interrelated and complementary areas that are essential in today's ICT, which are AI, cybersecurity and Internet of Things.

Activities/actions supported

This call offers 5 different modalities of support:

• Reimbursement of tuition fees, which includes the first enrollment tuition costs for a master full semester (30 ECTS) during a maximum of three consecutive semesters that must be finished before 30/06/2026; administrative and support fees; and the cost of issuance of the official title (if paid before 31/07/2026). Each beneficiary can receive a maximum of EUR 3500.
• Contribution to living and transportation expenses, which includes a monthly allowance ofEUR 200 for a maximum of 12 months between the resolution of the concession and 30/06/2026. Each beneficiary can receive a maximum of EUR 2400.
• Contribution to purchase of hardware, software or study materials necessary to follow the master program for a maximum of EUR 1500.
• Contribution to expenses for scientific achievements (publications, posters and start-up company set up) related to the master program, which covers amounts fom EUR 5000 to 100 depending on the publication.
• Contribution to expenses for mobility stays related to the master program for a maximum of EUR 1500.

Anticipated outcomes

The aim of the scholarships is that recipients benefit from MERIT project's high-quality education in digital areas and to promote equality and excellence in the field of computer science.

Institution providing the funding

European Commission

Size of funding

Total funding available EUR 104,000

Conditions

Overview of eligibility criteria

Eligibility include the following:

1. The candidate must have been admitted to the MERIT master at UPC Manresa or applied to be admitted for the 2025/2026 academic year.
2. The candidate must be a full-time degree seeking student in the master's degree program (30 ECTS per semester).
3. The candidate must be an EU citizen or a citizen of Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Ukraine.

Overview of award criteria

The selection committee will evaluate the applications taking into account the academic merit of the candidate as well as the gender and socioeconomic disparities in engineering and computer science. Other selection criteria based on the type of scholarship are outlined in the text of the call.

Procedures

Application procedures

The application has to be submitted through the UPC Electronic Office filling in the UPC-MERIT scholarships form. Applications must also include a cover letter stating the following: presentation of the candidate detailing their academic merits and the description of their situation (personal, social, economic, work, academic performance, etc.) that may be relevant to obtaining the scholarship.

Additional documentation might be required depending on the type of scholarship sought - please see the text of the call.

Application support available

Full details about the UPC-MERIT Scholarship can be found at the MERIT master website.

Useful links

Link to funding opportunity

Link to the programme for more info