Recruitment cycle Cohort 2027

Security applies for the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03-SPECIALISED-EDU. Therefore, please fill in the security form.

Please note that 'ethics' does not apply to this topic. However, if the SEP submissions blocks the application by indicating an error after fulfilling part A (which also includes ethics questionnaire by default), please answer all ethics related questions as ‘NO’ so you can submit proposals.

Two cycles of the programmes and courses should be delivered with the support of the project. The consortium can decide on the length (1, 2 or 3 years) and the starting date of the programmes. Ideally both cycles should be delivered within the lifetime of the project. If not possible due to their length or accreditation process, then at least one cycle should be finalised before the end of the project, another cycle should start before the end of the project. The proposal should mention clear timetable for both cycles.

Organisations that already received funding from DIGITAL Europe Programme for a different activities can apply to his call. However, they will have to explain how this funding is complementary to the activities already carried out and what the added value of the new project proposed for funding is.

At the moment, October 2022, entities from the 27 EU Member States, as well as from Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Ukraine are eligible to the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF call and receive funding. Associations agreement are still being negotiated, so we advise to consult regularly at the link: associated countries) or countries which are in ongoing negotiations for an association agreement and where the agreement enters into force before grant signaturePDF.

The list in the link is subject to periodical updates. Please note that currently Ukraine is eligible for funding.

Entities from other countries can participate in the consortia but can not receive funding.

As explained in the call text, the consortium shall include a research and excellence centre and demonstrates in the proposal the relevance of this centre, even from a large company, by referring to the points below such as, but not limited to:- The organisation has filed patent applications in the areas identified within thescope of this call (section 2);- The organisation has papers accepted in conferences and published in scientificjournals on the above mentioned areas;- The organisation participated in relevant national or EU funded projects(H2020, etc.)

Consortium must be composed of at least 3 degree-awarding institutions from 3 different Member States, 2 SMEs and one research/excellence centers as per 'Consortium composition' section of the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF. Other partners, such as National Coalitions for Digital Skills & Jobs, are also encouraged to join the consortium. The proposal will then need to explain their added value and their role in the project design and implementation.

Consortia must ensure that at least 150 students from the EU and eligible countries are trained each year across the consortium as explained in the scope 'scope' section (p. 9 of the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF call).This can include short-term courses and standalone modules.

Non-EU students are therefore not considered but can still enroll in these programmes in addition to the students from EU and eligible countries.

As explained in the scope section of the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF call text, consortia need to deliver at least one education programme (bachelor or master) and should develop self-standing modules (online or in-person) leading to a certification.

Non-accredited courses alone are not eligible.

As explained in the 'scope' section of the call text ofDIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF, the primary objective of this call is to support the design and delivery of higher education programme(s), such as bachelor’s and master’s (at ISCED LEVEL 6,7 or equivalent). Only creating self-standing modules/courses (online or in-person) leading to a certification is not a sufficient activity and shall only come on top of designing and delivering the complete education programme.

Higher Education Institutions as members of an European Universities Allianceas defined here are encouraged to apply and form consortium with the additional partners as required by the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03 call documentPDF (i.e. SMEs and excellence centres in digital).

The regulatory framework for this programme is the Regulation 2018/1046 EU financial regulation. The Model Grant Agreement and the EU Grants AGAPDF — Annotated Grant Agreement also includes information related to financial aspects of this programme.

The actions from the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03 call are separated from the funding opportunities for the European Digital Innovation Hubs. (EDIH)Digital Innovation Hub can be part of the consortia applying to the skills calls, provided that the actions do not overlap with the ones carried out in the context of the EDIH call and that the organisation has the capacity to carry out all actions. In addition, industry and business partners are encouraged to take part in the consortium composition, although not as a requirement.

The programme(s) should include research activities, training on the job, challenged-based projects and leave flexibility to students to pursue their specific interests. The delivery methods need to be decided by the members of the consortia.

Education institutions that already have an education programme(s) in place in the area addressed by the action can be part of the consortium but they will need to demonstrate how their proramme on offer has improved due to their participation in the consortium as per DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF, section 2 - Targeted Stakeholders. The added value to the existing programme should clearly be explained.

It is up to the applicants to decide how/if students will be supported. This can take the form of scholarships, which can be financed by the project. Financial support to third parties must be up to 20% of the total budget as per section 2, scope of the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03 call textPDF. This support should also aim to promote diversity in terms of gender, age, social and economic background etc.

The consortium should include a research / excellence centre and demonstrates in the proposal the relevance of this centre by referring to the points below such as, but not limited to:

• The organisation has filed patent applications in the areas identified within the scope of this call (section 2);
• The organisation has papers accepted in conferences and published in scientific journals on the above mentioned areas;
• The organisation participated in relevant national or EU funded projects (H2020, etc.)

Yes. The 150 objective of students trained also include students from associated countries to the DIGITAL Europe Programme as explained p. 9 of the call text DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF.

As explained in the 'Operational capacity' section of the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03 call textPDF(p. 19), applicants must have the know-how, qualifications and resources to successfully implement the projects and contribute their share (including sufficient experience in projects of comparable size and nature). They do not have have to demonstrate that they have collaborated together before.

For the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03-SPECIALISEDPDF, proposals must be submitted by a consortium of at least 6 applicants (beneficiaries; not affiliated entities) and which complies with the following conditions:

• At least three degree-awarding education institutions from three different
• eligible countries participating in DIGITAL programme;
• At least two SMEs;
• At least one research centres or excellence centre in one key emerging technology in line with the definition in Targeted Stakeholders section.

Other partners can join the consortium and bring their specific expertise.

Yes, provided that its added value in the consortium is explained and that the mimum conditions for consortium requirement as per section 6 - consortium composition - of the call text DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF are respected.

Yes. The programme can enroll students from third countries as well. Consortia must ensure that at least 150 students from the EU and eligible countries are trained each year across the consortium as explained in the scope 'scope' section (p. 9 of the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03 callPDF). This can include short-term courses and standalone modules.

To find potential interested partners for the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF call, we invite you to join the 'Partner for DIGITAL Skills Networking Group' on the Digital Skills & Jobs Platform as well as to announce your interest in the 'Partner search announcements' in the Funding & Tender Portal.

The consortium must include at least three degree-awarding education institutions from three different eligible countries participating in DIGITAL Europe programme as specified in the 'consortium composition' section of the call text of DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF.

Universities can decide whether the result is a single, double or joint degree. In any case, partnerships need to show a high degree of integration and be sustainable over time, as per the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF scope text.

Third countries are not eligible for EU funding under the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF call. However, if necessary for the action, they may be included as Associated Partners (AP) and subcontractors (no funding principle applies).

As explained in the scope section of the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03 call textPDF, consortia need to deliver at least one education programme (bachelor or master) and to develop self-standing modules (online or in-person) leading to a certification.

Consortium must be composed of at least 3 degreee-awarding institutions from 3 different Member States, 2 SMEs and one research/excellence centers as per 'Consortium composition' section of the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF. Other partners, such as associations representing SMEs, are also encouraged to join the consortium.

The proposal will then need to explain their added value and their role in the project design and implementation.

As explained in the scope section p. 7 of the call text DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF, it is up to the consortium members to decide how they want to deliver the teaching. The modalities of delivering the decree (e.g. single or joint degrees) is left to the consortium, provided that they all result in a certification released by the higher education institution(s).

In the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-0PDF3 call, the personnel costs of the third parties are calculated in the same way as the personnel costs for the beneficiary (ie personnel costs + overheads). Please note that “in kind contributions are free of charge” and are not eligible costs under DEP as explained under the section 9.2 'Third parties giving in kind contributions to the action' of the EU Grants AGA — Annotated Grant Agreement.PDF

Upgrading digital solutions, equipment and infrastucre, with a special focus on interoperability of IT systems is one of the key objectives of the call as specified in the OBJECTIVE 3 p.10 of the call text DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF. In its application, it is important to explain how the project will explore the innovative use of digital tools and solutions to support the functioning of the education programme(s).

As explained in the 'objective' section of the call DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF, training institutions need to raise their level of ambition by attracting top teaching staff and the applicants will have to explain what incentives, including professorships, will be provided to attract highly qualified and renowned teaching and research staff (including from third countries) to contribute to the delivery of the programme.

The co-financing needs to be provided by the beneciary and it is up to the beneficiary to decide upon the source of this co-financing.

There is no synergy between those calls, however there can be complementarities between them. Please note that double funding is NOT allowed. If there is complementarity created between two programmes then different activities with different target groups under each call may be funded. It is highly recommended that the complementarity and compliance with no double funding principle is clearly explained and proven in the proposal in such cases.

Under the call DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF, the overhead refers to 7 percent indirect costs across all cost categories.

As explained under the Budget categories and cost eligibility rules section of the call document, travel and subsistence falls under the C. purchase cost. However, the use of units costs for travel needs to follow the framework set in the Commission Decision of 12 January 2021 authorising the use of unit costs for travel, accommodation and subsistence costs under an action or work programme under the 2021-2027 multi-annual financial framework (C(2021)35PDF). Our services will evaluate in detail the proposed estimated total costs at the time of the evaluation and/or in case your project will be retained for funding, at the time of grant signature. We also invite you to read the call document on the Funding & Tenders Portal Topic page carefully, and in particular the Model Grant Agreement, the EU Funding & Tenders Portal Online ManualPDF and the EU Grants AGA — Annotated Grant AgreementPDF.

The list concerning the interdisciplinary programmes, targeting the acquisition of advanced digital sectors in specific sectors in the 'Scope' section of the callDIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF is indicative and therefore not exhaustive. As long as complied with the requirements of the call, other more traditional sectors such as defence could be included.

Any relevant stakeholder that provide the relevant knowledge and expertise to design and deliver excellent programmes and modules to train either ICT specialist or users of advanced digital technologies in a given sector can be included in the consortium.

Interdisciplinary programmes target the acquisition of advanced digital skills in non-ICT sectors, such as those listed in the call text of DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03. The digital content of these programmes need to be clearly specified, in particular how the acquisition of the advanced digital skills taught in the programme will help students to deploy and use technologies in an empowered way in their work.

Two cycles of the programmes and courses should be delivered with the support of the project. Ideally both cycles should be delivered within the lifetime of the project. If not possible due to accreditation, then at least one cycle should be finalised before the end of the project, another cycle should start before the end of the project. The proposal should clearly indicate how many cycles will be delivered.

Consortia must ensure that at least 150 students from the EU and eligible countries are trained each year (p. 9 of the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03 callPDF).This can also include short-term courses and stand-alone modules (online or in person).

Applicants will have to describe the details of the awarded degree(s) (e.g. single, double or joint degree) and the type of certification awarded for life-long learning courses/modules as specified in the call text 'OBJECTIVE 1' in the scope section p. 9 of the call text DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03.PDF

Studies do not have to be free. However, DIGITAL opportunities need to be widely accessible to all. Applicants should explain how students will be financially supported if they will be supported, as explained in the 'scope' section, p.9 of the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03 call textPDF. This support can take the form of financial support to third parties up to 20% of the EU grant amount.

Consortia must ensure that at least 150 students from the EU and associated countries are trained each year (p. 9 of the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03 callPDF). This can also include short-term courses and standalone modules.

Mobility of students is not mandatory. However, as explained in the scope section, p.9 of the call text DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF, 'objective 2' encourages applicants to consider actions to encourage the mobility of the teaching staff across the institutions that are part of the consortia in particular between the business representatives and academia, and a mechanism for student mobility between European universities, research centres and industry should be designed as a part of the study programme in synergy and coordination with other mobility programmes (Erasmus+ etc.) to support awareness and collaboration across communities.

Yes. As long as the education programme will equip these students with advanced digital skills, this can be considered for theDIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF call.

There is not a list of excluded topics. Some technological areas are prioritarised as listed in the call text p. 7 DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF and some more traditional sectors are also mentioned. However, the list of more traditional sectors is non-exhaustive and non-priority. Other domains could also be covered.

The list of priority areas in the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF call to be targeted by the education programmes is not exhaustive, programmes focusing on other technologies, such as HPC will also be eligible. All programmes need to demonstrate how they will address a labour market need and equip students with digital skills needed in the economy.

"Number of job-placements/internships carried out by the students" is one of the KPIs to measure outcomes and deliverables as per call text p. 11 DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF. Therefore, partners are encouraged to offer interships to students.

European Digital Innovation Hubs refered to in the 'KPIs to measure outcomes and deliverables' of the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03 call, are one-stop shops supporting companies to respond to digital challenges and become more competitive.

You can find more information about these structures here: digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu

Short-term training courses could be supported only as an additional action, provided that the the primary objective of this call, i.e. to support the design and delivery of higher education programme(s), such as bachelor’s and master’s (at ISCED LEVEL 6,7 or equivalent) is fulfilled. Programmes and modules/courses should be delivered for at least two cycles as explained in the 'scope' section of the call text of DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03.PDF

No. As explained in the 'scope' section of the call text of DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF, the learning programmes shall alternatively focus on: 1) Digital technologies ; 2) Interdisciplinary programmes, targeting the acquisition of advanced digital skills in specific sectors; or 3) Conversion programme(s) for students graduated from non-ICT fields to access specialised Master’s programmes. Therefore, we expect people with diverse educational background (both in ICT and non) to take part to the programmes.

The funding scheme of the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03 callPDF is NOT lump-sum but it is unit cost based.

The proposed project must provide students with the necessary theoretical and practical skills and knowledge to contribute to the design, deployment and use of the current and future generation digital technologies. The programme should include research activities, training on the job, challenge-based projects and leave flexibility to students to pursue their specific interests.Applied knowledge is therefore encouraged.

Education institutions that already have an education programme(s) in place in the area addressed by the action can be part of the consortium but they will need to demonstrate how their programme has improved as a result of their participation in the consortium, as per the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03PDF. It is of the utmost importance to explain the added value to the programme as a result of the funding.

Universities can decide whether the result is a single, double or joint degree. In any case, partnerships need to show a high degree of integration and be sustainable over time, as per the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03 call textPDF, section 2, scope, Partnerships and structure of the programme.

There is no minimum criteria to cover inclusive education for students with disability. However, the support given to students should also aim to promote diversity in terms of gender, age, social and economic background etc as explained in 'scope' section p.9 DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03.PDF

The co-financing principle means that the part of the costs that is not reimbursed by the grant has to be covered by the participant's own resources or a contribution from third parties. In the DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03 callPDF, there are no specific rules as to the type of resources to be covered by the participant or the contribution from the third parties and it is not a requirement to identify cash or other specific spending per item or activity.

If the 'course payment' refers to the 'fee to be paid for the course' by participants, this may be covered within the above description depending on the formulation of the detailed budget. Our services will evaluate in detail the proposed estimated total costs at the time of the evaluation and/or in case your project will be retained for funding, at the time of grant signature. We also invite you to read the call documentation on the Funding & Tenders Portal Topic page carefully, and in particular this Call Document, the Model Grant Agreement, the EU Funding & Tenders Portal Online ManualPDF and the EU Grants AGA — Annotated Grant AgreementPDF.

The maturity criterion refers to the maturity of the project, not to the stage of development of the Master's programme. The project duration allows time for both the development and delivery of the Master's programme, for a total of 48 months. The proposal however must contain all the elements requested in the callPDFdocument.

The exact starting date will be defined during the signature of the grant agreement which is expected to be around October 2023. However, as it is mentioned in the 'scope' section of DIGITAL-2022-SKILLS-03, programmes and modules/courses should be delivered for at least two cycles.