Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship in Data Engineering and Artificial Intelligence (DEAI) 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
If you are an ambitious student passionate about data engineering and artificial intelligence, then great news: applications are now open for the 2026 intake of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Data Engineering and Artificial Intelligence (DEAI). This fully‑funded, high-caliber program brings together top European institutions to train the next generation of data and AI leaders.
🎓 DEAI Scholarship Summary
Location: Europe (mobility across several countries)
Host Institutions: Université Libre de Bruxelles (Belgium); Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (Spain); Technische Universität Wien (Austria); Università degli Studi di Padova (Italy); Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (France)
Study Level: Master’s (Joint / Erasmus Mundus)
Study Areas: Data Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Data Analytics, Knowledge-driven Data Management, Financial Data Science, Heterogeneous Systems Intelligence
Awarded Degree: Joint Master's degree (multiple national master’s degrees from at least two participating universities)
Target Group: Bachelor’s graduates (or final-year students) in Computer Science, Mathematics, or related fields (≥ 180 ECTS), with strong analytical and programming skills
Funding: Erasmus Mundus scholarship covering full tuition + a monthly allowance up to €1,400 for 24 months
Programme Duration: 2 years (4 semesters, 120 ECTS)
Application Deadline: 13 January 2026 for non-EU scholarship applicants
Eligible To: Students from all nationalities (EU / non-EU)
📚 Programme Overview
The DEAI programme is designed to immerse students in a rich network of AI and data engineering researchers, academia, and industry partners. The consortium includes five leading European universities: ULB, UPC, TU Wien, UniPD, and UCBL.
🧩 Curriculum & Structure
Semester 1 (Foundations I):
Held at ULB (Belgium)
Focus on fundamentals: data management, data structures, basic AI, statistical foundations, and bridging gaps among students’ backgrounds.
Semester 2 (Foundations II):
At UPC (Spain)
Builds on first semester; more depth in data analytics, advanced algorithms, machine learning, data engineering techniques.
Summer Activities:
European Business Intelligence Summer School (eBISS): hosted by one of the partner or associated institutions.
Summer of Code: distributed across partners — real-world, large-scale innovation and project-based experience.
Semester 3 (Specialization): Students choose one of three tracks:
Knowledge‑Driven Data Management & Intelligence at TU Wien (Austria)
Business, Economics & Financial Data Science at UniPD (Italy)
Data & Intelligence for Heterogeneous Systems at UCBL (France)
Semester 4 (Master’s Thesis):
Conducted at any of the consortium's universities or with associated industry / research partners.
Students may do research in labs, internships, or industry-based projects.
Culminates in thesis defense and a graduation ceremony.
Final Event: Thesis defense and graduation, with recognition by partner institutions.
Mobility is a core part of the program: students are required to physically study in at least two different countries among the partner institutions.
📙 Participating Universities
Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Spain
Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien), Austria
Università degli Studi di Padova (UniPD), Italy
Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (UCBL), France
💲Scholarship Benefits
Tuition Fees: Fully waived for Erasmus Mundus scholarship holders.
Monthly Stipend: Up to €1,400/month for the full 24 months.
Insurance & Health Coverage: Included (via the program) for scholarship students.
Travel & Installation: The scholarship also supports mobility costs (travel, visa, installation) as part of Erasmus+ benefits.
Networking & Career Opportunities: Through the summer school, summer of code, and thesis partners (industry and research), students gain access to internships, R&D, and potential PhD pathways.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the DEAI Erasmus Mundus scholarship, applicants must meet:
Academic Requirements:
A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (≥ 180 ECTS) in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field.
Strong foundation in relational databases, algorithms & data structures, probability & statistics, graph theory, set theory / logic, and programming (OOP).
English Language:
Proficiency equivalent to B2 level in the CEFR or prior studies in English.
Accredited Institution:
The undergraduate university must be recognized (e.g., listed in the International Association of Universities or in certain ranking lists) or provide proof of quality if not listed.
Mobility Requirement:
Willingness and ability to move and study in at least two different countries in the consortium.
Restrictions:
Only one Erasmus Mundus scholarship per student is permitted.
No part-time or distance study allowed; full-time, on-site attendance is required.
📝 Application Procedure
Application Period:
Opens: 21 October 2025
Deadline for scholarship applications: 13 January 2026 (for non-EU)
How to Apply:
Submit application through the DEAI official portal.
Register on their system, provide a valid email, and follow the portal’s step-by-step form.
Application Form Sections:
Personal details (name, nationality, contact, preferences for specialization, disability/special needs)
Academic qualifications: upload transcripts, diplomas, self-evaluation spreadsheet, course list, credits, and more.
References: typically 2 letters (format provided)
Work experience (if any)
Language skills: proof of English proficiency.
Attachments / Documents:
Mandatory: passport copy, academic transcripts, diploma (or proof of pending graduation), CV, motivation letter, reference letters.
Self-evaluation spreadsheet (Excel) required for academic transcript evaluation.
Optional: additional certificates, publications, awards, other relevant documents.
Submission:
After uploading all required attachments, submit the application via the online portal.
Make sure to double-check everything before final submission; incomplete applications may be rejected. (Standard in EMJM applications; see application checklist in manual.)
Selection & Notification:
The selection process is competitive; applications are reviewed by a committee from the consortium.
Final decisions typically communicated after review (timing per year may vary).
