DigiQ Exchange Program

This is an open call organised through the DigiQ: Digitally Enhanced European Quantum Technology Master project; Grant Agreement No: 101084035; topic:DIGITAL-2021-SKILLS-01-SPECIALISED - Specialised education programmes in key capacity areas. Students can apply for financial support throughout the year to take part in the DigiQ Exchange Program until the end of the programme on 30th September 2026 when all internships must be completed. The maximum amount of funding available across the entire consortium is €200,000 with funding being provided by the students' home, host or other DigiQ partner*).

Available Funding for exchanges:

The maximum eligible costs of financial support depends on the country of the host institution in case of in person participation, and it depends on the country of the home institution in case of virtual participation:

1. Up to €900 per month for group 1 countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Sweden, United Kingdom, Liechtenstein, Norway)
2. Up to €800 per month for group 2 countries (Austria, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Cyprus, Netherlands, Malta, Portugal)
3. Up to €700 for group 3 countries (Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia Slovakia, Slovenia, former Yugloslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey)

Additional considerations for exchanges:

1. Disadvantaged students receive an additional €120 per month on top of the monthly stipend above
2. If students already receive financial support by other programs or organisations, they can receive a top-up up to €100 above the maximum rate of the country of the host institution
3. In case of virtual participation in the internship program the financial support is €150 less than the rate of the country of the home institution

The maximum funding available for a student is €6,120 and a maximum of 55 exchanges/students will be supported.

For mobility support, institutional mobility is required, i.e. the home and host institutions must be different. Additionally, there are different types of mobility support depending on whether you need to move to take part in the program (Living vs. Non-Living mobility).

1. Non-living mobility payment: in case you do not need to move to a new address in order to attend the program (around €300 monthly)
2. Living mobility payment: in case you do need to move to a new address in order to attend the program (payment up to regional maximum either as stipend or refund)

In order to receive funding, students must be enrolled in a relevant Master Degree Programme and be part of a DigiQ network, be committed to joining a DigiQ network at the next possible date, or a recent graduate with a certification from a DigiQ network. Applications will be evaluated based on the student’s activity in the DigiQ environment as well as the student’s academic performance in- and outside of the DigiQ Environment.

The DQ-Exchange program will run year-round and enables students to either undertake exchange semesters at partner institutions or have access to thesis projects from partner universities.

How to apply:

Exchange opportunities are available flexibly on a case-by-case basis, therefore students should contact their local DigiQ Coordinator to discuss possibilities.

When awarding internships local coordinators are expected to:

1. Form a local mobility committee that is in line with DigiQ DEI guidelines to evaluate students’ applications.
2. Locally advertise opportunities for DigiQ mobility funding in line with guidelines on DigiQ track. Refer to DigiQ track for detailed information for students.
3. Identify potential funding sources (either the home, host or another institution in the DigiQ consortium)
4. Local mobility committee funding decisions must notify the WP4 Leader before being final.

Documentation required:

1. Motivation letter stating the value of the exchange for themselves and for the network (justification for funding)
2. CV
3. Course plan + Learning Agreement
4. Please check the information on the host institution for specific additionally required documents and information with the local coordinator.

Selection Process

Selection will be based on merit according to the candidates' academic qualifications and research excellence, considering demonstrated output relative to the opportunities the candidate has had.

Eligibility check

The local representative will verify eligibility.

1. Is the student enrolled in a DigiQ network? Y/N
2. Is the host institution a DigiQ Partner? Y/N
3. Is funding available from the home institution? Y/N
4. Is funding available from the host institution? Y/N

Selection

Selection will be carried out by the Mobility Panel (after the ramp-up phase) or the WP leader (during the ramp-up phase).

Candidates will be evaluated based on the candidate's submitted documentation. Evaluation criteria are:

Academic Performance

1. Grades (total 3 points)
2. Motivation letter & Course Plan / Learning Agreement (total 3 points)

i. Clear motivation and research interests (2 points)

ii. Match with chosen network event (1 point)

CV (total 3 points)

i. Prizes, awards, fellowships (1 point)

ii. Previous research experience (1 point)

iii. Publications / other outstanding features of CV )1 point)

Background and Experience (total 3 points)

Candidate has sufficient background / training for attending network event; take into account statement of support.

Learning Potential & Community Service (total 3 points)

Candidate demonstrates potential for leadership and / or experience in leadership roles, including supervision of students, and / or has a record of impact on the scientific community (e.g. in student chapters, outreach activities etc.)

For all criteria, the excellence and output of the candidate should be evaluated relative to their experience and the opportunities the candidate has had relative to other candidates. In assessing this, the selection committee may take into account factors such as gender, disability, educational opportunities, socio-economic background, refugee status, etc.

Mobility Guidelines to ensure Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (copied from DEI general guidelines)

In instances where mobility committees or similar official bodies are involved in the process of selecting students for participating in the DigiQ internship and exchange program as well as in network activities, we recommend following our guidelines encompassing structure, gender representation, delineation of responsibilities and roles among mobility committee members, inclusive of decision-making protocols, communication procedures, and avenues for appeals. Mobility panel also follows these guidelines.

1. All Mobility Committees should actively aim to have equal gender representation (e.g. at least 40% men, 40% women, and 20% of any gender). This means that a mobility committee should consist of at least two members who have an equal representation of men and women.
2. All Mobility Committees should actively and repeatedly seek to encourage students from underrepresented gender with the aim to have an equal gender representation (e.g. at least 40% men, 40% women, and 20% of any gender). This includes advertisements of mobility opportunities that are only available to students of underrepresented gender, students with disadvantages, students with career breaks, changes of fields, parental leave, caregiving (e.g. child care, disability care etc.) responsibility, breaks (or variations) in the chronological order of CVs. 20% of the mobility funding needs to be reserved for under-represented groups. Only if sufficient effort has been made (decided by the mobility panel), these 20% of funds can be given to any DigiQ student.
3. The mobility committee should comprise members from diverse backgrounds, mobility experiences, and perspectives to promote a broad range of viewpoints and minimize bias. Involve people of different cultures/nationalities and different professional and disciplinary expertise.
4. All members of mobility committees should have equal voting/grading rights
5. Ensure that members are familiar with local policies and recognition of academic achievements from other institutions, conflict of interest, and discrimination.
6. Designate an experienced chair who can lead the committee effectively and foster cooperation among members.
7. Use physical or digital tools to document proceedings thoroughly during discussions, interviews, and deliberations to ensure accuracy and transparency.
8. Thoroughly report to the DigiQ Executive Board on practices to assign mobility funding and incorporation of DEI guidelines.

The Workpackage 4 Leader will be informed about all successful applications by partner local representatives who are responsible for managing the process at their organisation.

We are committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, ensures equity, and promotes inclusivity for all. At DigiQ, we aim to provide equal opportunities and accessibility to everyone, regardless of their background, identity, or abilities. Every effort will be made to ensure that as many students as possible can participate.

*Funding will be provided by the following DigiQ Partners: Aarhus University, Fundacio Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, Ceske Vysoke Uceni Technice V Praze, Københavns Universitet, Ruprecht-Karls Universitaet Heidelberg, Universite Paris-Saclay, Ecole Normale Superieure, Universitat de Barcelona, Rheinisch-Wesfaelische Technische Hochschule Aachen, Universitite de Strasbourg, Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona, Sorbonne Universite, Deloitte Technology De Troyes, Instituto Superior Tecnico

Information regarding our diversity, equity and inclusion policies can be found in the following documents:

1. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion guidelines
2. Inclusive Communications guidelines
3. Selection guidelines

Further details about the exchanges can be found at https://www.digiq.eu/mobility?network=GIEIP