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Applications 2023 Are Closed

Deadline for the MDIA Pathfinder Scholarship Call 2023 was on:
Friday 28th July 2023 by not later than 13:00 (CET).

The Pathfinder MDIA Digital Scholarship grant has been specifically designed to support Artificial Intelligence and/or Information Security/Quantum Computing/ Machine Learning/Neural Networks and Robotics in Postgraduate Education and PhD Level.

It focuses on supporting individuals pursuing Master’s degrees (MQF Level 7) and PhD degrees (MQF Level 8) in these disciplines. By providing financial assistance and resources, the grant aims to ensure that these students have the necessary means to excel in their educational endeavors.

Bridging The Skills Gap To Boost The Economy

In addition to promoting academic success, the Pathfinder MDIA Digital Scholarship program also emphasizes the significance of contributing effectively to the economy.

Recognizing the growing importance of AI and information security in various industries, the program strives to produce highly skilled professionals who can meet the demands of the Maltese labor market.

By equipping individuals with the right knowledge and expertise, the program aims to bridge the skill gap and ensure that the labor market is supplied with competent individuals who can contribute to the growth and competitiveness of the country, thus playing a crucial role in shaping Malta’s position in the digital era.

Supporting Malta as a Hub for Cutting-Edge Technology

The Pathfinder MDIA Digital Scholarship program aims to position Malta at a better standing on the international stage. By nurturing and supporting postgraduate students in AI and information security, the program aims to enhance Malta’s reputation as a hub for cutting-edge technology and innovation.

The program recognizes the importance of global competition and aims to equip Maltese individuals with the skills and capabilities required to compete at an international level. This not only benefits the individuals themselves but also strengthens the overall competitiveness of the Maltese workforce and economy.

Pathfinder Scholarships Call 2021

Funding for 2021 Pathfinder Scholarships Call

Funding for this scheme was through the National AI Strategy fund amounting to €100,000 whereby each student is entitled to maximum of €10,000 over the duration of their course.

A further €20,000 were confirmed for the Pathfinder MDIA Digital Scholarship to provide funding to all the students that passed the scholarship selection criteria.

The total funding for the Pathfinder MDIA Digital Scholarship allocated was at €120,000.

 

Applications Received

For this call, from a total of twenty-three (23) applicants, thirteen (13) applicants were awarded a scholarship by MDIA.

  • 11 applicants are pursuing a course at a master’s degree (MQF Level 7);
  • 2 applicants are pursuing a course at doctorate level (MQF Level 8).

MQF Level Applied For

The majority of the applicants applied for a master’s degree in Artificial intelligence, followed by a master’s degree in data science, technology and innovation.

Courses Applied For

Applicants ranged from diverse sectors of studies such as:

  • Digital Games;
  • Health;
  • Computer Engineering;
  • Robotics.
Pathfinder Scholarships Call 2022

Funding for 2022 Pathfinder Scholarships Call

Funding for this scheme was through the National AI Strategy fund amounting to €100,000 whereby each student is entitled to maximum of €10,000 over the duration of their course.

Applications Received

The number of students selected for the scholarship amounted to 7 applicants however on 28/11/22 MDIA was informed that 1 applicant had withdrawn his application from the scholarship adding the total amount of applicants to six (6).
  • University of Malta (5)
  • University of Amsterdam (1)

Educational Institutions

The majority of the applicants applied for a master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence.

Courses Applied by the Awarded Applicants

UM Scholarships 1st Call 2022

UM Scholarships 1st call 2022

MDIA had provided funding of €50,000.00 to University of Malta to provide scholarships to students focusing on their studies related to artificial intelligence. The scholarships forming part of this scheme support students to read for a master’s degree or doctoral degree which focuses on Artificial Intelligence offered at the university of Malta.

For the 1st call of this scholarship, a total of nine (9) applicants were awarded

The majority of the students chose a master’s degree in Information Technology.

The courses applied for during the 1st Call of the UM Scholarship are:

  • Master’s degree in Information and Communications Technology (5);
  • Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence (3);
  • Doctoral degree in Artificial Intelligence (1).

Courses Applied For

UM Scholarships 2nd Call 2022

UM Scholarships 2nd Call 2022

MDIA added an additional €50,000.00 of funding to University of Malta, to provide scholarships to students focusing on their studies related to artificial intelligence. The scholarships forming part of this scheme support students to read for a master’s degree or doctoral degree which focuses on Artificial Intelligence offered at the University of Malta.

In total, €100,000 was granted to UM by the MDIA for the funding of scholarships.

 

For the second call of this scholarship, a total of four (4) applicants have been awarded the scholarship.

  • Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence (3);
  • Master’s degree in Information and Communications Technology (1).

Courses Applied For