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Pathfinder Digital Scholarship

Supporting Artificial Intelligence and/or Digital Trust and/or Knowledge and Data Representation and Analysis and/or Technology for Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and/ or Quantum Computing and Other Emerging Technologies in Postgraduate Education and PhD Level.

The Pathfinder MDIA Digital Scholarship is intended to support postgraduate education in the fields of Artificial Intelligence and/or Digital Trust and/or Knowledge and Data Representation and Analysis and/or Technology for Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and/ or Quantum Computing and Other Emerging Technologies to ensure that the Maltese labour market is supplied with individuals having the necessary skills and to guarantee that it is in a better position to compete at an international 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 program aims to ensure that these students have the necessary means to excel in their educational endeavours.

Applications for 2024 are Closed

Deadline for the MDIA Pathfinder Scholarship Call 2024 was on:

Friday 26th July 2024 by not later than 13:00 (CET).

Bridging the skills gap to boost the economy

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

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

By equipping individuals with the right knowledge and expertise, the programme aims to bridge the skills gap and ensure that the labour 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 programme aims to position Malta at a better standing on the international stage. By nurturing and supporting postgraduate students in AI and information security, the programme aims to enhance Malta’s reputation as a hub for cutting-edge technology and innovation.

The programme recognises 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.

Empowering Academic Success with Financial Support

Beyond its focus on education, the programme provides significant financial support for eligible applicants. Postgraduate students are eligible to receive up to €10,000, while PhD candidates may receive as much as €15,000. This funding is intended to alleviate financial burdens during participants’ studies and research, empowering them to gain the expertise needed to address Malta’s skills gap.

Guidelines

Master’s Application

PhD Application

Scholarships

Take a look at our scholarships from 2021 to 2022

Funding for 2021 Pathfinder Scholarships Call

Funding for this scheme was through the National AI Strategy fund amounting to €100,000, whereby each student was entitled to a 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 students who passed the scholarship selection criteria.

The total allocated funding for the Pathfinder MDIA Digital Scholarship was €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).

The majority of applicants applied for a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, followed by a Master’s degree in Data Science, Technology and Innovation.