Intelligent Chips and Systems (ICS)

With the Intelligent Chips and Systems Master’s, you will study in two different European countries — one year at an Entry university and one year at an Exit university. In your first year, you develop in-depth knowledge and practical skills in both software and hardware design to build the next generation of intelligent, energy-efficient, and connected systems., while also gaining business and innovation skills. In your second year, you deepen your expertise in microelectronics and apply your knowledge to real-world challenges through a design project that combines technology with entrepreneurship.

You will learn how to design and integrate embedded technologies that power everything from smartphones and smart appliances to autonomous vehicles and advanced robotic systems. Through a combination of core courses, specialisations, and hands-on experience, you will master modern techniques in computation, networking, and physical process integration—developing the ability to create impactful, real-world cyber-physical solutions.

If you are passionate about shaping the future of digital technologies and want to gain expertise in the systems that make our world smarter and more efficient, this programme is for you. The double-degree master’s offers a unique combination of technical depth and entrepreneurial mindset, preparing you to innovate in areas such as IoT, chip design, robotics, and edge computing. Studying across two leading European universities, you will build strong academic foundations, specialise in a field of your choice, and gain professional experience through an internship—setting you up for a successful career in high-tech industries or as an entrepreneur in the embedded systems sector.

If you have a technical background and are eager to shape the future of intelligent and connected systems, then this programme is for you. The Intelligent Chips and Systems Master’s is open to applicants with a Bachelor of Science degree—or those in their final year of study—in fields such as Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical or Communication Engineering, Information Systems, Mechatronics, or Mathematics.

Applicants should have completed at least 40 ECTS in ICT-related subjects (such as computer science, programming, or communications technology) and 20 ECTS in mathematics (including calculus, algebra, or statistics). In some cases, relevant professional experience may compensate for a lack of formal academic background—if that applies to you, be sure to highlight it in your letter of motivation.

By joining the Intelligent Chips and Systems programme, you can choose to study at two of the following universities:

• University of Bologna, Italy
• Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Hungary
• ISEN Méditerranée, France
• Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy
• Polytechnic University of Turin, Italy
• Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia
• The University of Tampere, Finland
• University of Turku, Finland
• University of Trento, Italy

During your second year, you will complete an internship as part of your master’s thesis, working directly with companies, research institutes, or innovation hubs across Europe. This hands-on experience allows you to apply your skills in real-world contexts, tackle industry-relevant challenges, and build valuable connections with future employers. Through these internships, you not only gain practical experience but also open doors to future career opportunities. The Intelligent Chips and Systems student and alumni community work at companies such as:

• Airbus
• Ericsson
• European Space Agency
• imec
• ING
• Luxoft GmbH
• Nokia
• Philips
• Fraunhofer-Institut für Offene Kommunikationssysteme FOKUS
• Zound Industries (Marshall Group AB)

Intelligent Chips and Systems graduates also decide to either launch their own startups, applying their microelectronics expertise to real-world challenges, or pursue a PhD to deepen their research and contribute to advancing the field of chips design or microelectronics.

The EIT Digital Master School is a fee-paying programme, with a range of attractive scholarships and funding options available to support students. See details on fees and funding options here.

EIT Digital has its own funding scheme that provides for three types of scholarships:

• Scholarships of Excellence - Full tuition fee waiver and monthly allowance (based on average living costs in the study country)
• Full tuition fee waiver
• Half tuition fee waiver

This funding scheme is only available to EU Member States nationals (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs) and nationals from listed EEA countries and countries associated to the Digital Europe Programme.

You apply for scholarships during the application process in the application portal.

Please note that besides the scholarships offered by EIT Digital, EU and non-EU students may also be eligible for other scholarships, grants or financial aid offered by our partner universities. Check all of our Scholarships and Additional Financing Options here.

Ready to take the next step? Find all the details on how and when to apply to the master’s programme, including deadlines, and requirements.

Learn more about the application process.