The EUMaster4HPC programme has entered a new phase, with the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) launching the next stage of its pan-European Master of Science (MSc) initiative dedicated to high-performance computing (HPC).
Backed by almost €10m in funding over six years, the programme aims to equip several hundred students with the advanced technical skills needed to support Europe’s growing demand for HPC specialists.
The initiative also expands its focus to include artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing, reflecting the evolving needs of industry and research.
Applications for the next intake are now open until 15 August 2026, offering graduates the opportunity to study across multiple European countries while gaining practical experience at leading supercomputing centres and industrial organisations.
Building Europe’s HPC workforce
The EUMaster4HPC programme is the first Master’s degree designed specifically to deliver a coordinated, pan-European education in high-performance computing.
Supported by EuroHPC JU, it brings together universities, research institutions, supercomputing centres and industry partners to develop the next generation of specialists capable of supporting Europe’s digital transformation.
As HPC becomes increasingly important for scientific research, engineering, industrial innovation and emerging technologies, the programme is intended to strengthen Europe’s technological competitiveness while helping address a growing shortage of highly skilled professionals.
Graduates will develop expertise in operating and scaling HPC systems while gaining knowledge that increasingly overlaps with AI and quantum computing, two areas expected to drive future advances in computational science.
International collaboration across Europe
The latest phase of the programme will be coordinated by the University of Luxembourg, working alongside eight other awarding universities from across Europe.
Participating institutions include:
- Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
- Politecnico di Milano
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
- Sorbonne University
- Sofia University
- AGH University of Krakow
- VSB – Technical University of Ostrava
- Freie Universität Berlin
These universities are supported by an additional 13 participating higher education institutions, together with leading European supercomputing centres and industrial partners.
The broad collaboration is designed to give students access to advanced computing infrastructure while exposing them to real-world research and commercial applications.
Combining academic study with practical experience
Students enrolled on EUMaster4HPC will complete up to 120 ECTS credits over the course of the programme, combining classroom learning with practical placements and industry engagement.
A defining feature of the degree is its emphasis on international mobility. Participants are required to study in at least two different European countries, encouraging cross-border collaboration while exposing students to different research environments and HPC ecosystems.
Internships, industry-led workshops and close collaboration with technology partners are also integrated into the curriculum, helping graduates develop practical skills alongside academic knowledge and improving their readiness for employment.
Supporting Europe’s future in AI and quantum computing
The programme is closely linked with the EuroHPC Virtual Academy (EVITA), enabling participating institutions to share educational resources and strengthen collaboration across Europe’s HPC community.
It also works alongside the European Technology Platform for High-Performance Computing (ETP4HPC) to ensure the curriculum remains aligned with industry priorities and evolving workforce requirements.
Beyond technical training, the initiative includes continuous curriculum reviews, graduate tracking and quality assurance processes designed to keep the programme relevant as computing technologies evolve.
The consortium has also committed to improving diversity within the HPC sector by introducing measures aimed at increasing female participation and creating a more inclusive learning environment.
By combining academic excellence, international collaboration and direct industry involvement, EUMaster4HPC is intended to help build a new generation of specialists capable of supporting Europe’s ambitions in high-performance computing, AI and quantum technologies while strengthening the continent’s long-term digital sovereignty.
