Digital Explorers | Master's in Applied Informatics + Entrepreneurial training

Digital Explorers is a global career advancement programme for young digital talents in Africa and the Western Asia region. In its second edition in Iraq, the programme aims to support young specialists kicking off their journeys in the ICT sector by offering higher education and entrepreneurship skills enhancement opportunities Lithuania.

In autumn 2025, we are aiming to select 8 young IT specialists for the opportunity to enroll in a 2-year Master's degree programme in Applied Informatics at Vytautas Magnus university in Kaunas, Lithuania, and undergo a 10-month entrepreneurship training programme.

Think you are up for the challenge? THEN APPLY TO BECOME A DIGITAL EXPLORER!

If you have been hungry for an opportunity to enhance your skills, gain valuable practical experience and train with like-minded, ambitious colleagues from all over the world - this programme is definitely for you! 

In partnership with Vytautas Magnus university (VMU), Digital Explorers offers a chance to relocate to Lithuania for advancing your IT skills in a renowned Baltic university (the programme covers half of the tuition fee) while cultivating the curiosity and skills needed for creating impact through innovation and entrepreneurship. The programme team will take care of the relocation process, fill you in on the academic and working culture in the Baltics and help you land softly and integrate quickly (accommodation costs covered by the programme). 

The second edition of the Digital Explorers - Iraq programme call for applications is open until 20th of October, 23:59h (EEST time). However, we strongly encourage you to apply as early as possible since we are processing applications on a rolling basis. 

Join the info session to learn more and get answers to any questions that you might have:

Info session | Digital Explorers | Master's in Applied Informatics + Entrepreneurial training

Tuesday, 30 September · 3:00 – 4:00pm

Time zone: Europe/Vilnius (GMT+3)

Registration: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/B-VKmRItSISFcIgNq-tAUA

Application steps:

1. Filling in the application form, uploading an introductory video and the required documents (September-October 2025).
2. One-on-one interview with the Digital Explorers team (for longlisted candidates) (October 2025).
3. Applying through the official VMU system (for up to 15 shortlisted candidates) (November 2025-January 2026).
4. The 8 best-evaluated candidates will become Digital Explorers and have the opportunity to travel to Lithuania for pursuing their Master's degree while also partaking in an entrepreneurship training programme (beginning of academic year - last week of August, 2026).

After being accepted to VMU, the team will immediately start preparing for the relocation process (all fees covered by the project team).

Migration process overview and timeline (subject to processing times by responsible migration authorities):

1) Gathering and legalizing the required documents (January-March 2026).

2) Travelling to a VFS Global center (outside of Iraq) for migration document and biometric data submission (March-April 2026).

3) Waiting for the application to be assessed and confirmed (April-July 2026).

4) Travelling to the VFS Global center again to collect the temporary residence permit (TRP) and from there - heading to Lithuania (August 2026).

***IMPORTANT*** Please make sure you fully complete the application form. Applications that are not thoroughly completed will not be considered.

We also advise you against using ChatGPT or other AI tools for generating answers to open-ended questions, as blatant use of them might negatively impact the final assessment of your application.

You should apply to become a Digital Explorer, if...

• You are an Iraqi citizen currently residing in Iraq or Iraqi Kurdistan.
• You are between the ages 18-29 (for male candidates) and 18-35 (for female candidates)*
• You have a Bachelor's or equivalent degree in the following fields: Informatics, Informatics Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Mathematics.
• You have a minimum 60% CGPA.
• You have excellent spoken and written English skills (at least B2 level or TOEFL 87-109 / IELTS 5,5-6,5).
• You are keen to develop entrepreneurial skills and mindset.
• You are strongly motivated to be a part of the Digital Explorers programme.
• You have the financial resources to cover 50% of the study fee (~2769 EUR/year or ~5538 EUR in total).
• You have proof of savings / financial resources (~ 7300 EUR) to show to migration authorities (in the form of bank statements / job contracts /  business documents, etc.)**

*Different age brackets are intended to ensure alignment with the project’s specific needs and objectives.

**Migration requirement. An applicant must show proof they have enough income to cover living costs for at least their first year in Lithuania (~7300 EUR). The source of income may be attributed to the applicant or their family member(s) (e.g. their parent(s)).

Please also note, as you move along the selection process, you will need to have an international passport which is valid at least until January 2028.

• Gain a Master's degree in Applied Informatics from a renowned Lithuanian university.
• Participate in training tailored to industry needs and led by Iraqi and Lithuanian experts in entrepreneurship.
• Be a part of a highly motivated group of people ready to challenge themselves, gain new experiences, grow professionally and personally together.
• Expand your professional network both in your home country and internationally and open yourself up to new, unexpected connections and opportunities.
• Get the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience that will advance your career to the next level.
• Receive support from the programme team throughout your whole journey - be it relocating, soft landing in a new country, finding a workplace (Master's degree students are allowed to work full time in Lithuania) or other new opportunities.
• Be a part of a project that facilitates unique connections between unexpected parts of the world and become a true ambassador of Digital Explorers and your home ICT ecosystem.

What the programme covers:

• University application fee (150 EUR) and English level test expenses (if necessary).
• Fully covered relocation costs: residence permit application and processing, organizing necessary visits to visa centers outside the country for document submission, the temporary residence permit fee, flight tickets.
• Dormitory expenses for your first year in Lithuania.
• Health insurance expenses for your first year in Lithuania.

What the programme partially covers:

• Tuition fee: we will provide a 50% discount for project participants (tuition fee after discount is ~2769 EUR / year).

What the programme does not cover:

• Daily living expenses in Lithuania (food, transport, leisure)**

**The project team will help you in search of a workplace in Lithuania, however you should have some personal funds for everyday expenses for at least the first 6 months (~500 EUR/month).

Useful sources:

Applied Informatics study programme at VMU

Costs of living in Lithuania

Digital Explorers LinkedIn page

Digital Explorers website

If you have any questions about the programme, feel free to contact us at: ausrine@osmos.lt