Academic Calendar and Mobility Transitions
The academic calendars of the four partner universities are closely aligned, with the academic year generally beginning in late September or early October.
According to the planned programme arrangements:

• CAU, UNIBS and UMLP begin their first semester in September.

• Aston University begins its first semester in October.

Differences between institutional academic calendars will be addressed through coordinated academic arrangements.
Where transitions create short scheduling gaps, independent study assignments may be used. Where academic schedules overlap, examination arrangements will be coordinated to support students' progression to their next host university.
Detailed academic calendars, examination periods and mobility timelines will be communicated through the relevant programme and university documentation.

Academic Recognition and Credit Transfer
Although students complete their studies at two different universities, their academic achievements form part of one integrated SMARTLight programme.
SMARTLight will use the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) as its common framework for academic credit recognition.
The programme comprises 120 ECTS in total, corresponding to 30 ECTS per semester.
Aston University operates under the UK credit system, with credits aligned to ECTS through the agreed conversion of two UK credits to one ECTS.
The partner universities will apply mutually agreed arrangements for recognising learning outcomes, credits and grades achieved during mobility, subject to applicable institutional and national regulations.
Individual learning agreements will define students' study pathways, while academic progress and credit accumulation will be monitored across the programme.
On successful completion, students will receive two national Master's diplomas, accompanied by a Diploma Supplement documenting their academic achievements and mobility pathway.
Student Support Throughout Your Mobility Journey
SMARTLight plans to provide coordinated academic and administrative support throughout the student journey, from admission and preparation for travel to studies at each partner university.
Support will be organised through a central programme helpdesk and relevant services at the host institutions.

Before Arrival
Students will receive coordinated information to help them prepare for their studies, including guidance on:

• Visa and immigration procedures

• Travel planning

• Accommodation options

• University registration requirements

• Important academic and administrative timelines

The programme team and designated contacts at the entry university will assist students with enquiries and direct them to the relevant institutional services.

University Induction and Orientation
Upon arrival, students will receive induction and orientation at their host university.
This will include guidance on university facilities and services such as libraries, IT systems, campus access, laboratories and applicable safety requirements.

Support When Changing Universities
The programme team will coordinate transitions between the first and second host universities, including relevant administrative milestones, academic records and credit recognition arrangements.
Students will receive guidance to help them prepare for their next study period.

Language and Cultural Integration
English will be the language of instruction throughout the SMARTLight programme.
Students will also be supported in accessing local language learning opportunities in German, French and Italian to facilitate cultural integration and everyday life during mobility.
Integration activities and engagement with university communities will form part of the planned student experience.

Academic Support and Wellbeing
SMARTLight plans to provide academic guidance, access to learning resources, progress monitoring and structured Master's thesis supervision.
Students will also be able to access relevant host-university support services, including wellbeing and counselling services, disability and inclusion support, and established reporting procedures.

Health and Travel Insurance
SMARTLight plans to provide a two-year insurance package covering health, travel and stay-related risks for both scholarship holders and self-funded students.
Details of the insurance policy, including coverage and applicable conditions, will be made available through the SMARTLight programme portal.

Industry Engagement and Research Opportunities
SMARTLight aims to connect academic learning with professional practice and research relevant to future photonics and telecommunications technologies.
The programme plans to facilitate industry engagement through seminars, workshops, research activities and potential internship opportunities.
During the Master's thesis, students will be encouraged to explore research collaboration with associated industrial partners.
Depending on the chosen mobility pathway, students' academic interests and available opportunities, this may involve short visits or longer internships.
The Programme Committee will coordinate potential placements with industrial partners, considering students' motivation, skills and career aspirations alongside the expertise and facilities of participating organisations.
These activities are intended to strengthen students' practical understanding of photonics, communications and emerging 6G technologies while supporting their professional development.

Preparing for Your SMARTLight Journey
Prospective students are encouraged to review the six predefined mobility pathways carefully, considering the academic specialisations, countries of study and degrees associated with each route.
Applicants should also consider the compulsory mobility requirements, particularly the requirement to study in two countries different from their country of residence at enrolment.
Further information about admission requirements, selection procedures, scholarships, participation costs and application instructions will be provided through the relevant SMARTLight programme pages.