The EMMNano Erasmus Mundus Master in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology is one of Europe’s most prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) in the field of nanoscale science and engineering. This two-year, 120 ECTS international master’s programme, fully taught in English, is funded by Erasmus+ and delivered by a consortium of five leading European universities renowned for cutting-edge research in nanoscience.

The EMMNano Erasmus Mundus programme is designed for high-achieving students seeking advanced multidisciplinary training, strong research exposure, and an internationally recognised joint master’s degree in nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Project Status and Programme Overview

• Programme Status: Ongoing
• Start Date: 01 September 2020
• End Date: 30 September 2026
• Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree
• Duration: 2 years (120 ECTS)
• Language of Instruction: English

The current Erasmus+ funding cycle ensures the continued delivery of the EMMNano Erasmus Mundus programme, including competitive Erasmus Mundus scholarships for outstanding international and European students.

Universities and Countries Involved in EMMNano Erasmus Mundus

The EMMNano Erasmus Mundus Master’s is jointly offered by a strong academic consortium representing some of Europe’s most respected technical and research universities.

Partner Universities

• KU Leuven – Belgium (Coordinating Institution)
• Universitat de Barcelona – Spain
• Chalmers University of Technology – Sweden
• Université Grenoble Alpes – France
• Technische Universität Dresden – Germany

Countries Covered

Belgium, Spain, Sweden, France, Germany

What Is the EMMNano Erasmus Mundus Programme?

The EMMNano Erasmus Mundus programme offers an integrated master’s degree focused on the science, engineering, and application of materials and systems at the nanoscale. The curriculum is intentionally broad in the first year and progressively specialised in the second year, allowing students to tailor their academic trajectory to their interests and career goals.

Students begin with foundational nanoscience training at KU Leuven, followed by a specialised second year at one of the partner universities, where they complete advanced coursework and a research-intensive master’s thesis.

Academic Structure and Learning Design

The EMMNano curriculum is built around six interconnected educational modules, ensuring both depth and flexibility:

• Fundamental nanoscience courses
• General interest and interdisciplinary modules
• Core nanotechnology subjects
• Specialised track-specific courses
• Broadening electives
• Master’s thesis (research-based)

This structure ensures graduates possess strong theoretical foundations, practical research skills, and the ability to work across nanoscience disciplines.

Key Features of the EMMNano Erasmus Mundus Programme

Joint Degree Recognition

Graduates receive a joint master’s degree awarded by two partner universities, reflecting the programme’s academic integration and international recognition.

Structured Mobility Model

• Year 1: KU Leuven (Belgium)
• Year 2: One selected partner university based on specialisation

Five Specialisation Fields

Students can specialise in:

• Nanophysics
• Nanochemistry
• Nanoelectronics
• Biophysics
• Bionanotechnology

Strong Research Integration

The programme is closely linked to top European research laboratories, cleanrooms, nanofabrication facilities, and interdisciplinary research groups.

Erasmus+ Scholarships

The EMMNano Erasmus Mundus scholarship typically covers:

• Tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance
• Travel and installation costs
• Insurance coverage

Additional funding opportunities may be available through consortium-specific agreements.

Mobility Tracks in the EMMNano Erasmus Mundus Programme

Year 1 – Core Curriculum

• KU Leuven (Belgium)
  Focus on foundational nanoscience, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and materials science.

Year 2 – Specialisation and Thesis

Students choose one of the following institutions aligned with their research interests:

• Université Grenoble Alpes (France)
• Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden)
• Technische Universität Dresden (Germany)
• Universitat de Barcelona (Spain)

The second year includes advanced courses and a 30 ECTS master’s thesis.

Admission Requirements for EMMNano Erasmus Mundus

Academic Requirements

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 180 ECTS) in:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Electrical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Closely related disciplines

A solid background in mathematics and physics or chemistry is mandatory.
Minimum required academic performance: GPA ≥ 75% of the maximum scale.

English Language Requirements

Proof of English proficiency is required via:

• IELTS
• TOEFL
• Equivalent recognised tests

Exemptions may apply for applicants with prior degrees taught entirely in English in approved countries.

Required Documents

• Bachelor’s diploma and transcripts (with official English translations)
• Proof of English proficiency
• Curriculum Vitae (maximum two pages)
• Motivation letter
• Two recommendation letters (submitted directly by referees)
• Copy of passport or ID
• Proof of residence
• Annex form indicating preferred second-year track
• €90 application fee payment receipt
• GRE (optional)

How to Apply for the EMMNano Erasmus Mundus Programme

1. Submit the online application via the KU Leuven application portal
2. Complete all personal and academic sections accurately
3. Upload all required documents as PDF files in English
4. Provide referee contact details for recommendation letters
5. Submit the application before the applicable deadline

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview assessing motivation, academic fit, and English communication skills.

Application Timeline

• Pre-application (recommended for non-EU applicants): By 15 January 2025
• Application Deadline (Non-EU): 31 January 2025
• Application Deadline (EU): 31 May 2025
• Selection Meeting: Late February (Non-EU)
• Results Announcement: Shortly after selection

Tips to Succeed in the EMMNano Erasmus Mundus Selection

• Prepare a concise, targeted CV (Europass format recommended)
• Write a clear, focused motivation letter explaining academic goals, research interests, and programme fit
• Explicitly justify your second-year specialisation choice
• Highlight interdisciplinary strengths, research exposure, and extracurricular achievements
• Seek insights from EMMNano alumni or current students

Career Prospects After EMMNano Erasmus Mundus

Graduates of the EMMNano Erasmus Mundus programme pursue careers in:

• Nanotechnology and semiconductor industries
• Advanced materials and electronics R&D
• Biomedical and pharmaceutical nanotechnology
• Research institutes and national laboratories
• Doctoral (PhD) programmes worldwide

Coordinator Contact Details

• Coordinating Institution: KU Leuven
• Telephone: +32 16 281 747
• Email: nano@kuleuven.be

Alumni Perspective

“The EMMNano programme offered me the greatest academic experience of my life. Studying at two top European universities with outstanding professors across a wide range of nanotechnology fields allowed me to grow both scientifically and personally. The multidisciplinary nature of the curriculum enabled me to broaden my expertise in a way few programmes can.”
— Juan Enrique Ramirez Hernandez

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)