The E-PiCo Plus Erasmus Mundus Electric vehicle PropulsIon & COntrol Plus is a highly competitive two-year Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree designed to educate the next generation of experts in electric vehicle (EV) propulsion, control systems, and e-mobility innovation. This multidisciplinary programme equips students with advanced technical knowledge and scientific skills to tackle global challenges in electric propulsion, energy management, power electronics, and EV control through structured academic training and international mobility across leading institutions. It emphasises a robust blend of systems engineering, control theory, embedded systems, and practical projects to prepare graduates for high-impact careers in the rapidly evolving landscape of sustainable transportation.
Launched in 2020 under the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master label and renewed as E-PiCo Plus in 2024, this programme reflects the growing global demand for EV-focused expertise and promotes mobility across a consortium of five European and international universities. Students experience academic training in at least two countries, collaborate on research challenges, and engage with cutting-edge industrial and academic networks to develop solutions that support the energy transition and mobility innovation.
Key Details of the E-PiCo Plus Erasmus Mundus
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | E-PiCo Plus Erasmus Mundus Electric vehicle PropulsIon & COntrol Plus |
| Duration | 2 academic years (120 ECTS) |
| Degree Type | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Study Model | Year 1 at Centrale Nantes, France; Year 2 at a selected partner university for specialisation |
| Scholarship Type | Erasmus+ Joint Master Funding and consortium scholarships |
| Academic Focus | Electric vehicle propulsion, control systems, power electronics, energy management |
Project Status and Erasmus+ Funding Information
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Start Date | 01 October 2024 |
| End Date | 30 November 2030 |
| Action Type | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJM) |
Universities and Countries Involved in E-PiCo Plus Erasmus Mundus
| University | Country |
|---|---|
| École Centrale de Nantes | France |
| Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel | Germany |
| Università degli Studi dell’Aquila | Italy |
| National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest | Romania |
| Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional | Mexico |
Programme Structure
| Year | Location | Academic Components |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | France (École Centrale de Nantes) | Core modules on automatic control, embedded systems, EV fundamentals and modelling plus research project |
| Year 2 | One partner university chosen based on specialisation | Advanced thematic modules and specialised coursework + Master’s thesis |
| Optional Mobility | Additional semester or research placement | Research exchange or industry placement options |
Research and Industry Links
E-PiCo Plus fosters academic-industry integration through collaborations with associated partners from the automotive and energy sectors, offering students opportunities to engage in research projects, industrial workshops, and EV innovation challenges while building professional networks that support applied research and career advancement.
Admission Requirements
- Applicants to the E-PiCo Plus Erasmus Mundus must meet the following criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with at least 180 ECTS in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Mechatronics, or related STEM field
- Graduation completed before 31 July for non-EU students and before 30 September for EU students
- English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge or equivalent)
Required Documents
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and official transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency
- Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages)
- Motivation letter
- Letters of recommendation
- Passport identification page
How to Apply – Step-By-Step
- Visit the official E-PiCo+ application portal: https://master-epico.ec-nantes.fr/admission/how-to-apply
- Fill in personal, academic and background details
- Upload all required PDF documents in English
- Submit referee contact information for recommendation letters
- Review and submit before published deadline
Application Timeline 2025 and 2026 Intake
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | November |
| Application Deadline | January |
| Selection and Review | February–March |
| Final Results Notification | March |
| Programme Start | September/October |
Scholarship Benefits for E-PiCo Plus Erasmus Mundus Applicants
- Erasmus+ scholarships covering tuition, living stipend, travel and insurance
- Consortium scholarships covering part of tuition fees
Guidance for a Strong Application
- Demonstrate clear motivation for EV propulsion and control research
- Highlight relevant academic projects or technical experience
- Prepare high-quality documents and CV
- Secure strong recommendation letters
Alumni Experience
Graduates of E-PiCo+ report substantial professional growth and international exposure, often securing roles in EV and automotive engineering, power systems design, control software development, and research positions that leverage their multidisciplinary training in electric propulsion and control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes the E-PiCo Plus Erasmus Mundus Program unique?
It combines multidisciplinary training, mandatory mobility across five global universities, strong lab and industry engagement, and full Erasmus Mundus scholarships.
Who is eligible for the E-PiCo Plus Erasmus Mundus Program?
Graduates with a bachelor’s in electrical/control engineering or mechatronics, fluent in English, from any country.
Does the E-PiCo Plus Erasmus Mundus Program provide funding?
Yes, full tuition, €1,400/month living allowance, travel, installation, and health insurance via Erasmus Mundus scholarships (plus consortium scholarships)
Is mobility mandatory in the E-PiCo Plus Erasmus Mundus Program?
Absolutely, students spend Semester 1 in Nantes and must study in at least one other partner institution in Semesters 2/3.
What career options follow the E-PiCo Plus Erasmus Mundus Program?
Graduates find roles as motor control engineers, power electronics specialists, firmware developers, researchers, and more in EVs and energy systems.

















