The NORISK Erasmus Mundus is an exciting and cutting-edge one-year international master’s program focusing on risk assessment and management of civil infrastructures. Supported by Erasmus+, the course prepares students to tackle real-world challenges in civil engineering through rigorous, multidisciplinary training. It delves into risk analysis, reliability, monitoring, sustainability, digitalization, and intervention perfect for the next generation of infrastructure experts
Set across four European universities, NORISK gives graduates a truly global experience. Students complete at least 60 ECTS over 12 months, combining coursework, project work, and a final dissertation. Notably, successful participants receive dual master’s degrees from two universities they attended
Project Status
- Status: Ongoing
- Start date 01-11-2023
- End date 31-12-2029
- Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
- Universities Involved
- Countries Involved
The NORISK Erasmus Mundus program allows students to study at four leading European universities focusing on risk management of civil infrastructures.
| University of Minho |
| La Rochelle Université |
| Università di Padova |
| Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya |
| Portugal |
| France |
| Italy |
| Spain |
This cross-border collaboration allows students to gain an international perspective while studying and researching in the heart of Europe’s academic and industrial hubs.
Description of the NORISK Erasmus Mundus Program
NORISK Erasmus Mundus offers a one-year, full-time, English-taught program that awards 60 ECTS, including a robust thesis component . It blends theory with practice, covering concepts from resilience to digital twins, sustainability to failure analysis, in civil and critical infrastructure systems
Key Features of the NORISK Erasmus Mundus Program
- Multi-institutional mobility between partner universities.
- Specialized modules on risk, reliability, monitoring/digitalization, project-based learning, and infrastructure intervention
- Strong EU funding: Erasmus+ full scholarships cover tuition (€9 000) + monthly stipend (€1 400)
- Industry and academic network: 43 associated partners, workshops, and job-fair style networking
- Dual degree model: Two degrees from different European institutions.
Mobility Tracks of the NORISK Erasmus Mundus Program
- Coursework mobility – 1st semester at one partner university.
- Integration week – mid-course connection event.
- Thesis mobility – 2nd semester thesis at a different partner.
- Temporal workshop – optional physical (or virtual) attendance at the NORISK Workshop
Admission Requirements
- Hold at least a 240 ECTS bachelor’s in civil, industrial, environmental, materials, systems engineering or related; 300 ECTS if applying via Padova interim studies
- Demonstrate solid English proficiency (TOEFL ≥ 72 iBT or IELTS ≥ 6.5).
- Provisionally accepted if expecting graduation before Sept 21; final admission conditioned on certification by specific deadlines
- Submit motivation letter (1 500–5 000 chars), Europass CV, transcripts, diplomas, English certificate, 2 recommendations, and proof of residency (first call only)
How to Apply for NORISK Erasmus Mundus Program
- Visit the official portal and complete the PDF application form.
- Apply within the Premier Call to be considered for full Erasmus+ funding .
- Prepare and upload all required documents.
- Await pre-selection notification
Tips to Win the NORISK Erasmus Mundus Program
- Apply in the First Call (deadline Jan 15, 2025) for top funding chances.
- Write a strong motivation letter (~300–700 words), spotlighting academic record, motivations, and career alignment.
- Secure strong referees, professors or supervisors who can vouch for your fit.
- For ties, gender balance and special educational needs are considered—5% of scholarships reserved for women and students with special needs
- Reach out to alumni or first-cohort students (via Reddit or LinkedIn) for insider insights and prep .
Application Timeline
- Opens: October
- Deadline: January
- Interview: February
- Enroll: Starting September following selection
Curriculum Structure of the NORISK Erasmus Mundus Program
- 5 sequential modules (5 ECTS each; Oct–Mar):
- Introduction to risk & infrastructures
- Reliability & risk analysis
- Infrastructure management & decision tools
- Monitoring & digitalization
- Assessment & intervention techniques
- Integrated project (5 ECTS; 1st sem): Real case studies, field visits
- Dissertation (30 ECTS; 2nd sem): Full research under supervisors
Coordinator Contact
- Secretariat: University of Minho (Dept. Civil Engineering) Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães PORTUGAL
- Email: info@msc-norisk.org
- Contact: +351 253 510 748
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes the NORISK Erasmus Mundus Program special?
Can I apply if I haven’t completed my degree yet?
Yes! You can apply if you’ll graduate before September 21, 2025. Funding will be conditional pending degree proof
Are English proficiency scores mandatory for NORISK Erasmus Mundus?
Yes. TOEFL ≥ 72 iBT or IELTS ≥ 6.5 is required unless you qualify for an exemption per partner university rules .
Who is eligible to apply for the NORISK Erasmus Mundus program?
The NORISK Erasmus Mundus program is open to students worldwide with a bachelor’s degree (minimum 240 ECTS) in civil, structural, environmental, mechanical, or related engineering fields. A strong academic background and English proficiency are essential.
Does the NORISK Erasmus Mundus program offer full scholarships?
Yes! Selected students in the first call may receive full Erasmus+ scholarships that cover tuition fees, travel, insurance, and a monthly stipend of €1,400 for the entire program duration.
What degree will I receive after completing the NORISK Erasmus Mundus program?
Graduates receive two official Master’s degrees: one from each of the institutions where they completed coursework and thesis components.
