In an era where sustainability is a global necessity, the BIOREF Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree provides advanced academic training in the field of biorefinery. This rigorous two year program of 120 ECTS, delivered entirely in English, prepares students to transform biomass into high value chemicals, polymers, and fuels while also assessing the environmental impact of introducing such industries in rural areas.
Coordinated by the University of Lille, BIOREF is organized through a consortium of four European universities. The program offers students an international study experience and the opportunity to earn multiple degrees from established institutions in France, Italy, and Poland.
Project Status
- Status: Ongoing
- Start date 01-09-2019
- End date 30-09-2026
- Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
- Universities Involved
- Countries Involved
The BIOREF Erasmus Mundus program is a Master in Biorefinery offered jointly by leading European universities in France, Italy, and Poland.
| France |
| Poland |
| Italy |
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 BIOREF Erasmus Mundus Program
The BIOREF Erasmus Mundus program offers masterful training in biorefinery: students learn how to identify and process biomass, transform it into chemical building blocks, fuels, and polymers, and assess ecological implications particularly in rural settings This program emerged as a direct response to the gaps identified during the earlier EuroBioRef project (ended in 2013), and was developed to educate skilled professionals capable of guiding bioeconomy industries forward
Key Features of the BIOREF Erasmus Mundus Program
- Joint delivery by four experienced European universities, offering multiple degrees and a shared diploma supplement
- Comprehensive training combining theoretical learning with hands-on lab work and research.
- Focus on biomass conversion processes, high-value molecule production, and environmental impact assessments
- Transversal “soft” skills development: entrepreneurship, project management, legal frameworks, intercultural communication, and scientific literacy.
Mobility Tracks of the BIOREF Erasmus Mundus Program
Students benefit from mandatory mobility across consortium universities—tailored according to their specific areas of specialization and interest This enriches academic experience while immersing them in different cultural and educational environments.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the BIOREF Erasmus Mundus Program:
- A Bachelor of Science (minimum 180 ECTS) in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, biology, or a closely related field—or be in the final year of such a program .
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum B2 level), via tests like IELTS (6.5, no section below 5.5), TOEFL, Cambridge, TOEIC, or documentation that higher education was conducted in English .
- Timely submission of a complete application form and all required documents in PDF format
How to Apply for BIOREF Erasmus Mundus Program
- Visit the official Apply Now – Cohort 2024–2026 page.
- Submit your application between 1 November 2023 (start) and 31 January 2024 (deadline)
- No extra steps are needed for scholarship consideration as valid applications are automatically evaluated for EMJMD funding
Tips to Win the BIOREF Erasmus Mundus Program
- Apply early and completely as missing pieces can derail your candidacy.
- Highlight academic excellence in chemistry or related disciplines.
- Show strong English language skills, either through validated tests or official language-of-instruction documentation.
- Demonstrate motivation and alignment with the program’s goals—sustainability, biorefinery innovation, environmental awareness.
- If you’re from a Partner Country, understand the 12-month residency rule for scholarship classification
Application Timeline
| Phase | Date/Details |
|---|---|
| Application Opened | 1 November |
| Deadline | 31 January |
| Admission Decision | End of February to Early March |
| Program Commencement | Beginning of September |
Curriculum Structure of the BIOREF Erasmus Mundus Program
The program follows a two-year structure (120 ECTS), likely comprising:
- Foundational core courses on biomass identification and transformation
- Specialized electives in chemical, biochemical, and thermochemical processes
- Practical lab work, research projects, and ecological impact evaluations
- Exposure to entrepreneurial and legal dimensions of the bioeconomy; as well as mobility-enriched learning across consortium institutions
Coordinator Contact
General inquiries: master-bioref@univ-lille.fr
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the BIOREF Erasmus Mundus Program?
The BIOREF Erasmus Mundus Program is a Master in Biorefinery designed to provide students with advanced training in biomass conversion, sustainable chemistry, and bioeconomy.
Who can apply to the BIOREF Erasmus Mundus Program?
Applicants to the BIOREF Erasmus Mundus Program should hold a bachelor degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or a closely related field, and demonstrate English language proficiency.
What is the duration of the BIOREF Erasmus Mundus Program?
The BIOREF Program has a duration of two academic years, corresponding to 120 ECTS credits, and is taught entirely in English.
Does the BIOREF Erasmus Mundus Program provide scholarships?
Yes, the BIOREF Erasmus Mundus Program provides Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree scholarships, which cover tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
Is mobility required in the BIOREF Erasmus Mundus Program?
Yes, the BIOREF Program includes mandatory mobility, allowing students to study across partner universities in France, Italy, and Poland.
How can I apply for the BIOREF Erasmus Mundus Program?
Students can apply for the BIOREF Program through the official online application portal on the program’s website, following the published admission deadlines.
