The EMerald Erasmus Mundus is a prestigious two-year (120 ECTS) Master’s program in Georesources Engineering, jointly delivered by four leading European universities. It bridges Earth sciences and process engineering to train future engineers capable of managing mineral and metal resources sustainably, critical for Europe’s green energy transition under the EU’s Green Deal.
Offering a rich combination of hands-on lab experience, digital tools, industry collaboration, and international mobility, EMerald equips students with advanced skills, from geometallurgy and mineral processing to entrepreneurial mindset and circular economy practices.
Project Status
- Status: Ongoing
- Start date 01-09-2023
- End date 31-10-2029
- Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master
- Universities Involved
- Countries Involved
The EMerald Erasmus Mundus program offers students the opportunity to study at four top-tier universities across Europe.
University of Liège |
University of Lorraine |
Lulea University of Technology |
TU Bergakademie Freiberg |
France |
Belgium |
Sweden |
Germany |
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 EMerald Erasmus Mundus Program
EMerald Erasmus Mundus focuses on georesources engineering, combining geology with mineral processing, geometallurgy, and recycling. Students develop skills to understand orebody variability and optimize processing chains, preparing them to innovate toward circular economy and sustainable raw material management .
Key features of the EMerald Erasmus Mundus Program
- Quadruple-degree: Diplomas from each visited university
- Full English instruction, with international lab and field components
- Industry connections: Seminars, site visits, thesis projects with companies like Umicore, LKAB, ZEISS
- Strong scholarship framework: Erasmus Mundus; EIT AVSA (€15,000); ULiège travel grants
- Triple-phase mobility: One semester per institution + thesis in the final semester
Mobility tracks of the EMerald Erasmus Mundus Program
Semester | Location (University) |
---|---|
1 | Liège (Belgium) |
2 | Lorraine (France) |
3 | Luleå (Sweden) or Freiberg (Germany) |
4 (Thesis) | Any of the four partners |
All students complete 30 ECTS each semester and choose their thesis location in the final term.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree ≥ 180 ECTS with ≥ 60 ECTS in Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Environmental/Mineral/Metallurgical Engineering, and ≥22.5 ECTS in Mathematics
- English proficiency: IELTS ≥ 6.5 or TOEFL iBT ≥ 87–90 (B2–C1)
- Mandatory online quiz on math, chemistry, physics, and geology (≥ 30%)
- Conditional interview via Teams for shortlisted candidates
How to apply for EMerald Erasmus Mundus Program
- Register on the EMerald online portal
- Submit docs (passport, transcript, diplomas, CV, motivation letter, English certificate, references, residence proof)
- Complete the quiz and pass the minimum 30% threshold
- Assistant professors assess; best candidates interviewed by Teams
- Final results announced mid-April for scholarships; self-funded round follows
Tips to win the EMerald Erasmus Mundus Program
- Score well in the online quiz, practice key topics in math, physics, chemistry, geology
- Meet the strong academic threshold, especially in math and basic sciences
- Highlight experience in mineral/georesources engineering, sustainability, or geology
- Provide compelling motivation, clear thesis interests, and strong references
- Prepare well for the Teams interview with clear communication and enthusiasm
Application Timeline
Event | Date |
---|---|
Scholarship applications open | Around October |
Deadline for EMJMD Scholarships | Around Feb |
Interviews conducted | March |
Results announced | April |
Self-funded/EIT applications for EU students | From April to July |
Program starts | September |
Curriculum Structure of the EMerald Erasmus Mundus Program
- Sem 1 (Liège): Refresher courses in mineral resources, geostatistics, mineral processing, recycling, and process mineralogy
- Sem 2 (Lorraine): Advanced mineral processing, mineral surface characterization, geomodelling
- Sem 3 (Luleå/Freiberg): Advanced metallurgy, geometallurgy, mining geology, processing techniques
- Sem 4 (Thesis): Independent project at a selected university or partner institution, with strong industry involvement
Coordinator Contact
- Administrative Coordinator: Rosalia Fiorentino
- Email contact: emerald@uliege.be
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What scholarships are available for the EMerald Erasmus Mundus Program?
Category A (non-EU): up to €48,000 (travel + participation + €1,000/month). Category B (EU): ~€20,000 overall. Also EIT AVSA (€15,000).
What academic background is needed for the EMerald Erasmus Mundus Program?
Bachelor’s with strong foundations in physics, chemistry, geology, maths (≥22.5 ECTS), and engineering disciplines.
Is the online quiz mandatory for EMerald Erasmus Mundus Program?
Yes, mandatory. You need ≥ 30% on math, chemistry, physics, geology to progress.
Can non-EU students apply for the EMerald Erasmus Mundus Program?
Absolutely. Scholarships are available for both EU and non‑EU applicants; non-EU (Cat A) scholarships are more generous.
Where will I do my master’s thesis under the EMerald Erasmus Mundus Program?
You can complete your thesis at any consortium partner or industry-linked institution in the final semester.