The EUROPHOTONICS Erasmus Mundus program is a prestigious, EU-funded master’s degree that provides advanced education and research training in the field of photonics. Established in 2010, the program focuses on optics, nanophotonics, quantum technologies, biomedical imaging, and related fields. Designed to foster academic excellence and international collaboration, the program is offered by a consortium of top-tier European universities and has recently been renewed until 2029.
Through this two-year program, students have the opportunity to study and conduct research across multiple institutions, including Aix‑Marseille Université, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), several universities in Barcelona, Tampere University, and Vilnius University. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical experience, preparing graduates for careers in academia, industry, and high-level research institutions worldwide.
Project Status
- Status: Ongoing
- Start date 01-09-2023
- End date 31-10-2029
- Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
- Universities Involved
- Countries Involved
The EUROPHOTONICS Erasmus Mundus program lets students study at top European universities, focusing on cutting-edge photonics technologies, from optics and quantum science to biomedical imaging and nanophotonics.
| Aix‑Marseille Université & École Centrale Marseille |
| KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) |
| Barcelona Universities |
| Tampere University |
| Vilnius University |
| France |
| Germany |
| Spain |
| Finland |
| Lithuania |
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 EUROPHOTONICS Erasmus Mundus Program
The EUROPHOTONICS Erasmus Mundus Program is an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree training students in the full photonics spectrum: from fundamentals (optics, lasers, quantum) to applied domains (biophotonics, nanophotonics, biomedical imaging). With 120 ECTS over four semesters, it includes multidisciplinary instruction, lab work, and a global thesis project
Key Features of the EUROPHOTONICS Erasmus Mundus Program
- 2-year full-time structure with joint degrees
- Mobility among top-tier European universities
- Launch courses in Marseille, core modules in Karlsruhe
- Research or industry thesis in Semester 4
- Spring Schools annually, fostering field-wide networking
- Fully-funded EU scholarships (~€1,400/month + travel/visa)
Mobility Tracks of the EUROPHOTONICS Erasmus Mundus Program
- Semester 1: Marseille – fundamentals
- Semester 2: Marseille or Karlsruhe – core subjects
- Semester 3: Specialization at Marseille, Karlsruhe, Barcelona, Tampere or Vilnius
- Semester 4: Master thesis in Europe or partner institutions worldwide
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s (min. 180 ECTS) in physics, optics & photonics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physical chemistry, applied physics.
- Strong background in physics and math (≥12 ECTS)
- English proficiency: B2-level (TOEFL 88, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 120+, TOEIC 785+)
- Applicants who previously held an Erasmus Mundus scholarship are ineligible
- Proof of finance if self-funded
How to Apply for the EUROPHOTONICS Erasmus Mundus Program
- Review the program and eligibility
- Understand your financial plan if not funded
- Register on the eMundus portal
- Upload application, motivation letter, CV, transcripts, diplomas, passport, English proof
- Provide two institutional referees—no relatives/friends
- Include proof of residence and optional APS (China, India, Mongolia, Vietnam)
Tips to Win the EUROPHOTONICS Erasmus Mundus Program
- Tailor your motivation letter, focus on research goals in photonics
- Secure two strong academic references
- Highlight international mindset or previous mobility
- Show real engagement: labs, internships, projects
- Meet English thresholds—consider extra language test
- Reapply next year if needed—professionalism matters in appeals
Application Timeline
- Opens: November
- Deadline: February
- Enroll: Starting September following selection
Curriculum Structure of the EUROPHOTONICS Erasmus Mundus Program
Year 1 (M1)
- Semester 1 (Marseille): fundamentals
- Spring School
- Semester 2 (Marseille/Karlsruhe): core topics
Year 2 (M2)
- Semester 3: specialization modules
- Spring School
- Semester 4: thesis in academic or industrial lab
Coordinator Contact
- Program coordination: emundus.master@fresnel.fr
Alumni Feedback
These two years have gone by very quickly, but they have left a lot of experiences from the academic to the personal. After conducting my master’s thesis research, two nice things happened: I got offered a position in the company, but also the negotiation for a PhD was successful.
~Juan Corredor
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the EUROPHOTONICS Erasmus Mundus Program?
The EUROPHOTONICS Erasmus Mundus Program is a two-year joint master’s degree focused on photonics and its applications in fields like quantum optics, nanotechnology, and biomedical imaging.
Who is eligible to apply for the EUROPHOTONICS Erasmus Mundus Program?
Students with a Bachelor’s degree in physics, optical engineering, electrical engineering, or related fields, and a solid background in mathematics and physics are eligible to apply for the EUROPHOTONICS Erasmus Mundus Program.
Which universities are part of the EUROPHOTONICS Erasmus Mundus Program?
The EUROPHOTONICS Erasmus Mundus Program includes institutions such as Aix-Marseille University, KIT Karlsruhe, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Tampere University, and Vilnius University, along with several non-European partners.
What documents are required to apply for the EUROPHOTONICS Erasmus Mundus Program?
To apply for the EUROPHOTONICS Erasmus Mundus Program, you need a CV, academic transcripts, degree certificate(s), English language test scores, a motivation letter, and two academic reference letters.
What career opportunities are available after completing the EUROPHOTONICS Erasmus Mundus Program?
Graduates of the EUROPHOTONICS Erasmus Mundus Program pursue careers in research, academia, photonics-based industries, or go on to PhD programs in Europe and abroad.
