The META 4.0 Erasmus Mundus program is a prestigious, two-year joint master’s degree offering 120 ECTS credits. It is designed to develop highly qualified professionals equipped to address the evolving technological and sustainability challenges in the field of advanced manufacturing. Delivered by a consortium of six renowned European universities, the program combines academic rigor with practical experience through a carefully structured curriculum that includes theoretical coursework, laboratory work, industrial projects, and research-oriented internships.
The program offers a truly international academic experience by facilitating mobility across several European countries, including France, Italy, Slovenia, Norway, and Germany. Students have the opportunity to specialize in one of four key areas: Digital Manufacturing, Clean Manufacturing, Sustainable Manufacturing, or Smart Manufacturing. Upon successful completion, graduates receive multiple nationally accredited master’s degrees and are well-positioned for careers in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and high-tech manufacturing, benefiting from the strong industry connections fostered by the program’s academic partners.
Project Status
- Status: Ongoing
- Start date 01-11-2022
- End date 31-12-2028
- Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master
- Universities Involved
- Countries Involved
The META 4.0 Erasmus Mundus program offers students the opportunity to study at five prestigious European universities, with a strong academic focus on advanced manufacturing, intelligent systems, and sustainable industrial technologies.
| École Centrale de Lyon |
| Mines Saint-Etienne |
| Polytechnic University of Turin |
| University of Ljubljana |
| Norwegian University of Science and Technology |
| Technical University of Chemnitz |
| France |
| Italy |
| Slovenia |
| Norway |
| 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 META 4.0 Erasmus Mundus Program
This master’s trains students to tackle Manufacturing 4.0 challenges through a mix of production engineering, materials science, and sustainable tech. The structure features a foundational first year in France and Italy, followed by diverse specialization tracks with mobility across Europe
- Multinational mobility: Minimum two semesters in different universities.
- Specializations: Digital Manufacturing (NTNU, Norway), Clean Manufacturing (Ljubljana, Slovenia), Sustainable Manufacturing (ENISE/EMSE, France), Smart/Intelligent Manufacturing (TUC, Germany
- Industry engagement: Internships, projects, guest lecturing, case-studies .
- Erasmus Scholarship: Up to €51,600 covering tuition, living costs (approx. €1,400/month), travel, insurance, and disability support .
- Degrees awarded: Multiple national master’s degrees—two guaranteed, plus third from specialization institutio
Mobility Tracks of the META 4.0 Erasmus Mundus Program
Year 1:
- Semester 1 in Saint‑Étienne (ENISE/Centrale Lyon) — production engineering foundations.
- Semester 2 in Turin (PoliTO) — materials science and high-tech processes
Year 2:
- Semester 3 specialization in Norway, Slovenia, France, or Germany.
- Semester 4 is a 5-month internship/thesis in industry or research lab of partner
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s (180 ECTS) in mechanics, mechanical engineering, materials science/engineering, or mechatronics
- Minimum B average (ECTS).
- English proficiency (IELTS ≥ 6.5 with ≥6.0 in each band; TOEFL ≥ 95 iBT; TOEIC ≥ 800; CEF B2 or equivalent)
- Conditional applications allowed if bachelor’s completes by July 31 of intake year .
How to Apply for META 4.0 Erasmus Mundus Program
- Gather documents: transcripts, CV, motivation letter, English test, degree certificate (if available), references.
- Online application through ENISE portal within national consortium.
- Be sure to apply before the deadline
- Choose preferred specialization tracks
Tips to Win the META 4.0 Erasmus Mundus Program
- Craft a strong motivation letter aligned with Manufacturing 4.0 challenges (sustainability, digitization).
- Highlight relevant project or work experience, lab work, internships.
- Score well on English tests—even above minimum.
- Attend webinars to understand expectations.
- Secure strong academic/personal references from professors or supervisors.
Application Timeline
- Opens: November
- Deadline: February
- Interview: March
- Enroll: Starting September following selection
Curriculum Structure of the META 4.0 Erasmus Mundus Program
Semester 1 (ENISE, France):
- Production engineering, additive manufacturing, metalworking, high-temp processes, lab work, math/computer science foundations, transdisciplinary project and research methods, French for beginners .
Semester 2 (PoliTO, Italy):
- Materials for advanced manufacturing, design, forming, surface science, with optional Italian language courses
Semester 3 (Specialization):
- Digital Manufacturing: modeling, AI, sensors (NTNU)
- Clean Manufacturing: quality engineering, nano/micro‑fabrication (Ljubljana)
- Sustainable Manufacturing: sustainability, lifetime extension (ENISE/EMSE)
- Intelligent/Smart Manufacturing: instrumentation, AR/VR, hybrid composites (Chemnitz) .
Semester 4:
- 5-month Master thesis and internship in industry or research
Coordinator Contact
- General inquiries: +33 (0)4 77 91 01 69
- use online contact form via the META 4.0 website
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the META 4.0 Erasmus Mundus program?
It’s a two‑year joint master’s funded by Erasmus+, focused on Manufacturing 4.0 with mobility, specialisations, and scholarships.
Who can apply to META 4.0 Erasmus Mundus?
Students with a bachelor’s in relevant engineering or materials fields and strong English proficiency.
What scholarships are available under the META 4.0 Erasmus Mundus program?
The META 4.0 Erasmus Mundus program offers Erasmus+ scholarships that provide up to €1,400 per month for living expenses, full tuition coverage, health insurance, and travel support.
What degrees are awarded upon completion of the META 4.0 Erasmus Mundus program?
Graduates of the META 4.0 Erasmus Mundus program receive multiple nationally accredited master’s degrees—two from the first-year universities and one from the university offering the specialization.
Is industry experience included in the META 4.0 Erasmus Mundus program?
Yes, the final semester of the META 4.0 Erasmus Mundus program includes a mandatory internship or research thesis in collaboration with industry or academic partners, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings.
