The SARENA Erasmus Mundus Program is an elite, EU-funded two-year master’s degree designed to develop highly qualified experts in safe and reliable nuclear applications. Launched in September 2018 and running through September 2024, SARENA is delivered by a consortium of four top-tier European universities. The programme combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on training in nuclear safety, radioactive waste management, and reactor operation, equipping students to meet the evolving challenges of the global nuclear industry.
Admission to the SARENA Erasmus Mundus program is highly competitive. Selected candidates may receive a full Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) scholarship, covering tuition fees, a monthly stipend of €1,400, travel allowances, visa support, and health insurance for the full 24-month duration. With a strong emphasis on international mobility, industry engagement, and research opportunities, SARENA offers a direct pathway to careers in nuclear engineering, policy, and academic research across Europe and beyond.
Project Status
- Status: Ongoing
- Start date 01-12-2023
- End date 31-01-2030
- Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master
- Universities Involved
- Countries Involved
The SARENA Erasmus Mundus program offers students the opportunity to study at four top-tier universities across Europe.
| IMT Atlantique |
| Universidad Politécnica de Madrid |
| LUT University |
| University of Ljubljana |
| Spain |
| France |
| Finland |
| Slovenia |
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 SARENA Erasmus Mundus Program
The SARENA Erasmus Mundus Program is a rigorous 120-ECTS, two-year Master’s in Nuclear Engineering taught entirely in English. It covers the full nuclear spectrum, from basic sciences to waste management and reactor operation all under the umbrella of safety and reliability. The curriculum walks students through foundational knowledge (semesters 1 and 2), specializations (semester 3), and culminates in a thesis (semester 4), ideally placed in industry
Key Features of the SARENA Erasmus Mundus Program
- Dual degrees and joint certificate guarantee top-tier credentials
- Two specialization tracks: RWMD and NROS
- Industry involvement in teaching and thesis supervision
- Quality accreditations: I2EN (RWMD), ASIIN & EUR-ACE (NROS)
- Mobility across 3–4 European countries
- Covers current nuclear trends including Small Modular Reactors & energy transition perspectives
Mobility Tracks of the SARENA Erasmus Mundus Program
- Semester 1 (common): IMT Atlantique, France (nuclear foundations + safety/management)
- Semester 2: Track A at UPM, Spain (radiochemistry, environmental safety)
Track B at LUT, Finland (reactor thermal hydraulics & modelling) - Semester 3: Track A at IMT Atlantique (waste/decommissioning); Track B split between LUT and UL for reactor safety
- Semester 4: Thesis via company or research institution (dual tutor guidance)
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s in engineering, physics, chemistry, or related
- English proficiency: IELTS ≥6.0 or TOEFL ≥80
- Strong academic record, CV, motivation letter
- Letters of recommendation & possible interviews
How to Apply for SARENA Erasmus Mundus Program
- Visit the official IMT Atlantique EMJMD SARENA page.
- Prepare documentation: transcripts, English scores, CV, motivations, referees.
- Submit online before the deadline (typically early year).
- Await selection, outputting acceptance letters and visa steps.
Tips to Win the SARENA Erasmus Mundus Program
- Demonstrate passion for nuclear safety and global mobility
- Highlight relevant projects or internships in nuclear or energy sectors
- Show language readiness and intercultural adaptability
- Use strong recommendation letters (academia/industry)
- Tailor your motivation letter to SARENA’s safety, reliability, and mobility themes
Application Timeline
- Opens: October
- Deadline: February
- Enroll: Starting September following selection
Curriculum Structure of the SARENA Erasmus Mundus Program
- Semesters 1–3: 90 ECTS of coursework in nuclear physics, engineering, waste management, reactor safety, and tech management
- Semester 4: 30 ECTS dedicated to thesis (industry or research)
Coordinator Contact
Emails: sarena@imt-atlantique.fr
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
What is the SARENA Erasmus Mundus Program about?
It’s a 24-month EMJMD MSc dedicated to nuclear safety, waste management or reactor operations—packed with mobility, industry engagement, and dual qualifications.
Who can apply to the SARENA Erasmus Mundus Program?
Graduates in engineering, physics, chemistry, or related fields with solid English and academic records.
Does the SARENA Erasmus Mundus Program include internships?
The program’s thesis semester is typically placed in industry or research institutions, offering hands-on experience.
What documents are required to apply for the SARENA Erasmus Mundus Program?
To apply for the SARENA Erasmus Mundus Program, you’ll need academic transcripts, a CV, proof of English proficiency, a motivation letter, reference letters, and a valid passport.
