Introduction
As automation, AI, and advanced interfaces redefine how humans interact with machines, the disciplines of ergonomics, human factors engineering, and workplace technology have gained unprecedented relevance. These interdisciplinary fields combine insights from engineering, psychology, data science, and design to improve the safety, efficiency, and well-being of people in work environments—whether physical or digital.
European universities, recognizing the critical importance of human-centered technology, have developed advanced programs and scholarship opportunities aimed at preparing the next generation of researchers and practitioners. This article highlights the most competitive and fully/partially funded scholarships available in Europe for the 2025 academic year, specifically for STEM students interested in human factors, workplace ergonomics, and related technologies.
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMDs) in Human-Centered Design and Engineering
Program: Erasmus Mundus Master in Human-Computer Interaction and Design (HCID)
Duration: 2 years
Participating Institutions:
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden)
- TU Berlin (Germany)
- University of Twente (Netherlands)
- Université Paris-Saclay (France)
- University of Siegen (Germany)
Funding Includes:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend (€1,000–1,400)
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance
Key Focus Areas:
- Human-centered interaction design
- Workplace user experience
- Cognitive ergonomics
- Usability engineering in industrial systems
Eligibility:
Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (engineering, computer science, psychology, industrial design)
Strong motivation and academic performance
Open to students globally
Deadline: January 2025 (TBC)
This highly interdisciplinary program allows students to study across multiple countries, equipping them with both academic depth and real-world exposure to human-centered technologies in industrial and digital contexts.
2. TU Delft – MSc in Industrial Design Engineering (IDE)
Country: Netherlands
Scholarship: Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships
Funding: Full tuition + €30,000 total financial support
TU Delft’s IDE program offers a specialized track in ergonomics and human factors, with applications in both physical product design and digital interface systems.
Key Highlights:
- Strong research in adaptive workplaces and wearable technologies
- Partnerships with Philips, ASML, and other high-tech firms
- Access to world-class prototyping and usability labs
Eligibility:
International students with a strong academic background in STEM, human-computer interaction, or design technology
3. University of Nottingham – MSc in Human Factors and Ergonomics
Country: United Kingdom
Scholarships: Developing Solutions Master’s Scholarship / Chevening Scholarships
Funding: Up to full tuition + living stipend (for select students)
One of the longest-running and most respected programs in Europe, Nottingham’s MSc in Human Factors focuses on the science of human performance, cognition, and safety in complex work environments—including transport, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.
Program Strengths:
- Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF)
- Applied research partnerships with NHS, Rolls Royce, and Airbus
- Extensive facilities including driving simulators, usability labs, and VR systems
Deadline: Chevening – November 2024; Developing Solutions – May 2025
4. Politecnico di Milano – MSc in Design & Engineering with Ergonomics Emphasis
Country: Italy
Scholarships: Politecnico Merit Scholarships + Italian Government Grants
Funding: Tuition waivers + €8,000–12,000 annual living stipend
The program integrates product engineering, interaction design, and user-centered development, with an emphasis on human factors in smart workspaces and industrial design.
Ideal For:
STEM students interested in combining engineering analysis with UX, anthropometry, and industrial design
Language: English
Deadline: March 2025 for non-EU applicants
5. Chalmers University of Technology – MSc in Interaction Design and Technologies
Country: Sweden
Scholarships: IPOET Scholarship & Adlerbert Foreign Student Scholarship
Funding: 75%–100% tuition waiver + €8,000–€12,000 in support
Chalmers offers a design-led, engineering-grounded program in interaction systems, with courses in workplace informatics, sensor-driven environments, and embedded ergonomics.
Unique Strength:
Strong industry integration with Volvo, Ericsson, and Scania for internships and thesis placements in human-machine interaction projects
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or UX-related fields
Deadline: January 2025
6. Loughborough University – PhD in Human Factors and Digital Ergonomics
Country: United Kingdom
Scholarship: Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) and Loughborough Studentships
Funding: Full tuition + £18,000–£21,000 annual stipend
Loughborough is internationally recognized for its Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors. Its doctoral programs support advanced research into digital work systems, occupational safety, and inclusive design.
Research Themes Include:
- Cognitive ergonomics in automated vehicles
- Virtual environments and task simulation
- Digital twin applications in smart factories
7. Other Noteworthy Programs & Scholarships
| Institution | Country | Program | Scholarship Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETH Zurich | Switzerland | MSc in Management, Technology & Economics | ETH Excellence Scholarships |
| RWTH Aachen University | Germany | MSc in Human Technology Interaction | DAAD EPOS / RWTH Scholarships |
| University of Twente | Netherlands | MSc in Interaction Technology | Holland Scholarship / UT Scholarship |
| University of Copenhagen | Denmark | MSc in Human-Centered Computing | Danish Government Scholarship |
| Umeå University | Sweden | MSc in Cognitive Science with Ergonomics Track | Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals |
Application Tips for 2025
- Start early and align your background
Ensure your undergraduate coursework and experience reflect a strong intersection between technology, design, and human sciences. - Showcase interdisciplinary capability
Programs in ergonomics and human factors look for candidates who understand both engineering systems and human behavior. - Include practical experience
Internships, usability testing, HCI projects, or work with occupational health systems can distinguish your application. - Target specific faculty and labs
When possible, reference labs or professors whose research matches your goals in your motivation letter or research proposal.