As immersive audio, smart acoustic systems, and sonic UX become integral to everything from electric vehicles to virtual reality, acoustic engineering and sound technology have grown into critical areas of innovation. Europe, with its long-standing excellence in music technology, audio signal processing, and spatial acoustics, is at the forefront—and top universities are offering competitive scholarships to attract the next generation of sound and acoustic engineers.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) – Fully Funded Pathways in Audio and Acoustics
EMJMD – Sound and Music Computing (2025–2027)
A standout for students interested in AI-generated music, immersive soundscapes, and sound design tools.
- Partner Institutions:
- Pompeu Fabra University (Spain)
- Aalborg University (Denmark)
- University of Genoa (Italy)
- University of Music and Performing Arts Graz (Austria)
- Specializations:
- Spatial audio and 3D acoustics
- Music informatics
- Sound signal processing
- Scholarship Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipend (€1,400)
- Travel and relocation grant
- Health insurance
- Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s in engineering, computer science, music technology, or related fields
- Strong interest in audio technologies
- Open to students globally
- Deadline: January 2025
🇩🇪 Germany: DAAD-Funded Master’s and PhD in Acoustics
Technical University of Munich (TUM) – MSc in Audio and Speech Technology
TUM offers cutting-edge research in sound signal processing, auditory perception, and acoustic modeling.
- Scholarship:
- DAAD EPOS Scholarship: Covers tuition, monthly stipend (~€934), and travel costs for students from developing countries
- Research Labs:
- AudioLab Munich
- Institute for Human-Machine Communication
- Requirements:
- Engineering or physics degree
- Experience with Matlab/Python preferred
- Language: English-taught, no German required
🇸🇪 Sweden: KTH Royal Institute of Technology – MSc in Sound and Vibration
Sweden continues to lead in human-centered design and acoustic innovation for built environments, transportation, and product sound quality.
- Program: Master’s in Engineering Acoustics and Sound Perception
- Scholarships:
- KTH Scholarship – Full tuition waiver
- Swedish Institute Scholarship (SISGP) – Full tuition + living expenses + insurance
(for students from eligible countries)
- Research Topics:
- Structural acoustics
- Psychoacoustics
- Environmental noise prediction
- Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, physics, or audio tech
- Strong academic record
- Deadline: January 15, 2025 (SI Scholarship closes earlier)
🇫🇮 Finland: Aalto University – Sound in New Media & Acoustics Labs
Aalto offers interdisciplinary degrees where technology meets sound art, sonic interaction, and auditory display.
Scholarships:
- Finland Tuition Fee Waiver – Up to 100%
- Aalto University Incentive Grants – For high-achieving international students
Key Labs:
- Virtual Acoustics Group
- Sonic Interaction Design Lab
- Acoustics and Audio Signal Processing Research Group
Career Focus:
Ideal for students exploring immersive audio for XR, binaural sound, or interactive soundscapes in design contexts.
🇳🇴 Norway: NTNU – MSc in Acoustics (with Tuition-Free Education)
Norway is home to some of Europe’s most advanced research in underwater acoustics, aeroacoustics, and building acoustics.
- Program: Master of Science in Acoustics – NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology)
- Tuition: Free for EU/EEA students; low administrative fees for international students
- Living Grants:
- Limited funding via NTNU International Master’s Grant
- Part-time work rights for students (20 hrs/week)
- Labs:
- Acoustics Research Centre (ARC)
- SINTEF Acoustics (industrial partner)
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Prestigious Scholarships in Audio Tech and Acoustics
Despite Brexit, the UK continues to host globally ranked audio programs—especially at universities like Salford, Southampton, and Queen Mary.
Queen Mary University of London – MSc in Sound and Music Computing
- Funding:
- DeepMind Scholarship (for underrepresented groups in STEM)
- School of EECS Excellence Award – Partial tuition waiver
- Focus:
- Machine learning for sound
- Auditory scene analysis
- Computational acoustics
University of Salford – MSc in Acoustics
A global leader in environmental and architectural acoustics.
- Scholarships:
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (for students from eligible countries)
- Postgraduate Achievement Award – Up to £3,000
- Industry Links:
- BBC R&D
- Arup Acoustics
- Institute of Acoustics (IOA) accreditation
PhD-Level Scholarships & Research Grants
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) – Doctoral Networks
- Fund top PhD projects across Europe with industry-academic collaboration
- Acoustic engineering topics are regularly funded under environmental science, AI for sound, and smart materials for sound control
INSA Lyon (France) – PhD in Urban Soundscapes and Smart Noise Control
- Full PhD stipend (~€1,900/month)
- Funded under Horizon Europe
- Focus on real-time acoustic mapping in smart cities
Documents You’ll Need for Most Applications
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- CV with project/research experience
- Motivation letter focused on sound/acoustic topics
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Letters of recommendation
- Portfolio (for sonic design / sound media programs)
Final Tips for 2025 Applicants
- Start searching early – Most scholarships close between December 2024 and March 2025
- Target programs with strong research labs in your interest (e.g., spatial sound, signal processing, architecture)
- Highlight both technical and creative skills – Especially if applying for hybrid programs in sonic design or interactive media
- Look beyond tuition – Consider cities with affordable living, part-time work rights, and startup ecosystems in sound tech
With the rise of spatial audio, real-time sound analytics, and sound-sensitive environments, the sonic space is expanding. Europe is investing in it—and scholarships are your way in.
