As Europe moves further into the era of Industry 4.0, the demand for professionals trained in mechatronics, robotics, and industrial automation is growing rapidly. From advanced manufacturing and smart factories to autonomous systems and AI-driven machinery, the continent is investing heavily in research and training across these fields. Fortunately for students in 2025, a wide range of fully and partially funded scholarships are available to support both master’s and doctoral-level education in mechatronics and automation engineering.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) – Robotics and Mechatronics Tracks

Best for: Students looking for a fully funded, international master’s degree with access to cutting-edge labs and industry partners

Programs like EMARO+ (European Master on Advanced Robotics) and MAIA (Master in Advanced Industrial Automation) offer deep training in mechatronics, robotics, and intelligent systems. These two-year programs are taught across multiple European universities and include industry internships.

What it covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly stipend (€1,000/month)
• Travel and installation allowance
• Health insurance

Eligibility:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electronics, robotics, or automation
• English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL 90+)
• Strong academic record

Deadline: November to January (varies by program)

DAAD Scholarships – Germany

Best for: Master’s or PhD students pursuing mechatronics, automation systems, or embedded control engineering at German universities

Germany is a European powerhouse in industrial engineering, with universities like TU Munich, RWTH Aachen, and TU Dresden offering advanced research in smart manufacturing and cyber-physical systems.

What it covers:

• Full tuition (where applicable)
• Monthly stipend (€934 for master’s, €1,300+ for PhD)
• Travel allowance, insurance, and language preparation

Eligibility:

• Undergraduate degree in engineering or applied sciences
• Relevant research/work experience
• Admission to a participating German university

Deadline: October–December (check program-specific deadlines)

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program – France

Best for: High-achieving international students accepted into a French engineering or automation master’s program

France’s Eiffel Scholarship, administered by Campus France, supports students pursuing advanced technical degrees at top schools like INSA, École Centrale, and Grenoble INP, many of which offer degrees in mechatronics and systems engineering.

What it covers:

• Monthly allowance (€1,181 for master’s)
• Travel, insurance, and cultural activities
• Partial tuition support

Eligibility:

• Non-French nationals under 25 (for master’s)
• Strong academic background in STEM
• Admission to an eligible French institution

Deadline: January (nominations by universities open in fall)

TU Delft Excellence Scholarships – Netherlands

Best for: Talented students enrolling in master’s programs in systems and control, robotics, or industrial design engineering

TU Delft, one of Europe’s leading tech universities, offers scholarships like the Justus & Louise van Effen Scholarship, covering highly competitive programs such as Mechatronic Systems Design and Industrial Automation.

What it covers:

• Full tuition
• Monthly stipend
• Research mentorship and industry exposure

Eligibility:

• Outstanding bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline
• Admission to a TU Delft MSc program
• Academic excellence and innovation potential

Deadline: December–January

Swiss Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars – Switzerland

Best for: Doctoral and postdoc candidates focused on robotics, AI in automation, or intelligent control systems

Switzerland is home to renowned institutions like ETH Zurich and EPFL, which lead EU-funded automation projects. While master’s scholarships are limited, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide support for international PhD students and researchers.

What it covers:

• Monthly stipend (~CHF 1,920)
• Tuition waivers and research support
• Housing allowance and insurance

Eligibility:

• Acceptance to a Swiss research program
• Strong academic CV and research proposal
• Letter of invitation from Swiss host professor

Deadline: September–December, depending on country of origin

Sweden: Chalmers and KTH Scholarships

Best for: Master’s applicants in automation engineering, embedded systems, or control and robotics

Both KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Chalmers University of Technology offer master’s programs in mechatronics, smart systems, and industrial automation. Scholarships include:

• KTH Scholarships (tuition waiver)
• Avancez Scholarship (Chalmers)
• Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)

What they cover:

• Full or partial tuition
• Monthly stipend (SISGP only)
• Travel allowance (SISGP only)

Eligibility:

• Academic excellence in engineering
• Admission to a participating Swedish program
• Some require 2–3 years of professional experience

Deadline: January–February

University of Twente Scholarships (UTS) – Netherlands

Best for: Students in smart robotics, control systems, or cyber-physical systems programs

University of Twente’s Robotics and Mechatronics (RAM) group is among the best in Europe. UTS offers financial support for international students across technical programs.

What it covers:

• €3,000–€22,000 per year (depends on merit)
• Possible continuation in second year if conditions met

Eligibility:

• Admission to an MSc program
• Strong GPA and motivation
• Non-EU/EEA nationality

Deadline: February–May

Other Noteworthy Scholarships & Universities

• Politecnico di Milano (Italy): Offers merit-based tuition waivers for MSc in Automation and Control Engineering
• Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU): Free tuition for all; PhD positions in robotics and automation come with paid contracts
• University of Ljubljana (Slovenia): Affordable, with occasional Erasmus+ support and regional STEM scholarships
• Technical University of Cluj-Napoca (Romania): Hosts Erasmus-funded robotics and mechatronics master’s courses

Application Tips for 2025

• Start early: Many scholarships have deadlines between October and January. Secure admissions first when scholarships require nomination.
• Focus your motivation letter on real-world applications: smart manufacturing, autonomous robotics, or energy-efficient automation.
• Showcase hands-on experience: lab work, robotics competitions, control system projects, or relevant internships.
• Tailor your application for Industry 4.0 relevance: highlight skills in embedded systems, PLC programming, AI integration, or IoT-based automation.

Let me know if you want help identifying a specific program, writing a motivation letter, or shortlisting universities based on your background and interests.