As aerospace technology rapidly evolves, so too does the demand for engineers and scientists with specialized skills in software development, flight control algorithms, real-time simulation, and embedded systems for aerospace applications. In response, several European governments, academic institutions, and industry partners are offering scholarships specifically tailored to STEM students focusing on aerospace software systems and flight simulation technologies. These programs aim to cultivate high-level technical talent in avionics, autonomous systems, and virtual testing environments for both civil and defense aviation sectors.
Below is a curated selection of fully funded and merit-based scholarships in Europe for 2025 that are ideal for students in this emerging niche.
1. DAAD EPOS & Research Grants (Germany)
Target Audience: International master’s and PhD students
Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend (€934–€1,300), travel allowance, insurance
Fields Covered: Aerospace software, control engineering, embedded systems
Notable Universities: TU Munich, RWTH Aachen, University of Stuttgart
Germany is home to Europe’s most advanced aerospace sector, and DAAD offers generous support for international students in engineering fields. RWTH Aachen and TU Munich offer advanced master’s and PhD programs in aviation technology with research opportunities in flight simulation environments, digital twin modeling, and mission-critical software systems.
Deadline: September–October 2024 (varies by country)
2. ISAE-SUPAERO Master’s Scholarships (France)
Target Audience: International students pursuing aerospace engineering
Coverage: Full tuition, €8,000–€12,000 annual stipend
Special Focus: Aerospace software architecture, avionics systems, real-time flight simulation
ISAE-SUPAERO in Toulouse is a premier European aerospace institute offering a highly specialized MSc in Aerospace Engineering. With a core module in Flight Software and Simulation, students work on high-fidelity flight simulators and AI-based decision support systems for unmanned vehicles.
Deadline: January 2025
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Embedded Systems (EMJMD-ES)
Consortium: KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden), TU Eindhoven (Netherlands), University of Southampton (UK)
Coverage: Full tuition, travel grant, €1,400 monthly living allowance
Focus Areas: Embedded software for avionics, real-time systems, control systems
This program offers joint degrees from top technical universities and includes project placements at aerospace companies like Saab, Thales, and Airbus. Students often work on simulation-based system verification and software for autonomous aerial platforms.
Deadline: December 2024 – January 2025
4. TU Delft Aerospace Engineering Scholarships (Netherlands)
Target Audience: EU and non-EU master’s applicants
Coverage: Full tuition, €11,000–€30,000 scholarship packages
Specialization Options: Flight simulation, aeroelastic modeling, aircraft control software
TU Delft’s MSc in Aerospace Engineering offers a track in Flight Performance and Propulsion with a heavy emphasis on software-driven simulation tools. Research collaborations with ESA and Boeing open doors to applied projects in flight simulators, digital control systems, and aircraft performance modeling.
Scholarships Available:
- Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships
- Holland Scholarship
Deadline: December 1, 2024 (non-EU)
5. ESA Academy and Young Graduate Trainee (YGT) Programs
Provider: European Space Agency (ESA)
Eligibility: Final-year master’s students and recent graduates in aerospace disciplines
Coverage: Monthly stipend (~€2,400–€3,000), relocation support
Focus: Spaceflight software, mission simulations, real-time satellite operations
ESA’s YGT program allows emerging aerospace software specialists to work directly on operational and simulation systems used for spacecraft control and autonomous navigation.
Application Window: November 2024 – February 2025
6. Politecnico di Milano “Laurea Magistrale” Scholarships (Italy)
Target Group: Master’s in Space and Aeronautical Engineering
Coverage: Tuition waiver and up to €10,000/year
Key Research Areas: Simulation of flight dynamics, onboard software systems, MATLAB/Simulink models for control
Polimi’s advanced simulation labs provide real-world exposure to modeling and software verification for rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft. International students benefit from strong industrial ties with Leonardo Aerospace and Avio.
Deadline: February 2025
7. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
Eligibility: Citizens of select developing countries
Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend (~SEK 11,000), insurance, travel grants
Partner Universities: KTH, Chalmers, Linköping
Relevant Programs: Aerospace engineering with simulation and embedded systems tracks
These scholarships are ideal for students aiming to enter careers in autonomous aircraft systems, model-based software design, and airborne simulator environments.
Deadline: January 2025
8. ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) – Switzerland
Eligibility: Master’s students in engineering or computer science
Coverage: Full tuition waiver, CHF 12,000 per semester stipend
Specialization: Autonomous flight software, machine learning in flight dynamics, simulation-based optimization
ETH Zurich offers research-intensive programs in robotics and flight control systems, with a strong emphasis on AI-enhanced simulation for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Deadline: December 15, 2024
Research Centers Offering Additional Grants
Many aerospace-focused research centers in Europe provide internal fellowships and co-funded positions for thesis work in simulation-based engineering:
- DLR (German Aerospace Center) – PhD fellowships in simulation for spaceflight control
- ONERA (France) – Software testing and aircraft simulation modeling grants
- CIRA (Italy) – Avionics integration and control law simulation research
Final Note on Application Strategy
Given the technical specialization, applicants are strongly encouraged to:
- Demonstrate experience in aerospace coding environments (C/C++, Python, MATLAB/Simulink)
- Highlight projects or research in flight control, simulation, or avionics
- Secure strong academic references and, where possible, attach proof of simulation experience through portfolios or GitHub repositories
This combination of rigorous academic funding and hands-on industrial collaboration makes Europe an excellent destination for aspiring aerospace software engineers and flight simulation specialists in 2025.