Autonomous vehicles are no longer just a concept—they’re a fast-developing reality. The convergence of AI, robotics, sensors, and systems engineering has created a demand for skilled professionals who can lead this mobility revolution. In Europe, universities and innovation networks are actively supporting international students through targeted scholarships in autonomous driving, connected mobility, and intelligent transportation systems.
1. EIT Urban Mobility Master School Scholarships
Countries: Multiple EU
Level: Master’s
Funding: Full tuition + monthly stipend + travel support
This EIT-funded initiative supports students tackling mobility challenges through engineering and innovation. The program covers AI in transportation, vehicle automation, mobility-as-a-service (MaaS), and intelligent infrastructure. Students study in two different European countries and benefit from industry-driven projects.
2. TU Munich – Autonomous Systems and AI Fellowships
Country: Germany
Level: Master’s and PhD
Funding: Partial to full support (via DAAD or TUM Excellence programs)
TUM’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is a hub for autonomous vehicle R&D, with dedicated labs for real-time systems, path planning, and intelligent control. Scholarships support students working on topics like autonomous navigation, multi-agent systems, and real-world AV testing environments.
3. ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)
Country: Switzerland
Level: Master’s
Funding: Full tuition + living stipend
ETH Zurich leads in AI-based perception, deep learning for driving systems, and real-time control in robotics. Students in this program often collaborate with labs such as the ETH Autonomous Systems Lab or Computer Vision Group on AV-related research, from LiDAR-based mapping to simulation environments.
4. Chalmers IPOET Scholarships – Autonomous Vehicle Engineering Track
Country: Sweden
Level: Master’s
Funding: 75% tuition waiver
Chalmers University’s master’s program in Systems, Control and Mechatronics offers a specialization in autonomous and connected vehicles. The curriculum integrates sensor data fusion, autonomous control, and mobility simulation. IPOET scholarships are open to highly qualified non-EU applicants.
5. Imperial College London – Robotics & AI Mobility Scholarships
Country: United Kingdom
Level: Master’s and PhD
Funding: Varies (up to full tuition and stipend for research roles)
Imperial’s Dyson School of Design Engineering and Institute for Security Science and Technology conduct AV-specific research in secure navigation, human-machine interaction, and AI-driven mobility systems. Scholarships are offered through departmental or research assistant positions, often tied to industry grants.
6. Université Gustave Eiffel – Mobility and Transport Engineering Scholarships
Country: France
Level: Master’s and PhD
Funding: €7,000–€10,000/year (plus tuition waivers in some cases)
This university is a major player in France’s urban mobility and AV innovation scene, particularly through its affiliations with IRT SystemX and IFSTTAR. Students focus on V2X communication, ADAS systems, and smart infrastructure integration for autonomous vehicles.
7. TU Delft – Mobility Innovation Scholarships (van Effen Excellence Awards)
Country: Netherlands
Level: Master’s
Funding: Full tuition + living expenses
TU Delft’s Robotics Institute and 3ME faculty offer state-of-the-art training in autonomous mobility, AI in motion planning, and vehicular robotics. Through strong ties with automotive partners and startups, students receive real-world exposure in collaborative AV development.
8. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) – Autonomous Transport Fellowships
Country: Norway
Level: Master’s and PhD
Funding: Tuition-free + additional research or development grants
NTNU’s Department of Engineering Cybernetics works on autonomous marine and road vehicles, focusing on robust control algorithms, edge computing in mobility, and AI for environmental perception. Special fellowships are available for students from partner countries or through project-based PhDs.
9. Politecnico di Milano – Intelligent Transport Systems Scholarships
Country: Italy
Level: Master’s
Funding: €5,000–€10,000/year
PoliMi’s Department of Mechanical Engineering runs AV-specific projects in collaboration with the EU and automotive firms. Research topics include sensor calibration, real-time path tracking, and AI for adaptive cruise control. The university offers several merit-based and regional scholarships for international students.
10. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks – Autonomous Driving & Smart Mobility Projects
Country: Multiple (Pan-European)
Level: PhD
Funding: Full salary + travel + research training budget
The MSCA doctoral networks frequently include AV-themed research under mobility, machine learning, and robotics calls. Topics range from distributed AI in traffic systems to cognitive computing for autonomous platforms. These positions are extremely competitive and often tied to EU Horizon programs.
Application Strategy for 2025
- Demonstrate cross-domain skills: Combine AI/machine learning with control systems, robotics, or embedded engineering.
- Submit early: Many programs have fall deadlines, especially those connected to Erasmus or Horizon Europe funding.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Particularly for project-based funding or doctoral networks, technical screenings are common.
- Emphasize applied work: Projects, prototypes, or simulation work in AV environments (like CARLA, ROS, or OpenPilot) can strongly support your application.
Europe remains at the forefront of autonomous systems research, integrating ethical AI, mobility innovation, and advanced robotics. For STEM students eager to drive the future of transportation, 2025 offers an open road paved with opportunity and access to world-class scholarships.