Applications are open for the STEPS Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027, offering eligible engineering graduates the opportunity to pursue a two-year joint master’s degree in Sustainable Transportation and Electric Power Systems across Europe. Selected full scholarship recipients receive tuition-fee coverage and €1,400 per month for up to 24 months, equivalent to a maximum living allowance of €33,600. Erasmus Mundus scholarships are competitive, and admission does not guarantee funding. The programme involves universities in Spain, Germany, Italy and Portugal, with students studying in at least three countries.
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in engineering equivalent to at least 180 ECTS and must meet the programme’s English-language requirements. The application deadline is 8 January 2027, and classes are scheduled to begin in September 2027. The programme is particularly relevant to graduates interested in electric vehicles, renewable energy integration, power electronics, smart grids and sustainable energy systems.
STEPS Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027: Quick Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Sustainable Transportation and Electric Power Systems (STEPS) |
| Academic level | Master’s degree |
| Host countries | Spain, Germany, Italy and Portugal |
| Duration | 2 years (120 ECTS) |
| Scholarship | €1,400 per month, up to 24 months |
| Tuition coverage | Full tuition coverage for full scholarship recipients |
| Language | English |
| Eligible applicants | Engineering graduates worldwide |
| Application deadline | 8 January 2027, 11:59 p.m. CET |
| Programme start | September 2027 |
| Application status | Open |
Important application deadline clarification
The deadline for the September 2027 STEPS intake is 8 January 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Central European Time (CET), according to the programme’s current recruitment announcement. The general admission page still mentions 15 January as part of its standard application calendar. Applicants should follow the earlier, intake-specific deadline and submit their applications by 8 January 2027.
What Is the STEPS Erasmus Mundus Joint Master?
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Sustainable Transportation and Electric Power Systems (STEPS) is an international master’s programme designed to prepare engineers for developments in electrical transportation and modern power systems.
It is coordinated by the University of Oviedo in Spain, in partnership with Kiel University in Germany, Sapienza University of Rome in Italy and the Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra in Portugal.
Students complete 120 ECTS over four semesters and receive a joint master’s degree recognized in the four partner countries.
The programme offers two recommended specializations:
- Sustainable Transportation (ST): Electric vehicles, battery systems, power electronic converters, electric drives and electrified transport infrastructure.
- Electrical Power Systems (EPS): Renewable energy integration, smart grids, power system control, intelligent distribution networks and advanced transmission technologies.
The curriculum combines university teaching, laboratory projects and industry-oriented research. Students also complete a master’s thesis, with opportunities for internships involving associated companies or research institutions.
Applicants interested in renewable energy integration, smart grids, and decentralized energy technologies may also consider the DENSYS 2.0 Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027. It offers a separate European master’s programme with competitive Erasmus Mundus funding of €1,400 per month for selected recipients. The application deadline is 27 January 2027.
STEPS Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Benefits and Funding
The STEPS consortium offers competitive Erasmus Mundus scholarships to selected applicants based on its admission and scholarship selection procedures.
Two funding arrangements are described on the official programme website.
1. Full Erasmus Mundus scholarship
Successful recipients receive:
- Tuition-fee coverage.
- A monthly living allowance of €1,400.
- Funding for up to 24 months, subject to the programme’s scholarship conditions.
- Access to the programme’s student insurance arrangements.
The maximum published monthly allowance totals €33,600 over two years. This is a living allowance, not an additional tuition payment.
What about travel and visa costs?
The published €1,400 monthly allowance provides financial support during the programme. The consortium also refers to travel and installation support, but the publicly available funding information does not specify a separate fixed payment for these expenses.
Applicants should confirm whether travel, visa and initial relocation costs must be covered from their monthly allowance or whether additional assistance is available under their individual scholarship agreement.
2. Tuition-fee waiver
Some selected students may receive a tuition-fee waiver without the monthly living allowance.
This distinction matters because admission to STEPS does not automatically mean receiving a fully funded scholarship.
The published tuition fee for self-financing students is €4,500 per semester, or €18,000 for the complete two-year programme. The same published rate applies to European and non-European students.
The consortium determines the number of available scholarships annually. Applicants should therefore check the funding terms in their individual award offer.
If you are comparing STEPS with other funding opportunities, our guide on how to find fully funded scholarships abroad explains how to distinguish tuition coverage, living allowances, and additional expenses before applying.
Who Is Eligible for the STEPS Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027?
The programme accepts applications from international students who meet its academic and language requirements.
Academic requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering representing at least three years of university study and 180 ECTS, or an equivalent qualification recognized under applicable regulations.
The programme specifically seeks candidates with electrical engineering backgrounds. Related engineering graduates should examine their academic preparation against the course content before applying.
Students approaching completion of their bachelor’s degree may also be considered, subject to providing the required qualification before enrolment.
English-language requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to at least B2.
The official admission page lists the following accepted qualifications:
| English test | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Overall 6.0, with no component below 5.5 |
| TOEFL | Overall 79, including writing 17, reading 18 and speaking 20 |
| PTE Academic | Overall 55, with no component below 51 |
English tests must have been taken within two years of registration.
The programme does not publish a general exemption for applicants whose previous degrees were taught in English. Candidates hoping to use a medium-of-instruction certificate should obtain written confirmation from the consortium rather than assuming it will be accepted.
Applicants considering TOEFL, PTE Academic, or an English-language exemption can also read our guide to scholarships without IELTS. It explains why the English-language rules of one scholarship programme cannot automatically be applied to another.
Nationality and scholarship restrictions
European and non-European applicants can apply.
However, the published scholarship rules include restrictions concerning full-time enrolment, simultaneous EU funding for the same joint course, nationality distribution and certain residence conditions.
The programme also states a limit of two scholarship recipients from the same nationality. Its scholarship page uses the older Erasmus+ Programme Country and Partner Country classifications, so applicants with complex nationality or residence histories should confirm how these rules apply to the 2027 intake.
Previous Erasmus Mundus scholarship recipients
Applicants who have already received an Erasmus Mundus master’s scholarship should check their eligibility for further funding before applying. The programme’s published FAQ indicates that previous scholarship recipients may apply for admission but are not eligible for a second Erasmus Mundus master’s scholarship. Because the FAQ contains information from earlier application cycles, affected applicants should confirm the rule with the STEPS consortium for the 2027 intake.
Where Will Students Study?
STEPS requires physical mobility across at least three European countries.
| Semester | University and country | Main focus |
|---|---|---|
| First | Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, or Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Portugal | Engineering foundations and initial specialization |
| Second | Kiel University, Germany | Power electronics, energy storage and renewable energy technologies |
| Third | University of Oviedo, Spain | Advanced specialization, modelling and laboratory projects |
| Fourth | Partner or associated institution | Internship, research and master’s thesis |
Students following the Sustainable Transportation track generally begin in Rome, while those following Electrical Power Systems begin in Coimbra.
The fourth semester includes an Entrepreneurial Camp and a master’s thesis, potentially undertaken with an industry or research partner.
The consortium notes that individual course names and module arrangements may change during programme accreditation.
Required Documents for the STEPS Application
The official admission procedure requires applicants to submit their supporting documents electronically in English.
Candidates should prepare their academic degree certificate or evidence of expected graduation, university transcripts and accepted English-language evidence.
The online application system also requests information needed for academic assessment and scholarship consideration.
Depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the portal’s current checklist, additional materials may include a CV, evidence of professional or research experience, identity documents and residence documentation. If the application portal requests a CV, our guide on how to write an academic CV can help you present relevant coursework, engineering projects, technical skills, and research experience clearly.
Applicants should follow the current application portal for the definitive document list. The consortium may subsequently require selected candidates to submit hard copies of supporting documents by post.
The publicly accessible admission guidance does not provide a complete, intake-specific checklist for 2027. Applicants should verify any CV, motivation letter, recommendation letter, identity document or translation requirement directly in the current application system before submitting their application.
How Are Applicants Selected?
STEPS publishes a two-stage selection procedure.
First, the Academic Committee evaluates complete applications that meet the formal admission requirements. The highest-ranked candidates then proceed to an interview, which may take place by videoconference.
The official assessment weighting is:
| Selection criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Academic records | 40% |
| Professional and research experience | 20% |
| Personal interview | 40% |
The consortium states that approximately 40–60 of the highest-ranked applicants may be interviewed.
These criteria show that academic performance is important, but it is not the only factor. The interview carries the same weight as academic records, and the programme explicitly states that poor interview performance can affect admission.
Applicants should be ready to explain their technical background, relevant engineering projects and reasons for choosing their preferred specialization.
Careers Help Desk Counter Angle: Your Technical Fit Matters More Than a Generic Motivation Statement
One challenge for STEPS applicants is demonstrating readiness for a programme that combines electrical power systems with transportation technologies.
An applicant with strong academic results may still struggle to explain how their previous studies connect with the programme’s technical curriculum.
This matters because STEPS evaluates academic records, professional and research experience, and interview performance separately.
Before applying, compare your academic projects with the subjects taught in your preferred track.
For example, applicants interested in Sustainable Transportation could highlight relevant work involving electric machines, battery management, vehicle modelling or power electronic converters.
Those applying for Electrical Power Systems could discuss renewable energy integration, load-flow analysis, grid stability, electrical network modelling or power system control.
If your bachelor’s degree is in a related engineering discipline rather than electrical engineering, pay particular attention to demonstrating the mathematical and technical foundations needed for the programme.
This approach can help you present a more specific application and prepare for technical questions during the interview. It does not replace the consortium’s formal eligibility requirements.
If STEPS requests a motivation letter, our guide on how to write a scholarship motivation letter includes an Erasmus Mundus-style example showing how to connect your academic background, relevant projects, and future study goals.
How to Apply for the STEPS Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027
Applications are submitted through the official STEPS online application system managed by the coordinating university.
Step 1: Visit the official STEPS website and review the admission and scholarship requirements.
STEPS Erasmus Mundus Master Scholarship Application Requirements
Step 2: Open the online application portal and register for an applicant account.
Apply Here for STEPS Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027 to Sudy in Europe
Step 3: Complete the application form with your personal and academic information.
Step 4: Indicate that you wish to be considered for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship.
Step 5: Upload the required documents in the requested format.
Step 6: Submit the application before 8 January 2027 and retain the acknowledgment of receipt.
Monitor your email for interview invitations, selection results and any further document requests.
The consortium’s published admission calendar indicates that selection and interviews generally take place between January and February, with initial results expected around March. Applicants should follow the dates communicated for the 2027 intake.
Final Thoughts
The STEPS Erasmus Mundus Joint Master offers engineering graduates an opportunity to specialize in sustainable transportation and modern electrical power systems while studying at several European universities. For applicants seeking scholarship funding, the main priorities are confirming academic eligibility, preparing acceptable English-language evidence and submitting a complete application before 8 January 2027. Candidates should also prepare carefully for the interview, which accounts for 40% of the published selection assessment. Applications for the September 2027 intake can be submitted through the official STEPS portal.
Official application links
- STEPS official online application portal
- STEPS official programme website
- Official scholarship and funding information
For programme-specific questions, applicants can contact the consortium at info-emmcsteps.eu@uniovi.es.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the STEPS Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027 fully funded?
Selected full scholarship recipients receive tuition coverage and €1,400 per month for up to 24 months. However, some students may receive tuition-fee waivers only, while others may be admitted without scholarship funding.
2. Can students from outside Europe apply?
Yes. The programme accepts international applicants, including candidates from countries outside the European Union, provided they meet the academic and English-language requirements.
3. Can I apply without IELTS?
The programme accepts other specified English tests, including TOEFL and PTE Academic. However, applicants should not assume that a medium-of-instruction certificate automatically replaces the required English qualification.
4. What is the STEPS Erasmus Mundus application deadline for 2027?
The current official announcement gives 8 January 2027 as the application deadline for the September 2027 intake. Applicants should follow this date rather than the general 15 January deadline appearing elsewhere on the programme website.
5. Is professional work experience compulsory?
The published minimum eligibility requirements do not specify compulsory professional experience. However, professional and research experience account for 20% of the selection score, so relevant experience can contribute to an applicant’s evaluation.
6. Can final-year bachelor’s students apply?
Yes. Final-year undergraduate students may apply and can receive conditional admission if they meet the programme’s academic requirements. The STEPS FAQ asks applicants who have not yet graduated to provide an official statement confirming their final-year enrolment and expected graduation date.
The published guidance also lists 30 April for non-EU students and 30 June for EU students as degree-completion deadlines. As these dates appear in older programme guidance, applicants should confirm the requirements for the September 2027 intake before relying on them.
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