Erasmus Mundus scholarship program Msc in Smart Cities and Communities is a fully funded program. It’s a 2-year full time program aiming at educating the next generation of engineers and scientists. The program is around city sustainability, such as Transport, Energy, buildings, ICT and Urban planning.
Four European Higher Education institutions are involved including University of Mons(Belgium), International Hellenic University (Greece), University of the Basque Country (Spain) and University of Vaasa (Finland).
SMACCs is a Joint Master Degree program. The program is to improve the quality of higher education via the cooperation of higher educational institutions and the labor market.
Erasmus Mundus scholarship
The scholarship provides 1400 euro per month for the entire duration. It covers tuition fee, travel cost, visa installation, and subsistence costs. It also covers study, research and placement activities, thesis preparation and other costs. The scholarship is for the full time enrolled students.
The scholarship evaluation is based on academic records, motivational letters, work experience, R&D experience and reference letters. Besides Erasmus Mundus scholarship, there are other scholarships for the program including Consortium scholarships, associated partner scholarships and Erasmus+Mobility Grants.
We would recommend students to check all these scholarships for the program.
Eligibility Criteria for the Msc in Smart Cities and Communities
To be eligible for the program, students must have minimum a Bachelor degree in:
- Engineering ( mechanical, Chemical, electrical, civil, environmental, architectural)
- Science ( Chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, operation)
- Economics with engineering background
- A case-by-case study for other degrees (i.e., architecture, law, business, social, etc.), with an equivalent academic degree of minimum three years of undergraduate study corresponding to 180 ECTS.
Preferable degree
- Engineers with a Bachelor degree (3 years) in engineering (mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, environmental, architectural, etc.) or in sciences (physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, operation) or in economics BUT with an engineering background while a case by case study for other degrees (i.e., architecture, law, business, social, etc.),
- Engineers with a Master degree (MSc, BSc + 1 or 2 years) in engineering (mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, environmental, architectural, etc.) or in sciences (physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, operation) or in economics BUT with an engineering background while a case by case study for other degrees (i.e., architecture, law, business, social, etc.),
- Engineers/Scientists, etc. looking to start a career in Smart Cities and Communities, R&D units or in field-related companies;
- Candidates looking for an ideal preparation for a PhD (or R&D position) in the fields of energy, transport, ICT, buildings, smart cities, etc.
Language Skills
The language of instruction for the SMACCs Master is English.
- If a candidate has completed his/her previous studies with English as the language of instruction, the SMACCs programme can usually accept this as evidence of the English level (an official letter from the student’s university )
- Candidates who completed their Bachelor and/or Master degree taught exclusively in English from Australia, United Kingdom, USA, New Zealand, South Africa or Canada, automatically meet the English language requirements.
- All other candidates have to provide proof of an appropriate level of competence in the English language. Applicants must demonstrate an appropriate level of their competences in the English language through a standardized test. The attainment of a B2 level (Effective Operational Proficiency) in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is acceptable
English Proficiency Test Scores
Minimum test scores required for the candidates to prove their competences in English are:
| Test Type | Minimum Score Required |
| TOEFL (Internet-based, iBT) | 90 |
| TOEFL (computer-based, CBT) | 230 |
| TOEFL (paper-based, PBT) | 550 |
| TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition | Minimum score required: 90 |
| TOEIC | 850 |
| International English Language Test (IELTS) | 6.5 [1] |
| IELTS Indicator | 6.5 [1] |
| Cambridge Proficiency Examination (CPE) or equivalent | Passed |
| Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) | Passed |
| First Certificate in English (FCE) | Passed |
[1]Minimum score required: 6.5 (with a minimum score of 5.5 in each element)
The candidate must upload a copy of his/her certificate with the application form, otherwise the application will be incomplete.
In the case of the TOEFL test, the SMACCs programme has to receive an applicant’s language certificate directly from the testing institutions. Therefore, applicants should contact the TOEFL test center and have them send a copy to the SMACCs coordinating institution, the Universite de Mons (applicants have to mention to the testing institution the specific code for UMONS, which is: C194). If an applicant chooses to take the IELTS test, the SMACCs programme can accept a certified copy of the test results. The IELTS test result copy should clearly indicate the “Test Report Form Number”, which will then enable the SMACCs programme to contact the testing institution and verify the results.
Documents requirement
- Application form (filled-in and signed)
- Motivation letter (1-page)
- Proof of sufficient knowledge of the English language (TOEFL/IELTS, etc.)
- CV (Europass template recommended)
- Copies of awarded degrees
- Copies of academic transcripts
- Copies of professional experience/certificates
- Copy of the identity page of your passport (or ID card for EU applicants)
- Proof of residence
How to apply for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for Msc in Smart Cities and Communities
The application is online. Register using the at the end of this blog, create your account. Provide all the information, and upload all required documents. Submit your application before the deadline.
Deadline Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
The 2025 deadlines for the Erasmus Mundus MSc in Smart Cities and Communities (SMACCs) program:
- Students applying for Erasmus Mundus (or other) Scholarships:
Deadline: 15th February 2025 - Self-funded students who need a VISA for studies:
Deadline: 30th April 2025
For more information click the link below,
Also check out the video on How to search for Erasmus Mundus scholarships.
