Erasmus Mundus EUROPHOTONICS (EMMC)

The Erasmus Mundus EUROPHOTONICS (EMMC) program is a prestigious international master's degree designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and skills in the rapidly evolving field of photonics and optical technologies. Hosted by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), one of Europe's leading research universities, this program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that bridges physics, engineering, and applied sciences to prepare graduates for careers in academia, industry, and research institutions. The EMMC emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical applications, providing students with hands-on experience through laboratory work, industry internships, and collaborative projects with international partners. Students benefit from studying at multiple renowned institutions across Europe, including KIT, the University of Burgundy, and other partner universities, allowing immersion in diverse academic environments and access to cutting-edge research facilities. The program covers a wide range of topics such as laser physics, optoelectronics, quantum optics, nano-photonics, and telecommunications, ensuring a comprehensive approach to modern photonics challenges. Graduates of the Erasmus Mundus EUROPHOTONICS program will be well-positioned to pursue advanced research careers, contribute to technological innovation in the photonics sector, or enter industries such as telecommunications, medical technology, manufacturing, and defense. The program also fosters a global perspective, intercultural communication skills, and international collaboration, preparing students to work in multicultural teams and diverse professional contexts. With a unique combination of academic excellence, practical training, and international exposure, the Erasmus Mundus EUROPHOTONICS program offers an unmatched opportunity for ambitious students to develop expertise in one of the most dynamic fields of science and technology today.

Educational organisation

Program & mobility structure:

• First semester: fundamentals (Marseille)
• Second semester: core subjects & industry internship (Karlsruhe)
• Third semester: specialisation (Karlsruhe, Marseille or Barcelona)
• Fourth semester: Master's thesis (Karlsruhe, Marseille or Barcelona)

Depending on the personal mobility structure, graduates receive a Master of Science degree awarded by at least two universities. For the two-year Master of Science (M.Sc.) program, 120 ECTS points are awarded. The language of instruction is English.

Study abroad unit(s)

Through its structure as an Erasmus Mundus program within three different countries, study abroad units are integrated (Germany, Spain, France).

Internships

An eight-week industry internship is integrated into the Master's curriculum. The KSOP offers an elaborate internship programme in cooperation with well-known industry partners such as Carl Zeiss, OSRAM, TRUMPF, Karl Storz, Berliner Glas, Jenoptik, SICK, Agilent Technologies, Polytec and Novaled.

Forms of assessment

Written and oral exams, Master's thesis.

Course objectives

The mission of the Karlsruhe School of Optics & Photonics (KSOP) is to provide a multidisciplinary environment for first-class research and education as well as for the generation of knowledge and innovation in optics and photonics. Together with the partner universities in Marseille and Barcelona, the KSOP aims at qualifying Erasmus Mundus graduates for accelerated careers at world-leading academic institutions and in high-technology industries.

Language requirements

Since courses are presented in English, foreign applicants must pass the TOEFL examination with a minimum of 570 points PBT, 260 points CBT and 88 points IBT, or IELTS band 6.5.

Academic requirements

For application to the Erasmus Mundus Europhotonics program, you must meet the following criteria:

• Officially certified copies and translations of your diplomas into English (first university degree and others - do not send secondary school diploma). Selected students will be asked to bring the original diplomas upon arrival. In case your current degree has not yet been achieved: please upload a letter from your university declaring the expected completion date, as well as available transcripts
• Certified English translation of transcripts (BSc or equivalent, and MSc if available)
• Clear copy of passport
• Documentation for language tests (copy of the TOEFL score/IELTS report sheet)
• Letter of motivation
• Recommendation letter of reference 1
• Recommendation letter of reference 2
• Up-to-date curriculum vitae (two pages maximum) with photo

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

Approx. 130 EUR per semester, including a semester ticket for public transportation in Karlsruhe from 6pm to 5am on weekdays and all day on Saturdays and Sundays.

Costs of living

Approx. 750 EUR per month to cover accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses
See also our FAQs: http://www.ksop.kit.edu/2023.php

Job opportunities

International students have the opportunity to work part time during their studies at KIT. Local industry and businesses are constantly looking for temporary staff. Also, there are various positions available as student assistants at KIT.
However, students should check with the authorities if and to what extent they are allowed to work. They should also be aware that taxes and social contribution fees may apply.

Arrival support

International students arriving at KIT will be assisted by the International Students Office, the student organisation AK ERASMUS (http://www.ak-erasmus.de) and the KSOP student office in all administrative and everyday life issues.

Before your arrival, the KSOP Office offers advice regarding general preparation for a stay at KIT as well as support in looking for accommodation.

Just before the start of each semester, an orientation week is organised for newly arrived students. During this week, tutors (advanced foreign and German students) assist the international students in opening a bank account, taking out health insurance, enrolling at KIT, etc. Extracurricular events are organised to get to know other international as well as German students and to discover the city of Karlsruhe and its surroundings.

Services and support for international students

• General support with administrative issues (dealing with local authorities, insurance etc.)
• Accommodation support
• Orientation week
• Access to German classes according to your skill level, before and during the semester
• Extensive study guidance
• Tutoring and learning groups
• Extracurricular activities programme

Further information: http://www.intl.kit.edu/istudies

Accommodation

Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 250 EUR per month. Private rooms are more expensive (approx. 300 EUR).
The International Students Office offers assistance with accommodation search for newly enrolled international students. They work closely with Students Services who manage the student residences in Karlsruhe. The International Students Office can also help students find private accommodation.
However, students should keep in mind that there is a general shortage of housing in Karlsruhe and that they should start looking early, especially if taking up studies in the winter semester.
Further information: http://www.intl.kit.edu/istudies/3364.php