European Commission (Erasmus Mundus)
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Smart Cities and Communities (SMACCs)
Edit ScholarshipThe European Commission offers SMACCs, a government scholarship for Master's students in four countries. It covers full tuition + ~€1,400/mo living allowance + travel, for up to 24 months. Annually, usually closes Dec–Jan for September entry.
Overview
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Smart Cities and Communities (SMACCs) is a two-year master's programme that trains engineers to design smarter, more sustainable urban systems. It covers energy, transport, buildings, and information and communication technology, and how these work together in a connected city. The consortium spans the University of Mons in Belgium, the International Hellenic University in Greece, the University of the Basque Country in Spain, and the University of Vaasa in Finland, with funding from the European Commission under the Erasmus Mundus scheme.
You move between partner universities across the two years and graduate with a degree recognised by the consortium. Teaching is in English, and the programme mixes coursework across the smart-city disciplines with a research-oriented thesis. The breadth is deliberate, since real smart-city projects sit at the intersection of several engineering fields.
SMACCs is aimed at engineering and science graduates who want to work on urban energy, mobility, and digital infrastructure. Erasmus Mundus scholarships, consortium scholarships, and partner scholarships are awarded each year through a competitive selection that is open to applicants from any country.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Funding Body | European Commission (Erasmus Mundus) |
| Host Countries | Belgium, Greece, Spain, and Finland |
| Degree Levels | Master's (two years) |
| Value | Full tuition, a living allowance of about €1,400 per month, plus travel and installation support, for up to 24 months |
| Deadline | Applications usually close in December or January for September entry |
| Eligible Nationalities | Open to applicants from all countries |
| Official Website | SMACCs application page |
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Requirements
You need at least a bachelor's degree in engineering, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, environmental, architectural, computer, or energy engineering, or in sciences such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, or computer science. The degree must represent at least three years of study (180 ECTS). Applicants from other backgrounds, such as architecture or economics with an engineering foundation, are reviewed case by case.
Nationality Requirements
SMACCs is open to students of all nationalities. Erasmus Mundus scholarships follow the scheme's rules, which distinguish Programme Country and Partner Country applicants for certain quotas. The current call explains how this applies to you.
Language Requirements
The programme is taught in English, and applicants must show B2-level proficiency. Accepted evidence includes TOEFL at 90 or above iBT, IELTS 6.5 or above, Cambridge CPE/CAE/FCE (Passed), or TOEIC 850 or above. Students educated entirely in English at universities in Australia, the UK, the USA, New Zealand, South Africa, or Canada are exempt.
Other Requirements
Selection considers your academic record, motivation letter, work experience, research and development experience, and two reference letters. Shortlisted candidates are invited to a remote interview, usually held around early April.
What the Scholarship Covers
- Full tuition through the Erasmus Mundus tuition fee waiver
- A monthly living allowance of around €1,400 for up to 24 months
- A contribution toward travel and installation costs
- Insurance arranged through the consortium
- Additional routes such as consortium and associated-partner scholarships, plus Erasmus+ inter-semester mobility support
Admitted students without a scholarship can enrol as self-funded candidates.
How to Apply
- Check eligibility: Confirm your engineering or science degree, ECTS, and English level meet the criteria.
- Gather documents: Prepare transcripts, your degree confirmation, motivation letter, and English certificate.
- Arrange referees: Line up two referees, at least one academic, to provide reference letters.
- Complete the application form: Fill in the SMACCs online form and upload your documents.
- Submit before the deadline: Validate your application before the December or January cut-off.
- Attend the interview: If shortlisted, join the remote interview, typically around early April.
Required Documents
- Academic transcripts and degree confirmation
- Motivation letter
- Two reference letters, at least one from an academic referee
- English language certificate, where applicable
- Curriculum vitae
- Foreign qualification authorisation from UPV/EHU, where required
- A copy of your passport or national ID
- Certified translations of documents not issued in English
Key Dates & Deadlines
SMACCs runs on an annual cycle for September entry. Applications usually close in December or January, interviews for shortlisted candidates are held around early April, and scholarship decisions follow afterward. Because exact dates move slightly each year, confirm the current deadline on the official application page before you apply.
Tips for a Strong Application
What helps
- Connect your motivation letter to a clear smart-city interest, whether energy, mobility, buildings, or ICT
- Highlight any research, development, or work experience that the selection scores
- Choose referees who can speak to your technical ability, with at least one academic
- Prepare for the early-April remote interview if you are shortlisted
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing your assigned interview slot, since a replacement is not normally offered
- Submitting a motivation letter that ignores the smart-city focus
- Forgetting the foreign qualification authorisation where it is required
- Leaving your English certificate or translations until the last minute
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SMACCs Erasmus Mundus Joint Master?
It is a two-year, EU-funded joint master's in smart cities and communities covering energy, transport, buildings, and ICT, taught across Belgium, Greece, Spain, and Finland.
Is the SMACCs scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The Erasmus Mundus scholarship includes a tuition fee waiver, a monthly living allowance of about €1,400, and a contribution to travel and installation for up to 24 months.
Who is eligible for the SMACCs Joint Master?
Applicants with a bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) in engineering or sciences who meet the B2 English requirement. Non-engineering backgrounds are reviewed case by case. It is open to all nationalities.
What is the deadline for the SMACCs Joint Master?
Applications usually close in December or January for the September intake. Confirm the exact date on the official site.
What English level do I need for the SMACCs Joint Master?
B2 level, shown for example by TOEFL 90 or above, IELTS 6.5 or above, Cambridge CPE/CAE/FCE passed, or TOEIC 850 or above. Some applicants taught fully in English are exempt.
Is there an interview for the SMACCs Joint Master?
Yes. Shortlisted candidates attend a remote interview, usually around early April, and missing your slot is not normally rescheduled.
Which universities are part of the SMACCs Joint Master?
The University of Mons (Belgium), the International Hellenic University (Greece), the University of the Basque Country (Spain), and the University of Vaasa (Finland).
Can students from non-engineering backgrounds apply to the SMACCs Joint Master?
Yes, on a case-by-case basis, for example architecture or economics degrees with an engineering foundation.
What documents do I need for the SMACCs Joint Master?
Transcripts and degree confirmation, a motivation letter, two reference letters, an English certificate where applicable, a CV, and a passport copy.
Can I apply to the SMACCs Joint Master without a scholarship?
Yes. Admitted students who do not receive a scholarship can enrol as self-funded candidates.
How many reference letters do I need for the SMACCs Joint Master?
Two reference letters, with at least one from an academic referee.