Applications for the Erasmus Mundus SARENA Scholarship 2026 are now available. The SARENA is a two-year joint masters program for students who want to become experts in safe and reliable nuclear power. You learn how to build, run, and manage nuclear reactors, handle radioactive waste, and keep everything safe for people and the environment. The program mixes safety rules, science, engineering, and real industry work to train future nuclear specialists. You study in France, Spain, Finland, and Slovenia at four top universities. The Erasmus Mundus SARENA program starts in September 2026 and offers full scholarships to the best students from any country. Also see Erasmus Mundus RE_PLAY Scholarship 2026 | Master in Game Design.
Details About the Erasmus Mundus SARENA Scholarship
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | SARENA – Safe and Reliable Nuclear Applications |
| Duration | 2 years full-time (120 ECTS) |
| Degree Type | Joint master’s degree with dual options |
| Host Countries | France, Spain, Finland, Slovenia |
| Funded By | Erasmus+ Programme – European Union |
| Total Scholarships | Around 15 to 20 full scholarships each year |
| Monthly Money | €1,400 for 24 months |
| Start Date | September 2026 |
| Application Opens | October 2025 |
| Scholarship Deadline | February 27, 2026 |
| Self-funded Deadline | Later (check website) |
| Contact | sarena@imt-atlantique.fr |
Host Universities
- IMT Atlantique (France) – semester 1 and track A semester 3, strong in nuclear safety and waste management with French nuclear industry links
- Universidad Politécnica de Madrid – UPM (Spain) – track A semester 2, expert in radiochemistry and environmental safety with Spanish technical focus
- LUT University (Finland) – track B semester 2 and 3, leader in reactor physics and thermal hydraulics with Finnish clean energy research
- University of Ljubljana (Slovenia) – track B semester 3, focus on reactor safety and Slovenian nuclear knowledge
Also See: Erasmus Mundus JMPMB Scholarship 2026 | Master in Marine Biotechnology
What Students Learn from Erasmus SARENA
- Nuclear physics and how reactors work safely.
- Reactor operation and control systems.
- Radioactive waste management and disposal methods.
- Safety rules and risk analysis in nuclear plants.
- Radiochemistry and handling radioactive materials.
- Thermal hydraulics and cooling systems for reactors.
- Decommissioning old nuclear sites safely.
- Small modular reactors and new nuclear technologies.
Why Choose the SARENA Program
- Clear focus on safe and reliable nuclear power.
- Study in four European countries with real nuclear facilities.
- Full scholarship pays for tuition, living, travel, and insurance.
- Real industry work and thesis with companies.
- Small group of students for close help and friends.
- Joint degree good for nuclear jobs worldwide.
- Good preparation for important work in clean energy.
- Strong contacts with nuclear companies and labs.
Study Path and Mobility
- Semester 1 – IMT Atlantique, France Basic nuclear science and safety.
- Semester 2 – Choose track • Track A: UPM, Spain – radiochemistry and waste • Track B: LUT, Finland – reactor physics and modeling.
- Semester 3 – Choose track • Track A: IMT Atlantique, France – waste and decommissioning • Track B: LUT & University of Ljubljana – reactor safety.
- Semester 4 – Any partner or industry Master’s thesis with research or company work.
Also See: Erasmus Mundus IDOH Scholarship 2026 | Master in Infectious Diseases and One Health
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor degree in engineering, physics, chemistry, or related.
- Good grades.
- English level – IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80.
- Motivation for nuclear safety and engineering.
Documents Required
- CV
- Bachelor degree and grades list
- Motivation letter
- Two recommendation letters
- English test result
- Passport copy
Scholarship Benefits
- All tuition fees paid
- Help with travel
- €1,400 every month for 24 months = €33,600 total
- Health insurance
- Money to start (€1,000)
Application Tips
- Write a clear motivation letter – say why you like nuclear safety.
- Tell about any engineering, physics, or energy project.
- Get good letters from your teachers.
- Show you care about clean energy.
- Be ready to study in different countries.
How to Apply for Erasmus Mundus SARENA Scholarship
- Go to official Erasmus Mundus SARENA Scholarship website and click apply.
- Fill the form.
- Upload your papers.
- Send by February 2026 for scholarship.
- Wait for results in spring 2026.
Career Opportunities
- Nuclear engineer in power plants
- Safety expert in nuclear companies
- Waste management specialist
- Work in nuclear research labs
- Job in energy agencies
- Consultant for nuclear safety
- PhD in nuclear engineering
FAQs
Q1. What is SARENA?
A. Master program on safe nuclear engineering in France, Spain, Finland, and Slovenia.
Q2. Who can apply SARENA?
A. Engineering, physics, chemistry students with good English.
Q3. Do I choose a track?
A. Yes – waste management or reactor safety.