The STRAINS Erasmus Mundus Master in Advanced Solid Mechanics is a two year international master program coordinated by the University of Lille and offered in partnership with leading European universities. The program combines theory, experiments, and numerical methods to give students advanced knowledge in solid mechanics. With mobility across different countries, students gain academic depth, international exposure, and a joint degree recognized in Europe. Also Check EMMNano Erasmus Mundus 2026 Master in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.
Key Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years (120 ECTS) |
| Language | English |
| Mobility | Study at 2–3 partner universities |
| Specializations | Computational Mechanics, Mechanics of Materials, Mechanics of Structures, Material Design & Properties |
| Degree | Joint Master’s degree |
| Funding | Erasmus Mundus Scholarships available |
Host Universities
- Univ. of Lille,
- Centrale Lille Institut,
- UCLouvain,
- Wrocław University of Science & Tech,
- NTUA Athens,
- Univ. of Calabria
Why Choose STRAINS?
- Study at multiple European universities
- Gain expertise in theory, experiments, and numerical simulations
- Access to modern labs and international research teams
- Strong career pathways into PhD, research, or engineering industries
- Scholarships available that cover tuition, stipend, travel, and insurance
Pro Tip: Students with strong mechanics and math background stand out during selection.
Program Structure
- Semester 1 → University of Lille covers basics like continuum mechanics and numerical methods plus vibrations and experimental mechanics.
- Semester 2 → Choose a partner university based on your interest:
- UNICAL (Italy): structural analysis, earthquake engineering, design.
- WUST (Poland): You study computational mechanics and engineering materials and also AI in engineering.
- UCLouvain (Belgium): composites, durability, rheology.
- NTUA (Greece): electives like biomechanics, seismic design, optimization.
- Semester 3 → Specialization modules across partners.
- Semester 4 → is for your master thesis or an internship which is worth 30 ECTS..
Admission Requirements
- You need a Bachelor degree in Mechanics or Mechanical Engineering or Civil Engineering or something equal.
- Strong background in mechanics, mathematics, and physics.
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 85 iBT, Cambridge FCE A/B, or equivalent (CEFR B2).
- Documents required:
- Degree and transcripts (official translations if needed)
- CV (Europass format, 2 pages max)
- Motivation letter
- Two recommendation letters
- Proof of residence
- Valid passport/ID
- English test certificate
Funding
The Erasmus Mundus scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipend (~€1400)
- Travel and installation support
- Health and accident insurance
Application Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | October 2025 |
| Deadline | January 2026 |
| Results | April–June 2026 |
| Program Starts | September 2026 |
Tips for Applicants
- CV: Keep it focused on mechanics, projects, and research.
- Motivation letter: Show why solid mechanics matters to you and how STRAINS fits your career plan.
- Recommendation letters: Ask professors or supervisors who know your academic work.
- Interview prep: Be ready to explain your background, career goals, and mechanics knowledge.
- Scholarship diversity: Remember that the Erasmus scholarship has diversity rules (limited per country, gender balance considered).
How to Apply
- Apply online through the STRAINS application platform.
- Upload all required documents in PDF (English or translated).
- Provide referee details — they must send letters directly.
- Submit before the January deadline.
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview (covers motivation, mechanics knowledge, and English).
- Results are announced in April–June.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of STRAINS can:
- Continue into PhD and research in solid mechanics or applied physics.
- Work in engineering industries (automotive, aerospace, civil structures).
- Join international research centers and laboratories.
FAQs
Q1. What is STRAINS Erasmus Mundus?
This is a two year joint master program in Advanced Solid Mechanics from European universities.
Q2. What are the entry requirements?
A bachelor degree in mechanical or civil engineering is required with a good background in physics and math.
Q3. Is English required?
Yes you need IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 85 iBT or another similar proof of English skill.
Q4. Where do students study?
At least two partner universities, starting at Lille, then moving to others for specialization.
Q5. Is funding available?
Yes, Erasmus Mundus scholarships cover tuition, stipend, travel, and insurance.
Official Sources
- STR.AIN.S Official Contact Email: master-strains@univ-lille.fr
- Erasmus Mundus Catalogue