A Guide to Renewable Energy Scholarships in Luxembourg

Are you interested in advancing your education in the growing field of renewable energy while studying in the heart of Europe? Luxembourg is a fantastic choice, known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation. This guide provides detailed insights into scholarships and financial aid that can help fund your studies in Luxembourg.

Understanding the Landscape of Financial Aid in Luxembourg

While you might be searching for a scholarship specifically named “Renewable Energy Scholarship,” it’s important to understand how funding typically works in Luxembourg. Specific, named scholarships for one particular field are less common than broader funding mechanisms. Most students, including those in sustainable energy fields, secure funding through university-wide scholarships, government aid, or research grants. This guide will walk you through the most important opportunities available.

The University of Luxembourg: Your Primary Destination

The University of Luxembourg is the country’s main public research university and the most likely institution for pursuing a Master’s degree related to renewable energy. The university is highly international and offers numerous programs taught in English. Financial aid for students here generally falls into two categories: merit-based scholarships for international students and general financial aid from the government.

Guillaume Dupaix International Master’s Scholarship

This is one of the most significant merit-based scholarships offered directly by the University of Luxembourg. It is designed to attract top-performing international students to its Master’s programs.

  • Who is it for? International students (non-EU and EU) who have graduated with excellent results from a foreign university and are applying to a Master’s program at the University of Luxembourg.
  • What does it cover? The scholarship provides a stipend of 10,000 euros per academic year, for up to two years. This is intended to help cover your accommodation and living expenses. It does not cover tuition fees, which are typically very low (around 200 euros per semester).
  • How to apply? You do not submit a separate application for this scholarship. All eligible Master’s program applicants are automatically considered based on the quality of their application, their academic record, and their motivation letter. The top candidates from each faculty are selected.

To be considered, you would first apply to a relevant Master’s program, such as the Master of Science in Engineering – Sustainable Product Creation (MEC), which has direct applications to the renewable energy sector through its focus on lifecycle assessment and sustainable design.

Luxembourg State Financial Aid (Cedies)

The primary source of student funding in Luxembourg is the state financial aid program, managed by a government body called Cedies. This is a comprehensive system of grants and loans available to students enrolled in higher education. However, the eligibility criteria are very specific.

Who can apply for Cedies aid?

You are generally eligible for this state aid if you fall into one of these categories:

  1. You are a Luxembourg national or a family member of a Luxembourg national residing in the country.
  2. You are a European Union citizen who is employed or has established residency in Luxembourg. For example, if you work in Luxembourg for a certain period, you can become eligible.
  3. You are a child of a frontier worker (a person who works in Luxembourg but lives in a neighboring country like France, Belgium, or Germany) and has been for at least five years at the time of the application.
  4. You are a non-EU citizen who has held legal resident status in Luxembourg for at least five years.

This means that an international student arriving in Luxembourg solely for their studies is typically not eligible for Cedies aid upon arrival. It is primarily designed for residents and those with a strong, long-term connection to the Luxembourgish labor market.

Relevant Master's Programs for a Career in Renewable Energy

To secure any funding, you first need to be accepted into a relevant program. The University of Luxembourg offers several Master’s degrees that provide an excellent foundation for a career in renewable energy, sustainable engineering, and green technology.

  • Master of Science in Engineering – Sustainable Product Creation (MEC): This program is perhaps the most directly related. It focuses on developing sustainable products and processes, considering environmental impacts from design to disposal. This includes energy efficiency and the integration of renewable resources.
  • Master of Science in Civil Engineering – Megastructure Engineering with Sustainable Resources (MSCE): This program tackles large-scale construction with a focus on using sustainable materials and energy-efficient designs, crucial for infrastructure projects like wind farms or hydroelectric plants.
  • Master in Physics: Students in this program can specialize in condensed matter and materials physics. This specialization is vital for developing new materials for solar cells, batteries, and other energy storage and conversion technologies.

Other Funding Avenues to Explore

Beyond the main university and government programs, you should also consider other opportunities.

  • Private Foundations and Corporate Sponsorships: While less common, some private foundations or large companies in Luxembourg’s energy sector, such as Enovos or Creos, may occasionally offer grants or support research projects. It is worthwhile to monitor their websites and the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) for opportunities, though many FNR grants are aimed at PhD and postdoctoral researchers.
  • Erasmus+ Master Loans: If you are a citizen of an Erasmus+ Programme Country, you may be eligible for a special loan to help finance your Master’s degree in another participating country, including Luxembourg. These loans typically have favorable repayment terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are renewable energy courses at the University of Luxembourg taught in English? Yes, the majority of Master’s programs at the University of Luxembourg, including those relevant to engineering and sustainability, are taught entirely in English. The university is trilingual (French, German, English), but English is the primary language for many graduate-level courses.

What is the estimated cost of living for a student in Luxembourg? Luxembourg has a high cost of living. Students should budget approximately 1,200 to 1,500 euros per month. The largest expense is accommodation, which can range from 400 to 600 euros for a room in a university residence hall to much more on the private market.

Can international students work part-time while studying? Yes. Students from the EU/EEA can work without restrictions. Non-EU students with a student visa can work up to 15 hours per week during the academic semester and up to 40 hours per week during holiday periods. This can be a good way to supplement your income and gain professional experience.