Your Complete Guide to Civil Engineering Scholarships in Luxembourg

Are you considering pursuing a civil engineering degree in the heart of Europe? Luxembourg offers a unique, high-quality educational experience, and understanding the available scholarships can make your academic goals a reality. This guide provides a detailed look at the financial aid and scholarship opportunities for civil engineering students in Luxembourg.

Why Study Civil Engineering in Luxembourg?

Before diving into funding, it’s worth noting why Luxembourg is an excellent choice for aspiring engineers. As a major international financial hub with a strong focus on research and technology, the country provides a stable and prosperous environment. The University of Luxembourg is a modern, multilingual institution with a growing reputation in science and engineering.

Studying here means you’ll be in a country known for its impressive infrastructure projects, from complex transportation networks to innovative building designs. The university’s engineering programs are closely linked with local industry, offering valuable practical experience and networking opportunities. Specifically, the Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE) program focuses on megastructure engineering with sustainable resources, a highly relevant field in today’s world.

State Financial Aid (Cedies): The Primary Source of Funding

The most significant source of financial support for students in Luxembourg is the state-run Centre for Documentation and Information on Higher Education (Cedies). This government aid is not a traditional scholarship based on merit alone but is designed to support all eligible students pursuing higher education.

Importantly, this aid is accessible not only to Luxembourg nationals but also to EU students and, under specific conditions, non-EU nationals.

Eligibility for State Financial Aid

To qualify for aid from Cedies, you must meet several criteria:

Enrollment: You must be enrolled in a recognized higher education program for at least 15 ECTS credits per semester or follow a full-time program.
Residency for EU Students: You may be eligible if you are an EU national who has been legally residing in Luxembourg for at least five years, or if you are a child of a parent who has been employed or self-employed in Luxembourg. This is a key provision for many European students.
Residency for Non-EU Students: You may be eligible if you have been granted refugee status in Luxembourg or if you have resided in the country for at least five years.
Cross-Border Workers: Children of cross-border workers who have been contributing to the Luxembourg social security system for a continuous period of at least five years at the time of the application are also eligible.

Types of State Aid

The financial aid from Cedies is composed of several parts, which can be combined:

Basic Grant (Bourse de base): This is a non-repayable grant. For the ²⁰²³⁄₂₀₂₄ academic year, the amount is €2,210 per semester.
Mobility Grant (Bourse de mobilité): If you are studying outside your country of residence and paying rent, you can receive this non-repayable grant. The amount is €1,491 per semester.
Social Criteria Grant (Bourse sur critères sociaux): This grant is dependent on your household’s total taxable income. It can provide up to an additional €2,321 per semester for students from lower-income families.
Family Grant (Bourse familiale): If other children in your household are also receiving state financial aid, you may be eligible for this additional grant.
Student Loan (Prêt étudiant): On top of the grants, students can apply for a state-guaranteed, low-interest loan of up to €3,250 per semester.

For a civil engineering student eligible for the full range of grants, the total non-repayable aid could be substantial, significantly reducing the financial burden of studying.

University-Specific Scholarships and Opportunities

While Cedies is the main funding source, the University of Luxembourg also offers scholarships, particularly for international Master’s students.

Guillaume Dupaix International Master’s Scholarship

This is a merit-based scholarship designed to attract top international students to Master’s programs at the University of Luxembourg.

Who is it for? International students with excellent academic records applying to a Master’s program at the university.
What does it cover? The scholarship provides a stipend of €10,000 per academic year for up to two years. This is a significant amount intended to help cover tuition and living expenses.
How to apply: The application for this scholarship is typically integrated into the online application for the Master’s program itself. You must indicate your interest and provide the required documents, such as transcripts and letters of recommendation.

Faculty-Specific Aid

The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM), which houses the civil engineering department, may have other smaller grants or funding opportunities available. It is always a good idea to directly contact the program coordinator for the Master of Science in Civil Engineering to inquire about any faculty-specific financial support.

Other Funding Avenues

Beyond state aid and university scholarships, there are other potential sources of funding to explore.

Fonds National de la Recherche (FNR): The FNR is Luxembourg’s main funder of research activities. While most of their programs are aimed at PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers, their AFR (Aides à la Formation-Recherche) grants can support individuals pursuing research-focused Master’s degrees that lead to a PhD. If you are interested in the research track of civil engineering, this is an excellent avenue to investigate.
Private Foundations: Several private foundations and companies in Luxembourg support education. Organizations like the “da Vinci asbl,” the association for engineers and scientists in Luxembourg, sometimes offer prizes or grants. It is worthwhile to research companies in the construction and engineering sectors in Luxembourg, as some may offer scholarships or sponsored internships.
Erasmus+: If you are already studying at a European university, you can study for a semester or two at the University of Luxembourg through the Erasmus+ program. This program provides a monthly grant to help cover living costs during your exchange period.

How to Apply: A General Checklist

Navigating the application process can seem complex, but breaking it down makes it manageable.

Secure Admission: Your first step is to apply and be accepted into the Civil Engineering program at the University of Luxembourg.
Check Cedies Eligibility: Carefully review the residency and employment criteria on the official Cedies website to confirm if you qualify for state aid.
Gather Documents: You will need a comprehensive set of documents, including proof of admission, ID card or passport, bank account details, and potentially your parents’ income statements.
Submit Your Application: The Cedies application is done online through the MyGuichet.lu portal. Be mindful of the deadlines, which are typically November 30th for the winter semester and April 30th for the summer semester.
Apply for University Scholarships: If you are applying for the Guillaume Dupaix scholarship, ensure you complete that section of your Master’s program application thoroughly and before the program’s deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are civil engineering programs at the University of Luxembourg taught in English? Yes, the Master of Science in Civil Engineering is taught entirely in English, making it fully accessible to international students.

What are the tuition fees in Luxembourg? Tuition fees at the University of Luxembourg are very low compared to many other countries. For the MSCE program, the fee is typically €200 per semester, which is one of the most affordable rates in Europe.

Can I work while studying in Luxembourg? Yes. EU students can work without restrictions. Non-EU students on a student visa can work up to 15 hours per week during the academic semester and full-time during holidays. This can be a great way to supplement your income and gain practical experience.