Commission Plans Erasmus+ STEM Scholarships from 2028

The European Commission is preparing to introduce dedicated scholarships for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) under the next Erasmus+ programme, set to begin in 2028.

Addressing Europe’s STEM Talent Gap

According to Roxana Mînzatu, EU Commissioner for Social Rights and Skills, the initiative aims to strengthen Europe’s talent pipeline in key sectors such as clean tech, digital innovation, and advanced manufacturing. “It is crucial that we invest in these talents,” she said, pointing to Europe’s competitiveness ambitions (source: Science|Business 04 Sep 2025).

While the intention is clear, details remain scarce. The Commission will provide a full proposal once the Erasmus+ budget—expected to be adopted by the end of 2027—is approved. This will clarify how scholarships will be allocated, eligible fields of study, and how students might benefit.

The announcement comes amid increasing concern over STEM talent shortages across Europe, with tens of thousands of roles in sectors like semiconductors projected to remain unfilled by 2030. By offering financial and mobility support, the EU hopes to attract and retain young talent, while reinforcing Europe’s economic and societal resilience.

Alongside the scholarships, the next Erasmus+ programme is also expected to deepen cross-border cooperation in higher education through initiatives like the European Degree framework, designed to make joint degrees easier and more widely recognised across member states.

The move signals the EU’s commitment to equipping the next generation of scientists and engineers with the opportunities and resources needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

Source: Commission to introduce Erasmus+ STEM scholarships | Science|Business

_{Published on STEMcoalition.eu: September 26, 2025}