Admission for Students holding a Non-Flemish Degree
The minimum degree required is a bachelor degree in physics or engineering. Candidates can apply for the programme via the FUSION-EP website: https://fusion-ep.eu . Application is possible within the period indicated on the website (usually between November and February preceding the envisaged year of enrolment).
Quality of the institute where you studied, study results and motivation are some of the important selection criteria. Specialisation in plasma physics or nuclear engineering is not required, but can be an asset. Three recommendation letters are needed.
Language requirements
Dutch : No language requirements Language requirements for this study programme differ from the required standard level for English taught study programmes as specified in the Ghent University Education and Examination Code:
English: - TOEFL iBT 4,5 or 94 (before 21 Jan. 2026) - IELTS: 7.0 (with a minimum of 6.0 for each part) - Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), grade C1 (CAE). English tests results provided by universities are not considered a sufficient proof.
Prospective students who can prove that they have followed a comprehensive English-based instruction at an institute for higher education during at least two years (students may be recognized as having completed 120 ECTS) are exempted from this requirement.
Admission for students holding a Flemish degree
Additional Information on Admission (Flemish Degree)
Holders of one of the above-mentioned diplomas can apply for the programme via the FUSION-EP website: https://fusion-ep.eu. Application is possible within the period indicated on the website (usually between November and February preceding the envisaged year of enrolment).
Study results and motivation are some of the important selection criteria. Specialisation in plasma physics or nuclear engineering is not required, but can be an asset. Three recommendation letters are needed.
With its broad network of universities and research institutes, the European Master of Science in Nuclear Fusion and Engineering Physics (FUSION-EP), provides high-level, multinational education in fusion-related engineering physics. The curriculum resonates closely with the research activities of the partners and recent developments in the field, offering a culturally diverse and academically engaging study experience. The Nuclear Fusion and Engineering Physics programme is devoted to the technical applications of physical theory and strongly supported by the research and development activities at the different laboratories and industries within the consortium. By combining the practical concepts of a degree in engineering with the essentials of education as an engineering physicist, the programme delivers engineers capable of performing, advancing and leading technical and scientific research in research institutes as well as (fusion) industry. The curriculum’s engineering component familiarises the engineering physicist with the analysis, design and optimisation of new and existing systems, products, machines, materials and more, for which simplification to manageable system descriptions (from rules of thumb to expert systems) is essential. Although the various methods and applications are treated in the context of the technology of fusion devices, their relevance far exceeds the domain of nuclear fusion. In the physics component, the reductionist approach takes centre stage: by means of experiments and mathematical modelling we seek to break down physical phenomena taking place in the plasma and in its interaction with its surroundings, to their very essence, and to discover the applicable physical laws. A rigorous attitude is essential, as any physics theory should stand a validation by experiment. While part of the learning contents in the curriculum are intentionally kept relatively broad, students can also choose one of two study tracks: Fusion Science or Fusion Engineering. These tracks allow students to specialize according to their personal interests by means of a broad set of electives.
The two-year FUSION-EP programme comprises four terms. The study programme as a whole has to amount to 120 credits and fulfil certain mobility requirements. These requirements ensure a master’s programme with a strong common standard and maximum flexibility, to accommodate students with different interests, language knowledge and background. Having chosen a study track (Fusion Science or Fusion Engineering), each student resides during the first master year at a university where the chosen track is offered. In the second year, the student moves to another university in a different country, still according to the chosen track.
As part of the mobility, all students meet each other on two fixed occasions in the course of their two-year programme, i.e. the annual Summer Event. Students attend this event as first-year students and then again as second-year and graduating students when they defend their master’s dissertation. In addition, in the second year all students participate in two intensive lab training sessions, each two weeks long: the Joint Experimentation and Analysis session at the Institute for Plasma Physics in Prague and a Winter Event for all students near the ITER site at Cadarache, France.
Finally, in the second year students carry out an original piece of research for their master dissertation (30 credits). During several months, they collaborate with experts at the forefront of fusion R&D on a topic of their choice. The range of topics is very broad, thanks to our large network of universities, research institutes and industries.