Ashesi-ETH Master in Mechatronic Engineering
Production & Automation
Since January 2022, Ashesi University in Ghana and ETH Zurich have been offering a joint Master's programme in Mechatronic Engineering. 40 students from 7 African countries are currently studying at Ashesi University. A third cohort has been selected and will start their studies in 2024. The programme is delivered in block courses developed and taught in tandem by faculty from both universities.
The programme is founded on a strong partnership between Ashesi University, ETH Zurich, industry and supporting partners. This collaboration is maintained through regular visits and exchanges.
Mechatronics encompasses a range of technologies that empower a variety of daily life applications ranging from automation of household equipment to “smart” manufacturing, self-driving cars, surgical robots and robotic space exploration. Delivered at Ashesi University by faculty from Ashesi and ETH Zurich, this Master’s Programme equips students with specialist competences and wide range of skills to pursue a career in this dynamic and future-oriented field.
Students will build research and innovation competences through industrial internships and a Master project work where they will combine theory and practice with a focus on topics that suit their interests and career plans, guided by experts from academia and industry whose teaching and training are informed by world-class research and expertise.
The involvement of our industry partners - ABB, Barry Callebaut, Bühler, HPW, Holcim, Nestlé, and Tetra Pak - all of whom are operationally present in Africa, ensures that the programme addresses regional market needs. In addition to providing mentorship and industrial internships, our industry partners offer full scholarships and direct job opportunities in the region after the successful completion of the programme.
Programme Highlights
- Fully Funded Educational Programme: Full scholarships covering tuition, academic fees, laptop & equipment, accommodation, health insurance, one trip home each year, monthly stipend for other living expenses
- Mentorship: Personal career development, supported by profesional experts and guided by an experienced mentor
- Internship: Challenging hands-on assignments in learning by doing
- Job Offer: Our global-leading industry partners and other companies in the region provide job opportunities after graduation
- Three-Year Programme with Two Certificates: Master of Advance Studies (MAS) from ETH Zurich and Master of Science (MSc) from Ashesi University
What the students say about the programme
"The holistic and broad nature of the courses allows for people from different backgrounds to appreciate engineering in more ways than one. After the first year, I have a better understanding of how mechanical systems work and I can fuse that with my background in electrical engineering to solve almost any engineering problem."
Timothy Asare, 2nd year Master's student
"With this programme, I have the opportunity to interact with some of the best faculty. They are actually changing how I approach solutions to engineering problems. If we can get a whole new crop of like-minded people with this kind of perspective, we can have a big impact in Africa."
Esi Odaawa Cobblah, 2nd year Master's student
Ashesi University
Ashesi University is a young and entrepreneurial university that was founded in 2002. Teaching at Ashesi focuses on complementing technical knowledge with ethical leadership skills and a profound understanding of sustainable development principles. Learn more about external page Ashesi University.
ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is a world-renowned university with a wealth of experience in training highly-skilled engineers, and an extensive network in African countries. Sustainability issues are a key focus of research and teaching at ETH Zurich. Learn more about ETH Zurich.
Advanced Core Modules form the foundation of the programme, developing methodological competence in design and analysis of mechanical systems, together with programming and deployment of embedded devices for rapidly expanding applications in a host of industrial sectors.
Mechatronics and Control Modules provide knowledge in the application of innovative robotic and control system solutions including data-driven and machine learning techniques to existing systems and modern engineering systems.
Energy and Production Systems deepen your understanding of renewable energy technologies and propulsion systems in product development and process chain planning, providing the competence to propose appropriate and effective design improvements and mitigation strategies.
Engineering in Perspective provides context to the technical knowledge, training students in leadership, public policy, corporate social responsibility and international cooperation in preparation for influential careers that contribute towards the sustainable industrial development of Africa.
Over the last year of the programme, students will gain hands-on experience through an internship where they will apply their acquired knowledge and skill, and research experience through a professional project and Master thesis where they will work on a project linked to one of our industry partners and/or research groups.
First Year
- Mathematical Tools I
- Computer Programming and Embedded Systems
- Signals and Systems
- Thermofluids
- Material Engineering
- Mathematical Tools II
- Dynamics
- Digital Electronics
- Statics and Solid Mechanics
- Computational Methods
Second Year
- Control Systems I
- International Environmental Politics
- Leading Teams
- Renewable Energy Technologies
- Data Analysis and Machine Learning
- Robotics and Mechatronics
- Investment appraisal and cost effectiveness analysis / Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability
- Energy Systems and Mobility
- Manufacturing Processes
- Control Systems II and Optimal Control
Third Year
- Applied System Engineering
- Advanced Communication Systems and Internet of Things
- Development Economics
- Sustainable Engineering
- Product Development
- Reliability and Risk
- Industrial internship
- Master Thesis
The list shown represents typical modules of the programme and may change.
Fully-funded programme
- No tuition fees
- Full scholarships covering living expenses, travel and other programme costs
- 3-year duration, 2 certificates
- A $50 application fee applies
This option is only available if you apply and are selected for an industry scholarship.
Other scholarships
There are additional scholarships and fee-paying options available at Ashesi University. Please find out more on Ashesi's external page website.
Mechatronic Engineering is a multidisciplinary field with a strong future, exciting career opportunities and a huge range of applications in robotics, manufacturing, automation, automotive engineering, aerospace, healthcare and medicine, agriculture, leisure and entertainment, and many more.
After graduating from this Master’s degree programme, students will receive direct job offers from our world-leading industry partners: ABB, Barry Callebaut, Bühler, HPW, Holcim, Nestlé, Tetra Pak.
Further employment opportunities are possible through other relevant industries in the region. The Career Services Office at Ashesi University provides life-long career coaching, essential skills, and business connections around Africa to help you achieve your professional goals. Over 90% of Ashesi graduates start careers within six months.
Admission Requirements
- BSc or MSc in Electrical, Electronic, Computer, Mechanical, Process and Mechatronics Engineering
- Second Class Upper or better
- Proficiency in English
Selection Criteria
- Academic Qualifications
- Curriculum Vitae
- Extracurricular Achievements
- Working/Internship Experience
- Demonstration of Motivation
Application Deadline
- Applications for cohort 5 (to start in 2026) will open in December 2024
Apply here
- Visit external page Ashesi's website to apply for the programme.
Programme Directorate
Ashesi University
external page Prof. Angela Owusu-Ansah
external page Dr. Nathan Amanquah
ETH Zurich
Programme Management
Ashesi University
Ms. Antoinette Okyere
Mr. William Annoh
ETH Zurich
Crucial funding for our unique programme is secured with the support of the external page ETH Foundation. We are very grateful to our supporting partners for their financial contribution, which makes possible the implementation of this initiative.
Supporting Partners
- Adrian Weiss
- Arthur Waser Foundation
- Bärbel und Paul Geissbühler Stiftung
- First Advisory Group
- Georg und Bertha Schwyzer-Winiker-Stiftung
- Louis Dreyfus Foundation
- Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)
- Tarbaca Indigo Foundation
Other foundations and private donors not named.