Ashesi-ETH Master in Mechatronic Engineering
Production & Automation
Application for the two-year standalone programme 2026 are now open. external page Go to the application portal.
Since January 2022, Ashesi University in Ghana and ETH Zurich have been offering a joint master's programme in Mechatronic Engineering. To date, 137 students have enrolled at Ashesi University, and 23 of them have graduated. A fifth cohort has been selected and started their studies in February 2026. 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 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.
During the first five cohorts 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. Some of our industry partners provide mentorship and industrial internships.
Starting in Fall 2026, Ashesi University will only recruit for the two-year standalone program. This is part of a transition phase in which ownership of the programme is being transferred to Ashesi University to ensure long-term sustainability.
Programme Highlights
- Mentorship: Personal career development, supported by profesional experts
- Internship: Challenging hands-on assignments in learning by doing
- Support for job placement: Ashesi career services supports graduates of the program by linking them to various relevant industry companies
- The standalone program offers an MSc/MPhil from Ashesi University with some teaching and supervision support from ETH Zurich faculty
What the students say about the programme
"Being part of the programme was truly transformative. That experience built resilience in all of us, and the chance to learn alongside students from across Africa, with lecturers from around the world, taught me to appreciate and work effectively across different cultures. The leadership and social modules also strengthened my communication and leadership, particularly when coordinating with client management, operators, and key stakeholders. Above all, the programme instilled a"solution-first" mindset that I apply every day."
Kristen Frimponmah Agyeman-Prempeh
"The program has been eye opening to me. I got to view various life realities from a different angle and it has broadened my scope of focus to the international space. Along the way I got in-depth insight on other motivating factors like teamwork, ethics and leadership."
Evans Omwega
"It has given me a new perspective on engineering and allowed me to consider social and political issues when thinking through engineering solutions. It has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to significant decision-making across various professional areas."
Baron Afutu
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.
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 are linked to relevant industry partners through the support of the Ashesi Career Services Office.
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.
During 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's thesis where they will work on a project linked to one of our industry partners and/or research groups.
On completion, students will receive a Msc/MPhil Mechatronic Engineering from Ashesi University.
There are scholarships available at Ashesi University. Please find out more on Ashesi's external page website.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's or master's degree (second class or higher) in mechatronics, mechanical, electrical, computer, allied engineering, or other related degrees will be considered for the programme.
- Received the bachelor's or master's degree in the past five years, OR applicants with aforementioned degrees who have also had consistent on-the-job professional development, such as cutting edge training.
Submission requirements:
- A statement of purpose must be added to your application.
- Official transcript
- Curriculum Vitae/Résumé
- Motivation statement
- References (at least 2)
- Unless English was the language of instruction a language test such as TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, other tests are subject to verification.
Application Deadline
- June 30, 2026
- Applications for the Academic year 2026/27 can be made via the external page Ashesi website.
Programme Directorate
Ashesi University
external page Prof. Angela Owusu-Ansah
external page Dr. Nathan Amanquah
ETH Zurich
Programme Management
Ashesi University
Ms. Antoinette Okyere
Ms. Verissa Owusu
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.
If you have any further questions about the admissions process, please contact Ashesi University's .