Introduction
Imagine studying Extended Reality (XR), Computer Vision, and Lighting in the land of the midnight sun (Finland), the heart of French design (France), and the tech capital of robotics (Japan).
The Erasmus Mundus Japan – Master of Science in Imaging and Light in Extended Reality (IMLEX) is one of the most unique and high-tech graduate programs in the world. Fully funded by the European Union and the Japanese government, this program bridges the gap between art, science, and the Metaverse.
If you want to become an expert in Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Robotics, while getting paid to travel, this is your chance. The application window for the 2026 intake opens on December 15, 2025!
What is IMLEX?
IMLEX is a 2-year Joint Master’s Degree (120 ECTS) that combines image conversion, lighting, and computer science. Unlike other programs that focus solely on software, IMLEX provides a deep multidisciplinary understanding of how light and images combine to create immersive realities.
The Consortium Universities:
- 🇫🇮 University of Eastern Finland (UEF), Joensuu, Finland (Coordinator)
- 🇯🇵 Toyohashi University of Technology (TUT), Toyohashi, Japan
- 🇫🇷 Jean Monnet University (UJM), Saint-Etienne, France
- 🇧🇪 KU Leuven, Belgium (Associate Partner)
Your Global Mobility Track
For the 2026 intake, all students follow a fixed, high-mobility track that takes you across the globe:
- Semester 1: 🇫🇮 Finland (UEF): Foundations in Photonics and IT.
- Semester 2: 🇫🇷 France (UJM): Computer Vision, Image Quality, and Lighting.
- Summer School: 🇧🇪 Belgium (KU Leuven): Lighting design and networking.
- Semester 3: 🇯🇵 Japan (TUT): XR, Robotics, and Advanced Perception.
- Semester 4: Thesis: Can be done at any partner university or with an industrial partner (e.g., Sony, Nvidia, Varjo).
Fully Funded Scholarship: The Benefits
The IMLEX program offers the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) Scholarship, available to students of all nationalities.
- 💰 Monthly Allowance: €1,400 per month for 24 months (Total: €33,600).
- 🎓 Tuition Fee Waiver: 100% coverage of the €9,000/year fee.
- 🏥 Insurance: Full health and travel insurance coverage.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must meet the following academic requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree: You must hold a degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Photonics, or a closely related field.
- English Proficiency:
- Since requirements have been updated for 2026, please check the official website for the exact scores (typically IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 92+).
- Note: Applicants from English-speaking countries or those who studied in English may be exempt.
How to Apply: The Checklist
The application is electronic via the Finnish national portal, Studyinfo.fi.
Required Documents (PDF):
- Bachelor’s Degree Certificate (Original + English Translation).
- Official Transcript of Records.
- English Language Certificate.
- CV (Curriculum Vitae): Must be chronological with no gaps >12 months.
- Two Recommendation Letters: Can be uploaded or sent directly by referees.
- Motivation Letter: You must answer specific questions about your background, why you chose specific IMLEX courses, and your research ideas.
- Passport Copy.
- (Optional) Motivation Video.
⚠️ Important Update on COSI: You may have also heard of the COSI (Computational Color and Spectral Imaging) Master’s. Please note that COSI is not accepting applications for the 2026 intake. If you were planning to apply to COSI, IMLEX is your best alternative for high-level imaging and lighting education this year.
Key Deadlines for 2026 Intake
The application period is short! Do not miss it.
- Opens: December 15, 2025
- Closes: January 21, 2026 (15:00 Finnish time)
Ready to Shape the Future of XR?
This is more than a degree; it’s a passport to a global career in the tech industry.