At SEIUM, we assess applications in a holistic and structured way: we verify academic and language requirements, review your SOP (Statement of Purpose) and/or technical portfolio, and complete the process with a competency-based interview with a technical and ethical focus. Here is the complete guide to submitting a strong application.
Admissions How to apply
- Requirements, SOP/Portfolio, and interviews SEIUM official guide
SEIUM
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Admission requirements
generales
General
Minimum: B2 (CEFR) in the programme’s language of instruction; C1 recommended.
Accepted (indicative): IELTS ≥ 6.5, TOEFL iBT ≥ 90, Cambridge C1, Duolingo ≥ 115, or an internal SEIUM certificate. Applicants who completed a previous qualification in that language are exempt.
All students will work with ES/EN technical terminology.
Declaration of originality (no plagiarism).
Commitment not to share controlled data/drawings under ITAR/EAR/dual-use regulations in application materials.
Acceptance of the Privacy Policy (GDPR).
Who can apply and to which programmes
Academic
- Bachelor’s degree (180–240 ECTS) or equivalent in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related fields.
- Academic record/official transcript. The following subjects are viewed positively:
- Automotive/Aerospace/Maritime: mechanics, thermofluids, materials, control.
- Electronics/Embedded Systems/Telecommunications: circuits, signals, RF, real-time systems.
- Robotics/Control: linear algebra, optimisation, dynamics, programming.
- Data/AI/Simulation: calculus, probability, Python/Matlab, HPC.
- Energy/Grids: electrical systems, power engineering, regulation, markets.
- Regulation/RAMS: functional safety, sector-specific regulations.
Admission via professional experience: 5+ years in a technical role may compensate for the formal qualification if competence is evidenced (portfolio/projects, references). A diagnostic test and bridging modules may be required.
Core technical competencies
- Applied mathematics (derivatives, matrices, basic optimisation).
- Programming (Python/Matlab; C/C++ desirable for embedded systems/control).
- Computational tools/CAE according to the field (e.g., basic CAD/CFD/FEA).
- Data science (for Data/AI pathways: basic statistics and Numpy/Pandas concepts).
Required documentation
Formats: PDF (≤ 20 MB per file). Videos: private link (≤ 3 minutes). Code/data: links (GitHub/GitLab, Kaggle, etc.). Do not upload proprietary or confidential material.
SOP (Statement of Purpose): what we expect
Your SOP should explain why SEIUM, why this programme, and how it fits your background and future impact. We look for clarity, purpose, and alignment with our values (safety, ethics, standards, sustainability, data).
- Introduction: your motivation and the problem that drives you (100–150).
- Background: 2–3 experiences with evidence (projects/roles/impact) (250–350).
- Fit with SEIUM: courses/labs/faculty/verticals that match you and why (200–250).
- Impact and ethics: how you will apply safety-by-design, compliance, sustainability, and data in your practice (150–200).
- 3–5 year plan: the outcomes you want to achieve, metrics, and sectors (100–150).
- Specific and measurable: “I reduced the error by 18%…” is better than “I improved the algorithm.”
- Evidence and standards: cite standards, test methods, and real KPIs.
- Authenticity: avoid empty promises; show judgement and limits.
- Be careful with generative AI: we use it for style detection; the SOP must be yours.
Common mistakes: repeating your CV, using vague generalities, copying “SEIUM’s mission”, overusing jargon without evidence, and exceeding the length limit.
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Technical portfolio: guide and rubric
Who should submit it?
Mandatory for Automotive & Motorsport, Robotics/Control, Electronics/Embedded/Telecoms, Data/AI/Simulation, Naval/Aerospace, Energy & Grids, and Off-Highway; recommended for Design/HMI & Product. For Regulation/RAMS/Compliance, you may submit dossiers/test reports.
Content (maximum 15 pages of reading, plus linked annexes)
Include 3–5 projects that demonstrate:
- Problem & requirements (including the relevant standard/regulation, if applicable).
- Your role (what you did personally, not just what the team did).
- Method (model, test plan, DoE, validation, limitations).
- Evidence (data, charts, correlations, results).
- Decisions & trade-offs (safety, cost, LCA/LCC, compliance).
- Lessons learned (failures, uncertainty, next steps).
Evaluation rubric (0–5 each; weighting)
- Problem definition and requirements (15%).
- Technical rigour and method (20%).
- Evidence and validation (20%).
- Individual role and collaboration (10%).
- Standards & compliance (15%).
- Ethics, safety, and sustainability (10%).
- Visual clarity & reproducibility (10%).
Do not include confidential/proprietary information or export-controlled data. If a project is sensitive, anonymise it and explain the approach while preserving methodological evidence.
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The interview: what we assess and how to prepare
- Duration: 35–50 minutes (virtual/in person).
- Mixed panel: academic + industry/compliance + student success.
- Systems thinking and multimodal fit.
- Rigour & data (hypothesis → metric → decision).
- Safety & compliance literacy (you can “speak standards”).
- Ethics / IHL and sensitivity to dual-use.
- Clear, honest technical communication (ES/EN).
- Alignment with SEIUM’s values and the programme’s objectives.
- Review 1–2 projects from your portfolio in depth (assumptions, limitations).
- Read the programme syllabus; identify 2 key modules/labs.
- Think of a failure you managed and what you learned.
- Be clear about your limits: saying “I don’t know” and how you would investigate it is a plus.
Estructura

1. Warm-up and motivation (5’).

2. Short technical case (10–15’): reasoning, not memorisation.

3. Deep dive into your portfolio/SOP (10–15’).

4. Ethics / safety / compliance scenario (5–10’).

5. Your questions (5’).
Step-by-step process (with indicative timings)
- Pre-check (optional): send us your CV + questions → guidance within 3–5 days.
- Full application (form + documents).
- Initial review (admissions): 10 business days.
- Academic evaluation (programme committee) and SOP/portfolio rubrics.
- Interview (if applicable) within 1–2 weeks after shortlisting.
- Decision (admitted/conditional offer/waiting list/not admitted) within no more than 4–6 weeks from the date the full application is received.
- Scholarship/financial aid (if you applied): decision in parallel or immediately afterwards.
- Seat confirmation and enrolment (guidance and dates).
- Visa & housing (if applicable), with support from SEIUM.
Admisión condicional: podemos pedir módulos bridge (p. ej., fundamentos de control, Python para ingeniería, señales/EMC, estadística aplicada) a cursar antes o en paralelo el primer semestre.
Decision criteria (a “holistic, evidence-based” view)
- Fit with the programme and your goals (SOP, interview).
- Technical capability and potential (portfolio, CV, transcripts, experience).
- Safety/ethics/compliance as part of how you think.
- Communication (clear ES/EN) and teamwork.
- Cohort diversity and your contribution to the SEIUM ecosystem.
There is no single “ideal profile” that guarantees admission. We look for complementary cohorts that raise the level of learning.
Accessibility and reasonable adjustments
If you need adjustments to assessments, interviews, or deadlines (due to disability, health, or other circumstances), indicate this in the form or email access@seium.university. We respond within ≤ 72 hours and agree feasible measures (e.g., extra time, captions, alternative format)
Integrity, privacy, and export controls
- We use anti-plagiarism tools and AI-assisted style review. Responsible use of AI is acceptable as long as you disclose how you used it.
- We process your data in accordance with the GDPR; see “Data protection & privacy”.
- Do not upload NDA-protected content or export-controlled technical data (ITAR/EAR/EU Dual-Use). If in doubt, contact exportcontrols@seium.university .
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Yes, with a completion certificate and an expected graduation timeline. Admission would be conditional.
Yes, if they can demonstrate a technical foundation or relevant experience, and complete bridging modules.
Yes. Applying early is recommended (funding is limited).
Do not upload it. Anonymise it and present your method and non-sensitive evidence.
Yes. We provide a brief guidance report and improvement pathways.
Quick checklists
- Online form
- CV (≤ 2 pages)
- Transcripts + degree (or completion certificate)
- SOP (800–1,000 words)
- Technical portfolio (3–5 projects)
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Language requirement (if applicable)
- Passport/ID
- Accessibility and export-control forms (if applicable)
- Form + CV
- Practical case summary (instead of an extended portfolio)
- Motivation letter (600–800 words)
- 1 professional reference
- Language requirement (if applicable)
Admissions contact
Chat
Available on the website (Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00 CET).
Virtual appointments
Book via the Admissions page.