LEADERSHIP SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR STEM STUDENTS
For high-performing engineering students who want international experience, leadership development, and direct exposure to leading industrial companies
THE PROGRAMME
Imagine a study year that takes you beyond the lecture hall and places you at the intersection of international experience, leadership development, and real industry impact. UNITECH is a unique STEM leadership development programme created for ambitious engineering students who want more than a degree - students who want to grow, challenge themselves, and prepare for a global career.
1. Academic Exchange
Step into a new academic culture by studying for one or two semesters at one of UNITECH’s top European partner universities.
2. International Internship
Apply your skills where they matter. Complete an international internship with one of UNITECH’s global corporate partners such as Airbus, Hilti, Infineon, Sanofi, and many more. Work on real projects, contribute to strategic challenges, and gain first-hand insight into how leading companies operate - all while living abroad.
3. Thesis writing
Take your academic work to the next level by writing your MSc thesis in collaboration with a corporate partner. You will tackle real business and technological challenges, work closely with industry professionals, and turn theory into impact.
4. Leadership & Soft Skills Development
Leadership is learned by doing. UNITECH’s three intensive skills development modules, each hosted in a different European country, focus on teamwork, communication, self-leadership, project management, and problem-solving - skills that truly set you apart in today’s dynamic world.
5. Professional Coaching
Throughout the year, you will be supported by experienced industry coaches who challenge, guide, and support you in your personal and professional development, helping you gain confidence, clarity, and direction before you even graduate.
6. UNITECH Alumni Network
Join a lifelong network of over 1,500 UNITECH alumni working across industries and countries. This community opens doors, sparks collaborations, and supports you far beyond your student years.
7. Financial support
UNITECH provides a €1,000 mobility grant to support your participation in the Soft Skills Development Modules. Accommodation, breakfasts, coffee breaks, and selected dinners during the modules are fully covered.
In addition, you may apply for Erasmus+ scholarships for both study exchange and internships. During your UNITECH internship, host companies also provide financial support to help cover living expenses.
PREREQUISITES TO APPLY
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To be a full-time student from one of our Academic Partners
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To be enrolled in the 3rd or 4th year of STEM studies upon application (meaning you will participate in the UNITECH programme during your 4th or 5th year).
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Loughborough University students must be on an Engineering, MEng Programme; current Part B or Part C students with Part I taking place in 2024/25
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Be proficient in English, as it is the main language of communication throughout the Programme and essential for fully engaging in team work, discussions, and presentations. Please note that some Academic Partners require language level certification.
Applications are now closed.
New round of applications will open on 1 October, 2026.
EXAMPLES OF BUSINESS CASES & INTERNSHIPS
Business Cases
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Agile methodologies to drive time to market and customer centricity
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Becoming Best-in-Class Decarbonized Factory in Europe - Moving towards a Greener Industry
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Smart Manufacturing – Energy Utilization and Efficiency - Enabling smarter and greener factories
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Circular Polymer Recycling
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Enterprise Social Network evaluation and
Use Case analysis -
Circular Economy
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Managing culture in challenging times
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How to integrate sustainability aspects in all company decisions and innovation?
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AI application in Supply Chain Management
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Direct Procurement Sustainability & Risk
Internships
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Digitalisation and software development
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Robot assembly and optimisation
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Process Engineering
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Sustainability Quantification
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Data Science for smart processes
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Environmental quantification
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Product management
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Manufacturing Engineering and Digitalisation
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Supply Management, digitilisation and sustainability
THREE IN-PERSON MODULES
Start-Up Week
The new UNITECH cohort comes together for the first time to start self-discovery and business skills building. They enjoy a close contact with the network through exercises, presentations on key themes and in-depth discussions on cutting-edge topics.
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Midterm Week
In the second module students work in teams on real business cases submitted by Corporate Partners. Case Advisors provide guidance on research, innovation, collaboration and brainstorming processes, helping students develop as future professionals.
End-of-Year
The final module offers formal and informal interactions with the UNITECH network for students to transition into the professional world. They have the opportunity to lead workshops on areas of interest that they wish to share with their UNITECH colleagues and receive coaching along the way.
ADDITIONAL ONLINE EVENTS
Assessment Centers
Select students are invited by their home university to attend an Assessment Center. Corporate Partners play the role of Assessors to select the right candidates to form the cohort of that given year.
Career Interviews
Organized online sessions offering the opportunity to the Corporate Partners to interview UNITECH students and Alumni for internships and permanent employment positions.
Fireside Chats
Corporate Partners present their organization, company culture, upcoming internship opportunities and answer students’ questions.
Midterm Week Cases
Students work in teams for five months on real business cases submitted by Corporate Partners. Case Advisors provide guidance on research, innovation, collaboration and brainstorming processes, helping students develop as future professionals.
