📋 Main Info at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) Scholarship |
| Host Organization | European Commission — Erasmus+ Programme |
| Country | Multiple European countries + partner countries worldwide 🇪🇺 |
| Degree Level | Master’s degree (1 to 2 years — 60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits) |
| Funding Coverage | Full scholarship — tuition and participation costs, travel allowance, visa costs, and monthly living allowance |
| Eligibility | Students from all countries worldwide holding a Bachelor’s degree or in their final year of Bachelor studies |
| Deadline | October to January each year for programmes starting the following academic year |
| Study Fields | All academic disciplines — varies by individual programme |
| Official Application Link | https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters |
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship 2026: Complete Guide for International Students to Study Fully Funded Across Europe
If you could earn a prestigious internationally recognized Master’s degree — fully funded — at not just one but several of the world’s finest universities across multiple European countries, all within a single integrated programme, would you apply? For students from Bangladesh, Nigeria, India, Brazil, Indonesia, and every other country on earth, the answer should be an emphatic yes.
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) Scholarship — funded by the European Commission through the world-renowned Erasmus+ programme — is one of the most extraordinary, internationally respected, and academically distinguished scholarship opportunities available to graduate students anywhere in the world today. It offers ambitious students from every country the chance to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree at a consortium of leading higher education institutions spanning at least three different countries, gaining an internationally double or joint degree and an unparalleled academic and cultural experience along the way.
Almost 50,000 students have taken part since 2004. Are you ready to join them?
In this complete guide, we walk you through everything — the programme’s structure, the full scholarship package, eligibility conditions, how to prepare your application, the application process, key deadlines, and the strategies that give you the strongest possible chance of being selected as an Erasmus Mundus Scholar.
What Is the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Programme?
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are prestigious international masters, jointly designed and delivered by a group of higher education institutions. They are not standard postgraduate programmes delivered by a single university — they are sophisticated, multi-institutional academic programmes built through close collaboration between several of Europe’s most respected universities, research centers, and academic partners from across the globe.
Every Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programme involves at least three institutions from at least three different countries, and multiple associated partners from the academic and non-academic world. This means that when you study an EMJM programme, you are not studying at one campus in one city — you are moving between multiple universities, multiple countries, and multiple academic cultures as an integral part of your degree. This mobility is not a feature added to the programme — it is its defining characteristic and its greatest strength.
The programme sits under the Erasmus+ framework — the European Union’s flagship education, training, youth, and sport programme — and is managed by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) on behalf of the European Commission. This institutional backing from the European Commission gives the EMJM programme one of the most credible and authoritative foundations of any scholarship programme in the world.
Typically, Erasmus Mundus programmes include periods of study, research, traineeship, thesis preparation and defence — meaning that your time across partner universities encompasses a rich and varied academic experience that goes far beyond classroom instruction alone.
Why the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Is One of the World’s Most Prestigious Awards
The EMJM is not simply a funding mechanism — it is a mark of academic excellence and international distinction. Being selected as an Erasmus Mundus Scholar places you among the most talented graduate students in the world, studying alongside peers from every continent in some of Europe’s most intellectually vibrant academic environments.
The programme’s prestige derives from several unique qualities that set it apart from virtually every other scholarship:
Multi-university, multi-country study — You genuinely live and study in multiple countries during your degree. This is not a study abroad semester as an add-on — it is the core architecture of the programme. The intercultural competence, language exposure, and international professional network this builds are unmatched.
Joint or multiple degree certification — Upon completion, you receive either a joint degree issued on behalf of at least two higher education institutions, or multiple degrees issued by two or more universities in the consortium. Either outcome gives you an internationally recognized qualification that signals the highest level of academic achievement to employers, research institutions, and doctoral programmes worldwide.
European Commission endorsement — Every EMJM programme is vetted, funded, and quality-assured by the European Commission. The institutional credibility this carries in academic and professional circles globally is exceptional.
Global alumni network — As a member of the Erasmus Mundus community — which has grown to encompass tens of thousands of scholars since 2004 — you gain access to one of the world’s most dynamic and internationally distributed academic alumni networks.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship — Full Benefits Breakdown
Full scholarships are available for the best-ranked students worldwide from every participating EMJM programme. While the exact financial package varies somewhat between individual programmes, here is what an Erasmus Mundus scholarship typically covers:
Full Tuition and Participation Costs
The scholarship covers your complete tuition and participation costs for the entire duration of your enrolled EMJM programme — across all partner universities where you study. This includes enrollment fees, administrative costs, and all standard academic charges at each institution you attend during the programme. You bear zero tuition liability across any of the participating universities.
This is particularly significant given that EMJM programmes are delivered at some of Europe’s most prestigious institutions — universities whose regular international student tuition fees can run to tens of thousands of euros per year. Having all of these costs fully covered by the European Commission is a financial benefit of exceptional magnitude.
Travel Allowance
The scholarship includes a travel allowance designed to cover the cost of international travel associated with your mobility between programme partner countries. Given that EMJM programmes require you to move between universities in different countries as part of your study journey, the travel allowance ensures that this mobility is not a financial burden on scholars — the European Commission covers it as a fundamental component of the scholarship package.
Visa Costs
Navigating visa applications across multiple European countries can be both bureaucratically complex and financially costly. The Erasmus Mundus scholarship contributes to visa costs for scholars who need to apply for visas to study in the programme partner countries — removing this practical and financial barrier from the scholarship experience.
Monthly Living Allowance
All Erasmus Mundus scholars receive a monthly living allowance throughout the duration of their programme. This allowance is calibrated to support a comfortable and adequate standard of living in the European cities where the scholar is based during each study period. The living allowance covers day-to-day expenses including accommodation, food, local transportation, study materials, and personal costs.
The specific monthly allowance amount varies depending on whether the scholar comes from a so-called “Programme Country” (EU member states and countries associated with Erasmus+) or a “Partner Country” (all other countries worldwide). Partner Country students — which includes students from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, Kenya, India, Brazil, and most of the developing world — typically receive a higher monthly allowance to reflect the additional costs and distance associated with relocating to Europe from further afield.
Programme Duration
Masters duration: 1 to 2 academic years, equivalent to 60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits depending on the specific programme. Scholarship support is provided for the full approved duration of the enrolled programme, ensuring financial continuity throughout the entire academic journey.
Degree Awarded — What Qualification Do You Receive?
Upon successfully completing your Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programme, you will receive one of the following:
A Joint Degree — a single degree certificate issued collectively on behalf of at least two higher education institutions in the consortium. This is a unified qualification that carries the names and academic authority of multiple universities simultaneously.
Multiple Degrees — at least two separate degree certificates, each issued by a different higher education institution within the programme consortium. This means you graduate holding independently recognized degrees from two or more European universities.
In both cases, you will be able to define the precise nature of your degree award in detail when you sign your study agreement with the relevant Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programme at the very beginning of your studies.
Either outcome — a joint degree or multiple degrees — represents an extraordinarily powerful academic credential, combining the prestige of multiple internationally recognized institutions in a single qualification framework.
Study Fields — What Can You Study Under the Erasmus Mundus Programme?
One of the most compelling aspects of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programme is its breadth. Unlike most scholarships that restrict funding to specific disciplines or subject areas, the EMJM covers virtually the entire academic landscape. Available programmes span fields including but not limited to:
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) — computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, environmental engineering, materials science, applied mathematics, biotechnology, and sustainable energy.
Social Sciences and Humanities — international relations, political science, migration studies, cultural heritage, linguistics, philosophy, history, sociology, and global studies.
Health and Life Sciences — public health, epidemiology, global health policy, neuroscience, molecular biology, and biomedical engineering.
Economics, Business and Management — development economics, international trade, entrepreneurship, innovation management, and finance.
Law and Governance — international law, human rights law, environmental law, and European governance.
Arts, Media and Communication — journalism, media studies, film studies, visual arts, and creative industries.
Agriculture and Environmental Studies — sustainable agriculture, water management, climate change adaptation, food security, and rural development.
Education and Training — education policy, intercultural education, language education, and lifelong learning.
A new batch of selected Erasmus Mundus Masters is added to the list each year — meaning the range of available programmes continues to expand and evolve with each new academic cycle. The complete and current catalogue of all available Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programmes, including detailed information about each programme’s curriculum, partner universities, entry requirements, and scholarship availability, is accessible through the official EMJM course catalogue at:
https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-catalogue_en
Eligibility Criteria — Who Can Apply for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship?
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship is remarkable for the inclusivity of its eligibility framework. Students from all over the world are welcome.
Open to All Nationalities Worldwide
There are no nationality-based restrictions on the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship. Students from every country in the world — including all European countries, all developing nations, and all regions across Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and the Pacific — are equally eligible and equally welcome to apply. This makes the EMJM one of the most genuinely globally accessible scholarship programmes in existence.
Bachelor’s Degree Requirement
You must have a bachelor’s degree (first degree), or be in your last year of bachelor studies, and graduate before the master’s programme starts. Candidates who are currently in their final year of undergraduate study are therefore eligible to apply for Erasmus Mundus programmes even before they have formally graduated — provided they will hold their Bachelor’s degree before the EMJM programme commences.
You may also apply if you demonstrate a bachelor’s equivalent level of learning. This must be officially recognised, according to national legislation and practices, in the degree awarding country. This provision accommodates non-standard academic backgrounds in systems where equivalent qualifications at Bachelor’s level are formally recognized, broadening access to the programme beyond those with conventionally structured university degrees.
No Restrictions on Previous Erasmus Experience
You do not need any prior Erasmus experience, prior study in Europe, or prior international education experience to apply for an Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship. The programme is equally open to first-time international students and to experienced academic travelers.
Programme-Specific Entry Requirements
Beyond the universal eligibility conditions above, each individual EMJM programme sets its own specific entry requirements — which may include minimum GPA thresholds, specific undergraduate degree subjects or disciplines, language proficiency standards, work experience conditions, or other programme-specific criteria. Each master’s website has all the details about the course of study, the list of the participating universities, the entry requirements and all the steps of the application process. Always check the specific requirements for your chosen programme directly on that programme’s official website before applying.
Required Documents for the Erasmus Mundus Application
Since each Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programme is independently managed by its own consortium of universities, the precise list of required documents varies between programmes. However, the following documents are standard across virtually all EMJM applications and should be prepared by every prospective applicant:
Online Application Form
The official application form for your chosen EMJM programme, completed through that programme’s dedicated online application system. Each programme operates its own application portal — the link is available on the programme’s individual website in the EMJM catalogue.
Bachelor’s Degree Transcript and Certificate
Official transcripts from your completed undergraduate degree, showing your full course history, grades, and academic results. If you are in your final year of studies, an interim transcript and a projected graduation confirmation may be accepted at the initial stage.
Curriculum Vitae (Academic CV)
A comprehensive and professionally presented academic CV documenting your educational background, research experience, publications if applicable, academic awards, professional experience, and any other relevant activities.
Motivation Letter or Statement of Purpose
A well-crafted personal statement explaining your reasons for applying to this specific EMJM programme, your academic and research interests, how the programme aligns with your career goals, and what you hope to contribute to the international student cohort. The motivation letter is typically one of the most critically evaluated documents in the selection process.
Letters of Recommendation
Most EMJM programmes require two to three academic reference letters from professors or research supervisors who can speak to your intellectual ability, academic performance, research potential, and personal suitability for an internationally mobile, multi-university Master’s programme.
Proof of English Language Proficiency
Since the majority of EMJM programmes are taught in English, applicants whose first language is not English and who did not complete their undergraduate studies in English typically need to provide a recognized English language test result — such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, or an equivalent qualification. Minimum score requirements vary by programme.
Copy of Passport
A clear copy of your valid passport confirming your identity and nationality.
Research Proposal (for research-intensive programmes)
Some EMJM programmes — particularly those with a strong doctoral-track or research orientation — require applicants to submit a preliminary research proposal outlining their intended research topic, objectives, and methodology for the thesis component of the programme.
Portfolio (for arts and creative disciplines)
EMJM programmes in architecture, design, arts, media, or other creative disciplines may require applicants to submit a portfolio of creative or professional work demonstrating their ability and experience in the relevant field.
All documentation requirements for your chosen programme are detailed on that programme’s official website in the EMJM course catalogue. Always consult the programme-specific guidelines before preparing your application package.
How to Apply for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship — Step by Step
The application process for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters is straightforward in its overall structure — students apply directly to the institution running their chosen programme — but requires thorough preparation and careful attention to programme-specific requirements and deadlines.
Step 1: Explore the EMJM Course Catalogue
Begin by visiting the official Erasmus Mundus course catalogue at https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-catalogue_en and browsing the full list of available programmes. Review each programme’s academic focus, partner universities, countries involved, language of instruction, programme duration, scholarship availability, and entry requirements. Identify two to four programmes that align closely with your academic background, research interests, and career goals.
Step 2: Visit Each Programme’s Official Website
For each programme you are considering, visit that programme’s dedicated website — linked directly from the catalogue listing. Each master’s website has all the details about the course of study, the list of the participating universities, the entry requirements and all the steps of the application process (with and without scholarship). Study each programme’s specific eligibility conditions, required documents, and application timeline in full detail.
Step 3: Confirm Your Eligibility for the Scholarship
Confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements — both the universal EMJM conditions (Bachelor’s degree, graduation before programme start) and the programme-specific academic and language requirements. Note whether the scholarship is available for your citizenship category — some programmes may have specific scholarship allocations for students from particular regions.
Step 4: Prepare Your Application Documents
Begin gathering all required documents well in advance of the programme application deadline. For most programmes, applications open in October and close in January — giving a window of approximately three to four months. However, gathering official transcripts, degree certificates, and reference letters — particularly international certifications, translations, and authenticated documents — can take considerably longer than expected. Begin this process as early as possible.
Step 5: Write Your Motivation Letter With Precision and Depth
Your motivation letter is one of the most important documents in your application. Write specifically about why you are applying to this particular EMJM programme — not Erasmus Mundus in general — and address the specific academic and research themes of the programme, the partner universities you will be studying at, and how the programme’s multi-country structure specifically serves your academic and career development needs. Generic letters that could apply to any programme are immediately recognizable and rarely competitive.
Step 6: Identify and Brief Your Referees
Contact your academic referees early — at least six to eight weeks before your intended submission date — and provide them with a clear briefing on the EMJM programme you are applying to, the scholarship, and the specific qualities and experiences you would like their letter to highlight. Strong, specific, personally written reference letters are one of the most reliable differentiators between strong and outstanding EMJM applications.
Step 7: Submit Your Application Through the Programme’s Portal
Submit your complete application — including all required documents — through the specific online application system of your chosen EMJM programme. Students apply directly to the institution running their chosen programme — not through a central Erasmus+ portal. Each programme manages its own application and selection process independently.
Step 8: Complete Additional University-Level Assessments if Required
Some EMJM programmes require shortlisted candidates to participate in an online or in-person interview, written assessment, or additional evaluation stage following the initial application review. If invited, prepare thoroughly by reviewing your application materials, deepening your knowledge of the programme’s academic content, and being ready to discuss your research interests and career vision in depth.
Step 9: Receive Your Admission and Scholarship Decision
Each programme communicates its admission and scholarship decisions to applicants independently, on its own timeline. Scholarship decisions for most programmes are announced in the spring — typically between March and June — for programmes commencing in September or October of the same year. Successful scholars receive a formal scholarship award letter and are asked to confirm their acceptance within a specified deadline.
Step 10: Sign Your Study Agreement and Prepare for Arrival
Following acceptance, scholars sign a formal study agreement with the EMJM consortium that defines the institutions they will study at, the structure of their mobility, the nature of their degree award, and the terms of their scholarship. Visa applications for each country of study are initiated, and scholars receive detailed pre-arrival guidance from the programme coordinators.
Application Deadline and Key Dates — 2026 Intake
Applications Open: October 2025 (most programmes)
Application Deadline: January 2026 (most programmes — exact dates vary by programme)
Scholarship Decisions: March to June 2026
Programme Commencement: September to October 2026
In most cases, you should submit your application between October and January for courses starting the following academic year. However, deadlines vary significantly between individual programmes — some programmes close as early as November or December, while others remain open until January or February. Always check the specific deadline for your chosen programme on that programme’s official website and plan your application timeline accordingly.
A new batch of selected Erasmus Mundus Masters is added to the list each year — meaning new programmes may become available for the 2026 or 2027 application cycles that do not yet appear in the current catalogue. Monitor the official EMJM catalogue regularly for updates.
Resources for Erasmus Mundus Applicants
The Erasmus Mundus Association has resources to help you apply, including course contacts, events with national volunteer representatives, and stories from successful applicants. Find advice and inspiration for applicants at:
https://www.em-a.eu/
The Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA) is the global community of Erasmus Mundus students, alumni, and academic partners. Its website contains country-specific guidance, first-hand application experiences from successful scholars, advice on choosing programmes, and information on national information events held by EMA’s volunteer representative network across the world. For prospective applicants — particularly those from countries with limited access to academic advising resources — this community is an invaluable source of practical guidance and peer support.
Tips for a Winning Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Application
Apply to programmes that genuinely match your background. The EMJM selection process is highly competitive. Programmes receive hundreds of applications from talented students worldwide. The applications that stand out are those where the applicant’s academic background, research experience, and career goals align so naturally with the programme’s academic focus that the fit is immediately evident to the selection panel. Do not apply to programmes simply because they are prestigious — apply because they are the right academic home for your specific scholarly interests and ambitions.
Apply to multiple programmes simultaneously. While you should only apply to programmes that genuinely suit you, submitting applications to two, three, or even four suitable programmes maximizes your chances of receiving at least one scholarship offer. Each programme has its own scholarship allocation, its own selection criteria, and its own competitive dynamic — a strong candidate may be selected by one programme and not another for reasons entirely unrelated to the quality of their application.
Start early — much earlier than you think necessary. The most common mistake among EMJM applicants is underestimating how long it takes to gather required documents — particularly certified transcripts, authenticated degree certificates, and reference letters from busy professors. Begin the document collection process at least three to four months before your target programme’s application deadline.
Make your motivation letter programme-specific. The single most impactful thing you can do to improve your chances is to write a genuinely specific motivation letter for each programme you apply to. Research the programme’s partner universities, its curriculum, its research strengths, and its alumni community. Demonstrate that you understand the programme in depth and that you have a clear, well-reasoned rationale for why this particular academic journey — across these particular countries and universities — is the right next step for you.
Use the Erasmus Mundus Association resources. The EMA website, national volunteer representative network, and alumni community are specifically designed to help prospective applicants navigate the programme selection and application process. Take advantage of these resources — read alumni testimonials from scholars who studied in your country or field, attend EMA information events if available in your region, and connect with EMA volunteers for country-specific guidance.
Be honest and specific in every document. The EMJM selection process values intellectual authenticity. Committees can easily recognize applications built on generic templates or inflated claims. Write honestly about your academic journey, your intellectual interests, and your genuine reasons for pursuing this programme. Specific, personal, and intellectually honest applications consistently outperform polished but generic submissions.
Frequently Asked Questions — Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship
Is the Erasmus Mundus scholarship open to students from Bangladesh?
Yes. Students from all countries worldwide are welcome and equally eligible to apply. Bangladesh, as a Partner Country in the Erasmus+ framework, is fully eligible for Erasmus Mundus scholarship funding — and Partner Country students typically receive a higher monthly living allowance than Programme Country students.
Do I need to already know which universities I will study at?
Yes — each EMJM programme has a pre-defined consortium of partner universities and a fixed mobility structure. When you apply to a specific programme, you are applying to study at that programme’s designated partner institutions across its defined partner countries. The specific sequence of universities you attend is defined in your study agreement at the start of the programme.
Can I apply for a scholarship and also for admission without a scholarship?
Yes. Each EMJM programme offers both scholarship-funded and self-funded places. The scholarship is awarded to the best-ranked students in the selection process. If you are not selected for a scholarship but are admitted to the programme, you may choose to enroll as a self-funded student — though this represents a significant financial commitment given international tuition fees across multiple European universities.
Is there a central application portal for all EMJM programmes?
No. Students apply directly to the institution running their chosen programme through that programme’s own application system. There is no single central application portal — each programme manages its own admissions and scholarship selection independently.
What language do I need for the Erasmus Mundus programme?
The language requirement varies by programme. The majority of EMJM programmes are taught in English, requiring proof of English proficiency. Some programmes are delivered in other European languages or in a combination of languages. Check your specific programme’s language requirements on its official website.
How competitive is the Erasmus Mundus scholarship?
The scholarship is highly competitive — particularly for programmes in popular disciplines at well-known partner institutions. Programmes typically receive many times more applications than they have scholarship places available. However, the breadth of the EMJM catalogue means that well-qualified students who apply strategically to programmes that genuinely match their profile have a realistic and achievable chance of selection.
Who do I contact with questions about a specific programme?
Contact details for each programme’s coordinator are available on the programme’s official website in the EMJM catalogue. For general Erasmus Mundus questions, the Erasmus Mundus Association at www.em-a.eu is an excellent resource.
Final Thoughts: Why the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship Should Be at the Top of Your List
For ambitious, academically driven students from anywhere in the world, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship represents one of the most extraordinary educational opportunities available on the planet today. The combination of full financial support, multi-country study mobility, internationally recognized joint or multiple degrees, European Commission endorsement, and access to a global community of more than 50,000 former scholars makes the EMJM a genuinely transformative award that goes far beyond a simple tuition grant.
Whether you are from Bangladesh dreaming of studying environmental science in Sweden and Italy, from Nigeria aspiring to a career in international law through programmes spanning France, Germany, and Spain, or from Indonesia building expertise in data science across universities in the Netherlands, Portugal, and Greece — the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programme was built for you.
Browse the course catalogue today, identify the programmes that match your academic vision, begin preparing your documents, and submit your applications between October and January for the 2026–27 academic year. Your fully funded, multi-country, internationally recognized European Master’s degree is waiting.
Official Erasmus Mundus Student Page:
https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters
EMJM Course Catalogue:
https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-catalogue_en
Erasmus Mundus Association (Advice and Resources):
https://www.em-a.eu/
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