Last updated: 25 Aug 2026
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) are prestigious master’s programs jointly designed and delivered by a consortium of at least three (3) higher education institutions from at least 3 different countries. Students typically study at 2 or more of these institutions across the program’s duration, graduating with either a single joint degree or multiple degree certificates. Full scholarships are available to the best-ranked applicants worldwide.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Application Guide
- Sponsor: European Union, via Erasmus+
- Study level: Master’s
- Consortium size: Minimum 3 institutions, 3 different countries
- Duration: 1-2 academic years (60, 90, or 120 ECTS credits)
- Application window: Generally October-January, but set individually per program
- Number of programs: 160+ joint master’s courses across all fields
What It Covers (Benefits)
- Full tuition/participation costs
- Contribution to travel costs
- Contribution to visa-related costs
- A living allowance: the exact amount is set per program, not centrally by the EU, so check your specific course’s page rather than relying on a single figure quoted elsewhere
Course-dependent additions may include health insurance, though this varies by program; confirm on your specific course’s page
Fields of Study
EMJM programs span nearly every discipline, including:
- STEM & Engineering: advanced computing, nanotechnology, renewable energy, AI
- Health & Biomedical Sciences: public health, infectious disease, neuroscience, medical imaging
- Social Sciences & Policy: international relations, global governance, development studies
- Environmental Sciences: climate change management, sustainable urban development, water engineering
- Arts & Culture: cultural heritage, media innovation, European literature
Browse the official EU course catalogue for the current list of programs, since availability changes each year as new consortia are approved.
Eligibility
- Hold a bachelor’s degree, or be in your final year of bachelor’s study (you must graduate before the master’s begins)
- A recognized bachelor’s-equivalent level of learning is also accepted where officially recognized under national legislation
- Meet the specific entry requirements of your chosen program; these vary by consortium and field
- English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) where the program is taught in English; check your specific program, since language requirements vary
- Open to applicants of any nationality, EU and non-EU alike
How to Apply
Since there is no single centralized application, this process happens per program:
- Search the official EU course catalogue and shortlist programs matching your field and goals
- Visit each program’s own website for its specific entry requirements, deadline, and application process. These are set independently, not by the EU centrally
- Prepare your documents: CV, academic transcripts, English proficiency proof, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Our statement of purpose guide and recommendation letter guide can help you prepare these
- Apply directly through your chosen program’s own application portal: most programs let you apply with or without scholarship consideration in the same application
- Since deadlines vary by program, applying to your top 2-3 choices with different timelines can be a reasonable strategy, but confirm each program’s specific deadline rather than assuming a shared date
What Selection Board Looks For
- Quality of your motivation statement and career vision
- Academic merit and relevance of your degree background
- International exposure and leadership potential
- Strength of academic references
- Fit with the specific program’s objectives: this is set per consortium, not by one EU-wide standard
Tips for a Strong Application
Apply to multiple programs rather than just one, since selection is competitive and program-specific
Tailor your motivation letter to each program’s specific objectives: generic letters are easy to spot
Confirm recommendation letters well ahead of each program’s individual deadline
Check the Erasmus Mundus Association for applicant advice, course contacts, and stories from past scholars
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Erasmus Mundus fund PhD study?
No: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters fund master’s degrees only. PhD-level EU joint funding exists under different schemes.
Is there one application deadline for all programs?
No: each program sets its own deadline, generally within an October–January window for the following academic year. Always check your specific program’s page.
How many universities will I study at?
It varies by program, but each consortium involves at least 3 institutions across 3 countries, and students typically study at 2 or more of them during the course.
Is the living allowance the same for every program?
No: it is set per program, not by a single EU-wide figure. Check your specific course’s page for the exact amount.
Related Reading
For other European funding options, see [Wageningen University’s scholarship for African students](https://kukual.com/wageningen-university-scholarship-2026/) or the [Ireland tuition and living-cost scholarships](https://kukual.com/ireland-tuition-and-living-cost-scholarships-2026/).
Official course catalogue: EU Erasmus Mundus Catalogue
Official program page:Erasmus+ – Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Kukual verifies scholarship details against official sponsor pages at the time of publication and on each update. Since Erasmus Mundus programs set their own deadlines and terms individually, always confirm specifics directly on your chosen program’s page.
