Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Advanced Design of Sustainable Ships and Offshore Structures (EMSHIP+)

Overview

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Advanced Design of Sustainable Ships and Offshore Structures (EMSHIP+) is a two-year master's programme in naval architecture and ship and offshore design. It is funded by the European Commission through the Erasmus Mundus scheme and delivered by a consortium of European partner universities. The whole programme is taught in English, and you move between at least two partner countries during your studies, which gives you exposure to different teaching styles, shipyards, and research groups across Europe.

EMSHIP+ is built for graduates with an engineering background who want to specialise in the design of ships and offshore structures, including the sustainability and decarbonisation challenges facing the maritime sector. The curriculum covers hydrodynamics, structural mechanics, marine technology, and computer-aided ship design, and finishes with a master's thesis often carried out in cooperation with industry. Because it carries the Erasmus Mundus label, the degree is jointly recognised by the awarding universities.

What makes the scholarship worth your attention is that it removes the cost barrier for international students. The Erasmus Mundus scholarship covers tuition in full and adds a monthly living allowance plus contributions toward travel and installation, so you can study across several countries without funding each move yourself. Demand is high and the number of scholarships is limited, so a strong, well-prepared application matters.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You need a higher education diploma of at least 180 ECTS (a bachelor's degree) in mechanical engineering, naval architecture, marine technology, or a closely related discipline. Your prior studies should include mathematics, programming or engineering software, mechanical engineering, and thermofluids. Prior knowledge of naval architecture is helpful but not required. Note that the consortium states marine engineers (STCW) and certain professional bachelor ("ing.") programmes are not eligible, so check your qualification against the official list before applying.

Nationality Requirements

The scholarship is open to applicants of all nationalities. Erasmus Mundus distinguishes between Programme Country and Partner Country applicants for some quota and mobility rules, but you do not need to hold any particular passport to apply.

Language Requirements

The programme is taught entirely in English, so you must prove English proficiency with a recent certificate. The consortium accepts IELTS Academic (minimum 6.5), TOEFL iBT (minimum 92), and equivalents such as Cambridge CAE/CPE, Trinity ISE II, or PTE Academic. Certificates generally must be no more than two years old (longer for some Cambridge results), so plan your test date accordingly.

Other Requirements

You apply during the final year of your bachelor's or after completing it. Your degree documents usually need to be legalised and accompanied by certified English translations, and you commit to studying in at least two partner countries over the two years.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Full tuition and participation costs for the two-year programme
• A monthly living allowance of approximately €1,400 for the duration of study (up to 24 months)
• A contribution toward travel costs
• A contribution toward installation and relocation costs when you move between partner countries
• Coverage that supports the mandatory mobility across at least two European universities

Self-funded students can still enrol without a scholarship by paying the programme's tuition fee directly. The exact scholarship figures for each intake are confirmed in the official call.

How to Apply

1. Check eligibility: Confirm your degree, ECTS count, and subject background match the requirements, and that your qualification is not on the excluded list.
2. Sit your English test: Book IELTS or TOEFL early so a valid certificate is ready before the deadline.
3. Prepare your documents: Gather your degree, transcript, CV, personal statement, reference letters, and passport, with certified translations where needed.
4. Complete the online application: Register on the EMSHIP+ application portal and fill in all sections carefully.
5. Indicate scholarship interest: Apply by the scholarship deadline (typically 31 January) to be considered for Erasmus Mundus funding rather than only the later self-funded rounds.
6. Submit and track: Upload your documents, submit before the deadline, and watch your email for follow-up requests.
7. Await selection: Scholarship results are typically communicated by the end of March; self-funded results come later.

Required Documents

• Legalised bachelor's degree (original plus certified English translation)
• Official transcript of records
• Copy of your passport or national ID
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Personal statement or motivation letter
• Two reference letters
• Valid English language certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or accepted equivalent)

Key Dates & Deadlines

EMSHIP+ runs an annual call for a September intake. Scholarship applications typically close on 31 January, with selection results communicated by the end of March. Self-funded applicants who need a visa usually apply before 1 April, and those who do not need a visa before 1 June, with results by the end of June. Confirm the exact dates for your intake on the official site, since they can shift slightly year to year.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Show specific coursework in maths, mechanics, thermofluids, and programming so the committee can see you meet the technical baseline.
• Write a focused personal statement that connects your background to ship and offshore design and to sustainability in the maritime sector.
• Ask referees who know your engineering work to write detailed, concrete letters.
• Submit a valid English certificate well before the deadline rather than promising it later.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Missing the January scholarship deadline and falling into a self-funded round by mistake.
• Submitting an English test that is expired or below the required score.
• Sending uncertified or untranslated degree documents.
• Reusing a generic motivation letter that never mentions naval architecture or the EMSHIP+ programme.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for the EMSHIP+ scholarship?

Scholarship applications typically close on 31 January for the following September intake, with results around the end of March. Self-funded deadlines fall later in spring.

Is the EMSHIP+ master fully funded?

The Erasmus Mundus scholarship covers full tuition plus a monthly living allowance of about €1,400 and contributions toward travel and installation, for up to 24 months. Self-funded places are also available without a scholarship.

Who is eligible for the EMSHIP+ scholarship?

You need a bachelor's degree of at least 180 ECTS in mechanical engineering, naval architecture, marine technology, or a related field, plus proof of English. It is open to all nationalities.

What English score do I need for EMSHIP+?

The consortium typically requires IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL iBT 92, or an accepted equivalent, with the certificate dated within the last two years.

How long is the EMSHIP+ programme?

It is a two-year (up to 24 months) master's programme delivered across at least two European partner universities.

Which countries does EMSHIP+ cover?

Partner countries include Belgium, Romania, Germany, France, Portugal, and Spain, with mandatory mobility between at least two of them.

What documents do I need for EMSHIP+?

You typically need a legalised degree, transcript, passport copy, CV, personal statement, two reference letters, and an English certificate, with certified translations where required.

Can I apply to EMSHIP+ if I am still finishing my bachelor's degree?

Yes. You can apply in your final year, but you must complete the degree and provide the required documents before enrolment.

Does EMSHIP+ accept students from outside Europe?

Yes. The programme and scholarship are open to applicants of all nationalities, including students from outside Europe.

What can I study after EMSHIP+?

The degree prepares you for roles in ship and offshore design, classification societies, shipyards, and maritime research, and is a strong base for a PhD.