Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Big Data Management and Analytics (BDMA)

Overview

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Big Data Management and Analytics (BDMA) is a two-year master's degree funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus Mundus programme. It trains data engineers and analysts who can handle the full pipeline of large-scale data, from storage and management to analytics, machine learning and business value. The degree is coordinated by the Université libre de Bruxelles in Belgium and delivered jointly with partner universities in Spain, the Netherlands, France and Italy.

Students follow a structured mobility path, studying in different countries across the two years and finishing with a master's thesis often linked to industry or research. Because the programme sits at the intersection of databases, distributed systems and data science, graduates leave with both the engineering skills to build data platforms and the analytical skills to draw insight from them.

BDMA is a good fit if you have a computer science background and want a European master's with a strong practical and international dimension. The Erasmus Mundus scholarship makes it accessible to talented students worldwide by covering tuition and providing a living allowance, while self-funded places exist for those who are admitted without a grant.

Key Facts at a Glance

Item	Detail
Funding Body	European Commission (Erasmus Mundus)
Host Countries	Belgium, Spain, Netherlands, France, Italy
Degree Levels	Master's (two years, 120 ECTS)
Value	Full tuition, roughly €1,400 per month living allowance, plus travel, for up to 24 months
Deadline	Scholarship applications usually close in December or January for a September start
Eligible Nationalities	Open to applicants worldwide
Official Website	https://bdma.ulb.ac.be/home/master-programme/

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You need a Bachelor's degree equivalent to 180 ECTS with a major in computer science, from an accredited university. The consortium expects the awarding institution to be recognised, for example listed in the WHED database or in a major international ranking such as Times Higher Education, Shanghai or QS. A background in databases, programming and basic statistics gives you the grounding the first year builds on.

Language Requirements

Teaching is in English, so you must demonstrate English at B2 level on the Common European Framework. Accepted certificates include IELTS Academic (around 5.5), TOEFL internet-based (around 72) and Cambridge FCE. Applicants whose previous degree was taught entirely in English may be exempt, subject to proof.

Nationality Requirements

BDMA welcomes applicants of any nationality. Erasmus Mundus scholarships apply to both European and non-European candidates, with separate self-funded deadlines that often fall later in the cycle for EU and non-EU applicants.

Other Requirements

You are usually asked for academic references, a motivation letter and a CV. Strong programming experience and any project or thesis work involving data are valued during selection.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Full tuition (participation costs) across the partner universities
• A monthly living allowance of roughly €1,400 toward subsistence
• A contribution to travel and installation costs tied to the international mobility
• Funding for up to 24 months, covering the full two-year programme
• Insurance coverage arranged under the Erasmus Mundus framework

How to Apply

1. Review the programme and admission pages. Read the BDMA site and the application manual so you understand the requirements and the mobility scheme.
2. Prepare your documents. Collect transcripts, your degree certificate, an English certificate, your CV, a motivation letter and reference details.
3. Use the online application system. BDMA admissions are managed through the Erasmus Mundus application platform linked from the official site.
4. Choose your funding track. Indicate whether you are applying for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship or as a self-funded candidate, noting the relevant deadline.
5. Submit before the deadline. The scholarship round closes earliest, so aim for that date if you want to be considered for a grant.
6. Track your application. Watch your email for requests for clarification, interview invitations or admission decisions.

Required Documents

• Bachelor's degree certificate or proof of expected graduation
• Official academic transcripts
• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent)
• Curriculum vitae
• Motivation letter focused on data management and analytics
• Academic recommendation letters or referee contacts
• A copy of your passport
• Passport-style photograph, if requested

Key Dates & Deadlines

The scholarship application round typically opens in autumn and closes around December or January for a September start. Self-funded deadlines usually fall later in the spring, often with separate dates for non-EU and EU applicants. Selection results arrive in the following months, leaving the summer for visas and enrolment. Confirm the current year's dates on the BDMA admission page, as they change each cycle.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Highlight concrete data or programming projects, with the tools and outcomes
• Connect your motivation letter to BDMA's blend of data engineering and analytics
• Make sure your bachelor's institution is recognised and your transcripts are clear
• Apply in the scholarship round, which closes well before the self-funded deadlines

Common mistakes to avoid

• Treating the motivation letter as a formality instead of a focused argument
• Confusing the scholarship deadline with the later self-funded ones
• Submitting an English score below the required level
• Leaving fields blank in the application platform or skipping required uploads

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BDMA Erasmus Mundus Joint Master?

It is a two-year, EU-funded joint master's in Big Data Management and Analytics, coordinated by the Université libre de Bruxelles and taught across Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, France and Italy.

Is the BDMA scholarship fully funded?

Yes. The Erasmus Mundus scholarship covers tuition, provides a monthly living allowance of about €1,400, and contributes to travel for up to 24 months.

Who is eligible for the BDMA master?

You need a Bachelor's degree equivalent to 180 ECTS with a major in computer science from an accredited university, plus English at B2 level. Applicants from any country may apply.

What is the deadline for the BDMA scholarship?

The scholarship round usually closes in December or January for a September start, while self-funded deadlines fall later in the spring. Check the official site for the current dates.

What English score do I need for the BDMA programme?

You must show English at B2 level, for example IELTS Academic around 5.5 or TOEFL internet-based around 72, unless your previous degree was taught in English.

Which universities are part of the BDMA programme?

The Université libre de Bruxelles coordinates the degree, delivered jointly with partner universities in Spain, the Netherlands, France and Italy.

What documents do I need for the BDMA application?

You generally need transcripts, your degree certificate, an English certificate, a CV, a motivation letter, references and a passport copy.

Can I join BDMA without an Erasmus Mundus scholarship?

Yes. Admitted applicants who do not receive a grant can enrol as self-funded students, with their own application deadlines.

What background is best for the BDMA master?

A computer science background with experience in databases, programming and basic statistics prepares you well for the first-year curriculum.

How long is the BDMA programme?

It runs for two years (120 ECTS) across four semesters, with mobility between partner countries and a final master's thesis.

Does BDMA include an internship or thesis?

The programme concludes with a master's thesis that is often connected to industry or research, giving you applied experience before you graduate.