European Commission (Erasmus Mundus)
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Crossways in Cultural Narratives (Crossways)
Edit ScholarshipTwo-year trans-disciplinary Humanities master studying European culture in global context across partners in France, Italy, Portugal, Poland and Spain. EU-funded Erasmus Mundus.
Overview
Crossways in Cultural Narratives is a two-year Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in the humanities, funded by the European Commission. It studies European culture, comparative literature and cultural narratives in a global frame, and it is built around mobility: you study at more than one university in different countries during the degree. The programme suits students from literature, languages, arts and social sciences who want a comparative, cross-cultural approach to texts and ideas.
The course is coordinated by the University of Perpignan Via Domitia in France and delivered by a consortium of partner universities that has included Bergamo in Italy, NOVA University Lisbon in Portugal, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poland and the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, alongside partners elsewhere. Because the consortium spans several language traditions, the programme places real weight on working across at least two of its languages, which is part of what gives the degree its comparative character.
The reason to consider Crossways is the mix of a humanities education with full Erasmus Mundus funding. A funded place covers tuition, pays a monthly living allowance and helps with travel, so you can study in two or more countries over two years without carrying the full cost yourself. You finish with a joint or multiple master's degree recognised across the partner institutions.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Funding Body | European Commission (Erasmus Mundus) |
| Host Countries | France, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Spain |
| Degree Levels | Master's (2 years) |
| Value | Full tuition, around €1,400/month living allowance, plus travel and installation contribution, for up to 24 months |
| Deadline | Usually December-January for September entry (confirm the exact date in the current call) |
| Eligible Nationalities | Open to all; EU and non-EU applicants |
| Official Website | univ-perp.fr |
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Requirements
You need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, typically arts, languages, humanities or social sciences. A background in modern languages and literatures connected to the consortium's languages (English, French, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish) fits the programme well. Your academic qualifications and essays carry significant weight in the selection scoring.
Language Requirements
The programme is built around working across more than one of its languages, so you are expected to show a strong command of at least two consortium languages. A good level of English is required, and if English is not your first language and you have not studied in an English-medium system, you usually need to provide proof of English proficiency. Check the exact level and accepted certificates in the official guidance.
Nationality & Other Requirements
Crossways is open to applicants of any nationality, and Erasmus Mundus scholarships are available to both EU and non-EU students. Selection is competitive and based on a scored review of your full application, including references and a motivation letter.
What the Scholarship Covers
- Full tuition and participation fees for the two-year master's
- A monthly living allowance of around €1,400
- A contribution towards travel and installation/relocation costs
- Funding for up to 24 months
- Supported mobility across two or more partner countries
How to Apply
- Open the current call: Check the official Crossways consortium pages for the upcoming intake, since dates and the list of active partners can change between cycles.
- Confirm eligibility: Make sure your bachelor's degree qualifies and that you can show the required level in at least two consortium languages.
- Plan your mobility: Decide on your preferred universities and study path, since the application asks for your choices.
- Build your file: Prepare your CV, academic essays, motivation letter, language evidence and reference letters, since each is scored.
- Submit online: Complete the consortium application before the deadline and apply for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship in the same process where available.
- Await the decision: The consortium ranks applicants and notifies those admitted and funded. Confirm your place by the date given.
Required Documents
- Your bachelor's degree certificate (or proof of expected completion)
- Academic transcripts
- A CV
- One or more academic essays as specified in the call
- A motivation letter
- Two to three reference letters from professors or senior academics who taught you
- Evidence of language ability, including proof of English proficiency where required
- A copy of your passport or national ID
Key Dates & Deadlines
The application cycle typically opens in the autumn, with the scholarship deadline usually falling in December or January for entry the following September. Self-funded applicants sometimes have a later window. Always confirm the precise dates in the current official call, since they vary year to year.
Tips for a Strong Application
What helps
- Treat the academic essays seriously, since they carry a large share of the selection score.
- Show real evidence of your ability in two consortium languages, not just a claim.
- Explain in your motivation letter why a comparative, cross-cultural humanities programme fits your goals.
- Ask referees who know your academic work and give them time to write detailed letters.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Underselling your language skills or skipping required proof of English.
- Submitting essays that are generic rather than focused on the programme's themes.
- Missing the scholarship deadline by assuming the later self-funded date applies to you.
- Using reference letters from people who cannot speak to your academic ability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crossways in Cultural Narratives master?
It is a two-year Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in the humanities that studies European culture and comparative literature in a global context, with study spread across partner universities in several countries.
How much is the Crossways scholarship worth?
A funded place covers tuition, provides around €1,400 per month for living costs, and contributes to travel and installation expenses for up to 24 months.
What is the deadline for the Crossways scholarship?
The scholarship deadline usually falls in December or January for September entry. Check the current official call for the exact date.
Who is eligible for the Crossways master?
Applicants of any nationality with a relevant bachelor's degree in arts, languages, humanities or social sciences, and the required language ability, can apply.
Does the Crossways scholarship cover full tuition?
Yes. A scholarship covers the full tuition and participation fees for the programme.
How many languages do I need for Crossways?
You are expected to work across at least two of the consortium languages, which include English, French, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.
Can non-EU students apply for the Crossways scholarship?
Yes. Erasmus Mundus scholarships are open to both EU and non-EU applicants.
How long is the Crossways programme?
It runs for two years and involves study at more than one partner university.
Which universities take part in Crossways?
It is coordinated from the University of Perpignan Via Domitia in France, with partner universities that have included Bergamo, NOVA Lisbon, Adam Mickiewicz University and Santiago de Compostela, among others. Confirm the active partners in the current call.
Do I apply to each university separately for Crossways?
No. You submit one application through the consortium, where you also state your university preferences.
What documents does the Crossways application need?
Typically a CV, transcripts and degree certificate, academic essays, a motivation letter, two to three reference letters, language evidence and an ID copy.
What careers follow a Crossways master?
Graduates move into areas such as research and academia, teaching, publishing, cultural and arts organisations, translation and international roles that draw on languages and cultural knowledge.