Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Leading International Vaccinology Education (LIVE)

Overview

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Leading International Vaccinology Education, known as LIVE, is a two-year master's of science funded by the European Commission. Five universities across Spain, Belgium and France run it together: the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the University of Barcelona in Spain, the University of Antwerp in Belgium, and Jean Monnet University and Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 in France. You study at more than one of them and gain experience in cities including Barcelona, Antwerp and the Lyon/Saint-Étienne area.

LIVE is a specialised programme focused on vaccinology and immunology. Over the two years and 120 ECTS you build an advanced understanding of immunology, immunopathology, infectiology, vaccine-preventable diseases, vaccine development, and the surrounding legislation, health policy and humanities. That breadth means graduates understand both the science of vaccines and the regulatory and public-health context around them, which is what employers in this field tend to look for.

The programme is aimed at students from a range of scientific and clinical backgrounds, including biochemists, bioengineers, biologists, clinicians, pharmacists and veterinarians. It carries Erasmus Mundus scholarships, so selected students study fully funded, and applications are open worldwide. Depending on your profile, entry may be possible at the start of year one or, in some cases, into year two.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You need a bachelor's degree of at least 180 ECTS credits in the medical, veterinary or life sciences. The programme welcomes a spread of professional backgrounds: biochemists, bioengineers, biologists, clinicians, pharmacists and veterinarians are all explicitly eligible. The full master's runs to 120 ECTS over two years, at roughly 60 ECTS per year.

Nationality Requirements

LIVE is open to applicants from any country. For the funding period running through 2030, the European Union funds a fixed number of LIVE students each cycle through a mix of partial and full scholarships, with a fee-waiver route also referenced for some European students.

Language Requirements

The programme is taught in English, so you need to demonstrate English proficiency. Check the official application pages for the accepted certificates and minimum scores for the current intake.

Age & Other Requirements

There is no age limit. Depending on your background, you may enter in year one or, in some cases, directly into year two, so review which entry point fits your prior study.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Participation costs for the two-year master's for scholarship holders.
• A monthly living allowance of €1,400 across the programme.
• Travel and mobility support for studying in more than one country.
• Funding for up to 24 months, the full degree.

The EU funds a set number of LIVE students per funding period, split between partial scholarships and fuller scholarships that include living support, so funded seats are limited and competitive.

How to Apply

1. Check your background fits: Confirm your bachelor's degree meets the 180 ECTS minimum and sits in medical, veterinary or life sciences.
2. Choose your entry point: Decide whether you are applying for year-one or, where eligible, year-two entry.
3. Prepare your English proof: Arrange an accepted English certificate if you are not a native speaker.
4. Gather supporting documents: Collect your academic records, motivation letter, CV and recommendation letters.
5. Apply through the MyLIVE system: Submit your application on the official MyLIVE portal during the open window.
6. Request the scholarship in the same file: The scholarship application is included within the MyLIVE application, so there is no separate form.
7. Await selection: The consortium ranks applicants for admission and funding, and you confirm your place once offered.

Required Documents

• Official academic records covering your last three years of study.
• A copy of your final or qualifying degree certificate or examination results.
• A motivation letter explaining your interest in vaccinology.
• A CV setting out your scientific or clinical background.
• Recommendation letters.
• Proof of English proficiency.
• Proof of residence and a valid identity document.

Key Dates & Deadlines

LIVE runs on an annual cycle, with the main application period generally opening in autumn and closing around December to January for entry the following September. Applicants of all nationalities apply in this first period. Because the exact opening and closing dates change each year, confirm the current deadline on the official apply-now page before you submit, and leave time for English test results and document certification.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Connect your motivation letter to vaccinology specifically, drawing on your scientific or clinical background.
• Make your last three years of academic records clean, complete and easy to read.
• Confirm whether year-one or year-two entry suits your profile and apply to the right one.
• Sort your English certificate and recommendation letters early.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying after the December–January window has closed.
• Submitting incomplete academic records or missing the degree certificate.
• Writing a generic motivation letter that doesn't mention vaccines or immunology.
• Assuming any science degree qualifies without checking the 180 ECTS and field requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the LIVE Erasmus Mundus scholarship?

It's a full European Commission scholarship that funds selected students through the two-year LIVE master's in vaccinology, covering participation costs, a monthly allowance and travel support.

Who can apply for the LIVE vaccinology master's?

Applicants worldwide with a bachelor's degree of at least 180 ECTS in medical, veterinary or life sciences, including biochemists, bioengineers, biologists, clinicians, pharmacists and veterinarians.

Which universities run the LIVE master's?

Five institutions run it: the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the University of Barcelona in Spain, the University of Antwerp in Belgium, and Jean Monnet University and Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 in France.

How much does the LIVE scholarship pay?

Scholarship holders receive a monthly allowance of €1,400 along with covered participation costs and travel support, for up to 24 months.

How many ECTS is the LIVE master's?

The full two-year programme totals 120 ECTS, at roughly 60 ECTS per year.

When is the LIVE application deadline?

Applications usually close around December to January for a September start, after opening in the autumn. Confirm the exact date on the official apply-now page.

Can I enter the LIVE programme in year two?

Depending on your background, entry may be possible into year one or directly into year two. Review which entry point matches your prior study.

Do I apply for the LIVE scholarship separately?

No. The scholarship application is included within the MyLIVE application system, so a single submission covers both admission and funding.

What English level do I need for LIVE?

The programme is taught in English and requires proof of proficiency. Check the official pages for the accepted tests and minimum scores for the current intake.

What documents does the LIVE application need?

Your academic records for the last three years, your degree certificate, a motivation letter, a CV, recommendation letters, English proof, proof of residence and a valid ID.

How competitive is the LIVE scholarship?

The EU funds a fixed number of LIVE students per funding period, split between partial and fuller scholarships, so funded places are limited and selection is competitive.

What careers follow the LIVE master's?

Graduates work in vaccine research and development, clinical trials, immunology, public health, regulatory affairs and roles across the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, or continue to a PhD.