Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Models and Methods of Quantitative Economics (QEM)

Overview

QEM, short for Models and Methods of Quantitative Economics, is a two-year master's that gives you a rigorous grounding in economic theory, mathematics, statistics and econometrics. It runs under the Erasmus Mundus framework, so the European Commission co-funds it and a consortium of universities delivers it jointly. The programme has been taught in English since 2006, which makes it one of the more established Erasmus Mundus economics degrees.

Teaching is shared across partner universities in France, Belgium, Spain, Italy and Poland. You spend your first year building core quantitative foundations and your second year specialising, moving between partner campuses as part of the structured mobility that defines Erasmus Mundus. On completion you receive a joint degree and a diploma supplement recognised by the participating institutions.

QEM suits you if you have an economics or quantitative background and you're aiming at a research career, a PhD, or analytical roles in central banks, international organisations, consultancies or the private sector. The mix of mathematical depth, international exposure and the option of an Erasmus Mundus scholarship is what draws applicants from around the world. It's demanding, and the quantitative bar is real, so it rewards people who genuinely enjoy the technical side of economics.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You need a recognised bachelor's degree in economics or an equivalent qualification, typically three years and 180 ECTS, with basic quantitative training. Because the programme is mathematically intensive, comfort with mathematics and statistics matters as much as your economics background. Optional materials such as a GRE Mathematics Subject Test result, research or publications can strengthen a quantitative profile.

Nationality Requirements

QEM is open to both international (non-EU) and EU applicants. Non-EU applicants are asked to provide proof of residence as part of the application, while this isn't required for EU applicants.

Language Requirements

The programme is taught in English and you need to show B2 level on the CEFR scale. Accepted evidence includes TOEFL with a minimum of 76, IELTS with a minimum band of 6, a Pearson test of at least 62, the Cambridge Advanced exam, or a university letter certifying B2 level. You're exempt if you completed your secondary or undergraduate education in English.

Age & Other Requirements

There's no age limit. Selection focuses on your academic record, quantitative preparation, statement of purpose and references. Final-year bachelor students can usually apply if they'll graduate before the programme begins.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Full coverage of the programme's tuition/participation costs for scholarship holders.
• A monthly living allowance of around €1,400 for up to 24 months.
• A contribution toward travel and related mobility costs between partner countries.
• Note there is no application fee, so applying costs you nothing beyond preparing your documents.

Scholarships go to the most competitive applicants and the scholarship round closes earlier than the self-funded round. If you apply self-funded, you can still join if admitted, just without the Erasmus Mundus financial package.

How to Apply

1. Register an account: Create your online account on the official QEM application platform.
2. Prepare your file: Gather your CV, statement of purpose, transcripts, degree certificate, English proof and references before you start uploading.
3. Upload your documents: Add each required document as a PDF, keeping every file within the 1MB size limit the portal sets.
4. Decide on funding: Apply within the scholarship window if you want to be considered for Erasmus Mundus funding, or later for self-funded entry.
5. Submit and confirm: Send your application and watch for the confirmation email that tells you it was received.

Required Documents

• Curriculum vitae.
• Statement of purpose.
• Proof of nationality.
• Certified transcript of your study results.
• Certified copy of your university degree or diploma.
• English proficiency certificate (unless exempt).
• Proof of residence (non-EU applicants only).
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Optional extras such as a GRE Mathematics Subject Test result, research or publications.

Key Dates & Deadlines

Exact dates change each cycle, so confirm the current scholarship and self-funded deadlines on the official site before you submit.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Show your quantitative preparation clearly, listing your mathematics, statistics and econometrics coursework and grades.
• Write a statement of purpose that connects your background to a specific goal, such as a PhD or a research-heavy role.
• Consider adding a GRE Mathematics Subject Test result if your transcript doesn't fully signal your quantitative strength.
• Apply in the scholarship round if funding matters, since it closes earlier than self-funded entry.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Underselling your maths background in an economics-heavy CV.
• Submitting PDF files that exceed the 1MB per-file limit.
• Missing the earlier scholarship deadline and only qualifying for self-funded consideration.
• Leaving the statement of purpose vague about why quantitative economics specifically.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the QEM Models and Methods of Quantitative Economics master?

It's a two-year Erasmus Mundus joint master that trains you in economic theory, mathematics, statistics and econometrics. It has been taught in English since 2006 and is delivered by partner universities across several European countries.

Which countries host the QEM master?

Teaching is shared across partner universities in France, Belgium, Spain, Italy and Poland, with structured mobility between campuses.

What are the eligibility requirements for the QEM master?

You need a recognised bachelor's in economics or equivalent, typically three years and 180 ECTS, with basic quantitative training, plus English at B2 level. It's open to both EU and international applicants.

What English scores does the QEM master accept?

B2 on the CEFR scale, evidenced by TOEFL of at least 76, IELTS band 6 or higher, a Pearson test of at least 62, the Cambridge Advanced exam, or a university letter certifying B2. You're exempt if your secondary or undergraduate study was in English.

How much does the QEM scholarship provide?

For scholarship holders it covers full tuition, a living allowance of around €1,400 per month and travel support, for up to 24 months.

Is there an application fee for the QEM master?

No. There is no application fee, so it costs nothing to apply beyond preparing your documents.

When is the QEM application deadline?

Scholarship applications usually close around January for September entry, while self-funded applications run later into the spring or summer. Confirm the exact dates for the current cycle.

What documents do I need for the QEM application?

A CV, statement of purpose, proof of nationality, certified transcript, certified degree copy, English proficiency certificate, two recommendation letters, and proof of residence for non-EU applicants. Optional extras include a GRE Mathematics Subject Test result, research or publications.

How do I submit documents for the QEM master?

You register an online account, then upload each document as a PDF of no more than 1MB, and submit. You'll get a confirmation email once your application is received.

Can non-EU students apply to the QEM master?

Yes. The programme is open to international applicants, who are asked to provide proof of residence as part of the application.

What degree do you earn from the QEM master?

You receive a Master joint degree along with a diploma supplement recognised by the participating universities.

Is the QEM master good preparation for a PhD?

Its emphasis on mathematics, econometrics and economic theory makes it a strong foundation if you're aiming at doctoral study or research-focused roles, which is a common path for graduates.