Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters 2027-2028

Overview

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) programme is an EU-funded scholarship that works differently from traditional awards. Instead of placing you at a single university, each EMJM is a collaborative master's degree run by a consortium of at least three institutions across different countries. You study at two or more universities during your degree, earn a joint or multiple diploma, and gain cross-border academic experience that few other programmes can match.

The catalogue lists over 100 active master's programmes covering nearly every discipline: engineering, environmental science, public health, journalism, human rights, performing arts, and more. Each programme is run independently by its consortium, so entry requirements, deadlines, and structures vary. The EU-funded scholarship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, installation costs, and a monthly living allowance of EUR 1,400.

Students from all countries can apply. About 2,000–3,000 EMJM scholarships are awarded each year across all programmes. Top programmes report acceptance rates between 5% and 15%. The programme has produced an alumni network of over 50,000 graduates worldwide, many in leadership positions across academia, government, international organizations, and the private sector.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Funding Body	European Union (Erasmus+ Programme)
Degree Levels	Master's
Value	Full tuition, monthly living allowance (€1,400/month), travel costs, installation allowance
Deadline	October 2026 – January 2027
Duration	12–24 months (most programmes are 24 months)
Eligible Nationalities	All nationalities (additional scholarships for students from EU partner countries)
Official Website	https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/opportunities-for-individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You need a bachelor's degree or equivalent (at least 180 ECTS credits) from an accredited institution. Some programmes require a degree in a specific field. Transcripts and degree certificates must be officially certified. Final-year undergraduates can apply with proof of expected graduation.

Nationality Requirements

All nationalities are eligible. You must not have previously received an EMJM scholarship. If you have lived in a European programme country for more than 12 months in the past 5 years, you may be classified as a 'programme country' student (which can affect the scholarship amount but does not disqualify you).

Language Requirements

English proficiency is required for most programmes (IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 90+). Some programmes taught in other languages may require French, German, Spanish, or other EU language proficiency. Check each programme's requirements.

Work Experience

Not required for most programmes. A few professionally-oriented programmes may prefer or require relevant experience.

Other Requirements

You can apply to a maximum of three different EMJM programmes per year. Each programme also has its own specific entry requirements beyond the general EMJM criteria; check the programme's website.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition coverage for the entire programme (participation costs paid directly to the consortium)
• Monthly living allowance of EUR 1,400 for up to 24 months
• Travel allowance of EUR 1,000–3,000 depending on distance from home country
• Installation allowance for settling-in costs
• Joint or multiple degree diploma recognized across all consortium countries
• Study at two or more universities in different European countries
• Access to the Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA) alumni network
• Health and accident insurance coverage through the programme consortium
• Invitations to Erasmus+ and EU networking events

How to Apply

1. Browse the EMJM catalogue and select programmes: Visit the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters catalogue on the Erasmus+ website. Filter by field, country, and duration. You can apply to up to three programmes per cycle. Read each programme's website carefully for its specific focus, consortium universities, and requirements.
2. Check programme-specific requirements: Each EMJM programme sets its own eligibility criteria, required documents, and deadlines. Go to the programme's website and review everything: academic prerequisites, language proficiency, portfolio or work sample requirements.
3. Prepare your application documents: Gather certified copies of transcripts and degree certificates, proof of language proficiency, a CV, a motivation letter, recommendation letters, and anything else the specific programme asks for (research proposal, writing sample, portfolio).
4. Submit your application directly to the programme: Apply through the programme's own application portal. There is no central EMJM application system. Complete the form, upload all documents, and indicate whether you are applying for an EMJM scholarship or as a self-funded student.
5. Await selection results: Each programme's committee evaluates applications on academic excellence, motivation, background relevance, and potential for impact. Scholarship results come out between February and April. Reserve list candidates may get offers if funded candidates decline.
6. Accept the offer and prepare for mobility: Confirm your acceptance, apply for a visa in your first host country, arrange accommodation, and prepare for the start date. The consortium coordinates student mobility between universities and provides orientation.

Required Documents

• Certified copies of bachelor's degree certificate and academic transcripts
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge; programme-specific thresholds apply)
• Detailed curriculum vitae or resume
• Motivation letter explaining academic interests, career goals, and why this specific EMJM programme is the right fit
• Two or three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees
• Valid passport copy
• Passport-sized photograph
• Portfolio or work samples (for arts, design, or journalism programmes where required)
• Proof of relevant professional experience (if applicable)

Important Dates & Deadlines

Milestone	Date
Applications Open	October–November 2025 (varies by programme)
Application Deadline	November 2025–January 2026 for scholarship applicants (non-scholarship deadlines may extend to March–May; check each programme individually)
Results Announced	February–April 2026
Course Start	September–October 2026

Tips for a Strong Application

Personal Statement Tips

• Tailor your motivation letter to each EMJM programme you apply to. Generic letters are easy to spot and score poorly.
• Explain why studying at multiple universities in different cultural contexts matters for your development. This is the whole point of the programme.
• Connect your academic background, career goals, and the specific programme's focus into one clear story. Show this is a logical next step, not a random choice.
• Mention any international experiences, language skills, or cross-cultural work that shows you will handle the mobility well.
• If you have publications, conference presentations, or standout projects, name them. They prove you are ready for a high-level master's.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying to more than three EMJM programmes in one year. The Erasmus+ rules cap it at three, and exceeding the limit can disqualify all your applications.
• Reusing the same motivation letter across programmes without customization. Each programme has a distinct focus, and your letter must reflect that.
• Assuming all programmes share the same deadline. Deadlines vary by months; some close as early as November while others run into January or February.
• Skipping the specific entry requirements of each programme. Some demand a particular academic background, minimum GPA, portfolio, or research proposal.
• Not researching the consortium universities. Knowing the strengths and locations of each partner helps you write a better letter and prepare for the mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive are Erasmus Mundus scholarships?

Popular programmes receive 500–2,000 applications for 15–40 scholarship places, giving acceptance rates of 2–10%. Less popular or newer programmes have higher rates. Applying to the maximum three programmes improves your overall odds.

What is the Erasmus Mundus monthly stipend amount?

EUR 1,400 per month for the full programme duration (up to 24 months). Travel and installation allowances come on top. The total scholarship value runs EUR 40,000 to EUR 50,000 over the programme.

Do I study in one country or multiple countries?

You study in at least two different countries. Each EMJM is delivered by three or more universities, and you complete different semesters at different institutions. Some programmes include partner universities outside Europe.

What kind of degree do I receive from Erasmus Mundus?

Either a joint degree (one diploma issued by the consortium) or a multiple degree (separate diplomas from each university where you studied). Both types are recognized and accredited in all consortium countries.

Can I apply to Erasmus Mundus if I am from a European country?

Students from all countries, including EU member states, can apply. If you have lived in an EU programme country for more than 12 months in the past 5 years, you are classified as a 'programme country' student, which may change the scholarship amount but does not disqualify you.

Is there an age limit for Erasmus Mundus?

No age limit. Applicants of all ages are welcome as long as they meet the academic and language requirements of their chosen programme.

Can I work while studying on an Erasmus Mundus scholarship?

Work regulations depend on visa and labor laws in each host country. Most EU countries allow international students to work part-time (10–20 hours per week). The programme's intensive schedule and mobility requirements may limit practical opportunities.

How do I find Erasmus Mundus programmes in my field?

Use the EMJM catalogue on the Erasmus+ website (erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu) to search and filter by field, country, and keyword. Each listing links to the consortium's official website.

Can I apply for Erasmus Mundus without a completed bachelor's degree?

You can apply during your final year, but your bachelor's degree (or equivalent of at least 180 ECTS) must be completed before the programme starts. Proof of completion is required before enrollment.

What happens if I am on the Erasmus Mundus reserve list?

You may receive a scholarship offer if a selected candidate declines. Reserve list offers go out between March and June. Stay on the list, as a meaningful percentage of funded places end up filled from reserves.

Do I need to arrange my own accommodation for each country?

It depends on the programme. Some consortia help with housing through university residences or local partnerships. Others expect you to find accommodation on your own. The programme website will specify what support is available at each location.

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