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Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships: Eligibility, Funding and How to Apply
Published 22 October 2026 · Source checked 2026-10-22
Last checked: 22 October 2026. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) are European master’s programmes run by a group of universities, with scholarships for the best-ranked students from around the world. Each programme sets its own deadline and rules, so use this guide to plan and then confirm everything on the programme’s own website.
At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | A joint master’s delivered by at least 3 institutions in at least 3 different countries |
| Length | 1 to 2 academic years (60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits) |
| Degree you receive | A joint degree, or multiple degrees from at least two institutions in the consortium |
| Who can apply | Bachelor’s graduates, or students in their last bachelor’s year who will graduate before the programme starts |
| Where you apply | Directly to the programme you choose, not to the European Commission |
| Usual deadlines | Between October and January for courses starting the next academic year |
| This round | 37 new Masters open for applications in autumn 2026, for September 2027 starts |
How the programmes work
You study in more than one country. Programmes typically combine study periods, research, traineeships, and a thesis you prepare and defend. At the start you sign a study agreement that sets out the type of degree you will receive. The programmes are listed in the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue, and a new batch is added each year.
Who can apply
- You need a bachelor’s degree, or you must be in your last year of bachelor’s studies.
- You must graduate before the master’s programme starts.
- Applicants with a bachelor’s-equivalent level of learning that is officially recognised can also apply, under the national rules of the country that awards the degree.
- Each programme adds its own entry requirements, such as subject background and English language level. Read them before you apply.
What the scholarship covers
Some programmes offer full scholarships to the best-ranked students worldwide. According to the Erasmus+ website, the scholarship covers your participation costs and contributes to travel, visa and a living allowance. The official programme guide for the 2026 call says the scholarship is calculated as 1,400 euros per month multiplied by the length of the programme. An earlier EU agency document set the maximum at 33,600 euros per student over 24 months. How a consortium applies those amounts, and what you receive, is stated on each programme’s own page, so check the scholarship section for your intake.
If you do not get a scholarship, ask whether the programme accepts self-funded students and what the tuition is.
How to apply
- Browse the catalogue. Search the Erasmus Mundus catalogue by subject and country. Shortlist three to five programmes that fit your degree and goals.
- Read each programme’s page. Note the entry requirements, application steps, deadline and scholarship rules, with and without a scholarship.
- Prepare your documents. Typical items are transcripts, a CV, a motivation letter, references and proof of English. Follow the list on each programme’s site, because they differ.
- Apply on the programme’s website. Submit before the deadline. Applications go straight to the consortium.
- Wait for the ranking and offer. Programmes rank applicants and award scholarships to the best-ranked.
Deadlines
There is no single deadline. In most cases applications are due between October and January for courses starting in the following academic year. A new group of programmes is opening in autumn 2026 for September 2027. Put each programme’s deadline in a calendar, and plan to submit a few days early.
Tips for a stronger application
- Apply to several programmes. Competition for scholarships is strong.
- Take your English test early if the programme asks for a score such as PTE, IELTS or TOEFL.
- Ask your referees at least two weeks before the deadline.
- Write a motivation letter about the programme’s specific modules and the countries where you would study.
- The Erasmus Mundus Association (em-a.eu) offers advice for applicants.