Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship supports international master’s programs delivered by consortia of universities, with competitive EU-funded scholarships available to top-ranked students worldwide. Students apply directly to the individual master’s program, and most programs accept applications between October and January for the following academic year.
This guide explains how the scholarship works, what it covers, who can apply, and how to build a stronger application without confusing the student application with the separate EU funding call for universities.
What is an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master?
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are integrated master’s programmes jointly designed and delivered by higher-education institutions. An EMJM normally involves at least three institutions from at least three countries. Students typically study in more than one country and may receive either a joint degree or multiple degrees.
Programmes normally last one to two academic years and carry 60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits.
What does the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship cover?
The European Commission states that full scholarships may be offered to the best-ranked students worldwide. Scholarship support covers participation costs and contributes toward travel, visa and living costs. The current EU scholarship contribution for individuals is €1,400 per month for up to 24 months.
Who can apply?
- You must hold a bachelor’s degree, or be in the final year of bachelor’s studies.
- You must graduate before the master’s programme begins.
- Applicants with an officially recognised bachelor-equivalent level of learning may also be eligible.
- Individual programmes can impose additional academic, language, subject or document requirements.
When should you apply?
There is no single student deadline for every Erasmus Mundus programme. The European Commission says most applications are submitted between October and January for courses beginning in the following academic year. Always use the deadline on the website of the specific master’s programme you are applying to.
This distinction matters: dates published for the EU’s institutional Erasmus Mundus funding call are not student scholarship deadlines.
How to apply step by step
- Search the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue. Shortlist programmes that fit your academic background and career goals.
- Open each programme’s official website. Confirm eligibility, participating universities, mobility requirements, language rules and scholarship deadline.
- Prepare your documents early. Typical requirements can include transcripts, degree evidence, CV, motivation letter or statement, references and proof of language proficiency.
- Apply directly to the programme consortium. Students do not submit one central Erasmus scholarship application to the European Commission.
- Track programme-specific communication. Selection and interview procedures vary by consortium.
How to strengthen your application
A strong application should connect your academic record, relevant experience and future goals to the specific joint master. Avoid a generic motivation letter reused across programmes. Explain why the curriculum, mobility structure and participating institutions are relevant to what you want to do next.
If you are preparing your application documents, use our Statement of Purpose guide and free template. You can also explore our fully funded scholarships guide to compare other international funding routes.
Erasmus Mundus and Europe study opportunities
EMJM is especially useful for international students who want a European study pathway without limiting themselves to one university or country. The mobility model can combine study, research, traineeship and thesis work across partner institutions.
For another Europe-focused funding route, see our DAAD EPOS Scholarship guide for eligible development-related postgraduate programmes in Germany.
New programmes opening for future applicants
In July 2026, Erasmus+ announced 37 newly selected Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters. The European Commission said these programmes will be added to the catalogue and are expected to open for student applications in autumn 2026 for programmes beginning in September 2027. Applicants should verify each programme as it appears in the official catalogue.
Frequently asked questions
Is Erasmus Mundus fully funded?
Selected programmes can offer full scholarships to their best-ranked applicants. Scholarship support covers participation costs and contributes to travel, visa and living expenses.
Can international students apply?
Yes. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are open to students worldwide, subject to the eligibility requirements of the individual programme.
Do I apply through one Erasmus portal?
No. Students apply directly to the institution or consortium running the chosen master’s programme.
Can final-year bachelor’s students apply?
Yes, provided they graduate before the master’s programme begins and meet the programme’s other requirements.
What is the usual application period?
Most programmes accept applications between October and January, but exact deadlines vary by programme.
Official sources
Verify programme availability and current requirements using the European Commission’s official Erasmus+ Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters student page and the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue before applying.