The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) Scholarship is a fully funded master’s scholarship offered by the European Union to help talented students study at multiple universities across Europe in a single, integrated programme. It usually covers full tuition fees, a monthly stipend, travel support, insurance and other costs, with the total value often reaching around €49,000 over two years, depending on the programme and your country of residence.
For ambitious students who want to earn a high-quality European master’s degree, experience life in at least two countries, and study in an international classroom, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarship is one of the best options available.
What Is the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarship?
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) Scholarship supports a special type of master’s programme that is:
- Jointly designed and delivered by a consortium of at least three universities in three different countries.
- Highly integrated, meaning the curriculum, assessment and mobility path are coordinated across all partner universities.
- International and mobile, requiring you to study in at least two (often three) different countries during your master’s degree.
- Open to all nationalities, with hundreds of scholarships awarded each year to excellent students worldwide.
At the end of the programme, you usually receive either:
- A joint degree (one single diploma issued on behalf of multiple universities), or
- Multiple degrees (separate diplomas from different partner universities).
Is Erasmus Mundus Really Fully Funded?
Yes. For selected students, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarship is considered fully funded because it covers most of the major costs of studying and living in Europe. While details can vary by programme and region, most EMJM scholarships typically include:
- Full tuition-fee waiver for the entire duration of the master’s programme.
- Monthly stipend (often around €1,000–€1,400 per month) to cover living and daily expenses.
- Travel contribution to help with international flights between your home country and Europe.
- Installation or settling-in allowance to support your first months in Europe.
- Insurance coverage (health and accident insurance) arranged by the programme.
- Visa and related costs often covered as part of the overall scholarship package.
When you combine the monthly stipend over 24 months, the value of the tuition waiver, and the extra support for travel and installation costs, the scholarship is commonly estimated at up to around €49,000 in total support. This figure can be higher or lower depending on the programme structure and your personal mobility path.
How the €49,000 Erasmus Mundus Funding Is Typically Structured
The “€49,000” figure is a practical way to understand the overall financial value of an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarship. Here is a simplified example for a typical two-year (24-month) programme:
- Monthly stipend: Around €1,400 x 24 months = €33,600
- Travel and installation contributions: Several thousand euros over the course of the programme (exact amount depends on your home region and distance).
- Tuition and participation costs: Full waiver of participation fees, which can easily reach €8,000–€18,000 or more over two years, depending on the programme.
When you add these components together, the total value can approach or exceed €49,000 in financial support. Remember that the exact numbers are set by each Erasmus Mundus consortium within EU rules, so you should always check the specific scholarship details for the programme you are interested in.
Key Features of Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Programmes
Study in Multiple Countries
One of the unique benefits of Erasmus Mundus is the mandatory mobility path. During your master’s degree, you will:
- Study in at least two different countries (and often three).
- Move between partner universities according to a predefined study track.
- Complete different parts of your coursework, research, and thesis in different locations.
This design gives you academic depth and international exposure, plus the chance to experience different cultures, languages, and teaching styles.
Joint or Multiple Degrees
At graduation, you receive:
- One joint degree issued on behalf of two or more universities, or
- Multiple degrees, one from each of the relevant partner universities.
Either way, your qualification is recognised by all the institutions involved and can be very attractive to employers and PhD programmes.
High-Quality, Competitive Programmes
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programmes are selected and funded by the EU based on criteria such as academic excellence, integration, and internationalisation. They are:
- Highly selective, often accepting only a small percentage of applicants.
- Interdisciplinary, combining knowledge from different fields.
- Career-focused, including internships, industry partners or applied projects in many cases.
Who Can Apply for Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarships?
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarship is open to applicants from all countries. However, programmes usually distinguish between:
- Students from EU/EEA “Programme Countries”
- Students from non-EU “Partner Countries”
The funding distribution and travel contributions may differ slightly between these groups, but both are eligible for fully funded scholarships if selected.
General Eligibility Requirements
While each programme has its own criteria, most EMJM scholarships require that you:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (or be in your final year) in a relevant field.
- Have strong academic results that meet the entry requirements of the master’s programme.
- Meet the language requirements (often English, but sometimes another European language), proven by tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent certificates if required.
- Have not received an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarship before.
- Can commit to full-time study and mandatory mobility across the partner institutions.
Some programmes have additional requirements, such as specific prerequisite subjects, prior work experience, or a portfolio (for example, in design or arts-related masters).
What Can You Study with Erasmus Mundus?
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programmes cover a wide range of disciplines. Popular fields include:
- Engineering and technology
- Computer science and data science
- Environmental and climate studies
- Public health and life sciences
- Economics, business, and management
- Law, governance, and public policy
- Humanities and social sciences
- Education and cultural studies
Each programme has its own focus, structure, and mobility path, so it is important to read the official description of any EMJM you plan to apply for.
Duration and Structure of Erasmus Mundus Programmes
Most Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programmes last for two academic years (120 ECTS), though some may be shorter (one year / 60 ECTS) or 1.5 years (90 ECTS). Common features include:
- Semesters in different countries (e.g., first year in Country A and Country B, second year in Country C).
- Integrated coursework where modules complement each other across universities.
- Master’s thesis or final project supervised by one or more partner institutions.
- Possible internship or industry placement in the second year.
The scholarship usually covers you for the full duration of the study programme, as long as you maintain satisfactory academic progress and follow the mobility plan.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarship
Every EMJM programme has its own application portal and deadlines, but the overall process is similar. Here is a general step-by-step guide:
1. Identify Suitable Erasmus Mundus Programmes
Start by exploring the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue of Joint Master programmes. Filter by your field of interest (for example, engineering, health, or social sciences) and note:
- Programme name and main focus
- Participating universities and countries
- Duration and mobility path
- Scholarship availability and number of seats
2. Check Eligibility and Entry Requirements
On each programme page, review:
- Academic requirements for admission
- Language requirements and minimum scores
- Required background subjects or skills
- Any additional criteria (such as work experience)
If you are unsure, you can usually contact the programme coordinator for clarification.
3. Gather Your Documents
Most Erasmus Mundus Joint Master applications require the following documents:
- Academic transcripts (and provisional or final degree certificate).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV), preferably in the Europass format or similar.
- Motivation letter explaining why you want to join the programme and how it fits your goals.
- Letters of recommendation (usually 2–3) from academic or professional referees.
- Language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) if required.
- Passport copy and sometimes a proof of residence document.
- Any supplementary documents requested by the programme, such as a research plan, writing sample, or portfolio.
4. Submit Your Online Application
Applications are submitted directly to the programme through its online portal. In most cases:
- You may apply for several EMJM programmes in the same year (check each programme’s rules).
- You usually mark whether you want to compete for the scholarship or self-funded place (or both).
- There is no application fee for Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarships.
5. Selection, Shortlisting and Interviews
After the deadline, the selection committee will:
- Review all applications and rank candidates based on academics, motivation, references and fit to the programme.
- Shortlist candidates and, in some cases, invite them for online interviews.
- Prepare a final list of scholarship recipients, reserve-list candidates, and self-funded offers.
If you are selected for the scholarship, you will receive an official offer and further instructions on enrolment, visas, and mobility planning.
When to Apply: Erasmus Mundus Timeline
Although dates differ, many Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programmes follow a similar pattern:
- Programme updates and new calls: Late summer to early autumn.
- Application period: Usually opens between October and December.
- Application deadlines: Often between December and February for scholarship applicants.
- Results and offers: Typically from March to May.
- Programme start: Late August or September.
It is important to start early to prepare your documents, language tests, and recommendations.
How Competitive Is Erasmus Mundus?
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarships are very competitive. Each programme may receive hundreds or even thousands of applications for a relatively small number of scholarship places. Successful applicants usually show:
- Strong academic performance (being among the top of their class or having a high GPA).
- Clear motivation and a good fit with the programme’s goals.
- Evidence of relevant experience, such as research, projects, internships, or work.
- International mindset and openness to mobility and cultural diversity.
However, competitiveness varies by field, region and programme, so it is worth applying if you match the requirements and can submit a strong application.
Tips to Win an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarship
1. Choose the Right Programmes
Do not apply randomly. Focus on 2–4 programmes that genuinely match your academic background, skills, and career goals. Read the programme descriptions carefully and tailor each application accordingly.
2. Write a Strong Motivation Letter
Your motivation letter is crucial. It should:
- Explain why you chose that specific Erasmus Mundus programme.
- Show how your past experiences (studies, projects, internships) prepare you for it.
- Describe your future plans and how the programme and its mobility track will help you achieve them.
- Highlight your international mindset, adaptability and teamwork skills.
3. Present a Clean, Complete Application
Small mistakes can hurt a strong profile. Make sure that you:
- Upload all required documents in the correct format and language.
- Respect page or word limits for CVs and essays.
- Use clear file names and follow the programme’s instructions exactly.
- Submit before the deadline, leaving time to fix technical issues if needed.
4. Strengthen Your References
Choose referees who know you well and can provide detailed, personalised letters. Give them:
- Your CV and draft motivation letter.
- A summary of the programme and why you are applying.
- Enough time (at least 2–3 weeks) to write and submit their recommendation.
5. Prepare for Interviews
If selected for an interview, be ready to:
- Explain your academic background and projects in simple language.
- Discuss your motivation for the programme and your long-term goals.
- Answer questions about mobility, adaptability and teamwork.
- Show that you understand what it means to live and study in multiple countries.
Pros and Cons of Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarships
Advantages
- Generous funding that can reach around €49,000, making studying in Europe accessible even if you cannot self-fund.
- Multi-country experience and exposure to different academic and cultural contexts.
- Strong CV impact thanks to a high-level, EU-funded programme.
- Global network of classmates, alumni, academics and industry partners.
- Enhanced employability and preparation for international careers or PhD studies.
Challenges
- High competition for a limited number of scholarships.
- Frequent mobility, which means moving countries, adapting to new systems and finding new housing several times.
- Intensive workload in many programmes, combining advanced courses, group projects and thesis work.
- Visa and administrative processes in multiple countries (though programmes often provide guidance).
Is the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarship Right for You?
Erasmus Mundus is a great choice if you:
- Want a fully funded master’s degree in Europe.
- I am excited about living in several different countries during my studies.
- Enjoy working in diverse, international teams.
- Have a strong academic background and clearly defined goals.
- Are you ready to handle a highly mobile and demanding programme?
If this matches your profile, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarship — with funding that can approach €49,000 — can be a life-changing opportunity for your academic and professional future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarships
1. Is the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarship really fully funded?
Yes. For selected students, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) Scholarship is generally considered fully funded. It usually covers full tuition fees, provides a monthly stipend for living costs, and includes additional support for travel, installation and insurance. Exact amounts depend on the specific programme and your home region.
2. How does the Erasmus Mundus scholarship reach around €49,000 in total funding?
The total value comes from combining several elements: a monthly stipend (often around €1,000–€1,400) for up to 24 months, contributions to travel and installation costs, and a full waiver of tuition and participation fees. When these are added together over a two-year master’s programme, the overall support can reach or exceed around €49,000 in value.
3. Can students from any country apply for Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarships?
Yes. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarships are open to students from all countries. The programme distinguishes between “Programme Countries” (mainly EU/EEA) and “Partner Countries” (non-EU), but both categories can receive full scholarships if they are selected.
4. What academic grade or CGPA do I need?
There is no single global CGPA requirement, but successful applicants usually have a strong academic record that meets or exceeds the entry requirements of the programme. Being among the top students in your class or having a high CGPA significantly improves your chances.
5. Do I need IELTS or TOEFL for Erasmus Mundus?
Most programmes require proof of language proficiency, often English. Commonly accepted tests include IELTS and TOEFL, but some programmes may accept other certificates or proof of previous studies in English. Always check the language requirements on the programme’s official page.
6. Can I apply before I finish my bachelor’s degree?
Yes, many Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programmes allow final-year undergraduate students to apply, as long as they can prove they will graduate before the master’s programme starts. You will normally submit your latest transcripts and provide your final degree certificate later.
7. How many Erasmus Mundus programmes can I apply to in one year?
The EU does not usually limit you to one programme, and many candidates apply to several EMJM programmes in the same year. However, you should always check each programme’s own rules and focus on quality applications rather than quantity.
8. What happens if I am selected but do not get the scholarship?
Some programmes may offer you a self-funded place if you are academically admitted but not selected for a scholarship. In that case, you can still join the programme if you are able to cover your own costs or secure alternative funding.