Studying in Europe is a dream of many students. You see yourself walking down the old cobblestone streets, meeting your friends who are in every corner of the world and earning a degree that will make employers take notice of you.
But the real world sets in: tuition fees and living costs can be an insurmountable wall.
We've all felt that. Imagine if money did not get in the way.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) is one of the most generous scholarship programs in the world. It covers tuition, flights, insurance and provides a monthly living allowance.
This guide walks you through the application process for 2026.
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What Is the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?
To put it simply, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's is a high-level program offered by a group of international universities.
This program will bring you to at least two European countries, as opposed to a regular degree, which will be in one city in two years. At the time of graduation, you receive a joint degree from several universities or a certificate from each university.
The program is after the finest talent in the world. It is not about the country you are in. You are eligible to apply in case you possess a bachelor's degree and are highly motivated.
Erasmus+ or Erasmus Mundus: What's the Difference?
This misconception is very common, and therefore, we ought to put that straight.
Erasmus+ (Exchange) is accessible to current university students who wish to spend a short semester in a foreign country, 3 to 12 months.
Erasmus Mundus (Full Degree) is a 1-2 year Master's degree.
Apply after completing your bachelor's if you want to have a full postgraduate degree abroad.
Erasmus Mundus is the one to choose in case you want a fully funded master's.
Who Is This Scholarship For? (Master's vs. Undergraduate)
The question many students ask themselves is whether they can apply immediately after high school. The answer is usually no.
The scholarship is aimed at master's level studies. To apply, you need to have a bachelor's degree or be in your final year of undergraduate education.
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Erasmus Scholarship Benefits: What Does It Cover?
When we say "fully funded," we mean it. This scholarship helps you to concentrate on your studies and culture without worrying about money.
It has one of the best financial packages in academia. You receive the following:
Monthly Stipend: 1400 Euros monthly to pay rent, food, transport and daily expenses. Over two years, that totals €33,600.
Tuition Fees: Tuition Fees are fully covered; no tuition, library or lab fees.
Health Insurance: Full coverage during your stay.
Travel and Installation: The program may cover travel tickets and visa costs, depending on the country of origin of the applicant.
This support means that you can travel, learn a new language and network without having to take on a part-time job.
Eligibility Requirement: Are You Eligible?
The requirements are stringent, but simple. You do not need to be a genius; you simply need to meet the requirements of the consortium.
Academic Qualifications (Degree and GPA)
You must have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent.
You can apply in case you are in your final year of your bachelor's. Just graduated before the start of the master's, usually in August or September.
Concerned about a low GPA? Grades are important, but not just important. A good motivation letter, relevant experience or a good connection to the course can make up for a lower GPA.
Nationality & The 12-Month Rule
The scholarship is available to students from all over the world. However, there is a special rule for non-EU partner country students who have lived recently in Europe.
The 12-month rule says that if you have lived, worked or studied in an EU country or Norway or Iceland in the last 5 years for more than a year, you can be considered a Programme Country student.
Why does it matter? Categories are different, and competition is different between groups. Keep this in mind when you are completing your application.
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How to Find Your Perfect Program (The Catalogue)
The process of selecting a program is an exciting one. The Erasmus Mundus list contains a lot of unique master's degrees, updated every year.
You can not apply "Erasmus" in general. Apply only for certain master's courses which are available in the Erasmus Mundus Catalogue. Treat the catalogue as a menu of opportunities; you can search the catalogue for programs that are currently accepting applications.
Popular Fields of Study
No matter what your background is, there is probably a program for you. The coverage of the catalogue is almost every academic discipline, including:
STEM: Engineering, Technology, Maths and Data Science.
Health Sciences: Public Health, Nursing, and Medicine-related research.
Social Sciences: Human Rights, Economics, Business, and Law.
Arts & Humanities: History, Film, Cultural Studies.
Pro Tip: You can apply for up to three different programs in the same year. We recommend choosing programs that have a good alignment with your bachelor's degree and career goals in order to increase your chances.
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Step-by-Step Procedure of Application
The application process may not be what you are used to. Instead of having a central system for all scholarships, you apply for the program through the university or consortium that is administering the program.
Here is the general road map that you will follow:
Search the Catalogue: To begin with, you need to search the courses that match your profile in the official catalogue.
Visit the Program Website: Each of the courses in the master's program has its own website. Here you will get the exact details, the list of the universities that will be participating and the exact requirements to join that course.
Check for "Scholarship" Options: When you are filling out the application form on the program's website, there will typically be a box to check asking if you would like to be considered for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. Make sure you select this!
Submit Before Deadline: Most of the programs open their applications from October to January for the following academic year.
Every program is different in terms of the admissions process, so the specific steps may differ slightly. It is very important to read the "How to Apply" section of the website of your chosen program very carefully.
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Important Documents to Include in Your Application
The most significant aspect of the process is arguably getting your documents right. Your paper application must represent you since you cannot normally interview face-to-face. The selection committee will rank the students according to academic competence, work experience and your motivation.
You will usually need to give the following:
Official Academic Transcripts: These should be translated to English in case they are in a different language.
Two Letters of Recommendation: Normally from professors or previous employers.
Proof of Residence: Proof of where you live that is issued within 12 months of the deadline.
But there are two documents that are more prominent than the rest: your CV and your Motivation Letter.
The Motivation Letter & CV
Your motivation letter is your chance to tell your story. It shouldn't just be a repeat of your CV. It needs to explain why you are perfect for this particular program. The ranking criteria often give a lot of weight to this letter. It needs to be well-structured, clear and concise.
For your CV, while many European institutions would like to see your CV in the Europass format, most of the Erasmus programs will accept any type of professional format. The key is to highlight experience which is relevant to the course of the master's you are applying for.
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English Language Requirements (IELTS/TOEFL)
A common question which we get is, "Can I apply for an Erasmus Scholarship without IELTS?"
You will be required to show proficiency in English in most instances. This usually entails the issuance of a certificate like IELTS (Academic) or TOEFL.
However, there are some exceptions. If your previous University degree was taught entirely in English in some countries (like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, etc) you might be exempt from taking a new test.
You would need an official document from your university stating that the medium of instruction was English.
Never forget to check on the exact needs of the program you are interested in, since rules may differ.
Erasmus Scholarship Deadlines & Timeline for 2025-2026
Timing is everything. Unlike some rolling admissions, though, Erasmus Mundus has a very specific window. If you miss it, then you have to wait for an entire year.
A new selection of Master's programs is updated in the catalogue every year.
When is the Application Window Open?
For students who are planning to start their studies in September 2026, the application period usually opens between October 2025 and January 2026.
October - November: The majority of programs open their portals. This is the best time to start.
December - January: Deadlines start closing. Many programs have a deadline in early January for scholarship applicants.
Tips on How to Win an Erasmus Scholarship
Competition for these scholarships is high because they are pursued by the best students across the globe. However, "competitive" does not mean "impossible." The following are some of the strategic tips to make your application shine:
Personalise Your Motivation Letter: This is usually highly rated in the selection process; in some cases, up to 40 per cent of your score. Do not use a generic template. Be clear as to why this specific program fits your career objectives and how your background is an asset to the group.
Highlight All Experience: It is not just the paid jobs. Experience in volunteer work and internships is also acceptable, provided that they are related to the field.
Check the "Geographical Balance" Rule: To make sure that there is diversity, many programs have a rule that not more than 10 per cent of the scholarships should be awarded to students of the same country. In case you belong to a nation where there are many applicants, your application should be very strong.
Follow the Checklist: This may seem easy, but most students are rejected due to forgetting to carry a document or failure to translate a certificate. The checklist on the program website will help you to make sure that you post all that you require.
Conclusion
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is not just a scholarship; it is a ticket to an international experience that will transform your perception of the world.
It might appear to be a lengthy process, catalogues to search and motivation letters to write, but the reward is worth all the effort.
Keep in mind that you do not need to do this by yourself. You need a tool to know where to be or a mentor to guide you through the paperwork; there is someone to assist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the Erasmus Scholarship have an age limit?
No, there is no age limit at all. You can apply regardless of your age as long as you have the academic and eligibility requirements.
Can I take up an Erasmus Scholarship without IELTS?
In general, you will be required to demonstrate knowledge of the English language, including IELTS or TOEFL scores. But in case your former degree was in English, you might not have to take the test.
Should I get in touch with professors prior to application?
In the majority of Master programs, you do not email professors but apply directly to the consortium or university via their online application.
Is the Erasmus Scholarship for undergraduate students?
No, this scholarship is mainly at the Master level. To apply, you need to have a Bachelor's (first degree) or be in your final year of undergraduate study.
How Many Programs Can I Apply for?
You are allowed to apply for a maximum. 3 different Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's programs in the same academic year.
