Erasmus Mundus scholarships: programmes, criteria and timeline

Erasmus Mundus scholarships fund international joint master’s degrees (EMJMs) run by a consortium of European universities, sometimes with partners outside Europe. You follow a two-year programme in at least two countries, with your costs covered and, depending on the programme, a monthly allowance. Here is what you need to know to choose an Erasmus Mundus programme, check your eligibility, keep to the timeline and give yourself the best chance of success.

What is an Erasmus Mundus programme (EMJM)?

Joint master’s, mobility and degree

• An EMJM is an integrated master’s programme delivered jointly by several partner universities.
• Mobility is compulsory: you spend at least two semesters in two different countries within the consortium.
• On completion, you receive a joint degree or double degrees, depending on the programme.

Fields and sample study paths

Erasmus Mundus scholarships cover a wide range of fields: data/AI, engineering, environment, public policy, economics/finance, humanities, public health and more. Each EMJM publishes a typical study path (e.g. S1 in Paris, S2 in Milan, S3 in Stockholm, S4 internship/thesis defence).

What Erasmus Mundus scholarships (generally) cover

Typical funding items

• Participation costs (tuition/administration) covered by the programme.
• Contribution to travel and relocation costs (amounts vary with your place of origin and the cost of living).
• A monthly subsistence allowance during the academic period (depending on its length and the consortium’s rules).
• Health/accident insurance required by the programme.

Important: exact amounts and duration vary by EMJM and by country of study. Always check the “Scholarship” page of your target programme for official figures and exclusions (e.g. periods outside the EU, ineligible internships).

Eligibility criteria and the profiles programmes look for

Academic and language requirements

• A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) obtained before final enrolment.
• Academic excellence: strong transcripts that fit the master’s specialization.
• Language(s) of instruction: a recent English (or other language) score is often required. Compare the tests here: IELTS vs TOEFL.

Mobility & nationality

• You must study in at least two different countries within the consortium.
• The scholarships are open to students from all over the world; for the travel contribution, some rules distinguish between “Programme countries” and “Partner countries”.

Strengths that count

• A credible, international career plan.
• Relevant experience: internships, projects, volunteering, research.
• Proven language and intercultural skills.

2025-2026 timeline: what to expect

Key periods (indicative)

• October → February: most EMJMs open applications.
• February → April: shortlist results (possibly with interviews).
• April → June: Erasmus Mundus scholarship offers and waiting lists.
• August/September: the first semester (S1) starts at the first host university.

Each programme sets its own deadlines. Apply early and plan ahead for your language tests and official translations (transcripts/diplomas).

Application documents and common requirements

Documents to prepare

• Transcripts + diploma (with a certified translation if needed).
• Curriculum Vitae (often in Europass format).
• Targeted motivation letter(s) + academic/professional references.
• Proof of language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE, etc.).
• Possibly: a research proposal, a portfolio, a GRE/GMAT score (in rare cases).

Writing quality of your application

• A clear letter: your motivation, how your profile fits the programme, your career goals.
• A readable, results-oriented CV (figures, deliverables, impact).
• Specific references (role, tasks, level of autonomy, top 3 strengths).

For strategy and writing examples, see our Personal Statement examples.

How to choose your Erasmus Mundus programme

Reading the EMJM page closely

• Check the mobility path (campuses, semesters) and the specializations.
• Look at the courses, the prerequisites, the internship/thesis format and the industry partners.
• Study the scholarship policy: number of scholarships, ranking criteria, specific documents.

Reference table: comparing 3 EMJMs

Programme	Mobility path	Strengths	Notable requirements
EMJM A (Data/AI)	France → Italy → Sweden	Machine learning specialization, R&D internship	Proven strength in maths/computer science, high English score
EMJM B (Environment)	Spain → Netherlands → Norway	Fieldwork + public policy	Well-argued personal plan geared towards NGOs/public agencies
EMJM C (Finance/Economics)	Portugal → Germany → Belgium	Corporate partners, double degrees	Economics/econometrics prerequisites, targeted letter

Fictional example to guide your comparison.

Application strategy: giving yourself the best chance

6-step action plan

1. Map out 5-8 EMJMs that match your goals.
2. Timeline: note the deadlines, language tests, translations and references.
3. Tailor your CV and letters to each programme (using keywords from the syllabus and programme track).
4. Proof of English: schedule your test with a safety margin (in case you need to retake it).
5. Proofread (with a mentor or professional), revise, and submit early.
6. Prepare for the interview (if there is one): motivation, plans, mobility, academic fit.

Common mistakes to avoid

• A generic (copy-and-paste) application: write a tailored letter for each EMJM instead.
• Ignoring the prerequisites (ECTS, level in maths/languages): plan to catch up if needed.
• Submitting at the last minute: you lose the time you need to complete or correct your application.

FAQ: Erasmus Mundus scholarships

Can I apply to several EMJMs in the same year?

Yes, it’s common. However, respect each programme’s specific limits and tailor your documents carefully to each one.

Do the scholarships cover 100% of the costs?

Participation costs are generally covered. There are also contributions towards travel and installation and a monthly allowance, with amounts that vary by EMJM. Check the official programme page.

Do I need to take an English test if I studied in English?

Some programmes may grant a waiver. Many, however, require a recent IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score: check the “Admissions” page and plan ahead.

How do rankings and waiting lists work?

After applications have been assessed (sometimes including an interview), candidates are ranked. Waiting lists keep moving until late spring as scholarships become available.

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Need help with an Erasmus Mundus application? We help you target the best EMJMs, fine-tune your letters, CV and proof of English proficiency, and plan a realistic timeline right up to final submission. To compare English tests, see also: IELTS vs TOEFL.

Further reading

• Funding your studies abroad in 2026: scholarships, loans and campus jobs
• École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) 2026: applications, costs and scholarships
• DAAD scholarships: funding your studies in Germany