Erasmus Mundus Scholarships 2026: Full Guide to Joint Master's and PhD Funding

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) scholarships are among the most prestigious and generous funding options for international students. They offer full funding to study at multiple European universities over 1–2 years.

What is Erasmus Mundus?

Erasmus Mundus is a European Union programme that funds joint master's degree programmes developed by consortia of at least three European universities. Students study at two or more universities across Europe and receive a joint or multiple degree.

The EMJM scholarship is a full scholarship that covers all costs for the duration of the programme.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Full tuition fees (up to €9,000 per year for non-EU students)
• Monthly living allowance of €1,400 for the full programme duration (up to 24 months)
• Travel costs: €3,000–€7,000 per year depending on distance
• Installation costs: €1,000 for non-EU students
• Health insurance for the full programme duration
• Visa support and guidance

Total value: Approximately €45,000–€60,000 for the full programme.

Eligibility

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field
• Open to students from all nationalities
• No more than 12 months of residence in an EU country in the past 5 years (for non-EU applicants)
• English proficiency (typically IELTS 6.5+ or equivalent)
• Some programmes require relevant work experience

How to Apply

Each Erasmus Mundus programme manages its own admissions. The general process is:

1. Choose a programme from the Erasmus Mundus catalogue (there are 100+ programmes)
2. Visit the programme's website and review specific requirements
3. Prepare application documents (see below)
4. Submit before the deadline (typically October–January for the following September start)
5. The consortium reviews applications and selects scholarship recipients
6. Results are announced in March–May

Required Documents

• Bachelor's degree certificate and transcripts
• CV (Europass format is common)
• Motivation letter or statement of purpose
• Two letters of recommendation
• English language test score
• Proof of residence
• Passport copy

Tips for a Successful Application

• Choose programmes strategically: Apply to 3–4 programmes that match your background
• Write a specific motivation letter: Explain why a joint programme across multiple countries suits your goals
• Highlight your international experience: Erasmus values multicultural perspectives
• Secure strong references: Letters should be from academic supervisors who know your work well
• Proofread everything: Scholarship committees notice attention to detail
• Apply early: Do not wait until the last day

Popular Erasmus Mundus Programmes

Can You Do a PhD Through Erasmus Mundus?

Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorate (EMJD) programmes also exist but are less numerous than master's programmes. They follow the same consortium model with funding for 3–4 years. Check the Erasmus+ Programme Guide for a list of active doctoral programmes.

Tip: Apply to 3–4 programmes that match your background rather than putting all your hopes on one.

Erasmus Mundus is one of the most accessible full-funding options for international students. Browse our scholarships overview for related programmes. With strong preparation and a focused application, the scholarship is achievable for well-qualified candidates.