Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters: an application guide

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are master's programmes run by groups of universities in different countries. Students move between at least two countries during their studies and usually graduate with a joint or multiple degree. The best-ranked applicants receive scholarships funded by the European Union. This guide explains how the system works and how to apply well.

How the programmes work

Each Erasmus Mundus Joint Master is designed and run by a consortium: several universities, often with partner organisations such as research institutes or companies. A typical programme lasts one or two years. You might spend the first semester in one country, the second in another and write your thesis in a third. Teaching is usually in English, though some programmes use other languages too.

Because each consortium runs its own programme, there is no central application. You apply to each programme separately, on its own website, with its own documents and deadline. The European Education and Culture Executive Agency publishes the full list of current programmes in the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue.

What the scholarship covers

The consortium awards EU-funded scholarships to the best-ranked applicants it admits. The scholarship generally includes:

• the programme's participation costs (tuition and related fees, including insurance);
• a contribution to travel and installation costs;
• a monthly allowance for the whole study period.

The amounts are set by the EU and published in each programme's call. Applicants who are not selected for a scholarship may sometimes be offered a self-funded place or a smaller scholarship from the consortium itself. Note also that a person who has already received an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarship is generally not eligible for a second one; check the current rule in the call.

Choosing programmes

There are well over a hundred programmes, in fields from engineering and data science to public health, human rights and marine biology. Narrow them down:

1. Field and content. Read the curriculum, not just the title. Look at the modules in each semester and the thesis options.
2. Entry requirements. Each programme states which bachelor's degrees it accepts, sometimes with specific credits in mathematics, programming or another subject, and its language requirements.
3. Mobility path. Check which universities you would attend and whether you can choose the route.
4. Deadline. Deadlines differ by programme. Many fall in the period from October to February for studies starting the following autumn, but some are earlier or later.

Our list of master's scholarships includes Erasmus Mundus programmes with their status, and you can filter by field, for example computer science and IT or social sciences.

Preparing the application

Most programmes ask for some combination of:

• a motivation letter specific to the programme;
• an academic CV;
• your bachelor's degree certificate and transcripts, often with certified translations;
• proof of English (see our English tests and waivers guide);
• two recommendation letters;
• a copy of your passport and sometimes proof of residence.

Each consortium has its own form, and many use their own online portal. Read the programme's FAQ: consortia answer most questions there.

Writing for a consortium

Selection committees look for academic fit and motivation for the joint, international format. In your motivation letter:

• explain why this particular programme, including its mobility path, fits your goals;
• show that you understand the curriculum by naming modules or research areas;
• mention relevant projects, internships or research, and the methods you used;
• describe your plans after graduation.

Our motivation letter guide and academic CV guide cover the general principles.

After you apply

Consortia usually publish results a few months after the deadline. Successful applicants may be offered a scholarship, placed on a reserve list, or offered a self-funded place. If you are on a reserve list, keep your documents ready: places can become available late. Start your visa process as soon as you accept, because you may need visas or residence permits for more than one country.

Common mistakes

• Sending a general letter to several programmes without naming any of them.
• Missing a programme-specific requirement, such as a credit minimum or a portfolio.
• Leaving certified translations to the last week.
• Assuming the deadline is the same for every programme.

Related guides: how to find and choose a scholarship, document checklist and fully funded and partial scholarships.