- The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree offers the unique opportunity to study at multiple universities across different countries, providing a rich multicultural experience.
- The programme covers most of your costs, including tuition fees and living expenses, making it an affordable option for international students.
- With nearly 200 courses available, students can find programmes that match their interests, often with the chance to earn multiple degrees from prestigious universities.
If you are dreaming of pursuing a Master’s degree in Europe, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJMD) is an unparalleled opportunity to gain a world-class education while exploring multiple European cultures. Perhaps the most compelling feature of the EMJMD is the generous scholarship support, which covers a significant portion of your academic costs. It is truly one of the most exciting funding avenues for international students today.
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree is a highly prestigious, integrated international study programme that allows you to earn a degree through a consortium of 2 to 4 partner universities. Designed for academic excellence, these programmes typically span 12 to 24 months, offering you a truly immersive multi-campus experience.
Upon completing your Master’s, you will be awarded either a joint degree—a single certificate recognized by all participating institutions—or multiple national degrees. Beyond the qualification, you will have ample time to immerse yourself in diverse landscapes, rich local cultures, and deep historical traditions across Europe.
Your academic journey isn't restricted to one location; these programmes offer a truly global perspective. Students also benefit from complimentary language courses to help them navigate their host countries. Each participating university consortium selects 10 to 20 outstanding students to receive full or partial scholarships during every intake session.
It is essential to clarify that the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree was launched in 2014 as a cornerstone of the Erasmus+ programme. It is a distinct initiative and should not be confused with the earlier Erasmus Mundus projects that concluded in 2013.
Who can apply for the EMJMD?
Students from any country are eligible to apply, provided they hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree. If you lack a formal Bachelor’s degree, some institutions may accept proof of equivalent professional or academic learning, depending on local national legislation.
In certain jurisdictions, candidates can qualify by passing standardized entry examinations that demonstrate a level of knowledge and academic competence equivalent to that of a traditional Bachelor’s degree graduate.
What subjects can you study as part of the EMJMD?
There are nearly 200 distinct programmes available, each managed by a unique, highly specialized consortium of international universities.
When selecting your Master's, it is vital to prioritize your field of academic interest over specific destination countries. Ideally, you will find a program that aligns both with your career goals and your preferred study locations. However, keep an open mind—you may discover that studying in a country you hadn’t considered leads to a life-changing personal and professional experience.
What is the Erasmus Mundus scholarship?
The EMJMD scholarship is designed to remove financial barriers, covering essential participation costs. The funding package generally includes:
- tuition fees
- insurance
- library or laboratory costs
- other costs that are required in order to participate in your chosen Master’s degree
Securing this financial support requires two steps: admission into an EMJMD programme, followed by a successful scholarship application. Grant amounts vary based on the programme's duration and your country of residence, with non-EU students often eligible for larger scholarships. We strongly recommend visiting the official programme website to review the full scope of available funding.
1. Scholarships for EU citizens
For European Union citizens, scholarships can reach up to 23,000 EUR for a two-year course, providing comprehensive support for:
- The tuition fees (if there are any)
- Health insurance
- Any documents and administrative requirements from the university
- A living allowance of 500 EUR per month for 24 months
- A 3,000 EUR extra scholarship (on top of the 500 EUR a month) in case your studies take you outside the European Union
- Different language courses and events
2. Scholarships for non-EU citizens
For students from non-EU countries (often referred to as third-party countries), the financial support packages are even more robust.
This distinction exists because the Erasmus Mundus initiative was originally created to foster international mobility for non-EU citizens, only expanding its full scope to include EU residents in recent years.
These scholarships can total up to 48,000 EUR for a two-year Master's, significantly offsetting costs such as:
- The tuition fees (if there are any)
- Health insurance
- Any documents and administrative requirements from the university
- A living allowance of 1,000 EUR per month for 24 months
- A 3,000 EUR extra scholarship (on top of the 1,000 EUR a month) every time you change your university
- Different language courses and events
- A 2,000 EUR initial payment, before the studies start, for visas and travel expenses
How to apply for an EMJMD?
Your first step is identifying the right EMJMD programme. Our portal is an excellent resource for this; simply navigate to the 'Special Programmes' section in the left-hand menu and filter specifically for 'Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters' to see all available options.
Alternatively, you can consult the official Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree Catalogue, which provides a comprehensive, up-to-date listing of all accredited courses currently accepting applications.
Application windows typically open between October and January; however, some programs maintain deadlines as late as March or May. Always verify the specific requirements and timelines on the official webpage of your chosen programme.
While specific requirements vary, here are the general admission criteria you should prepare for:
- Proof of English language proficiency (the required level of proficiency can differ)
- A Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline
- Proving you have the financial resources to cover your costs if you do not qualify for the scholarship from EMJMD
- Recommendation letters
- Personal essay
Final thoughts
Competition is high, and certain programs enforce quotas for EU versus non-EU applicants. We suggest reaching out to the program coordinators directly to confirm eligibility and clarify any restrictions before submitting your application.
Most programmes maintain an active Facebook page or community forum where administrators or current students can answer your specific questions if you cannot find the information in the program’s FAQ section.
You are now fully equipped to embark on your Erasmus Mundus journey. The opportunity to live and study in at least two different countries is truly life-changing. And for those worried about the famously melancholic “post-ERASMUS blues,” don't fret! We have the perfect guide to help you transition back home: Life after Erasmus: How to Overcome Post-Erasmus Depression.
Additionally, feel free to explore other available study abroad resources and scholarship guides to ensure you find the perfect funding fit for your academic goals.
Best of luck with your application process and enjoy your incredible international study experience!
Additional resources
- The Complete Guide on the Different Types of Scholarships
- All You Need to Know About How to Apply for a Scholarship to Study Abroad
- How to Write a Convincing Scholarship Motivation Letter (with Examples from Online Result Scholarship Winners)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree?
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJMD) is a prestigious, integrated international study programme that enables students to pursue their education across multiple universities in different countries, resulting in a world-class, global academic credential.
2. What are the benefits of enrolling in an Erasmus Mundus programme?
Key benefits include a rich multicultural learning environment, significant financial assistance through competitive scholarships, diverse networking opportunities, and the prestige of earning a degree from a consortium of world-leading institutions.
3. Who is eligible to apply for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree?
While eligibility criteria vary by programme, applicants generally need a relevant Bachelor’s degree, a strong academic record, and proficiency in the language of instruction. Always review specific program requirements before applying.