Fully funded master's scholarships - Europe
Erasmus Mundus 2026: Fully Funded Joint Master's Degrees Across Europe
Erasmus Mundus is the European Union's flagship programme for internationally integrated master's degrees. Each Erasmus Mundus Joint Master is built by a consortium of universities from at least three countries, and funded students study in at least two of them while receiving a scholarship that covers tuition, travel, and a monthly living allowance. This hub explains how Erasmus Mundus works, what the scholarship covers, who can apply, and how to find the right programme.
What is Erasmus Mundus?
Erasmus Mundus is the European Union's programme for excellence in international higher education, funded under the Erasmus+ framework for 2021-2027. Its best-known action is the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM): an integrated master's degree jointly designed and delivered by a consortium of higher education institutions from at least three different countries, including at least two EU Member States.
What makes Erasmus Mundus different from a traditional master's is the mobility built into the degree itself. Students do not choose a single university; they join a programme and physically study at two or more consortium partners across Europe (and sometimes beyond), receiving a single joint degree or multiple degrees at the end. Because it is EU-funded, scholarship holders study without tuition fees and with a monthly allowance.
Quick facts
- Funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme
- Joint degrees built by consortia of universities from at least 3 countries
- Students study in at least 2 different countries
- Scholarship covers tuition, travel, installation costs, and a monthly allowance
- Applications are made directly to each consortium, not centrally
How Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters work
Each Erasmus Mundus Joint Master is a self-contained programme with its own consortium, curriculum, and admission rules. The consortium typically includes:
- At least three partner universities in at least three different countries
- At least two partners from EU Member States or countries associated with the Erasmus+ programme
- Associated partners such as research institutes, companies, or NGOs that contribute placements and expertise
Over the course of the degree, usually 18 to 24 months, students complete semesters at different consortium members. The mobility pattern varies by programme: some split the programme into two years at two institutions, others move between three or more partners. At the end, graduates receive a joint degree issued by the consortium or multiple national degrees depending on the programme's structure.
Remember: you apply to a specific Joint Master, not to "Erasmus Mundus" as a whole. Every programme has its own website, deadline, and document checklist. See the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master listing for a summary of the opportunity.
Scholarship funding and benefits
Erasmus Mundus scholarships are effectively fully funded. For scholarship holders, the funding package typically includes:
- Full tuition fees for the Joint Master programme
- Monthly subsistence allowance of about EUR 1,400 to cover living costs
- Travel contribution based on the distance between your home country and the programme countries
- Installation cost contribution for settling in the host countries
- Insurance cover during the funded study period in most programmes
The exact split between covered tuition and allowances is confirmed by each consortium and can change between intakes. Always check the funding terms on the specific programme page before applying.
Erasmus Mundus programme examples
Around one hundred Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are available each intake, spanning everything from engineering and computer science to migration studies and the humanities. The table below lists examples of well-established programmes to illustrate the range. The complete, current list is always on the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue .
| Programme | Focus area | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| GLOCAL | Global Markets, Local Creativities | Business, economics, and history |
| GEMMA | Women's and Gender Studies | Gender studies, humanities |
| EMMIR | European Master in Migration and Intercultural Relations | Migration and social sciences |
| SECCLO | Security and Cloud Computing | Computer science and IT security |
| IMLEX | Imaging and Light in Extended Reality | Engineering and photonics |
| FIPDes | Food Innovation and Product Design | Food science and technology |
| ASC | Advanced Spectroscopy in Chemistry | Chemistry and analytical science |
Programmes are selected for funding in periodic EU calls, so a specific programme can be replaced between academic years. Use the official catalogue to confirm which Joint Masters are funded for your target intake.
Eligibility requirements
Baseline eligibility for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship is set by the EU, while specific admission rules are set by each consortium:
- Degree: a first higher-education degree (bachelor's or equivalent) at the time of application
- No previous EMJM scholarship: you cannot have already benefited from an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarship
- Academic background: alignment with the programme's field; some programmes require specific prior courses
- Language: proof of English proficiency (and, in some programmes, an additional language) as required by the consortium
- Mobility: willingness and ability to study in at least two different countries
Applicants from any country in the world can apply. There is no age limit, and both recent graduates and early-career professionals are eligible as long as they meet the individual programme's rules.
How to apply and timeline
There is no central Erasmus Mundus application portal for students. You apply directly to the consortium of the specific Joint Master you want, using the application form and instructions on its website.
- Browse the official catalogue and shortlist programmes that match your background.
- Visit each programme's website and read the admission, funding, and deadline details carefully.
- Prepare the required documents: transcripts, degree certificates, CV, motivation letter, and language certificates.
- Submit the online application before the consortium's deadline.
- If selected, complete the admission process and prepare for your first mobility period.
Timeline: most Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters open applications in the autumn and close between December and February for a start in the following September or October. Deadlines differ from one programme to the next, so confirm the exact date on the programme's own website.
Application tip: consortia review motivation carefully. Strengthen your application with the motivation letter guide, the statement of purpose guide, and the scholarship interview guide.
People also ask
Erasmus Mundus frequently asked questions
What is Erasmus Mundus?
Erasmus Mundus is an EU-funded programme within the Erasmus+ framework that supports Joint Master Degrees delivered by consortia of universities from at least three countries. Students study in at least two countries and receive a scholarship covering tuition, travel, installation costs, and a monthly allowance.
What does an Erasmus Mundus scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers tuition fees, a contribution to travel and installation costs based on distance, insurance where applicable, and a monthly subsistence allowance of about EUR 1,400 for scholarship holders.
Who can apply for an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master?
Any student who has obtained a first higher-education degree can apply, provided they have not already benefited from an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarship. Individual consortia set their own academic and language requirements.
Is Erasmus Mundus the same as Erasmus+ youth exchange?
No. Erasmus Mundus funds international Joint Master Degrees, while Erasmus+ youth exchanges are short-term group mobility projects for young people aged 13 to 30. Both run under the Erasmus+ umbrella but target different audiences.
How much is the Erasmus Mundus monthly allowance?
Erasmus Mundus scholarship holders currently receive a monthly subsistence allowance of about EUR 1,400 during the funded period of the Joint Master, in addition to covered tuition fees and a travel and installation cost contribution.
Do I need to speak more than one language for Erasmus Mundus?
Not necessarily. Many Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are taught entirely in English. Some programmes require or teach an additional language for the second host country. Check the specific programme's requirements.
How do I apply to an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master?
You apply directly to the consortium offering the specific programme. There is no central application system. Each consortium publishes its own admission criteria, documents, and deadline on its website.
When are Erasmus Mundus application deadlines?
Deadlines vary by programme. Most Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters open applications in the autumn and close between December and February for a start the following September or October.
Can I get an Erasmus Mundus scholarship for a PhD?
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters fund master's-level study. Doctoral mobility is supported through other Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe actions rather than the EMJM scholarship scheme.
How competitive is Erasmus Mundus?
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are highly competitive. Strong applications align academic background and motivation with the programme's focus and clearly demonstrate commitment to studying in multiple countries.