Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships 2027: Fully Funded Study Across Europe

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJM) offer fully funded graduate study across multiple European countries. Study at 2-4 partner universities in a single program.

EU-funded. Covers tuition, monthly living allowance (~€1,400), travel, insurance. Over 150 programs across all disciplines.

If you want a Master’s degree with built-in international experience, EMJM is the premier option.

—

Quick Overview

Feature	Details
Scholarship	Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJM)
Funded by	European Union (Erasmus+ program)
Level	Master’s (90-120 ECTS, typically 1.5-2 years)
Value	Full tuition + €1,400/month living allowance + travel + insurance
Programs	150+ joint Master’s programs across all disciplines
Duration	1.5-2 years (depending on program)
Eligibility	Open to all nationalities (EU and non-EU)
Universities	Study at minimum 2 European universities (sometimes 3-4)
Coverage	Tuition, living stipend, travel, insurance, installation costs
Deadlines	November 2026 – January 2027 (varies by program)
Website	erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu

—

What Erasmus Mundus Covers

Total scholarship value: €45,000-€60,000 over 2 years (varies by program duration and student category)

Tuition Fees

• Full tuition coverage: ~€9,000-€12,000/year

• No out-of-pocket tuition costs

• Tuition same for EU and non-EU students (normally non-EU pays more — EMJM equalizes)

Living Allowance (Monthly Stipend)

Category A (non-EU students): €1,400/month (~€16,800/year)
Category B (EU students or residents): €1,100/month (~€13,200/year)
Paid for entire degree duration (18-24 months depending on program)
This covers: Accommodation, food, local transport, personal expenses

Travel Allowance

Distance-based grant for travel between home country and study locations:

• Up to 2,000 km: €1,000/year

• 2,000-3,999 km: €2,000/year

• 4,000-7,999 km: €3,000/year

• 8,000+ km: €4,000/year

Includes: Flights or transport between study countries in the program

Installation Costs

€1,000 one-time payment to cover initial setup (first accommodation deposit, local registration, etc.)

Health Insurance

Full coverage for duration of studies across all program countries
Total package for non-EU student from Africa/Asia: ~€50,000-€60,000 over 2 years

—

How Erasmus Mundus Works (Unique Structure)

Joint Degree Model

You don’t study at one university — you study at 2-4 universities in different European countries.
Example program structure:

• Semester 1: University A in Spain

• Semester 2: University B in Netherlands

• Semester 3: University C in Sweden

• Semester 4: Thesis at chosen university

You graduate with either:

• Joint degree: Single diploma signed by all partner universities (most common)

• Multiple degrees: Separate diploma from each institution (rare)

• Double degree: Two diplomas from two institutions

Mobility is Mandatory

You must study in at least 2 countries. You cannot spend entire program at one location.

Why this matters:

• Rich international experience built into curriculum

• Network across multiple countries

• Exposure to different academic traditions

• Enhanced employability in European job market

—

Eligibility Requirements

1. Academic Background

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) by start of program (typically September 2027)
Field match: Your undergraduate degree should align with the Master’s program requirements. Each EMJM program sets specific prerequisites.
GPA: No EU-wide minimum, but competitive programs expect upper second class (UK system) or 3.0-3.5+ GPA

2. Nationality

Open to all nationalities:

• EU citizens

• Non-EU citizens (including Africa, Asia, Americas, etc.)

Scholarship categories:

• Category A (higher stipend): Non-EU students OR EU students who have not resided/studied in EU for more than 12 months in last 5 years

• Category B (lower stipend): EU students/residents

No citizenship restrictions. Students from anywhere in world can apply.

3. Language Requirements

Program-dependent. Common requirements:

• English-taught programs: IELTS 6.5-7.0 or TOEFL 90-100 iBT

• Other languages: Some programs require B1/B2 in program language (French, German, Spanish, etc.)

Check specific program requirements — each consortium sets its own standards.

4. Previous Erasmus Mundus Funding

You cannot receive EMJM scholarship more than once. If you previously won an EMJM scholarship, you’re ineligible for another.
Other EU funding programs (like Erasmus exchange) don’t disqualify you.

5. No Simultaneous EU Scholarships

Cannot hold EMJM scholarship simultaneously with another EU-funded scholarship.

—

Finding and Choosing EMJM Programs

Step 1: Browse Program Catalog

150+ EMJM programs across all fields:

• Engineering (civil, electrical, mechanical, computer science, biomedical, etc.)

• Natural sciences (physics, chemistry, environmental science, data science)

• Social sciences (international relations, economics, development studies, sociology)

• Humanities (linguistics, European studies, journalism, cultural heritage)

• Business (international business, management, finance)

• Health sciences (public health, nursing, medical sciences)

• Arts and design (digital media, architecture, performing arts)

Search: eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/emjmd-catalogue
Filter by:

• Field of study

• Countries included

• Language of instruction

• Duration

Step 2: Evaluate Programs

For each program, review:

#### Partner Universities

• Where will you study each semester?

• Reputation of universities in your field

• Countries you’ll live in (visa considerations, cost of living, language)

Example: “MSc in Photonics” consortium:

• Semester 1-2: Aix-Marseille University (France)

• Semester 3-4: KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden)

#### Curriculum

• Core courses

• Specializations available

• Thesis/capstone project

• Language requirements during program (some require learning local language)

#### Career Outcomes

• Alumni employment statistics

• Industry partnerships

• Research opportunities

#### Scholarship Availability

Critical: Not all admitted students get scholarships. Each program has:

• Total admission spots: e.g., 30 students

• Funded EMJM scholarships: e.g., 10-15 scholarships

Remaining students pay tuition (self-funded or external scholarships)
Check program website for scholarship-to-admission ratio.

Step 3: Shortlist 3-5 Programs

You can apply to multiple EMJM programs in same cycle (but each has separate application fee).

Strategy: Apply to 2-4 programs in your field to maximize acceptance odds.

—

Application Process

Timeline (Typical)

November 2026 – January 2027: Application periods (vary by program)
March-April 2027: Admission and scholarship results announced
September 2027: Most programs start
Exact deadlines vary by program — some close in December, others in January. Check each program’s website.

Step 1: Choose Programs and Check Deadlines

Visit each program’s website (linked in EMJM catalog).

Note:

• Application deadline

• Required documents

• Language requirements

• Application fee (typically €50-€100 per program)

Step 2: Prepare Application Materials

#### 1. Application Form

Completed online through each program’s portal.

Information includes:

• Personal details

• Academic history

• Language skills

• Work experience (if any)

#### 2. Motivation Letter (1-2 pages)

Critical document. Explain:

• Why you’re applying to this specific Master’s

• Why the multi-country, multi-university format fits your goals

• Your academic background and preparation for program

• Career goals and how EMJM will advance them

EMJM-specific: Address why you want to study across multiple European countries (not just one university).

#### 3. CV/Resume

• Education

• Work experience (if applicable)

• Publications, research, projects

• Awards and honors

• Skills (languages, technical)

European CV format preferred (Europass template available).

#### 4. Academic Transcripts

Official transcripts from all universities attended.

Non-English transcripts: Provide official translation or university-issued English version.

#### 5. Degree Certificate

Copy of bachelor’s degree (or proof you’ll graduate before program start).

#### 6. Two Letters of Recommendation

• Academic references (professors, thesis advisors) preferred

• Professional references acceptable if you’ve been working

References should address:

• Academic ability and preparation for Master’s-level work

• Research or analytical skills

• Interpersonal and teamwork skills (key for joint programs)

• Language proficiency

Give recommenders 3+ weeks notice.

#### 7. English Language Certificate

IELTS or TOEFL (or equivalent) if English not native language.

Some programs accept alternatives: Cambridge English, PTE Academic, university-issued English proficiency letter

#### 8. Portfolio (if required)

For creative fields (design, architecture, arts): Portfolio of work

#### 9. Application Fee Payment

€50-€100 per program (covers administrative costs).

Fee waivers: Some programs offer for students from low-income countries. Check program website.

Step 3: Submit Application

Through each program’s online portal (not centralized — each EMJM has own system)
Before deadline. Most deadlines are CET (Central European Time).

Step 4: Selection Process

December 2026 – March 2027: Program consortia review applications
Selection criteria (typical weighting):

1. Academic record (40-50%): GPA, courses relevant to program

2. Motivation and fit (30-40%): Quality of motivation letter, clear career goals

3. Recommendation letters (10-20%)

4. Language proficiency (10%)

5. Work experience or research (bonus points)

Some programs conduct interviews (via Skype/Zoom for international applicants).

Step 5: Results (March-April 2027)

Programs announce:

• Admission + scholarship: You’re funded

• Admission only: You’re accepted but not funded (can enroll if you have alternate funding)

• Reserve list: May get scholarship if others decline

• Rejection: Reapply next year with stronger application

Accept scholarship offer within deadline (typically 2-4 weeks).

—

Selection Criteria Deep Dive

1. Academic Excellence (High Weight)

• Strong undergraduate GPA (top third of class competitive)

• Relevant coursework for chosen Master’s

• Academic awards or honors

Evidence: Transcripts, degree classification, awards

2. Motivation and Career Clarity (High Weight)

• Clear reason for pursuing specific EMJM program

• Articulated career goals

• Understanding of how mobility across countries benefits your development

EMJM wants students who will maximize the multi-country experience, not those who view it as inconvenient.
Evidence: Motivation letter quality

3. Recommendation Quality (Moderate Weight)

• References who know your academic work well

• Specific examples of your skills and potential

• Credible assessment of your readiness for graduate study

Generic letters hurt your chances. Give recommenders context so they can write detailed letters.

4. Language Proficiency (Moderate Weight)

• Sufficient English (or program language) for graduate study

• Additional languages a bonus (many programs in multilingual cities)

Evidence: IELTS/TOEFL scores, certificates, coursework in English

5. International Experience (Bonus Points)

• Study abroad or exchange programs

• International internships or work

• Cross-cultural activities

EMJM values students who’ve shown ability to adapt to new environments.

—

Common Mistakes

1. Applying to Wrong Category Student

Mistake: EU citizen living in EU applies as Category A (higher stipend) when they’re Category B.
Fix: Understand your category. If you’re EU citizen who’s lived/studied in EU for 12+ months in last 5 years, you’re Category B (lower stipend but still fully funded).

2. Generic Motivation Letters

Mistake: “I want to study in Europe because of its quality education.”
Fix: Name specific courses, professors, research at the partner universities. Explain why the combination of universities in this consortium specifically fits your goals.

3. Ignoring Mobility Preferences

Mistake: Applying to programs with countries you don’t want to live in.
Fix: You will spend semesters in 2-4 countries. Make sure you’re genuinely open to living in all program locations (visa issues, language, climate, culture).

4. Missing Program-Specific Prerequisites

Mistake: Applying to engineering Master’s with humanities bachelor’s (if program requires engineering background).
Fix: Read admission requirements carefully. Some interdisciplinary programs are flexible; others have strict prerequisites.

5. Late Applications

Mistake: Waiting until deadline week to apply (high portal traffic, potential tech issues).
Fix: Submit 1-2 weeks early. Give yourself buffer for document upload issues.

—

After You Win

Visa Process

Non-EU students need visas for all countries you’ll study in.
EMJM simplifies this:

• Program coordinators provide visa support letters

• Some countries offer multi-entry visas covering entire program

• Others require visa renewal when you move to next country

Start visa process immediately after accepting scholarship (March-April for September start).

Accommodation

• Program coordinators often assist with finding housing

• Student dormitories available in most university towns

• Monthly stipend (€1,400) covers rent + living in most European cities (except expensive cities like London if part of program)

Integration Support

EMJM programs typically offer:

• Orientation week at each university

• Peer mentoring (senior students guide new cohort)

• Language courses (if program in non-English-speaking country)

• Cultural activities

You’re part of a cohort that moves together through the program. Strong community support.

—

Should You Apply?

Yes, if:

• You want Master’s degree with built-in international experience

• You’re open to living in 2-4 European countries over 2 years

• You have strong academic record (3.0+ GPA, relevant coursework)

• You have clear career goals that benefit from European study

• You’re comfortable with frequent relocation (new country every 4-6 months)

Maybe not, if:

• You prefer stability (staying in one location entire degree)

• You have visa challenges with multiple European countries

• You want PhD (EMJM is Master’s only — though good pathway to PhD after)

• You need to stay close to family or job in home country

Realistic expectations:

• Competitive but not impossible: Admission rates vary by program (10-30% depending on prestige)

• Funded spots limited: Getting admission easier than getting scholarship (but many students are funded)

• High-quality programs: EMJM degrees recognized across Europe and globally. EU invests heavily in quality assurance.

—

Strategy Tips

1. Apply to Multiple Programs

3-5 applications in your field recommended. Application fees (€50-€100 each) are investment in higher acceptance odds.
Diversify: Mix highly competitive programs with moderately competitive ones.

2. Tailor Each Motivation Letter

No copy-paste. Each program has different partner universities, curriculum, focus.
Show you’ve researched by naming specific courses, faculty, facilities at partner universities.

3. Check Scholarship Funding Ratios

Before applying, check:

• How many students admitted total per year

• How many scholarships available

Example:

• Program X: 40 admitted, 20 scholarships → 50% funded

• Program Y: 30 admitted, 8 scholarships → 27% funded

Higher-funded programs = better scholarship odds.

4. Start Language Learning Early

Even if program is in English, knowing basics of local languages helps (French for France semester, German for Germany semester).

Some programs offer intensive language course before each mobility (included in tuition).

5. Connect with Alumni

Most programs list alumni on LinkedIn. Reach out to ask about experience, career outcomes, application tips.
Alumni referrals or endorsements don’t influence admission but info helps you write stronger motivation letter.

—

Next Steps

1. Search EMJM catalog: eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/emjmd-catalogue

2. Shortlist 3-5 programs in your field that match your interests and goals

3. Check deadlines for each program (November 2026 – January 2027)

4. Prepare English test (IELTS/TOEFL) if needed — book test slot early

5. Draft motivation letters specific to each program

6. Request recommendation letters (give recommenders 3+ weeks)

7. Submit applications by program deadlines

Erasmus Mundus is one of Europe’s flagship international scholarship programs. Thousands of students study across Europe every year through EMJM.

With strong academics, clear motivation, and readiness for mobility — this could be your path to a European Master’s degree.

—

Related: DAAD Scholarships (Germany) · Swedish Institute Scholarships · Chevening Scholarship (UK) · Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)