Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships 2025 Guide: Fully Funded International Graduate Study in Europe

If you dream of doing a master’s degree in Europe without spending the next decade paying it off, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships should be very high on your list.

We’re talking about some of the most generous and respected international master’s scholarships out there: full tuition, help with travel and visas, plus a monthly living stipend. In exchange, you study in at least two (often three) different countries, earn a joint or multiple degrees, and join a global alumni network that quietly runs half of academia, NGOs, and international companies.

This is not an easy scholarship to get. Competition is intense, the applications are detailed, and you’ll be up against brilliant candidates from every corner of the planet.

It is also absolutely worth the effort.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) are jointly designed and taught by consortia of universities, usually three or more institutions in different countries. Many programmes also involve companies, research centres, NGOs or international organisations, so what you study is deeply connected to real-world practice.

The key thing to understand: you do not apply “to Erasmus” as a generic scholarship. You apply to a specific Erasmus Mundus master’s programme through that programme’s own website. If you’re ranked highly enough by that programme, you may be offered an Erasmus Mundus scholarship.

The upcoming scholarship deadline for many programmes is 15 January 2025 (always double‑check each course, some close earlier). If you’re reading this anytime in the final quarter of 2024, you’re in the serious preparation window.

Let’s unpack how this works and how you can give yourself a real shot.

Erasmus Mundus at a Glance

What This Opportunity Actually Offers

Think of Erasmus Mundus as a complete master’s package, not just “some money toward tuition.”

If you receive an Erasmus Mundus scholarship, your tuition fees are covered in full for the duration of the programme. These are often high-fee international masters, so that alone can be worth tens of thousands of euros.

On top of that, the scholarship typically includes:

• A monthly living stipend that lets you focus on studying instead of juggling three part‑time jobs. The exact amount depends on the call and programme, but it’s designed to cover reasonable living costs in your host countries.
• Contributions to travel and visa costs. This is crucial if you live far from Europe or need multiple visas as you move between countries during the programme.
• Insurance and participation costs, often bundled into the scholarship package through the programme.

Academically, you’ll usually:

• Study across at least two countries, often moving each semester or academic year.
• Combine coursework, research, internships or traineeships, and a thesis.
• Finish with either a joint degree (one diploma representing multiple universities) or multiple degrees (separate diplomas from different universities in the consortium).

Beyond money and diplomas, there’s a less visible but hugely valuable benefit: the network. You’ll study with a group of highly selected international students, be taught by staff from multiple universities, and often have direct contact with industry or institutional partners. Past alumni have gone into PhD programs at top universities, senior roles in international organisations, startups, policy jobs, and more.

In short: if you’re serious about an international career, Erasmus Mundus gives you a very powerful launchpad.

Who Should Apply (and Whether You’re a Good Fit)

Formally, the eligibility criteria are straightforward:

• You either already have a bachelor’s degree (first cycle), or you’re in your final year and will graduate before the master’s starts.
• Alternatively, you can sometimes apply with a recognized equivalent qualification, if your national system labels degrees differently.
• You need to meet the admission criteria of the specific EMJM programme, which often includes:
  • Certain academic background (e.g., engineering, social sciences, humanities, etc.).
  • Language proficiency in English and/or another programme language (often B2 or C1 level, proven by tests like IELTS/TOEFL or local equivalents).
  • Sometimes work experience or specific skills, depending on the programme focus.

But that’s just the formal side. In practice, the strongest candidates tend to be:

• Academically solid: You don’t need a perfect transcript, but strong grades in relevant subjects really help.
• Clear about their goals: Reviewers like applicants who can convincingly explain why this specific programme is the right next step.
• Comfortable with mobility: You’ll be moving between cities and countries, maybe learning new bureaucratic systems every semester. If that excites you more than it scares you, you’re in the right place.
• Open to intercultural complexity: Your classmates will be from everywhere, with very different norms and expectations. Being adaptable, respectful, and curious counts just as much as being clever.

Real‑world examples

• A final‑year engineering student in India applying to an EMJM in renewable energy, with good grades, a small project on solar systems, and solid IELTS scores.
• A working journalist from Kenya with a bachelor’s in media studies, a few years of reporting experience, and an interest in an EMJM in global communication or media and democracy.
• A physics graduate from Brazil aiming for an EMJM in materials science, backed by undergraduate research and a clear plan to continue into a PhD.

If you see yourself in any of those stories—and you’re ready to move countries at least twice in two years—you should be applying.

How Erasmus Mundus Applications Actually Work

The biggest misunderstanding is thinking there’s one central Erasmus portal where you apply and tick a box for “scholarship.”

Instead, the process looks like this:

1. You search the Erasmus Mundus course catalogue on the official Erasmus+ site.
2. You pick one (or several) specific programmes that match your academic background and interests.
3. You go to each programme’s own website, read their requirements, and apply directly there.
4. As part of that application, you usually indicate you want to be considered for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship.
5. The programme ranks applicants; top candidates are offered the scholarship, others may be offered a self‑funded place.

So your competition is not just “global,” it’s “everyone applying for that specific programme.” That’s still intense, but it means tailoring your application carefully to each course is absolutely non‑negotiable.

Insider Tips for a Winning Erasmus Mundus Application

You cannot brute‑force this by throwing the same motivation letter at five different programmes. The reviewers can smell that from space. Here’s what actually helps:

1. Be ruthless about programme fit

Start by reading each programme website like a detective. Who are they really looking for?

• Look at the modules, not just the title. A “Global Studies” programme might actually lean heavily toward economics, policy analysis, or cultural studies.
• Check the partner universities and their specialisms. What does each bring? If one is strong in data science and another in policy, show how you fit both sides.
• Notice the career paths they mention for graduates and link your goals to those.

Your motivation letter should read as if it could only be written for that specific programme.

2. Tell a coherent story, not a random CV dump

Don’t just list everything you’ve ever done. Build a narrative:

• Where you’re coming from (your academic and professional background).
• What you’ve already done that proves your interest and ability in this field.
• Why this EMJM is the exact next step.
• Where you want to go afterwards (PhD, industry role, policy work, entrepreneurship, etc.).

If reviewers finish reading and can easily summarise your trajectory in one or two sentences, you’ve done your job.

3. Treat language requirements seriously

If the programme is taught in English (most are, at least in part), strong English is non‑optional. Prepare your language test early:

• Aim to sit your test at least 2–3 months before the scholarship deadline, so you have time for a retake if needed.
• Even if a programme says language certificates are “recommended,” submit one if you can. It gives them confidence you’ll cope with academic reading, writing, and discussion.

If there’s a second language involved (e.g., French, Spanish, German), check whether it’s a hard requirement or an advantage. If it’s the latter, even basic competence can help.

4. Use your references strategically

Reference letters are not a formality. Choose referees who:

• Know your work well (ideally professors in relevant subjects, or managers in related professional roles).
• Can speak concretely about your strengths (e.g., “She redesigned our data analysis pipeline” is better than “She is very hardworking”).
• Are reliable enough to submit on time.

Help them help you: send them your updated CV, a draft of your motivation letter, and a short bullet list of projects you did with them.

5. Respect the word limits and instructions

Erasmus consortia deal with huge volumes of applications. When someone ignores basic instructions—wrong file name, wildly over word limit, missing required document—it doesn’t scream “creative rebel.” It screams “hard work to manage.”

Follow their checklist line by line. If they want PDFs, send PDFs. If they want documents merged in a particular way, do exactly that.

6. Show you understand what mobility really means

Lots of candidates say, “I want to experience different cultures.” That’s nice but vague.

Instead, say things like:

• “I’m excited by the planned mobility track from University A to B to C because it exposes me to both X’s policy environment and Y’s technical expertise.”
• “I’ve already moved from rural to urban settings / between cities for study or work, and here’s how I handled it…”

Show them you’ve thought about the logistics and emotional reality of moving around, not just the Instagram version.

Application Timeline: Working Backward from January 15, 2025

Each programme sets its own deadline, but many cluster around mid‑January. Build a realistic timeline so you’re not uploading documents with shaking hands at 23:59.

Now – Mid October 2024
Use this period to:

• Explore the official Erasmus Mundus course catalogue and shortlist 3–6 programmes that genuinely fit your background.
• Check every programme’s deadline and requirements and make a simple spreadsheet.
• Book language tests if you still need scores.

Late October – November 2024

• Narrow your list to 1–3 priority programmes. More than that and quality usually drops.
• Draft tailored motivation letters for each.
• Update your CV to match international academic standards (clear, concise, reverse chronological, emphasising relevant experience).
• Contact potential referees and confirm they’re willing and able to write good, timely letters.

December 2024

• Finalise and polish your motivation letters and CV.
• Gather and translate academic transcripts and degree certificates (if translations are required, do not leave this to the last week).
• Upload documents to online portals, but don’t hit submit yet—do a full review.

Early January 2025

• Re‑check all entries, file uploads, and reference status.
• Submit at least 48–72 hours before the deadline to avoid last‑minute technical fiascos.
• Save PDFs or screenshots of confirmation pages and any email receipts.

Required Materials (and How to Make Them Strong)

Each EMJM programme has its own checklist, but most will ask for variations of the following:

• Application form (online): Fill this slowly and carefully. Inconsistent dates or names can cause headaches later.
• CV or résumé: Keep it to 2–3 pages unless they specify differently. Highlight academic achievements, research, relevant jobs, projects, publications or conference presentations (if any).
• Motivation letter / Statement of purpose: Usually 1–2 pages. This is your flagship document. Make it specific, structured, and easy to follow.
• Degree certificate and transcripts: Include official translations where required. If you’re in your final year, you’ll submit current transcripts and a statement that you’ll graduate before the programme starts.
• Language test results: IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, or other accepted scores. Check minimum scores carefully.
• Reference letters: Often two, sometimes three. Follow the programme’s instructions about format (uploaded by you vs. uploaded by referees via a separate link).
• Passport or ID: Ensure your passport is valid for the full duration of your studies, or be ready to renew it.

Treat each document as a piece of evidence in your case. Together, they should say: “This person is academically capable, highly motivated, and prepared for intense international study.”

What Makes an Erasmus Mundus Application Stand Out

While criteria vary, most consortia look at a few core dimensions.

Academic quality and preparation
They want to know you can handle the programme. Solid grades, relevant coursework, and any research or project experience help here. If your grades are uneven, a thoughtful explanation in your letter (brief, not melodramatic) plus strong recent performance can partially compensate.

Fit with the programme
This is crucial. Reviewers ask, “Why us? Why this candidate?” Show clear alignment between:

• The programme’s content and your academic background.
• The programme’s mobility track and your interests.
• The programme’s suggested career paths and your plans.

Motivation and clarity of goals
They’re not looking for generic “I love learning” statements. They want to see that you:

• Understand what the programme covers.
• Can explain how it fits into your long‑term plans.
• Have realistic expectations of what comes after (PhD, job sectors, etc.).

International outlook and soft skills
Erasmus programmes run on multicultural teams and constant adaptation. Evidence of:

• International experience (even short exchanges, online collaboration, or work with international teams).
• Volunteer activities, leadership roles, or group projects.
• Communication skills and intercultural openness.

goes a long way.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Plenty of strong candidates trip over surprisingly avoidable issues. Try not to be one of them.

1. One generic motivation letter for multiple programmes
Reviewers can tell when your letter is basically a “Find and Replace” job. It reads vague and mismatched. Write from scratch (or close to it) for each programme.

2. Ignoring “small” requirements
If they ask for page limits, file naming formats, or a specific template, follow them. Failing to do so suggests you’re unlikely to read future instructions either—which matters when you’ll be dealing with visas, institutional rules, and funding conditions.

3. Weak or last‑minute references
A lukewarm, two‑line “To whom it may concern” letter is a missed opportunity. Ask early, and ask people who know your work. Gently nudge your referees as the deadline approaches.

4. Overstuffed CVs
Ten‑page CVs listing every club meeting you ever attended don’t impress anyone. Focus on depth over breadth. Emphasise the roles where you actually did something meaningful.

5. Missing the programme’s academic angle
If a data‑heavy programme barely sees any quantitative work on your CV or letter, or a humanities‑oriented course gets an application that reads like a tech brochure, they’ll question your fit.

6. Submitting at the last minute
Online portals do crash. Internet connections do fail. Submitting hours before the deadline is stress you don’t need and, occasionally, a scholarship lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply to more than one Erasmus Mundus programme?
Yes. You can apply to multiple EMJM programmes in the same year. However, you can only hold one Erasmus Mundus scholarship at a time. Be strategic and focus on programmes where you genuinely fit.

Do I have to pay application fees?
Some programmes charge an application fee; others don’t. It’s decided by each consortium, not Erasmus+ centrally. Check each programme website and budget a bit of money for fees if needed.

How competitive is it?
Very. Some programmes receive hundreds or even thousands of applications for a few dozen scholarship places. But there are many different EMJMs across disciplines, and new ones are added regularly, so your chances depend heavily on the specific field and year.

Can I apply if I have not graduated yet?
Yes, if you’re in your final year of a bachelor’s and will graduate before the master’s starts. You’ll typically submit current transcripts and, later, an official degree certificate once you have it.

Is there an age limit?
No formal age limit. Older applicants are absolutely considered—what matters is your academic preparedness, relevance of background, and clear motivation.

Do I need European citizenship or previous EU experience?
No. Erasmus Mundus is open to students from all over the world. You don’t need EU citizenship or prior EU study to apply.

Can I work while I study?
Formally, student visa rules usually allow limited working hours. Practically, EMJM programmes are intense, and you’ll be moving countries. The scholarship is intended to reduce the need to work extensively. Small part‑time roles might be manageable; relying on a major job to survive is risky.

What happens if I dont get the scholarship but get admitted?
Some programmes may offer you a self‑funded place without the Erasmus scholarship. You’d have to cover tuition and living costs yourself or with other funding sources. A few consortia also have alternative scholarships—check each website.

How to Apply and Where to Start

You don’t need to have everything figured out today. But you do need to take structured steps.

1. Visit the official Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters page
   This is your starting point: full overview, course catalogue, and official guidance.
   👉 https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/opportunities-for-individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters

2. Browse the course catalogue
   Filter by subject, country, or keyword. Open the programme pages that match your interests and read them properly—admission criteria, curriculum, mobility track, and scholarship details.

3. Make a shortlist and build a comparison table
   For each shortlisted programme, note:

   • Deadline
   • Required documents
   • Language requirements
   • Specific eligibility (e.g., required bachelor’s field)

4. Contact current students or alumni if possible
   Many programmes list student ambassadors or alumni contacts. The Erasmus Mundus Association also shares stories and advice. Use them. They’ll give honest insight into workload, living costs, and reality behind the glossy brochure.

5. Work backward from the earliest deadline
   Assume you need your complete application one week before that date. Plot tasks (tests, letters, translations) accordingly.

6. Submit early and keep proof
   Once your applications are in, keep confirmations, and then—hard as it is—step away. Scholarship decisions can take months. Use the waiting time to improve your skills, gain more experience, or prepare Plan B options.

Get Started

Ready to see what programmes are out there and what they need from you?

Head straight to the official Erasmus+ opportunity page and the course catalogue:

Official opportunity and course catalogue:
https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/opportunities-for-individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters

Spend a focused hour there today. By the time that hour ends, you should know:

• Which 3–6 programmes interest you most
• What each one expects from applicants
• What you need to do next week to stay on track for the January 15, 2025 scholarship deadline

If fully funded international graduate study across several countries is even a maybe for you, Erasmus Mundus is one of the few programmes where that dream lines up with serious funding. Treat it like a major project, not a side quest—and give yourself a real chance to join the next cohort.