Erasmus Mundus Scholarship| Fully Funded Opportunity

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD), funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ program, are among the world’s most prestigious and internationally recognized scholarships for outstanding postgraduate students. Since its launch in 2004, the program has become a symbol of European academic excellence, offering integrated, high-quality master’s programs designed and delivered by consortia of top universities across Europe and beyond. These unique degrees require students to study in at least two different European countries, ensuring a rich international learning experience that blends diverse academic traditions, cutting-edge research, and multicultural perspectives.

With more than 150 master’s programs across nearly every academic field, Erasmus Mundus allows students to earn joint, double, or multiple degrees from partner universities while building global networks and developing cross-cultural skills valued worldwide.

For the 2026 academic year, EMJMD continues to offer fully funded scholarships to talented students from any country European and non-European alike. These competitive scholarships cover full tuition, provide a generous monthly stipend, include travel and installation support, and offer insurance throughout the study period. One of the defining features of Erasmus Mundus is its mandatory mobility requirement: scholars must study at a minimum of two universities in different countries, and many programs include three or even four international destinations. This ensures deep intercultural exposure and produces graduates with truly global mindsets.

Erasmus Mundus programs are more than academic courses they are fully integrated international study experiences built on strong partnerships between universities with complementary expertise. Each program undergoes strict quality assurance by the European Commission, guaranteeing academic excellence, practical relevance, and strong employability outcomes. Students benefit from world-class faculty, access to specialized research facilities across partner institutions, joint teaching by international experts, and seamless credit transfer through the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). EMJMD scholars also join a powerful alumni community of more than 40,000 graduates worldwide, many of whom now hold leadership roles in academia, government, international organizations, and the private sector.

For ambitious students seeking transformative education, interdisciplinary training, and global career opportunities, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees offer an unmatched pathway to academic and professional success across multiple countries.

Scholarship Summary

Programs:

1. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (Full Scholarships)

• Fully funded scholarships awarded by individual EMJMD program consortia through competitive selection.
• Monthly living allowance of €1,400 for the entire duration of the master’s program (24 months).
• Full tuition fee coverage (typically €4,500 per year, paid directly to institutions).
• Travel and installation costs: €1,000 for students from Program Countries (EU/EEA); €2,000 for students from Partner Countries (rest of the world); €3,000 for students from distant Partner Countries.
• Insurance coverage for the duration of the scholarship period.
• Limited number of scholarships per program (typically 10-25 full scholarships annually).
• Highly competitive selection based on academic excellence, motivation, and relevant experience.

Also check: DAAD Scholarships 2026 – Fully Funded Study Programs in Germany

3. Fields of study

Erasmus Mundus offers over 150 different Joint Master Degrees across diverse fields:

• Engineering and Technology: Computer science, artificial intelligence, robotics, civil engineering, sustainable energy, materials science, photonics.
• Natural Sciences: Physics, chemistry, marine science, environmental science, geospatial technologies, computational biology.
• Social Sciences and Humanities: International relations, European studies, cultural heritage, migration studies, journalism, linguistics, philosophy.
• Business and Economics: International business, sustainable development, tourism management, economics and finance.
• Health Sciences: Public health, medical imaging, sports ethics, neuroscience, infectious diseases.
• Arts and Design: Film studies, performing arts, digital communication, architecture, media arts.
• Interdisciplinary Programs: Sustainability science, digital humanities, innovation and entrepreneurship, food science.

Also check: Australia Awards Scholarships 2026 – Fully Funded Study Programs in Australia

Eligibility Criteria

• Must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent first cycle qualification (minimum 180 ECTS or equivalent) by the program start date.
• Open to students from all countries worldwide no nationality restrictions (EU and non-EU students eligible).
• Strong academic record with demonstrated excellence (typically upper second class or equivalent).
• Cannot have resided or carried out main activity (work, studies) for more than 12 months over the last five years in any of the countries where the chosen EMJMD program consortium partners are located (exception: students from Program Countries applying to certain programs).
• Meet specific prerequisites defined by individual EMJMD programs (may include specific bachelor’s degree fields, work experience, or technical skills).
• English language proficiency required (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent); some programs may require additional languages.
• Must not have previously benefited from an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree scholarship.
• Motivation and clear study plan aligned with program objectives.
• Meet visa and entry requirements for all countries included in the study program.

Also check: University of Edinburgh Scholarships 2026 (UK)

Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly Stipend: €1,400 per month for the full duration of the program (typically 24 months = €33,600 total).
• Tuition Fee Coverage: Full participation costs covered (approximately €9,000 for two-year program).
• Travel and Installation Allowance:
  • €1,000 for students from Program Countries (EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Turkey, North Macedonia, Serbia)
  • €2,000 for students from Partner Countries
  • €3,000 for students from distant Partner Countries (Asia, Pacific, Americas, Africa)
• Insurance: Comprehensive health and travel insurance for scholarship duration.
• Multiple Degrees: Joint, double, or multiple degrees from prestigious European universities.
• International Mobility: Mandatory study periods in at least two different countries, with all mobility costs covered.
• Academic Support: Access to supervision, mentoring, and resources at all partner institutions.
• Language Training: Often includes language preparation courses for host country languages.
• Alumni Network: Lifetime membership in global EMJMD alumni association with 40,000+ members.
• Career Services: Access to career counseling, job fairs, and employer networks across Europe.

Also check: Cambridge Trust Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (UK)

Required Documents

• Completed online application form (specific to each EMJMD program).
• Bachelor’s degree certificate and complete academic transcripts (certified translations if not in English).
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) following European format or as specified by the program.
• Motivation letter explaining reasons for applying, career goals, and fit with the program (typically 1-2 pages).
• Two or three letters of recommendation from academic referees or professional supervisors.
• English language proficiency certificate (TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, Cambridge Certificate, or equivalent).
• Copy of valid passport or national identity document.
• Proof of any additional language skills (if required by specific programs).
• Portfolio, writing samples, or research proposals (required by some programs, especially in arts, humanities, and research-focused fields).
• Proof of relevant work experience (if required by the program).
• Additional program-specific requirements (check individual program websites).

Check: ETH Zurich Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (Switzerland)

Application Process of Erasmus Mundus

1. Research Programs Browse the official Erasmus Mundus Catalogue (https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/emjmd-catalogue) to identify programs matching your academic background and interests.
2. Check Requirements Carefully review each program’s specific eligibility criteria, prerequisites, language requirements, and application procedures on their official websites.
3. Prepare Documents Gather academic transcripts, degree certificates, obtain recommendation letters, take language proficiency tests if needed, and prepare motivation letters.
4. Apply to Programs Submit applications directly to chosen EMJMD programs through their individual online application portals (NOT through a centralized system). You can apply to multiple programs.
5. Indicate Scholarship Interest Clearly indicate in your application that you wish to be considered for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship.
6. Submit Before Deadlines Ensure complete applications are submitted before each program’s specific deadline (typically between December and January for programs starting in September).
7. Selection Process Programs evaluate applications based on academic merit, motivation, relevant experience, and potential contribution to the learning environment.
8. Interview Stage Some programs conduct interviews (online or in-person) with shortlisted candidates.
9. Scholarship Offers Successful scholarship candidates receive offers typically between March and May, several months before program start.
10. Accept Offer and Prepare Accept the scholarship offer, apply for necessary visas for all host countries, and prepare for your international study journey.

Important: Each EMJMD program manages its own application and selection process. There is no central Erasmus Mundus application system you must apply directly to each program you’re interested in.

Also check: University of Minnesota Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (USA)

Deadlines

Application deadlines vary significantly by program, but generally follow these patterns:

• First Application Window: October – December 2025 (for programs starting September 2026)
• Main Application Window: December 2025 – January 2026 (most programs)
• Extended Deadlines: Some programs have deadlines extending to February or March 2026
• Early Deadlines: Certain competitive programs close as early as November 2025

Important Notes:

• Each EMJMD program sets its own application deadline there is no unified deadline.
• Some programs have multiple application rounds with different deadlines.
• Scholarship consideration may have earlier deadlines than general admission.
• Always check the specific program website for exact deadlines.
• Early application is strongly recommended as some programs use rolling admission.

Duration of Scholarship

• Standard Program Duration: 24 months (120 ECTS credits) for two-year master’s programs.
• Extended Programs: Some programs may be 18 months or 22 months depending on structure.
• Scholarship Coverage: Full scholarship benefits for the entire official duration of the program.
• Mobility Requirements: Minimum study periods at each partner institution as defined by the program (typically 3-12 months per university).
• Thesis/Research Period: Often completed at one partner institution with possible research stays at others.

The scholarship cannot be extended beyond the official program duration. All students, regardless of their entry point or mobility track, must complete the program within the specified timeframe.

Final Thoughts

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees 2026 represent a truly exceptional opportunity for outstanding students worldwide to experience world-class European higher education while studying in multiple countries and earning prestigious joint or multiple degrees. These programs embody the European Union’s commitment to international cooperation, academic excellence, and the development of globally minded graduates equipped to address complex challenges in an interconnected world.

What sets Erasmus Mundus apart from other scholarship programs is its genuine international character not only in terms of student diversity but also in the fundamental structure of the programs themselves. By requiring mobility across at least two European countries and integrating curricula from multiple universities with complementary strengths, EMJMD ensures that students gain authentic international perspectives, develop cross-cultural competencies, and build networks that span continents. The experience of living and studying in different European countries provides invaluable personal growth, adaptability, and intercultural skills that are increasingly essential in today’s globalized job market.