The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) programme offers an exceptional opportunity for students from around the world to pursue an international master’s degree through a consortium of universities located in different countries.
Unlike a conventional master’s programme where students may remain at one university for the entire duration of their studies, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are designed around international mobility. Students typically study at several universities and may also participate in research projects, traineeships, fieldwork, thesis preparation and other academic activities in different countries.
The programme is supported by the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme, and selected master’s programmes can provide highly competitive scholarships to the best-ranked applicants worldwide. Depending on the individual programme, scholarships can contribute toward participation costs as well as travel, visa and living expenses.
For students seeking an internationally recognised master’s degree, exposure to different academic systems, multicultural learning environments and international professional networks, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters can be one of the most valuable study opportunities available.
Opportunity Category
Scholarship / International Master’s Degree Programme
The Erasmus Mundus opportunity combines postgraduate study with competitive scholarship funding. Students apply to individual Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programmes rather than submitting one general application to Erasmus Mundus.
What Are Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters?
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are prestigious international master’s programmes that are jointly designed and delivered by a consortium of higher education institutions.
A participating programme normally brings together at least three higher education institutions from at least three different countries. The consortium may also include associated partners from academic, research, professional, governmental, business or other non-academic sectors.
This structure gives students the opportunity to experience higher education across different countries and institutions while completing one coordinated master’s programme.
Depending on the programme, students may move between participating universities during their studies. The exact mobility pathway varies from one master’s programme to another, so prospective applicants should carefully examine the official programme website before applying.
Why Study an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master?
There are several reasons why Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are attractive to international students.
1. Study in multiple countries
One of the defining characteristics of an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master is international mobility.
Rather than completing the entire programme at one university, students may spend different parts of their master’s degree at different institutions within the consortium.
This can expose students to:
- Different European higher education systems
- International academic perspectives
- Multiple research environments
- Different cultures and languages
- International professional networks
- Diverse student communities
- Cross-border approaches to research and problem-solving
The specific countries and universities involved depend on the master’s programme selected.
2. International academic experience
Erasmus Mundus programmes bring together students and academics from different parts of the world.
Studying in such an environment can help students develop a broader understanding of their academic discipline while learning to work with people from different cultural and professional backgrounds.
This can be particularly valuable for graduates interested in international development, public policy, communication, science, technology, environmental studies, business, social sciences and other disciplines where international collaboration is important.
3. Prestigious master’s programmes
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are developed and delivered by international university consortia.
The participating institutions work together to create an integrated programme rather than simply offering separate courses under a common name.
Students therefore receive an academic experience built around collaboration between the participating institutions.
4. Opportunities for research and practical experience
An Erasmus Mundus Joint Master is not necessarily limited to traditional classroom-based learning.
Depending on the programme, students can undertake:
- Academic coursework
- Research activities
- Traineeships
- Practical projects
- Fieldwork
- Thesis preparation
- Master’s thesis research
- Thesis defence
The exact combination varies according to the selected programme.
This makes it important for applicants to examine individual programme curricula before deciding which Erasmus Mundus master’s programme best matches their academic and professional objectives.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
One of the most attractive features of the programme is the availability of competitive scholarships.
Some Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters offer full scholarships to the best-ranked students worldwide.
Scholarship arrangements vary according to the specific programme and the applicable funding rules. However, the official Erasmus Mundus information indicates that scholarships can cover or contribute toward major costs associated with participating in the master’s programme.
Potential areas of financial support include:
- Participation or programme costs
- Travel expenses
- Visa-related expenses
- Living allowance
Because funding conditions can differ between programmes and application cycles, applicants should not assume that every Erasmus Mundus master’s programme provides exactly the same scholarship package.
The individual master’s programme website should always be checked for the current scholarship amount, eligibility conditions, payment arrangements and covered expenses.
How Long Are Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters?
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters generally last between one and two academic years.
Programmes can comprise:
- 60 ECTS credits
- 90 ECTS credits
- 120 ECTS credits
The duration depends on the specific master’s programme.
Applicants should therefore examine the programme description carefully to determine:
- Programme duration
- Number of semesters
- Required mobility periods
- Participating universities
- Study locations
- Internship or traineeship requirements
- Research requirements
- Thesis requirements
- Graduation arrangements
What Degree Will You Receive?
Students who successfully complete an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master may receive either a joint degree or multiple degrees, depending on the structure of the programme.
Joint degree
A joint degree is a single degree certificate issued on behalf of at least two higher education institutions within the consortium.
Multiple degrees
A multiple-degree arrangement means that the student receives at least two degree certificates from two higher education institutions belonging to the consortium.
The precise degree arrangement is established by the individual Erasmus Mundus Joint Master.
Students should therefore review the degree structure before applying and understand which institutions will award the qualification.
Who Can Apply for Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters?
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are designed for students from around the world.
The programme information states that students from all over the world are welcome to apply. Therefore, the opportunity is not restricted to applicants from European countries.
Applicants from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, the Caribbean, Oceania and other regions may be eligible, provided they satisfy the requirements of the particular master’s programme they select.
However, international eligibility does not mean that every applicant automatically qualifies for every programme. Each Erasmus Mundus master’s programme establishes its own academic and admission requirements.
Academic Requirements
The general requirement is that applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or first degree; or
- Be in the final year of their bachelor’s degree and graduate before the master’s programme begins.
Applicants may also qualify if they can demonstrate an equivalent level of learning.
Where an equivalent qualification is used, it must be officially recognised in accordance with the relevant national legislation and practices of the country where the degree is awarded.
This means prospective applicants should carefully verify whether their existing qualification is considered equivalent to a bachelor’s degree for their selected Erasmus Mundus programme.
Final-Year Bachelor’s Students
Students who have not yet completed their bachelor’s degree may still be able to apply.
However, applicants in their final year must graduate before the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master begins.
This is particularly important because applicants should not assume that being accepted while completing a bachelor’s degree means they can postpone graduation indefinitely.
Students should check the individual master’s programme for its specific documentation and graduation verification requirements.
Eligibility for Applicants from Africa
Students from African countries can apply to Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters.
There is no general restriction limiting the opportunity to European applicants. Applicants from African countries can compete for available places and scholarships alongside eligible applicants from other parts of the world.
For example, prospective applicants from countries such as:
- Kenya
- Uganda
- Tanzania
- Rwanda
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Nigeria
- South Africa
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Malawi
- Botswana
- Namibia
- Senegal
- Cameroon
- Egypt
- Morocco
- Other African countries
may explore the available catalogue and determine whether they meet the admission requirements of individual programmes.
Nationality alone, however, does not guarantee admission or a scholarship. Academic qualifications and programme-specific eligibility requirements remain important.
Application Process
One of the most important things prospective applicants should understand is that there is not one universal application form for all Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters.
Students apply directly to the institution or consortium running their chosen programme.
The application process can therefore differ significantly from one master’s programme to another.
Step 1: Search the Erasmus Mundus catalogue
The first step is to explore the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue and identify master’s programmes relevant to your academic background and career objectives.
When searching the catalogue, applicants should pay attention to:
- Programme title
- Academic discipline
- Participating universities
- Participating countries
- Programme duration
- Mobility requirements
- Admission requirements
- Application deadline
- Scholarship availability
- Required documents
- Language requirements
Step 2: Visit the master’s programme website
After identifying an interesting programme, applicants should visit its official programme website.
The programme website is the authoritative source for the specific admission requirements and application instructions.
Applicants should not rely solely on general Erasmus Mundus information because individual master’s programmes can have different requirements.
Step 3: Check the academic requirements
Applicants should determine whether their bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification is accepted.
They should also review any programme-specific requirements relating to:
- Academic discipline
- Previous coursework
- Grade requirements
- Professional experience
- Language proficiency
- Research experience
- Technical skills
- Other qualifications
Step 4: Check scholarship requirements
If funding is important to you, determine whether the programme offers Erasmus Mundus scholarships and whether you need to complete any additional scholarship-related section of the application.
Some programmes may assess applicants for scholarships as part of the main application process, while others may provide specific instructions.
Step 5: Prepare the required documents
The exact documents vary by programme, but applicants should expect to provide some combination of:
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of graduation or expected graduation
- Curriculum vitae
- Motivation letter
- Proof of language proficiency, where required
- Identification documents
- Recommendation letters, where required
- Other programme-specific supporting documents
Applicants should follow the official programme instructions carefully because submitting an incomplete application can affect eligibility.
Step 6: Submit before the programme deadline
Once the application is complete, submit it through the application system specified by the master’s programme.
Do not assume that there is one universal Erasmus Mundus deadline.
The deadline is determined by the individual programme.
When Is the Erasmus Mundus Application Deadline?
There is no single universal deadline for all Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters.
The official Erasmus Mundus information states that, in most cases, applications should be submitted between October and January for programmes beginning during the following academic year.
However, the exact deadline depends on the master’s programme.
Applicants should therefore check the official website of their selected programme for the precise application deadline.
Important deadline advice
Because many programmes have competitive scholarship selection processes, prospective students should begin preparing well before October.
Waiting until the final days of an application period can create problems if you need:
- Academic transcripts
- Recommendation letters
- Language test results
- Certified documents
- Passport or identification documents
- A strong motivation statement
- Additional programme-specific documentation
Deadline: Generally October to January for programmes starting in the following academic year, but the exact deadline varies by master’s programme.
What Makes the Scholarship Competitive?
Erasmus Mundus scholarships are highly competitive because they are intended for the best-ranked applicants.
Applicants therefore need to do more than simply meet the minimum admission requirements.
A strong application should demonstrate a clear connection between the applicant’s:
- Academic background
- Professional or extracurricular experience
- Motivation for the chosen programme
- Career objectives
- Relevant skills
- Interest in the programme’s academic focus
- International or cross-cultural interests
- Potential contribution to the programme community
How to Strengthen Your Application
Research the programme carefully
Do not apply simply because a programme offers a scholarship.
Read the curriculum, mobility structure, research areas, participating universities and career outcomes.
Your motivation statement should demonstrate that you understand what the programme offers.
Match your background to the programme
Applicants should clearly explain how their previous academic and professional experiences prepare them for the master’s programme.
For example, if your bachelor’s degree is in communication, you should identify relevant communication, research, media, digital, development, public relations or related experience when applying to an appropriate programme.
Build a strong motivation statement
A strong motivation statement should explain:
- Why you want to study the programme
- Why the subject is important to you
- Why you selected that particular Erasmus Mundus programme
- What experience you bring
- What you hope to learn
- How the programme fits your career plans
- What you intend to contribute after graduation
Avoid writing a generic statement that could be submitted to any university.
Demonstrate international motivation
Because Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are inherently international, applicants should demonstrate their ability and willingness to learn and collaborate in multicultural environments.
International exposure can come from education, work, volunteering, research, community projects or other relevant experiences.
Start early
Applicants should begin preparing months before the deadline.
A useful preparation timeline could include:
Several months before applications open
- Research programmes
- Compare academic requirements
- Identify suitable programmes
- Review scholarship conditions
Before the application deadline
- Prepare your CV
- Draft your motivation letter
- Request recommendation letters
- Obtain academic documents
- Check language requirements
- Prepare any required tests
Before submission
- Review every requirement
- Check document formats
- Proofread the application
- Confirm the correct application portal
- Submit before the deadline
Advice and Support for Applicants
Prospective applicants can also find resources through the Erasmus Mundus Association, which provides information and resources intended to help applicants understand the programmes and application process.
These resources can include programme contacts, events involving national volunteer representatives and stories from successful applicants.
Learning from previous applicants can help prospective students better understand the application process and prepare a stronger submission.
No Application date yet. In most cases, you should submit your application between October and January for courses starting the following academic year.
Erasmus Mundus in Numbers
The Erasmus Mundus programme has a substantial international track record.
According to the official Erasmus+ information referenced by the programme, almost 50,000 students have participated since 2004.
This long history demonstrates the scale and international reach of Erasmus Mundus and highlights the programme’s role in facilitating international postgraduate education.
Erasmus Mundus Opportunities Beyond Students
Although this opportunity is focused on students seeking master’s degrees, Erasmus+ also provides other forms of support.
Grants for higher education institutions
Erasmus+ provides grants to higher education institutions to develop and run Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programmes.
Institutions interested in participating should consult the official Erasmus+ information for organisations.
Opportunities for researchers
Researchers may also find related opportunities under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, including postdoctoral fellowships and staff exchanges.
Other Erasmus+ opportunities
Erasmus+ also provides various opportunities and forms of support for students, staff and other eligible participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Erasmus Mundus available to students from Africa?
Yes. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters welcome applications from students around the world. African students can apply provided they meet the requirements of the particular master’s programme.
Do I need to already have a master’s degree?
No. The general requirement is a bachelor’s degree or equivalent first degree. Students in the final year of their bachelor’s degree may also apply, provided they graduate before the master’s programme begins.
Can final-year undergraduate students apply?
Yes. Final-year bachelor’s students can apply, but they must complete and graduate from their bachelor’s programme before the Erasmus Mundus master’s programme begins.
Are Erasmus Mundus scholarships fully funded?
Some Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters offer full scholarships to the best-ranked students worldwide. Scholarship coverage can include participation costs and contributions toward travel, visa and living expenses. The exact funding package varies by programme.
Can I choose any university in Europe?
No. Applicants apply to specific Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programmes, each of which has its own consortium of participating universities. Students follow the mobility structure established by their chosen programme.
How many universities participate in an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master?
An Erasmus Mundus Joint Master normally involves at least three higher education institutions from at least three different countries, together with associated partners.
How long does an Erasmus Mundus master’s degree take?
The programmes generally last between one and two academic years and may comprise 60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits.
Will I receive one degree or several degrees?
Depending on the programme, you may receive either a joint degree issued on behalf of multiple institutions or multiple degrees issued by two or more institutions in the consortium.
Is there one Erasmus Mundus application deadline?
No. Each master’s programme establishes its own deadline. In most cases, applications are submitted between October and January for programmes beginning in the following academic year.
Where do I apply?
You apply directly to the institution or consortium running the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programme you have selected.
Where can I find available programmes?
You can search the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue for the latest programmes available.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Opportunity | Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters |
| Study level | Master’s |
| Funding | Competitive scholarships available for selected programmes |
| Eligible applicants | Students from around the world |
| General academic requirement | Bachelor’s degree or equivalent |
| Final-year students | Eligible if they graduate before the programme begins |
| Programme duration | 1–2 academic years |
| ECTS | 60, 90 or 120 ECTS |
| Study format | International, multi-university study |
| Participating institutions | At least 3 institutions from at least 3 countries |
| Potential scholarship support | Participation costs, travel, visa and living allowance |
| Application method | Directly to the institution/programme |
| Typical application period | October–January |
| Exact deadline | Varies by programme |
| Degree | Joint degree or multiple degrees |
| Geographic eligibility | Worldwide |
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Conclusion
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programme represents a major opportunity for international students seeking an advanced degree in a highly international academic environment.
With master’s programmes delivered by consortia of universities across different countries, students can gain international academic exposure, participate in research and practical activities, build cross-cultural networks and potentially earn a joint or multiple-degree qualification.
The availability of competitive scholarships makes the opportunity particularly attractive to students who may otherwise find international postgraduate study financially difficult. Selected scholarship recipients can receive support toward participation costs as well as travel, visa and living expenses, depending on the individual programme.
However, prospective applicants should remember that Erasmus Mundus is not a single master’s course with one universal application deadline. The programme consists of numerous individual Joint Masters, each with its own participating universities, academic focus, admission criteria, scholarship arrangements and application deadline.
The best strategy is therefore to begin early, search the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue, identify programmes that match your academic and career goals, study the individual programme requirements carefully and submit a well-prepared application directly through the appropriate programme.
For students with a bachelor’s degree or those approaching graduation who want to experience international postgraduate education, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters can provide a pathway to study across multiple institutions and countries while becoming part of a global academic community.
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