Applications are now open for the 2027–2029 Mundus MAPP cohort, offering prospective students the opportunity to pursue a two-year Erasmus Mundus Master’s Programme in Public Policy across leading European universities, with a limited number of prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) scholarships available to outstanding applicants from both EU and non-EU countries.
The programme is designed to provide scholarly education and practical training for future academic and policy leaders in the public, private and non-profit sectors, with a particular focus on understanding how political institutions, processes and public policies operate from the global political economy through national and local levels, including European engagements.
Key Details
- Programme: Erasmus Mundus Master’s Programme in Public Policy – Mundus MAPP
- Cohort: 2027–2029
- Duration: 24 months
- Study format: Full-time, in-person
- Study locations: Austria, Spain, the Netherlands and the UK, depending on the selected mobility track
- Scholarship: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarship
- Maximum EMJM scholarship: €33,600 over 24 months
- Monthly scholarship contribution: €1,400
- Tuition fee: €13,000 per academic year / €26,000 for the full programme
- Scholarship application deadline: 1 December 2026, 23:59 CET
- Scholarship: No separate scholarship application is required.
What is the Mundus MAPP Programme?
Mundus MAPP is an Erasmus Mundus Master’s Programme in Public Policy delivered by a consortium of four institutions.
The programme combines a common core of policy studies with specialised mobility tracks. Approximately 60% of the curriculum is common to all students, while 40% is delivered through track-specific modules. The programme also includes study visits, internships and research work across the two years.
Mundus MAPP is a full-time in-person programme that allows students to tailor their learning experience through the selection of a mobility track. Students are exposed to different European academic traditions and policy contexts through study visits and internships.
The programme has a strong practical component, including internships, spring courses/study trips and case-study-based teaching. These activities are intended to help students observe real-world policymaking, interact with practitioners, apply theoretical knowledge to practical policy problems, conduct research and build professional networks.
Four Mundus MAPP Study Tracks
Applicants may apply to one of four mobility tracks:
1. CEU-IBEI Track – Global Public Policy
This track focuses on the policy process at the international and global level, including international organisations and global policy regimes.
Students study at Central European University (Private University) in Vienna, Austria, in Year 1, before continuing at Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals (IBEI) in Spain in Year 2.
2. CEU-York Track – European Public Policy
This track focuses on policy analysis, policymaking and problem-solving in the European Union, its member states and neighbourhood countries.
Students study at Central European University in Vienna in Year 1 and continue at the University of York in the UK in Year 2.
3. ISS-IBEI Track – Political Economy and Development
This mobility track combines study at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in the Netherlands and IBEI in Barcelona, Spain, with a focus on political economy and development.
4. ISS-York Track – Governance and Development
This track combines study at ISS in the Netherlands and the University of York in the UK, focusing on governance and development.
The four tracks offer different substantive focuses while maintaining a common core of policy studies.
Important: Applicants may apply for only one mobility track.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship – What Does It Cover?
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) scholarship will be offered to outstanding applicants from both within and outside the EU.
A limited number of EMJM scholarships are awarded to the highest-ranked applicants for the duration of the programme.
The scholarship is calculated at €1,400 per month, corresponding to a maximum scholarship amount of €33,600 over 24 months. The monthly contribution is intended to assist students with travel, visa, installation, subsistence and other costs.
EMJM scholarship recipients also receive a full tuition-fee waiver.
Additional financial support may be available for students with individual needs depending on the level of disability/support required.
Institutional Scholarships
In addition to the EMJM scholarships, the Mundus MAPP Consortium will offer one Institutional Scholarship per study track.
Recipients receive a 50% tuition fee waiver at the Year 1 and Year 2 institutions. The Institutional Scholarship does not include a stipend.
Costs Not Covered by the EMJM Scholarship
Applicants should budget carefully because the EMJM scholarship does not cover:
- Study Visit: approximately €600–€1,000
- Winter School: approximately €600–€1,000
- Travel and visa costs between the student’s home country and consortium countries
- Travel costs when moving to the Year 2 university.
The programme also strongly encourages applicants to seek external funding because only a small number of applicants will receive scholarships.
Mundus MAPP Financial Aid and Scholarships
Who Can Apply?
Mundus MAPP is open to European and third-country national students.
Applicants must meet the programme’s minimum admission requirements.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A Bachelor’s degree comprising at least three years of study from a recognised university or higher education institution.
- At least Class 2.1/Upper Second, where applicable.
- A minimum GPA of 3.17/4.0 or equivalent.
- Applicants are required to provide their GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Candidates with degrees in the social sciences or equivalent are normally given preference.
Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences or Engineering are not eligible to apply.
Applicants who already hold a Master’s degree must also meet the required academic standard at Master’s level. The programme notes that priority for scholarships is given to students who have not yet had the opportunity to study in a Master’s degree programme.
Mobility Requirement
Physical mobility is compulsory for all enrolled students.
Students must complete two study periods in two different countries, with each study period comprising a minimum of 30 ECTS. Both countries must be different from the student’s country of residence at the application/enrolment stage.
Compulsory mobility periods cannot be replaced by virtual mobility. Applicants will also need to provide proof of residence before enrolment.
This is particularly important when selecting your mobility track.
English Language Requirements
Mundus MAPP does not require an English language certificate from citizens of several countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Liberia, the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and others, provided they have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree taught exclusively in English.
For other applicants, accepted tests include:
- TOEFL iBT: 95 or above
- IELTS Academic: 7 or above
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency: C2 or above
- Cambridge C1 Advanced: C1 or above
- Pearson PTE Academic: 76 or above
- Duolingo English Test: 130 or above.
Important update for ISS applicants
Applicants considering the ISS-IBEI or ISS-York tracks should pay particular attention to the Dutch visa requirements.
For the 2027–2029 cohort, some applicants admitted to an ISS track may need to provide additional proof of English proficiency for their Dutch visa. The programme states that these are visa requirements, not admissions requirements.
Applicants from Ghana and several other previously exempt countries may apply without a test result, but admission to the ISS tracks may be conditional until an accepted English test is submitted. The test must be provided no later than six weeks after receiving the official offer.
Work Experience Is Not Required
Work experience is not an eligibility requirement, although candidates with relevant work experience may be considered favourably.
This means the programme can be relevant to both recent graduates and applicants who have already developed professional experience in public policy, development, government, international organisations, civil society, research or related areas.
What Documents Do You Need?
Applicants should prepare the following:
1. Online Application Form
There are four application forms corresponding to the four mobility tracks. Applicants may apply for only one track.
2. Two Recommendation Letters
Applicants must provide two official letters of recommendation, preferably with at least one from an academic.
Referees receive an email after the application is submitted and have seven days to upload their recommendations. Applicants are advised to monitor the Applicant Portal and remind referees of the deadline.
References sent by email, fax or regular post are not accepted.
3. Academic Records
Applicants must upload electronic versions of their higher education academic records, including:
- Official English translation of the Bachelor’s degree transcript
- Official English translation of the Bachelor’s degree diploma/degree certificate
- Relevant Master’s degree documents, where applicable.
4. Curriculum Vitae/Resume
The CV should include a list of publications, if applicable.
5. Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose must be no more than 500 words and should highlight:
- Your reasons for applying to Mundus MAPP
- Your research interests
- Relevant academic and work experience
- Future career plans
- The study track to which you are applying.
The programme specifically notes that, because of the high number of applications, longer statements will not be considered.
6. Proof of English Proficiency
Where required, applicants must submit the relevant English language test as part of the online application. Late submission of test scores is not permitted.
What Should You Know About the Application Process?
Admissions to Mundus MAPP are centrally administered by Central European University Private University.
Applications must be submitted to CEU PU through the specified online application process. It is not possible to apply to Mundus MAPP through another consortium university.
Candidates complete the online application and upload the required supporting documentation.
If you want to be considered for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship, you simply indicate your interest in the online application form.
There is no separate scholarship application.
2027–2029 Mundus MAPP Application Deadlines
Applicants should carefully select the deadline that applies to their circumstances.
December 1, 2026 – 23:59 CET
This is the key deadline for applicants who:
- Wish to be considered for financial aid/scholarships, or
- Are applying early as self-funded students.
The first-round decisions, including EMJM scholarship decisions, will be available in the Applicant Portal on April 14, 2027.
April 15, 2027 – 23:59 CET
Deadline for non-EU/EEA residents who do not wish to be considered for financial aid.
July 1, 2027 – 23:59 CET
Deadline for EU/EEA residents who do not wish to be considered for financial aid.
For scholarship applicants, the important date to remember is December 1, 2026.
View the official Mundus MAPP Admissions Calendar
How Are Scholarships Awarded?
The scholarships are awarded based on academic merit.
Applicants who submit their application by the December 1, 2026 scholarship deadline will be asked in the online portal to indicate their interest in a potential scholarship.
Because the number of scholarships is limited, applicants are strongly encouraged to explore additional funding opportunities.
Important Advice for Prospective Applicants
Start preparing early
Do not wait until the deadline to begin collecting documents. Recommendation letters, official translations, academic records and English-language tests can take time.
Choose your mobility track carefully
Your application is for one specific mobility track, so applicants should review the curriculum, countries, institutions and specialisation associated with each track before submitting their application.
Pay attention to the 500-word limit
Your statement of purpose should be no more than 500 words. Use the limited space to clearly explain your motivation, academic and professional background, research interests, career plans and preferred track.
Contact your referees early
Recommendation letters must be uploaded within seven days after the application is submitted. Ask your referees in advance and make sure they know to check their spam folders for the automated email.
Read the ISS visa requirements carefully
If you are considering an ISS-IBEI or ISS-York track, check the additional Dutch visa-related English requirements before submitting your application.
What Can Students Expect From the Programme?
Mundus MAPP aims to develop graduates who can:
- Critically analyse policy issues and develop holistic perspectives on European and global governance.
- Evaluate public policies and policy instruments using quantitative and qualitative methods.
- Conduct research, analyse data and produce scientifically sound reports.
- Provide expert advice to decision-makers in national and international settings.
- Design and participate in the delivery of public policies across different sectors and institutional settings.
The programme therefore combines academic study, policy analysis, research, practical experience and international mobility.
Mundus MAPP 2027–2029: Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, make sure you have:
☐ Selected one mobility track
☐ Checked that you meet the academic requirements
☐ Confirmed that you meet the mobility requirements
☐ Prepared your academic transcripts and degree certificate
☐ Arranged two recommendation letters
☐ Prepared your CV/resume
☐ Written a statement of purpose of 500 words or fewer
☐ Checked the English language requirements
☐ Prepared official English translations where required
☐ Indicated your interest in financial aid if applying by December 1, 2026
☐ Checked the application deadline for your applicant category
☐ Submitted the complete online application
☐ Followed up with your referees after submission.
Official Mundus MAPP Admissions Checklist
Apply for the Mundus MAPP 2027–2029 Cohort
Applications are currently open for the 2027–2029 Mundus MAPP cohort.
Applicants seeking consideration for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarship should submit their application by:
December 1, 2026 at 23:59 CET
The scholarship provides up to €33,600 over 24 months, calculated at €1,400 per month, together with a full tuition-fee waiver for successful EMJM scholarship recipients.
Start your Mundus MAPP application / official application information
Check the official Admissions Calendar
Read the official Admissions Requirements
View the official Financial Aid information
Read the official FAQ for applicants
