EMMIR Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s 2027–2029: Applications Open for the European Master in Migration and Intercultural Relations

Applications are now open for EMMIR Edition 14 (2027–2029), the European Master in Migration and Intercultural Relations, an international two-year Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programme focused on migration, intercultural relations and the social, cultural and political dimensions of human mobility.

The programme brings together an international consortium of higher education institutions across Europe, Africa and Asia, giving students the opportunity to study migration and intercultural relations through a multidisciplinary and international academic environment.

For the 2027–2029 intake, applications for Erasmus+ scholarships and non-fee-paying study places are open until 20 December 2026. Applicants seeking fee-paying self-funded study places may apply until the available places are assigned or, at the latest, 15 July 2027, subject to availability.

The EMMIR programme is designed for graduates who want to develop advanced academic and professional expertise in migration studies, intercultural relations and related areas. It combines classroom learning, international mobility, research, practical experience and an internship component across different stages of the programme.

What Is EMMIR?

EMMIR stands for the European Master in Migration and Intercultural Relations.

It is a two-year, four-semester Master’s programme that examines migration and intercultural relations from interdisciplinary and intercultural perspectives.

Rather than limiting students to one university or one national academic environment, EMMIR incorporates international mobility as a central part of the programme.

Students begin their studies together at the University of Oldenburg in Germany and continue the second semester at the University of Stavanger in Norway. During the third semester, students select an individual mobility path that includes a focus module and a project-based internship at one of the EMMIR partner institutions. The fourth semester focuses primarily on thesis research and writing.

This structure enables students to experience different academic environments and to examine migration and intercultural relations from multiple geographical and disciplinary perspectives.

EMMIR Edition 14: 2027–2029

The current application cycle is for EMMIR Edition 14, which will run from 2027 to 2029.

According to the current EMMIR programme timeline, applications opened on 1 October 2026.

The programme is scheduled to begin with orientation and an intensive phase on 1 September 2027. The first semester will take place at the University of Oldenburg, followed by the second semester at the University of Stavanger.

The programme timeline includes:

• Applications open: 1 October 2026
• Scholarship and non-fee-paying application deadline: 20 December 2026
• Admissions notifications: Beginning/mid-April 2027
• Programme orientation: 1 September 2027
• Intensive phase: September 2027
• Semester 1: October–December 2027, University of Oldenburg
• Semester 2: January–May/June 2028, University of Stavanger
• Semester 3: June/July–November 2028, including a project-based internship
• Semester 4: December 2028–June 2029, focusing on the Master’s thesis
• Thesis submission: 30 June 2029
• Graduation: September 2029

Application Deadlines for EMMIR Edition 14

There are different deadlines depending on the type of application.

Erasmus+ Scholarship and Non-Fee-Paying Study Places

The deadline for applicants seeking an Erasmus+ scholarship or a non-fee-paying study place is:

20 December 2026 at 23:59 CET (Germany time).

Applicants interested in an Erasmus+ scholarship must apply within this deadline.

Fee-Paying Self-Funded Study Places

Applicants who intend to study as fee-paying self-funded students can apply on a first-come, first-served basis until the available study places are assigned.

The latest possible application deadline is:

15 July 2027

This route therefore remains open longer than the scholarship and non-fee-paying routes, but applicants should understand that availability is not guaranteed until that date.

Visit HERE for more information about EMMIR Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s 2027–2029.

Erasmus+ Scholarship Opportunity

One of the most attractive aspects of EMMIR is the opportunity to apply for a limited number of Erasmus+ scholarships.

Scholarship applicants are selected based on merit.

According to the current EMMIR funding information, Erasmus+ scholarship holders receive:

• €1,400 per month for 24 months
• Coverage of health insurance
• Coverage of university registration fees
• Coverage of student service fees

The scholarship therefore provides substantial financial support throughout the two-year Master’s programme.

However, scholarship applicants should carefully understand what the funding does and does not cover.

The scholarship holders are expected to use their monthly scholarship to cover mobility-related costs such as:

• Travel
• Visa expenses
• Vaccinations
• Residence permit fees
• Other required mobility expenses

The current EMMIR funding information states that there are no separate additional payments for travel and installation.

Non-Fee-Paying Study Places

EMMIR also provides opportunities for students who are not awarded an Erasmus+ scholarship but are selected for a non-fee-paying self-funded place.

Students in this category do not have to pay the programme participation costs.

Their health insurance, university registration and student service fees are also covered.

However, they remain responsible for their living expenses and travel costs associated with the programme’s required mobility path. They must also demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to cover their living costs for the two-year programme when applying for a student visa, where applicable.

Fee-Paying Self-Funded Option

Students who are not applying for or do not receive scholarship or non-fee-paying funding may apply as fee-paying self-funded students.

The current participation cost is listed as:

€4,500 per semester.

The participation costs cover obligatory programme activities, health insurance, registration and student service fees at the relevant hosting university.

They do not cover accommodation, food, general living expenses or travel.

Fee-paying students must therefore plan carefully for the total cost of completing the two-year programme, particularly because EMMIR includes international mobility between different locations.

What Does the EMMIR Programme Study?

EMMIR focuses on Migration and Intercultural Relations, making it particularly relevant to students interested in the movement of people, migration policies, cultural diversity, integration, intercultural communication and related social issues.

The programme takes an interdisciplinary approach rather than examining migration from only one academic perspective.

Potentially relevant academic areas include:

• Migration studies
• Intercultural relations
• Social sciences
• History
• Cultural studies
• Educational sciences
• Law
• Economics
• Development studies
• Journalism
• Empirical social research
• International and intercultural studies

Applicants are expected to demonstrate prior knowledge relevant to migration studies, intercultural relations and empirical research methods.

International and Multidisciplinary Learning

One of the defining features of EMMIR is its international academic structure.

Students experience different academic and cultural environments during the programme, beginning in Germany and Norway before undertaking an individual mobility path in the third semester.

The third semester includes a project-based internship and a focus module at one of the partner institutions.

This provides students with an opportunity to connect academic knowledge with practical experience in migration and intercultural relations.

The final semester is dedicated to developing and completing the Master’s thesis, with students able to shape their mobility and research arrangements around their chosen thesis topic.

EMMIR’s Four-Semester Structure

Semester 1: University of Oldenburg, Germany

The first semester takes place at the University of Oldenburg.

Students study together as a cohort and begin developing a common academic foundation in migration and intercultural relations.

The semester follows an intensive academic structure, with the programme’s first semester beginning in October 2027 after the September orientation and intensive phase.

Semester 2: University of Stavanger, Norway

The second semester takes place at the University of Stavanger.

This continues the shared academic component of the programme while exposing students to another national and academic context.

Semester 3: Individual Mobility and Internship

The third semester provides greater individualisation.

Students select a mobility path that includes:

• A focus module
• A project-based internship
• Study at one of the EMMIR partner institutions

The internship component allows students to connect their academic preparation with practical experience.

Semester 4: Master’s Thesis

The fourth semester is primarily dedicated to thesis research and writing.

Students participate in a proposal colloquium and then develop their Master’s thesis under academic supervision.

The thesis is scheduled for submission by 30 June 2029 for Edition 14.

Who Should Apply?

EMMIR is particularly suitable for graduates who have an academic or professional interest in migration, intercultural relations and related social and policy issues.

Applicants should normally have a first university degree such as a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline.

The official entry requirements identify fields including:

• Social sciences
• History
• Cultural studies
• Educational sciences
• Law
• Economics
• Development studies
• Journalism

Applicants from related fields may also be considered where their academic background demonstrates relevance to the programme.

Academic Requirements

Applicants are expected to meet the academic entry requirements for EMMIR.

The programme normally requires a first degree equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in an area related to migration studies.

The final grade of the first degree should be at least equivalent to C+, with supporting documentation required.

Applicants should also demonstrate academic knowledge of:

• Migration studies
• Intercultural relations
• Empirical methods

This knowledge can be demonstrated through relevant undergraduate modules, papers, essays, examination results and other appropriate academic documentation.

Relevant professional experience can also strengthen an application, as the EMMIR selection process gives preference to qualified applicants who have relevant professional experience.

Age of Previous Degree

The official EMMIR entry requirements state that the applicant’s last degree should generally not be older than five years.

Applicants whose degree is older than five years should explain in their statement of purpose why they have decided to return to university.

This requirement makes it particularly important for applicants with older academic qualifications to clearly explain their current motivation and connection to the field.

Can Applicants Who Already Have a Master’s Degree Apply?

Yes, applicants who already hold a Master’s degree may still apply.

However, because EMMIR itself leads to a Master’s degree, applicants who already have a Master’s qualification are expected to convincingly explain why they want to pursue another Master’s degree.

The explanation should make clear how EMMIR fits into the applicant’s academic, professional or research trajectory.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate English-language proficiency if English is not their native language or if their undergraduate education was not conducted in English.

EMMIR accepts different forms of evidence depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

Possible evidence can include:

• Recognised English-language competency tests
• Proof that higher education was completed in English
• Proof of professional work in an English-language environment
• Other accepted documentation of English proficiency

The programme may contact applicants at a later stage to verify their language skills.

English Language Waivers

Certain applicants may request an English-language proficiency waiver.

The official requirements identify circumstances including applicants who:

• Come from countries where English is one of several official languages
• Obtained an undergraduate degree from Australia, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States or New Zealand
• Spent at least two consecutive academic years studying at a higher education institution in one of those countries within the previous five years, with English as the language of instruction
• Have at least two years of professional experience in an international company where English is the official working language
• Can provide documented evidence that their higher education was completed in English or that they worked professionally in an English-language setting

The EMMIR Consortium Committee retains the right to request evidence of English proficiency even where an applicant requests a waiver.

Additional Language Requirement for Native English Speakers

Applicants whose native language is English are also subject to a language requirement.

They must demonstrate proficiency in a second language relevant to migration studies by the application deadline at the required level.

Applicants may be asked to justify why their chosen second language is relevant to migration studies.

This reflects the intercultural and international nature of the EMMIR programme.

Selection Criteria

EMMIR receives a large number of applications, making preparation important.

The Consortium Committee Selection Board considers several factors when evaluating applications, including:

1. Relevance and level of academic qualifications
2. Relevance and level of research or professional experience
3. Motivation
4. Proficiency in a second or third language

These criteria mean that applicants should not rely solely on academic grades. A strong application should demonstrate why the applicant is academically and professionally suited to migration and intercultural studies and why EMMIR is the right programme for their goals.

How to Apply for EMMIR Edition 14

Applications are submitted online through the eMundus application platform.

The application process involves several stages.

Step 1: Register on eMundus

Applicants first register on the EMMIR online application management platform using their name and email address.

After registration, applicants can access the online application form.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

The application form must be completed in English.

Applicants can complete the form section by section and return to continue their application later, with information saved to the system.

Applicants are expected to provide complete and accurate information.

Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents

The online application requires relevant supporting documentation.

Key documents include:

• Valid passport
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of Purpose
• First university degree diploma and transcript
• Other relevant academic qualifications
• English-language proficiency documentation
• Other relevant supporting documents

Documents should be submitted in English or accompanied by an official English translation where necessary.

Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline

Applicants for Erasmus+ scholarships and non-fee-paying study places must submit the completed application by:

20 December 2026 at 23:59 CET.

Applicants should not wait until the final hours because incomplete applications or documents that fail to meet the programme’s requirements can result in the withdrawal or exclusion of an application.

APPLY HERE

Statement of Purpose

The Statement of Purpose is an important part of the application.

Applicants are expected to explain their motivation for studying EMMIR and demonstrate why the programme fits their academic and professional goals.

A strong statement should establish a clear connection between:

• The applicant’s academic background
• Previous research or professional experience
• Interest in migration and intercultural relations
• Motivation for joining EMMIR
• Future academic or professional objectives

The official application procedures specify a one- to two-page Statement of Purpose.

Application Documents and Verification

The online application forms the basis for the initial admission decision.

Applicants whose applications are successful will subsequently be asked to submit certified hard copies of their documents.

Successful applicants generally have 10 calendar days after receiving their notification letter to send the required certified documents and provide proof of dispatch.

The EMMIR team then verifies the documents before issuing the final admission documentation.

Applicants should therefore ensure that all information entered online matches the supporting documents they submit.

Discrepancies or irregularities in the documentation can affect admission.

Important Information About the EMMIR Scholarship

Applicants should understand that applying for EMMIR does not automatically mean receiving an Erasmus+ scholarship.

The programme has a very limited number of Erasmus+ scholarships, and scholarship holders are selected based on merit.

Applicants indicate their preferred funding option during the application process. The choice of funding option does not need to be justified and does not affect how the application is rated.

Applicants who have previously benefited from an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarship are not eligible to receive an additional Erasmus Mundus scholarship.

EMMIR and International Mobility

International mobility is one of the central features of EMMIR.

Students do not simply study in one university for two years. Instead, the programme exposes them to multiple academic and geographical environments.

The programme structure includes study in:

• Germany
• Norway
• Other EMMIR partner locations in Europe, Africa and Asia

The third semester includes a project-based internship and focus module, while the fourth semester allows students to shape their mobility around their Master’s research.

This mobility structure gives students an opportunity to develop a broader understanding of migration and intercultural relations across different social and geographical contexts.

Who Can Apply by Country or Continent?

EMMIR is an international programme involving partner institutions across Europe, Africa and Asia.

The official entry requirements do not establish a race-based restriction and do not state that applicants must belong to a particular country, nationality or continent. The programme is therefore intended for an international applicant pool, subject to meeting the academic, language and other admission requirements.

The programme’s international structure is also reflected in its partner network and student mobility arrangements.

Applicants should nevertheless review the official admission requirements carefully rather than assuming that nationality alone guarantees eligibility.

Programme Costs and Financial Planning

Applicants should distinguish between the different funding categories.

For Erasmus+ scholarship holders, the current programme information states that the scholarship provides €1,400 per month for 24 months, while health insurance, registration and student service fees are covered.

For non-fee-paying self-funded students, participation costs are waived and health insurance, registration and student service fees are covered, but students must finance their living and mobility expenses.

For fee-paying students, the current participation cost is €4,500 per semester, in addition to living and travel expenses.

Applicants should therefore select their funding route carefully when completing the application.

Click HERE to view programme Cost and Funding opportunities

Programme Start Date

EMMIR Edition 14 is scheduled to begin on:

1 September 2027

The programme begins with orientation and an intensive phase before the first semester officially proceeds.

Students admitted to the programme are expected to participate in the programme in person. EMMIR’s current application procedures state that the programme is not offered as a fully online degree and that students are expected to arrive in Oldenburg for the beginning of the programme.

Important Dates for EMMIR Edition 14

Event	Date
Applications open	1 October 2026
Scholarship application deadline	20 December 2026
Non-fee-paying application deadline	20 December 2026
Application submission time	23:59 CET
Fee-paying application deadline	Until places are assigned, latest 15 July 2027
Admission notifications	Beginning/mid-April 2027
Orientation	1 September 2027
Programme start	September 2027
Semester 1	October–December 2027
Semester 2	January–May/June 2028
Project-based internship	June/July–November 2028
Thesis period	December 2028–June 2029
Thesis submission	30 June 2029
Graduation	September 2029

The dates above reflect the current EMMIR Edition 14 programme timeline.

Important Advice for Applicants

Because EMMIR is a competitive international Master’s programme, prospective applicants should begin preparing their applications well before the deadline.

Applicants should:

1. Confirm that their academic background is relevant to migration and intercultural relations.
2. Check that their first degree meets the required grade level.
3. Gather their academic transcripts and certificates.
4. Prepare evidence of relevant knowledge in migration studies, intercultural relations and empirical methods.
5. Prepare their CV.
6. Write a strong Statement of Purpose explaining their motivation.
7. Prepare evidence of English-language proficiency where required.
8. Check whether they qualify for an English-language waiver.
9. Determine whether they are applying for an Erasmus+ scholarship, a non-fee-paying place or a fee-paying place.
10. Register on eMundus and complete the application carefully.
11. Ensure that all uploaded documents are in English or accompanied by official translations where necessary.
12. Submit the complete application before the relevant deadline.

Beware of Unofficial EMMIR Groups

Applicants should also be careful about unofficial communication channels.

EMMIR states that its team does not operate official WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook or other privately created groups for applicants.

Official questions concerning applications should be directed to the EMMIR team through its official communication channels. The programme also advises applicants to submit questions early and allow up to two weeks for responses during busy periods around application deadlines.

This is particularly important during the application period, when applicants may encounter unofficial social media pages, groups or individuals claiming to represent the programme.

Why EMMIR Is a Distinctive Master’s Opportunity

EMMIR offers more than a conventional Master’s programme in which students remain at one university throughout their degree.

Its structure combines:

• Migration studies
• Intercultural relations
• International mobility
• Multidisciplinary academic training
• Research
• Professional development
• Project-based internship experience
• Master’s thesis research
• Exposure to European, African and Asian academic contexts

The programme’s four-semester structure is specifically designed around mobility and interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to develop both academic expertise and practical competencies relevant to migration-related professional environments.

Conclusion

The European Master in Migration and Intercultural Relations (EMMIR) Edition 14 (2027–2029) is a major international Master’s opportunity for graduates interested in migration, intercultural relations, social sciences and related fields.

The two-year Erasmus Mundus programme combines academic study with international mobility, research and practical experience. Students begin their studies in Germany, continue in Norway, undertake an individual mobility and internship component, and complete their Master’s thesis during the final semester.

For applicants seeking financial support, the programme offers a limited number of Erasmus+ scholarships. Current EMMIR information states that scholarship holders receive €1,400 per month for 24 months, alongside coverage of health insurance, university registration and student service fees.

The most important deadline for applicants seeking an Erasmus+ scholarship or a non-fee-paying study place is 20 December 2026 at 23:59 CET. Fee-paying applicants may apply later, subject to availability, with the latest possible deadline currently listed as 15 July 2027.

Prospective applicants should begin preparing early, carefully review the entry requirements, assemble their academic and language documentation, develop a strong Statement of Purpose, and ensure that their application is complete before the applicable deadline.

For applicants passionate about understanding migration and intercultural relations from an international, interdisciplinary and practical perspective, EMMIR provides an opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree across multiple academic and geographical environments while becoming part of an international network focused on one of the most important issues shaping contemporary societies.

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