Scholarships
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Overview
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are integrated degree programmes run by consortia of universities in different European countries and co-funded by the European Commission. One programme, one application, one degree — often a joint or multiple diploma — with study time split across the participating institutions. Each master's sets its own curriculum, language of instruction, entry requirements and selection, and each is listed in the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue. Applicants apply to the consortium directly, not to the Commission, and most programmes assess every applicant for the scholarship track in the same application.
Who it's for
It suits someone who already holds a bachelor's degree, or is in the final year of one and will graduate before the programme starts, and who wants a degree that crosses borders rather than a single-campus master's. Requirements are set per programme: subject background, language proof and sometimes work experience. Moving country mid-degree, and handling two or three administrative systems at once, is part of the deal, so it rewards people who assemble documents early.
What you get
The scholarship track covers participation costs and a living allowance, and the degree itself carries a European joint or multiple qualification recognised across the consortium. Beyond the money, the model gives you faculty, alumni and classmates in several countries, plus a cohort selected together across nationalities. Funding rules, amounts and what is included differ by programme and by intake, so read the financial section of the specific master's page before you assume anything.
How to apply
Pick programmes from the official catalogue, then work from each consortium's own site: that is where the form, document list, language requirements and selection steps live. Expect transcripts, a degree certificate, a CV, a motivation letter, references and sometimes a portfolio or research proposal. Many consortia shortlist and interview before ranking. One application usually covers both admission and the scholarship track, and some programmes let you rank several course options in a single form. Keep scanned originals and translations ready, since each consortium sets its own naming and upload format.
Timing
Annual, per programme. Most consortia accept applications between October and January for courses starting the following academic year, and the Commission adds a new batch of selected masters each year. Dates differ by master's, so confirm the current call on that programme's official page.
How to stand out
Treat the catalogue as a shortlist tool, then read three programme pages in full before choosing. Match the language of instruction to a certificate you can actually produce, and check whether the consortium requires a specific subject background. Ask current students about visa sequencing, because a two-country programme means two sets of paperwork. Write the motivation letter for that consortium's research groups, not for Erasmus in general, and submit a week before the stated deadline.
FAQ
Do I apply to the European Commission?
No. You apply directly to the consortium that runs the master's. The Commission publishes the catalogue and co-funds the programmes but does not process applications.
Is the scholarship automatic with admission?
For most programmes one application is considered for admission and for the scholarship track together, but each consortium sets its own rules, so confirm on the master's own page.