For students who want to earn a master’s degree in Europe while experiencing more than one university and country, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships 2027–2028 are an opportunity worth preparing for now.
Unlike a conventional master’s degree where you normally remain at one university, an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master is built around an international consortium of universities. Depending on the programme, students may study in different countries, follow different parts of the curriculum at partner universities, and graduate with a joint or multiple degree. The official Erasmus+ programme explains that each master’s has its own participating universities, admission requirements and application procedure.
There is also a particularly relevant update for the upcoming intake. In July 2026, the European Commission announced the selection of 37 new Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters. These new programmes are expected to open applications in autumn 2026 for students starting their studies in September 2027. EU-funded full scholarships will be available in the selected programmes.
For students targeting the 2027–2028 academic year, this means the time to start researching programmes is now—not when the deadline is only a few weeks away.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships 2027–2028 at a Glance
Scholarship: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM)
Study level: Master’s
Study destination: Europe and, depending on the programme, partner locations outside Europe
Duration: Usually 1–2 years, depending on the programme
Eligibility: Students from around the world, subject to individual programme requirements
Scholarship: EU-funded scholarships are available for selected students
Expected application period: Most programmes accept applications between October and January
Expected start of new 2027 programmes: September 2027
Application method: Directly through the individual Erasmus Mundus master’s programme
There is no single application deadline for all Erasmus Mundus programmes. The European Commission states that students should generally apply between October and January for programmes beginning in the following academic year, but each master’s consortium sets its own deadline.
What Is an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master?
An Erasmus Mundus Joint Master is an integrated master’s programme developed and delivered by an international partnership of higher education institutions.
An Erasmus Mundus consortium involves at least three higher education institutions from three different countries, with at least two institutions from EU Member States or countries associated with Erasmus+.
The structure is what makes these programmes different.
Instead of applying to a single university and completing the entire degree there, you may follow different parts of the programme at different partner institutions. Your study route depends on the particular master’s you choose.
Some programmes are highly interdisciplinary, while others focus on a specific professional or research field.
The degree itself can also take different forms. According to the European Commission, graduates may receive either a joint degree issued on behalf of at least two higher education institutions or multiple degrees issued by two or more institutions in the consortium.
Why Do Students Choose Erasmus Mundus?
The appeal of Erasmus Mundus is not limited to the scholarship.
The programme structure gives students the chance to experience different academic environments while completing one master’s degree.
Depending on the programme, students may benefit from:
- Studying at more than one university
- Living in different European countries
- Learning alongside an international student cohort
- Accessing expertise from several universities
- International research and academic collaboration
- Internships, projects or fieldwork in some programmes
- Building a professional network across countries
The exact experience depends on the master’s programme, so applicants should read the mobility and curriculum information before applying.
Are Erasmus Mundus Scholarships Fully Funded?
Selected Erasmus Mundus students can receive EU-funded scholarships that provide substantial financial support during the master’s programme.
The current Erasmus+ framework lists an individual scholarship contribution of €1,400 per month for a maximum of 24 months. The official Erasmus+ information for Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters also confirms that EU funding is used to provide competitive scholarships to students worldwide.
That means the maximum scholarship contribution under the current framework can reach €33,600 over 24 months, where the full 24-month scholarship period applies.
However, applicants should not treat €33,600 as a guaranteed payment for every Erasmus Mundus programme. The scholarship duration and programme-specific arrangements depend on the individual master’s.
Always read the funding information published by the consortium you are applying to.
What Does the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Cover?
Erasmus Mundus scholarship funding is designed to contribute toward the costs associated with participating in the master’s programme.
Depending on the programme and applicable funding rules, support can cover areas such as:
- Participation costs
- Travel
- Living expenses
- Other eligible costs connected with the scholarship
The exact financial arrangement should always be checked on the official website of your selected Erasmus Mundus programme.
This is particularly important because not every student admitted to an Erasmus Mundus master’s necessarily receives an Erasmus Mundus scholarship. A programme can also have students who are admitted without an EU-funded scholarship.
Who Can Apply for Erasmus Mundus Scholarships?
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are open to students from around the world, provided they meet the requirements of the programme they choose.
The general Erasmus+ requirement is that applicants should have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent first degree, or be in the final year of their bachelor’s studies and graduate before the master’s programme begins. An officially recognised equivalent level of learning can also qualify under the applicable rules.
There is no general requirement that applicants must be European citizens.
However, each master’s programme can have additional academic, language or professional requirements. Your eligibility therefore needs to be checked against the specific programme rather than Erasmus Mundus in general.
Can Final-Year Bachelor’s Students Apply?
Yes.
You can apply while you are still completing your bachelor’s degree if you will graduate before the Erasmus Mundus programme starts.
The European Commission specifically states that final-year bachelor’s students can apply, provided they graduate before the master’s programme begins.
You will normally need to provide the required evidence of your current study status and expected graduation date.
What Are the Academic Requirements?
There is no universal academic background requirement for all Erasmus Mundus programmes.
Each consortium determines the academic profile it is looking for.
For example, one master’s may accept applicants from political science, international relations and related social sciences, while another may require a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, economics or another specific field.
Before preparing your application, check whether your bachelor’s degree is considered relevant.
A strong academic match can also make it easier to explain your motivation for choosing the programme.
Do You Need IELTS for Erasmus Mundus?
There is no single IELTS requirement for all Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters.
Language requirements are set by individual programmes.
Many programmes are taught in English and may ask for evidence of English proficiency. Depending on the programme, accepted evidence may include IELTS, TOEFL, another recognised language test, or an exemption under specific circumstances.
Do not rely on a general statement such as “Erasmus Mundus requires IELTS” or “Erasmus Mundus does not require IELTS.”
Check the language requirements on the official website of the master’s you are applying to.
What Documents Are Required for Erasmus Mundus?
The required documents vary from one programme to another, but applicants should normally be prepared for several common requirements.
These can include:
- Passport or identity document
- Bachelor’s degree or proof of expected graduation
- Academic transcripts
- Curriculum vitae
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters
- Language certificate, where required
- Academic or research statement, where required
- Proof of relevant experience, where required
- Additional programme-specific documents
Some programmes may ask for a research proposal, portfolio, writing sample or other material.
This is why you should not prepare one application package blindly. Start with the official requirements of your selected programme and build your documents around them.
How to Find Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters for 2027–2028
The best place to begin is the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue.
The European Commission explains that a new batch of selected Erasmus Mundus master’s programmes is added to the list each year. Individual programme websites then provide the details students need, including participating universities, entry requirements and application procedures.
Official Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters information
When searching the catalogue, do not choose a programme simply because it says “fully funded.”
Look at:
- Programme subject
- Participating universities
- Countries included in the mobility route
- Academic requirements
- Language requirements
- Programme duration
- Scholarship availability
- Application deadline
- Required documents
- Career or research orientation
The right programme is one that makes sense for your academic background and future plans.
What New Erasmus Mundus Programmes Are Coming for 2027?
This is one of the most useful updates for students preparing now.
The European Commission announced on 16 July 2026 that 37 new Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters had been selected under the latest Erasmus+ call.
The new programmes cover areas including medical image analysis, semiconductor technology, artificial intelligence, law and data, environmental remediation, infectious diseases and other specialised fields. They are expected to be added to the Erasmus Mundus catalogue and open applications in autumn 2026 for programmes starting in September 2027.
European Commission announcement on the 37 new Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
This is especially relevant for students who have not yet found a suitable programme in the existing catalogue. Some of the new programmes may match fields that were not previously represented in exactly the same way.
How to Apply for Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships 2027–2028
One important thing to understand before applying is that there is no single central application form for every Erasmus Mundus master’s.
You apply directly to the individual Erasmus Mundus Joint Master you want to study.
The European Commission states that each master’s website contains information about its programme, participating universities, entry requirements and application process.
The process usually looks like this:
Step 1: Search the Official Erasmus Mundus Catalogue
Start by identifying master’s programmes related to your academic background.
Make a shortlist rather than applying randomly.
Step 2: Visit the Programme Website
Once you find a suitable programme, go to its official website.
Read the admission requirements carefully.
This is where you will find the actual deadline and the documents required for that particular master’s.
Step 3: Check Your Academic Eligibility
Make sure your bachelor’s degree and previous coursework meet the programme’s requirements.
If the programme specifies particular subjects or credits, compare those requirements with your transcript.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Start collecting your transcript, degree certificate, CV, passport, recommendation letters and language certificate if required.
If you are still studying, obtain the appropriate proof of expected graduation.
Step 5: Write a Programme-Specific Motivation Letter
Do not send the same generic motivation letter to every Erasmus Mundus programme.
Your letter should explain why that particular master’s fits your academic background and what you intend to do with the knowledge and experience you will gain.
Mention specific features of the programme only when they genuinely connect with your goals.
Step 6: Submit the Application
Follow the instructions provided by the programme consortium and submit your application before its stated deadline.
Some programmes have separate scholarship-related questions or sections, while others automatically consider eligible applicants for available scholarships.
Read the programme instructions carefully.
Step 7: Monitor Your Application
After submitting your application, monitor your email and application account for updates.
The consortium may contact shortlisted applicants or request additional information depending on its selection process.
When Is the Erasmus Mundus 2027–2028 Application Deadline?
There is no single deadline for all Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters.
The European Commission states that in most cases, applications are submitted between October and January for programmes beginning in the following academic year.
For the 2027–2028 intake, this means many applicants should expect application deadlines between autumn 2026 and early 2027.
However, the exact date belongs to the individual programme.
Some programmes may close applications earlier or later than the general October–January period.
For this reason, the programme website should always be treated as the final source for its deadline.
When Should You Start Preparing for Erasmus Mundus 2027–2028?
If you are targeting September 2027, waiting until applications open is not a good preparation strategy.
A better approach is to work backwards from the expected application period.
Now: Research fields and programmes.
Before autumn 2026: Shortlist programmes and check academic eligibility.
Before applications open: Prepare your CV, transcripts, passport and recommendation strategy.
Autumn 2026: Monitor newly selected programmes and their application announcements.
October 2026 onward: Submit applications according to each programme’s deadline.
The European Commission has already confirmed that the newly selected 2027 programmes are expected to open applications in autumn 2026.
How Competitive Are Erasmus Mundus Scholarships?
Erasmus Mundus scholarships attract applicants internationally, while the number of scholarship places varies by programme.
Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements therefore does not automatically mean that an applicant will receive a scholarship.
The selection criteria are established by each Erasmus Mundus consortium.
Applicants should therefore focus on presenting a clear and convincing academic profile rather than trying to follow one supposed “winning formula.”
Important parts of an application can include:
- Academic performance
- Relevant academic background
- Research experience
- Professional experience, where relevant
- Motivation
- Recommendation letters
- Language proficiency
- Fit with the programme
The importance of each factor depends on the individual master’s.
Does Erasmus Mundus Require Work Experience?
Not necessarily.
There is no universal Erasmus Mundus requirement that every applicant must have professional experience.
Some programmes may require or prefer relevant work experience, while others focus primarily on academic preparation.
The programme’s own eligibility criteria should therefore be your reference.
If work experience is not listed as a requirement, recent bachelor’s graduates should still consider applying if they meet the academic criteria.
Can Students from Outside Europe Apply?
Yes.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are designed for international participation, and applicants from outside Europe can apply if they meet the relevant programme requirements.
The European Commission describes Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters as programmes available to students worldwide.
Your nationality alone does not determine whether you are eligible.
The programme’s academic, language and other admission conditions still apply.
Can Afghan Students Apply for Erasmus Mundus?
Afghan students can apply to Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters as international applicants if they meet the eligibility requirements of their chosen programme.
For applicants from Afghanistan, it is important to pay attention not only to academic eligibility but also to practical matters such as obtaining the necessary travel and residence documents after admission.
The Erasmus+ programme notes that participants may need visas or residence permits for periods spent abroad and recommends arranging the necessary authorisations well in advance.
What Makes a Strong Erasmus Mundus Application?
A strong application does not have to use complicated language.
What matters is that the application tells a convincing and consistent story.
Start with your academic background.
Then explain what you want to study and why the particular Erasmus Mundus programme is relevant.
After that, connect the programme with your future plans.
A useful way to think about the motivation letter is:
Your background → your academic interest → this specific programme → your future direction
The connection should feel natural.
For example, instead of simply writing that you “want to study in Europe because Europe has excellent universities,” explain what you want to learn and why the programme’s curriculum, mobility structure or research environment is relevant to that goal.
Common Erasmus Mundus Application Mistakes
Applicants often make avoidable mistakes when preparing their applications.
Choosing a programme only because it is fully funded: Funding matters, but academic fit should come first.
Using the same motivation letter everywhere: Each programme has a different curriculum and academic focus.
Ignoring the mobility structure: Understand where you will study and how the programme is organised.
Waiting until the deadline: Recommendation letters, language tests and official documents may take weeks to obtain.
Assuming every programme has the same requirements: Erasmus Mundus programmes are independently managed by different university consortia.
Using outdated information: New programmes are added each year, and requirements can change.
Confusing Erasmus+ exchange with Erasmus Mundus: They are related to the same EU programme but are not the same opportunity.
Erasmus Mundus vs Regular Erasmus Exchange
The two are often confused because they share the Erasmus name.
A regular Erasmus+ exchange usually involves a student who is already enrolled at a participating institution and spends part of their existing degree abroad.
An Erasmus Mundus Joint Master, on the other hand, is a complete master’s programme organised by a consortium of higher education institutions.
If you have completed or are about to complete your bachelor’s degree and are looking for a new master’s programme, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are the opportunity you should research.
Frequently Asked Questions About Erasmus Mundus Scholarships 2027–2028
Is Erasmus Mundus fully funded?
Selected Erasmus Mundus scholarship holders can receive EU-funded financial support. Under the current Erasmus+ framework, the individual scholarship contribution is €1,400 per month for a maximum of 24 months.
How much is the Erasmus Mundus scholarship?
The current EU funding framework provides an individual scholarship contribution of €1,400 per month for up to 24 months, subject to the applicable programme and scholarship rules.
Is Erasmus Mundus available for bachelor’s students?
No. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are master’s-level programmes. Applicants normally need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, or must be in their final year and graduate before the programme starts.
Do I need IELTS for Erasmus Mundus?
Not necessarily. Language requirements differ between programmes. Check the official website of the master’s programme you want to apply to.
Can I apply to more than one Erasmus Mundus programme?
Applicants can apply according to the rules of the programmes they select. Since each master’s consortium manages its own admissions process, check the individual programme’s application rules.
When do Erasmus Mundus applications open?
Most applications are submitted between October and January for programmes starting the following academic year. For the 2027–2028 intake, the 37 newly selected programmes are expected to begin opening applications in autumn 2026.
Is there one Erasmus Mundus application portal?
No. Students apply directly to the individual Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programme. Each programme provides its own application instructions.
Can non-EU students apply for Erasmus Mundus?
Yes. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are open to students worldwide, subject to the requirements of the individual programme.
Can I study in several European countries?
Many Erasmus Mundus programmes include mobility between partner institutions in different countries, but the exact mobility route depends on the programme you choose.
Official Erasmus Mundus Resources
Before submitting an application, always check the official European Commission sources and the website of your chosen master’s programme.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters – Official Erasmus+ Information
Erasmus Mundus – Official European Commission Update on New 2027 Programmes
Final Thoughts on Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships 2027–2028
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships 2027–2028 are more than a conventional scholarship to study abroad. The programmes are built around international university partnerships, meaning your master’s experience can involve different universities, countries, academic environments and research communities.
For students preparing for the 2027–2028 intake, the timing is particularly important. The European Commission has already announced 37 new Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters that are expected to open applications in autumn 2026 for programmes beginning in September 2027.
The best place to start is not by looking for a generic “Erasmus Mundus application form.” Start by identifying programmes that genuinely match your academic background and future plans.
Once you find those programmes, read their individual requirements, prepare your documents early, and follow the application instructions published by the consortium.
For the latest deadlines and available programmes, always return to the official Erasmus+ information and the individual master’s website before submitting an application.
