Are you planning to pursue a master's degree abroad but worried about tuition fees and living expenses? The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programme offers an opportunity for talented students from around the world to study through international university partnerships, with competitive scholarships available for selected candidates.
Funded by the European Union, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programmes bring together universities and other academic partners to deliver specialised postgraduate education. Depending on the programme, students may study in two or more countries, participate in research or internships, and earn a joint degree or multiple degrees.
Applications for programmes starting in 2027 are opening across Europe. Many programmes accept applications between October 2026 and January 2027, although exact deadlines and eligibility requirements differ.
For students interested in artificial intelligence, engineering, environmental science, public health, data science, social sciences and other disciplines, this is an opportunity worth exploring.
What Are Erasmus Mundus Scholarships?
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are international master's programmes designed and delivered by partnerships of higher education institutions.
Rather than completing an entire degree at a single university, students typically study at multiple participating institutions. The study locations and mobility arrangements depend on the programme.
The European Union supports these programmes through Erasmus+, and scholarships are available to highly ranked applicants from different countries.
The scholarships are competitive. Being eligible to apply does not guarantee funding, and not every Erasmus Mundus programme or student receives a scholarship.
Official programme website:
https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters
What Does an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Cover?
The exact funding package depends on the programme and the applicable scholarship conditions.
EU-funded Erasmus Mundus scholarships can provide support for the following expenses.
1. Tuition and participation costs
Scholarship recipients receive coverage for eligible programme participation costs under the scholarship terms. Students should check the official programme page for details about the funding arrangement.
2. Monthly living support
Scholarships can contribute towards everyday living expenses during the master's programme, including accommodation, food and local transportation.
The amount and payment arrangements should be confirmed with the individual programme. Do not assume that every programme offers an identical payment schedule.
3. Travel expenses
Scholarship funding can contribute towards travel costs associated with studying at participating universities in different countries.
The applicable conditions determine how this support is calculated and administered.
4. Visa-related costs
Financial support may also contribute towards visa expenses associated with international study, subject to the scholarship's conditions.
Students should still research the specific visa requirements and any costs not covered by the award.
Important funding note
Erasmus Mundus scholarships are highly attractive because they can substantially reduce the cost of international study. However, applicants should read the official funding terms for their chosen programme before making financial commitments.
Who Can Apply for Erasmus Mundus Scholarships 2027?
One of the programme's major advantages is its international reach. Applicants from countries around the world can apply, provided they satisfy the academic and programme-specific requirements.
1. A bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification
Applicants generally need to hold a first higher education degree, such as a bachelor's degree, or be in the final year of their bachelor's studies.
Students in their final year must graduate before the master's programme begins.
Some programmes may accept an officially recognised equivalent qualification. Applicants should check the specific admission rules of their chosen course.
2. A relevant academic background
The required degree depends on the master's programme.
For example, an AI or data science programme may require a background in computing, mathematics, engineering or a related field. A public policy or social sciences programme may accept applicants from a broader range of academic disciplines.
Review the entry requirements carefully before applying.
3. English-language proficiency
Many programmes require evidence of English-language proficiency, such as IELTS, TOEFL or an accepted alternative.
Some programmes may allow exemptions under specific conditions. These decisions are made according to the relevant programme's rules, not through one universal Erasmus Mundus language policy.
4. Strong academic and professional preparation
Selection procedures vary by programme, but applicants should prepare to demonstrate their academic ability, motivation and suitability for the course.
Relevant research, employment, internships, projects, publications and community involvement may strengthen an application when they align with the programme's objectives.
5. Compliance with scholarship conditions
Applicants must satisfy any additional conditions, including restrictions relating to previous Erasmus Mundus scholarships where applicable.
The chosen programme's website should be treated as the authoritative source for the complete eligibility checklist.
Which Subjects Are Available?
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters cover a wide range of academic disciplines. The catalogue changes as new programmes are selected and existing programmes evolve.
Potential areas of study include:
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Data science, cybersecurity and cloud computing
- Engineering and industrial innovation
- Environmental science and climate change
- Renewable energy and sustainability
- Public health and biomedical sciences
- Agriculture and food systems
- Law, governance and public policy
- Social sciences, education and humanities
- Space science and advanced materials
Not every subject is available in every application cycle. Applicants should search the official catalogue to identify active programmes that match their qualifications and career plans.
How to Find Erasmus Mundus Programmes for 2027
The first step is to identify programmes accepting applications for the 2027 intake.
Step 1: Visit the official Erasmus Mundus page
Start here:
https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters
This page explains how the programme works and provides access to the Erasmus Mundus catalogue.
Step 2: Search the programme catalogue
Filter or browse programmes according to your academic interests.
Review the degree title, participating universities, study locations, course structure and available scholarship information.
Do not rely solely on social media posts or third-party lists. Programme details and deadlines can change between academic years.
Step 3: Open each programme's official website
Every master's programme has its own admission process.
Its website should explain the required documents, academic background, language requirements, scholarship conditions and application deadline.
Step 4: Make a shortlist
Identify programmes that genuinely match your qualifications and goals.
Compare their requirements and deadlines in a spreadsheet or application tracker so you can manage multiple applications without missing important steps.
How to Apply for an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
The application process is managed by the university consortium running the selected master's programme. There is no single application deadline that applies to every programme.
Step 1: Select a suitable master's programme
Choose a programme that matches your academic background and intended career path.
Check whether scholarships are available for the 2027 intake and whether your intended course of study qualifies.
Step 2: Review the admission requirements
Confirm the required degree, minimum grades, language proficiency and any subject-specific prerequisites.
If the requirements are unclear, contact the programme coordinator using the official contact details provided on the programme website.
Step 3: Prepare your documents
Depending on the programme, you may need:
- A valid passport or accepted identity document
- Bachelor's degree certificate or proof of ongoing study
- Academic transcripts
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter or statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- English-language test results, if required
- Research, employment or internship evidence, where relevant
Some programmes request additional documents. Follow the exact checklist published by your chosen consortium.
Step 4: Write a strong motivation letter
Your motivation letter should explain why the programme fits your background and future goals.
Discuss relevant academic achievements, professional experience, research interests and the skills you hope to develop.
If the programme includes study in multiple countries, explain how its international structure supports your learning objectives.
Avoid generic statements about wanting to study in Europe. Use concrete examples that demonstrate your preparation and motivation.
Step 5: Submit the application online
Apply directly through the programme's official application portal.
Some programmes use a common application form for admission and scholarship consideration. Others may have additional requirements or separate stages.
Check whether your application automatically includes scholarship consideration or whether a separate action is required.
Step 6: Submit before the programme deadline
Many Erasmus Mundus programmes accepting students for September 2027 have application periods between October 2026 and January 2027.
However, deadlines vary. Some programmes may close earlier or later, and scholarship deadlines can differ from self-funded admission deadlines.
Submit all required documents before the exact deadline listed on the official programme website.
Step 7: Monitor your application
Check your email and application portal for requests for additional documents, interview invitations and admission decisions.
If selected, follow the instructions for accepting the offer, completing enrolment requirements and arranging your visa.
Important Dates for the 2027 Intake
| Application stage | Expected timing |
|---|---|
| Programme research and preparation | Autumn 2026 |
| Many scholarship application windows | October 2026–January 2027 |
| Programme-specific deadlines | Vary by consortium |
| Selection and admission decisions | Vary by programme |
| Courses begin | Generally during 2027, according to the academic calendar |
These are general planning windows, not a universal schedule. Always check the official website of each programme before relying on a date.
How to Improve Your Chances of Selection
Erasmus Mundus scholarships attract applicants from many countries, so a well-prepared application is essential.
Choose programmes strategically. Apply to courses that match your academic preparation instead of selecting programmes only because they advertise scholarships.
Show academic readiness. Highlight relevant coursework, research, projects and professional achievements.
Explain your international study goals. Demonstrate why the programme's structure and participating universities are important to your development.
Write a specific motivation letter. Connect your previous experience with the programme's content and your realistic career plans.
Choose appropriate referees. Ask academic or professional referees who can provide relevant examples of your abilities.
Prepare documents early. Allow enough time to request transcripts, recommendation letters and language-test results.
Follow every instruction. Missing a document or overlooking a programme-specific requirement can weaken an otherwise strong application.
Can You Apply Without IELTS?
Possibly. Erasmus Mundus does not have one universal IELTS requirement for all programmes.
Each consortium sets its own language requirements and decides which evidence is acceptable. Some programmes may accept other English-language tests or grant exemptions under defined conditions.
Before paying for a test, check the official requirements for your selected programmes and confirm whether an exemption is available to you.
Is Erasmus Mundus Available for Undergraduate Students?
No. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are postgraduate programmes intended for master's-level study.
Students seeking undergraduate scholarships should explore other opportunities offered by European universities, national governments and international funding programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Erasmus Mundus Scholarships 2027 open to all nationalities?
Applicants from around the world can apply, subject to the eligibility requirements of the chosen programme and scholarship.
2. Are all Erasmus Mundus programmes fully funded?
No. Scholarships are available for selected applicants and participating programmes. Check the official programme website to confirm whether scholarships are offered for the 2027 intake.
3. Is there one deadline for all Erasmus Mundus applications?
No. Each master's consortium sets its own deadline. Many applications are submitted between October and January, but applicants must confirm the exact date for their programme.
4. Can final-year bachelor's students apply?
Generally, yes. Applicants in their final year may apply if they can complete their degree before the master's programme begins and satisfy the programme's conditions.
5. Can I apply to multiple Erasmus Mundus programmes?
Applicants can generally apply to different programmes, subject to the relevant application and scholarship rules. Check the specific instructions for each programme and manage the deadlines carefully.
6. Where can I find the official programme catalogue?
Visit the European Commission's Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters page:
https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters
Use the catalogue link provided there to search for programmes and follow their official application instructions.
Final Thoughts
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships 2027 provide a valuable opportunity for students who want to pursue a master's degree through international university partnerships.
Depending on the programme and scholarship conditions, successful applicants can receive support for tuition or participation costs, living expenses, travel and visa-related costs.
The key to a strong application is choosing an appropriate programme, checking the eligibility requirements, preparing complete documents and submitting everything before the correct deadline.
Start your research early, use official university websites to verify details and apply only to programmes that match your academic background and long-term goals.
Official sources
- European Commission — Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters
- European Education Area — Erasmus Mundus programmes by subject: https://education.ec.europa.eu/study-in-europe/programmes-and-fields/programmes-by-theme
- European Education and Culture Executive Agency — Erasmus Mundus catalogue: https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-catalogue_en
Information checked on 29 October 2026 against official European Commission resources. Scholarship availability, programme lists, eligibility conditions and application deadlines vary by consortium and may change. Always verify the latest details on the individual programme's official website.