If a fully funded master’s degree in Europe is on your bucket list, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship (EMJMS) is one of the most respected routes to get there. Backed by the European Union and delivered through partnerships between top universities, it lets students from anywhere in the world study across two or more European countries — without paying a cent in tuition.
Here’s a complete breakdown of what the scholarship covers, who qualifies, what documents you’ll need, and exactly how to apply.
Quick Facts: Erasmus Mundus Scholarship at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host | European Commission |
| Study Destination | Europe (multiple countries per program) |
| Level | Master’s / Postgraduate |
| Eligible Applicants | All nationalities |
| Coverage | Full tuition, travel costs, visa fees, accommodation support |
| Stipend | Approx. €1,400 per month (living allowance) |
| Application Deadline | Varies by individual program |
What Is the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship?
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship is a flagship EU-funded program that supports high-achieving students pursuing a joint master’s degree delivered by a consortium of at least three higher education institutions in three different countries. At least two of those institutions must be based in EU member states or countries formally associated with the Erasmus+ Programme.
Because the degree is jointly designed and delivered, students typically study in two or more countries during the course of the program — gaining not just an internationally recognized qualification, but genuine cross-border academic and cultural experience. The scholarship component exists to make sure cost is never the reason a talented student misses out, and awards go to the strongest applicants worldwide based on merit.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Selected scholars receive comprehensive financial support, including:
- Full tuition fees for the entire duration of the program
- Travel costs to and from the student’s home country
- Installation and visa-related costs
- Accommodation support
- A monthly living allowance of roughly €1,400, paid throughout the scholarship period
The program itself typically runs for one to two academic years, depending on the specific joint master’s course chosen.
Am I Eligible? Erasmus Mundus Requirements
Eligibility is assessed both by the EU’s general scholarship criteria and by the specific program you apply to. In general, you’ll need to:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree, or be in your final year and set to graduate before the master’s program begins
- Provide an official academic transcript
- Meet the specific admission requirements of your chosen program (these vary by consortium)
- Satisfy the English language proficiency requirements set by the program
There is no strict minimum CGPA enforced across all programs, though competitive applicants generally have a strong academic record. Students with a second-class lower degree have been awarded the scholarship in the past, so don’t rule yourself out based on grades alone — program-specific requirements matter more than a blanket cutoff.
Documents You’ll Need to Apply
Get these ready before you start your application:
- Completed online application form
- Copy of your passport or national ID
- Statement of financial assets
- Research plan
- Study plan / statement of purpose
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- IELTS certificate or equivalent proof of English proficiency
Having these documents prepared in advance will save you time, since many programs have tight submission windows and won’t accept late uploads.
How to Apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
- Visit the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue on the European Union’s education portal.
- Browse the Programme Catalogue and choose a joint master’s program that matches your field of interest and career goals.
- Review the specific eligibility and document requirements for that program — these can differ significantly between consortia.
- Submit your application along with all required supporting documents.
- Wait for screening results. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview, depending on the program.
- Successful applicants are notified by email following the final review and interview stage.
Because deadlines and exact procedures vary by program, always check the individual course page for the most current dates rather than relying on a general timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the minimum CGPA needed for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship? There isn’t a single universal minimum, but many successful applicants have solid academic records. Some past scholars have been admitted with a second-class lower degree, so it’s worth applying even if your GPA isn’t perfect — check the specific program’s stated requirements.
Is there an age limit for Erasmus Mundus? No. There’s no minimum or maximum age restriction, though applicants are generally expected to be at least 16 or older, in line with standard master’s admission norms.
Do I need IELTS to apply? Not always. Many programs accept a letter of English proficiency from your undergraduate institution instead, particularly if you studied in English. That said, submitting a recognized English test score can strengthen your overall application score.
Can I work while on the scholarship? Yes. Erasmus Mundus scholars are generally permitted to work part-time alongside their studies to supplement their living stipend.
Which European country hosts the most Erasmus students? Spain consistently receives the highest number of Erasmus students, with Germany close behind as the second most popular destination.
Is Erasmus Mundus only for master’s students? Yes — the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s is specifically a two-year (or shorter, depending on the program) postgraduate degree track.
Can Nigerian students apply? Absolutely. The scholarship is open globally, and applicants from Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Europe are eligible and regularly selected.
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship remains one of the strongest fully funded pathways into European higher education — combining a prestigious multi-country degree with real financial coverage for tuition, travel, and living costs. Since deadlines and eligibility details differ by program, your best next step is to explore the official Programme Catalogue, shortlist two or three courses that fit your field, and start preparing your documents early.
Deadlines vary by program — always confirm exact dates on the official course page before applying.
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I have been willing to study abroad I will be very glad to further my education. I study mechanical engineering.