The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship is an Erasmus+ program. It is fully funded and allows students to pursue joint master’s programs in European countries. This scholarship covers tuition fees, travel costs, visa fees, and living expenses.
There are over 180 master’s programs eligible for the scholarship, including Georesources Engineering, Nuclear Applications, Public Policies, Data Science, Physiology, Medicine, Media, and Computer Vision, among others. Every year, about 90-100 students receive the scholarship worldwide.
The EMJMD Scholarship started with a budget of EUR 430 million for 2004-2008. Since then, the scholarship budget has increased to EUR 1 billion for 2021-2027. For the last two decades, the scholarship has funded more than 550 master’s projects, accumulated 9,764 participating institutions, and awarded 50,000+ students from over 140 countries.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship (EMJMD) 2026 – At a Glance
Characteristic | Details |
Commonly known as | Erasmus Mundus Scholarship / EMJMD Scholarship |
Offered by | European Union (EU) – Erasmus+ Program |
Budget | EUR 430 million (2004-2008) to EUR 1 billion (2021-2027) |
Eligibility | Open to students from all countries, especially non-EU countries. Must hold a relevant bachelor degree and meet specific program entry requirements. |
Program type | Joint master degrees in various fields including Engineering, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Business, and Humanities |
Type of degree awarded | Joint degree (issued by at least two institutions) OR Multiple degrees (minimum two certificates from two institutions) |
Funding coverage | Full tuition fees + travel costs + visa fees + monthly living allowance (EUR 1,000-1,200) + insurance. Awards may vary by program. |
Duration | 1 to 2 years (60, 90, or 120 ECTS credits) |
Selection criteria | Academic excellence, motivation, relevant experience, and capacity to contribute to the program |
Application process | Apply directly to the Erasmus Mundus joint master program through the consortium website. No separate scholarship application required. |
Application deadline | Vary by program; typically October to January for the following academic year |
Number of awards | Around 20,000 scholarships awarded annually across all programs; approximately 90-100 per specific program per year |
Acceptance rate | 2-5% per program – highly competitive |
Max programs per applicant | You can apply for up to three programs through the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship |
Partner institutions | Over 150 participating universities across Europe |
Top nationality of scholarship holders | India 6%, Brazil 5%, China 4%, Mexico 4%, Pakistan 4% |
Official website |
What is the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship (EMJMD)?
The EMJMD or Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship provides international students with an opportunity to pursue their higher education at leading universities across Europe. Unlike a regular master degree at one university in one city, the Erasmus Mundus program takes you to at least two European countries. At graduation, you receive a joint degree from several universities or a certificate from each.
The program is after the finest talent in the world. It is not about the country you are from. The scholarship is funded by the European Union as part of the Erasmus+ program and is one of the most prestigious – and most competitive – fully funded scholarship opportunities available to Indian students globally.
What are the Benefits of the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?
There is a significant range of benefits you can avail through the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. Depending on your application and the selection committee assessment, you may receive a full scholarship to study at the best-ranked universities in Europe.
Benefit | Details |
Full tuition fees | Complete tuition coverage for the joint master program across all partner universities |
Travel costs | International travel allowance for moving between the two or more program countries |
Visa fees | Visa costs covered – you do not pay for student visas to the European countries involved |
Monthly living allowance | EUR 1,000 to EUR 1,200 per month for living expenses. Over 24 months that totals EUR 24,000-28,800 in living support alone. |
Health insurance | Health insurance coverage throughout the program duration |
Multicultural academic experience | Study in at least two European countries; exposure to international networks; enhanced global employability |
Joint or multiple degree | Graduate with a joint degree (from at least two institutions) or multiple separate degree certificates |
EU alumni network | Access to Erasmus Mundus Alumni Association; lifelong professional network across Europe and 140+ countries |
Note: The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for students as it covers tuition fees and offers substantial benefits for studying in top European universities. However, competition for this scholarship is fierce, and only a small percentage of applicants receive it. If you do not secure this scholarship, you should be prepared to cover significant expenses, often running into several lakhs per year. This is why many students rely on low-interest education loans as their next best option.
If you do not receive the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, FundRight can help. Create an account, fill out your profile, and receive offers from 15 top banks and NBFCs in India and abroad within two days. Compare and choose the best loan. Approval in as little as 10 days. Apply on GradRight FundRight for Education Loan
Also Read: Top 10 Master’s Scholarships for Indian Students 2026
Eligibility Criteria for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship requires you to meet the following criteria:
- You must hold a bachelor degree OR must be in the final year of your bachelor studies OR must be graduating by the time your master program begins
- You may apply if you do not hold a bachelor degree but your higher education is at the equivalent level of learning with official recognition
- Your bachelor degree must align with the program specific requirements
- You must have strong academic records and a high GPA (aim for minimum 3.5/4.0 given the competitive nature of selection)
- You must be proficient in the English language and prove it through test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- Some programs also require relevant work experience
- You may also have to produce standardised test scores (GRE/GMAT) for some programs
- You must be a highly motivated individual and have the potential to contribute to your program
- Students from all countries are eligible, especially non-EU countries; no maximum age limit
Note: In general, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship does not impose age limitations on candidates. Applicants from any age group are eligible to apply as long as they meet other requirements stipulated for the program. Although specific programs under EMJMD may require work experience (indicating a minimum age requirement indirectly), there are no maximum age limits.
Important Documents for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
Document | Details |
Valid passport copy | To verify citizenship and nationality |
Degree certificates / academic transcripts | Bachelor degree certificate or equivalent qualification; official transcripts with GPA |
English language test results | IELTS, TOEFL, or other recognised test; verify minimum score required by your specific program |
Statement of Purpose (SOP) | Mentioning alignment of future goals and previous academic/professional experience with intended program; authentic, personal, specific |
Updated CV/Resume | Academic and work experience, relevant skills, and prior achievements in the format described below |
Letters of recommendation | From professional or academic references; 2-3 LORs required; must be positive, detailed, and speak to leadership and potential |
Research proposal | Required by some programs, especially research-intensive ones |
Portfolio | Required by some creative/design/architecture programs |
GRE/GMAT scores | Required by some programs; verify per program catalog |
How to Apply for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship
Here are the steps to apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship:
Step | Action |
Step 1 | Go to the official portal of Erasmus+ (erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu) |
Step 2 | Navigate to the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship page: Opportunities > Opportunities for Individuals > Students > Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees |
Step 3 | The previous step redirects you to the program catalog. This catalog contains over 180 programs. Explore the list and click on the program that interests you. |
Step 4 | Review all relevant information on the program detail page. Send your application to your program coordinator. Each program is offered in partnership with various institutions. If your intended program has an Indian partner institution, you can directly send the application to your consortium. |
Step 5 | Check the box to be considered for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship when filling the application form – there will typically be a checkbox asking if you want to be considered. Make sure you select this. |
Step 6 | Submit before deadline. Most programs open applications from October to January for the following academic year. You can apply for up to three programs. |
The application deadline for each program varies depending on the institute participating. Generally, applications for most programs open between October and January. So if you plan to apply for a program starting in 2026, you must apply by January 2026. Every year, Erasmus+ adds a new batch of master degrees to the scholarship – check the official catalog for the most current list.
Also Read: Difference Between Scholarships and Fellowships: What to Choose?
Selection Criteria for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
The selection process for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship includes academic evaluation and an interview. Here are the major factors the selection committee uses to assess your application:
Factor | What the Committee Looks For |
Academic excellence | Excellent academic background with high GPA and relevant achievements. Some programs require a bachelor degree in subjects relevant to the master degree. Read entry requirements carefully. |
Motivation | Demonstrated through your personal statements or SOPs. Outline the details of your intended program and its alignment with your previous education, aspirations, and future career goals. |
Potential | Highly motivated individuals who exhibit potential to contribute to the program. Demonstrate leadership skills, commitment to the program and to contributing to society, cultural awareness, and ability to thrive in a diverse environment. |
Language proficiency | Proof of command over English language. Score well on IELTS, TOEFL, etc. The selection committee seeks proficient individuals. |
Research proposal (where required) | Clarity of research direction, feasibility, and alignment with the program research focus |
How Competitive is the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?
Since 2004, almost 50,000 students have participated in the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. The majority of scholarship holders come from India (6%), Brazil (5%), China (4%), Mexico (4%), and Pakistan (4%).
Every year, about 500 students across the globe apply for EMJMD scholarships per program. Due to the high level of competition and a 2-5% acceptance rate, only about 90-100 students receive the scholarship per program annually. The selection criteria for the scholarship are rigorous, making competition stiff for candidates.
Statistic | Number |
Total scholarship budget 2021-2027 | EUR 1 billion |
Master projects funded since 2004 | 550+ |
Participating institutions worldwide | 9,764 |
Students awarded since 2004 | 50,000+ from 140+ countries |
Eligible programs in catalog | 180+ |
Awards annually (all programs) | Approximately 20,000 |
Awards per specific program per year | Approximately 90-100 |
Acceptance rate per program | 2-5% |
Indian students – share of scholarship holders | 6% (largest single nationality group) |
Maximum programs you can apply to | 3 |
How to Win the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship: Tips from the Selection Process
Being good in just one area – academic, extracurricular, or professional – is not enough to win the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. Here are tips to increase your chances:
- Work on scoring a high GPA. While having an excellent academic record is not the only requirement, it is a significant one. On a 4.0 scale, aim for at least 3.5.
- Demonstrate leadership potential, global perspectives, motivation for the betterment of society, and adaptability in diverse environments through your application and interview.
- Your Statement of Purpose (SOP) is crucial. Adhere to the SOP guidelines provided by your program. Be authentic, share your personal learnings and experiences, and show how all these experiences brought you to the program. Highlight relevant achievements.
- The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship requires 2-3 letters of recommendation. Ensure you are well acquainted with your professors or work leaders who write the recommendations. Letters must provide positive and detailed endorsement and show your leadership skills.
- Your CV must be well-structured, precise, and add value to your application. Use the format outlined below.
- It is never too early to begin preparing. From transcripts and language certificates to your motivation letter and CV, Erasmus Mundus programs require a detailed and complete application.
- Some Erasmus Mundus programs require more than just documents – they may ask for a test, writing sample, or portfolio. Read the requirements of your specific program carefully.
- Apply to three programs (the maximum allowed). Spreading your applications maximises your chances given the 2-5% acceptance rate per program.
How to Write a CV for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
Erasmus+ does not mention any specific format for the CV. However, the following structure makes your resume stand out:
CV Section | What to Include |
Personal information | Full name; nationality; contact details; proficiency in relevant languages |
Educational qualification | List qualifications in reverse chronological order (latest first). Include graduation dates, affiliated institutions, degrees/certificates earned. Highlight relevant achievements and coursework. |
Work experience | List in reverse chronological order. Include voluntary work, internships, and jobs. Highlight research, project management, or role-specific skills. Mention relevant achievements. |
Skills and extracurriculars | Technical or software tools relevant to your program. Community organisations or student clubs to highlight leadership, initiative, and global awareness. |
References | Mention academic or professional references on your CV (in addition to providing separate recommendation letters). Use high-authority figures who can vouch for your eligibility. |
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