Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded Masters in Europe

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) Scholarship is a prestigious and highly competitive European Union-funded program designed to support international students (including Nigerian and other African students) to pursue master’s degrees across multiple European universities. These programmes are co-created by two or more institutions across different countries, giving scholars a truly international education experience.

For the 2026 intake, the EMJM scholarship offers:

• Full tuition coverage

• A monthly stipend (usually between €1,000 and €1,400) to cover living expenses.

• Travel allowance to support mobility between study locations.

• Health insurance for the duration of the program.

• Opportunity to study in at least two European countries with degree awarded either as a joint or multiple degree.

This scholarship is ideal for high-achieving students who want to build cross-cultural experience, expand professional networks, and enhance their academic profile through rich, multinational master’s programs.

   Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, applicants generally need to satisfy these conditions:

1. Academic Qualification:

   • A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.

   • Some programs may allow final-year students, provided they graduate before the master’s starts.

2. Language Proficiency:

   • Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or sometimes Duolingo).

   • For some programs, knowledge of another European language may be required depending on the consortium.

3. Nationality / Country of Origin:

   • Open to students from all nationalities, though some programs have geographic priorities or quotas.

4. Previous Scholarship Recipients:

   • Applicants who have already held an EMJM scholarship may not be eligible again.

5. Application Limits:

   • Some sources suggest you can apply up to three EMJM programs in one cycle.

   • However, there is debate:

     “There is no limit … I applied to 8 different programs.” Reddit

   Scholarship Benefits in Detail

Here’s a breakdown of the financial support typically provided:

• Tuition Fees: Covered in full for the duration of the master’s programme.

• Monthly Stipend: Usually around €1,000–€1,400 to cover accommodation, meals, and local transport.

• Travel Costs: Funding for travel between “study legs” in different countries, and return travel to home country.

• Installation Allowance: Some programs provide a one-time grant to help students settle in the first host country.

• Insurance: Health, accident, and personal liability insurance covered for scholarship holders.

• Degree Award: At the end, students may earn a joint degree (single diploma) or multiple degrees (from each partner university).

    Eligible Fields of Study

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programs cover a very wide range of disciplines. Some common areas include:

• Engineering, Computing & Technology

• Environment, Climate Science & Sustainable Development

• Economics, Business & Development Studies

• Public Health, Social Sciences & Education

• Policy, International Law & Security

• Rural Development & Agriculture

    Required Documents

When applying, you generally need to prepare and upload the following:

• Completed application form for your chosen EMJM program.

• CV / Resume (preferably in Europass format)

• Motivation letter explaining why you want to join the program, your career goals, and how you plan to contribute to your home country/region.

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates from previous studies.

• Two or more recommendation letters (academic or professional)

• Proof of language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)

• Copy of passport / ID document

Best Practice: Have all documents ready in PDF format, properly labeled, and translated into English if necessary.

    How to Apply

1. Browse the Erasmus Mundus Catalogue:

   • Visit the official EMJM catalogue to explore available master’s programs and their partners.

2. Select Programs:

   • Choose 2-3 programs that align with your academic background and career goals.

   • Pay close attention to program-specific deadlines.

3. Prepare Your Application Package:

   • Compose your CV, motivation letter, and collect academic documents.

   • Request reference letters early.

4. Submit Applications:

   • Apply through the master’s program’s portal (not via a central Erasmus website). Each program has its own application process.

5. Selection Process:

   • Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed. According to some, not all EMJM programs have interviews.

6. Acceptance:

   • If you’re awarded a scholarship, you’ll receive an official offer.

   • Start preparing for visa, housing, and other logistics for your mobility period.

    Important Deadlines

• Many EMJM scholarship applications open in October–November for the 2026 intake.

• Scholarship Deadlines: Vary by program but often fall between December 2025 and January 2026.

• Program Start Date: Most master’s programmes begin in September 2026.

    Why Apply for Erasmus Mundus?

• Global Recognition: EMJM degrees are awarded by a consortium of top European universities.

• Mobility: Study in two or more countries — enriching your academic and cultural experience.

• Fully Funded: Covers tuition, living costs, travel, and insurance  reducing financial burden.

• Network: Join an international network of students and alumni, opening doors to global career opportunities.

• Flexibility: Wide range of master’s programmes across disciplines and specializations.

   Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I apply if I already have a master’s degree?
Potentially, but many EMJM programmes target first-time master’s students. Always check the specific program requirements.

Q2: Are interviews mandatory?
Not always. Some EMJM programs conduct interviews, while others select applicants based on documents alone.

Q3: Can I apply to more than three programs?
Some sources limit to three, but others mention no strict cap:

“There is no limit … I applied to 8 different programs.”

Q4: Do I need to know German or another European language?
Not necessarily — many programmes are offered in English, but language requirements depend on the specific EMJM track.

Q5: Is work experience required?
No, work experience is not mandatory for many programmes, though it can strengthen an application.

   Application Tips

1. Start Early: Many EMJM deadlines fall early in the year — prepare your essays and documents well in advance.

2. Tailor Your Motivation Letter: Clearly explain why the specific joint master’s program, its participating countries, and mobility appeal to you.

3. Choose Strategically: Apply to 2-3 programs that align with your academic and professional goals, but don’t stretch yourself too thin.

4. Get Strong References: Ask professors or employers who know your work well and can speak to your international potential.

5. Prepare for Mobility: Be ready to live in multiple countries, adapt to different cultures, and manage logistics (visa, housing, travel).

• How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay

• Top Global Scholarships for Africans 2025/2026

• Study in Europe: Guide for African Students

• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Catalogue & Info  (official source for EMJM programs)

• Opportunities Circle: Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2026 — overview of benefits and application process Opportunities Circle

• ScholarshipTab: Erasmus GEM Scholarship 2026 — example of EMJM programme with detailed benefits