Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: Complete Guide, Benefits, and Application Tips

✦ Summary

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) is an EU-funded, Master’s-only scholarship that covers participation costs, including tuition, and pays about EUR 1,400 a month for up to 24 months (maximum EUR 33,600) to selected students. You apply directly to each programme’s consortium, for up to three programmes a year. In 2024, 2,603 scholarships went to students from 137 countries, 146 of them Indian. In July 2026, 37 new programmes were selected for September 2027.

Sharleen Kapoor

12 min read • Oct 9, 2026

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship is an Erasmus+ program. It is fully funded for selected students and allows them to pursue joint master’s programs in European countries. The scholarship covers participation costs (including tuition fees), a contribution to travel and visa costs, and a monthly living allowance. The official name is Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM); you may also see the older term “EMJMD”. It is awarded to selected students, not automatically to everyone admitted to a program.

There are around two hundred joint master’s programs in the current catalogue, in fields such as Georesources Engineering, Nuclear Applications, Public Policies, Data Science, Physiology, Medicine, Media, and Computer Vision, among others. The catalogue changes every year as new programs are added, and in July 2026 the European Commission selected 37 new Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, which will open for applications in autumn 2026 for a September 2027 start.

The Erasmus Mundus action started with a budget of EUR 430 million for 2004-2008, and around EUR 1 billion has been budgeted for 2021-2027. Almost 50,000 students, with and without an EU scholarship, have participated since 2004 (Erasmus+).

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship (EMJM) – At a Glance

Characteristic	Details
Commonly known as	Erasmus Mundus Scholarship / EMJM (formerly 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, including India. Must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree and meet specific program entry requirements.
Program type	Joint master’s degrees across fields including Engineering, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Business, and Humanities. Master’s level only – not available for undergraduate/bachelor’s study.
Type of degree awarded	Joint degree (issued by at least two institutions) OR multiple degrees (minimum two certificates from two institutions)
Funding coverage	Participation costs (including tuition and full insurance) + a contribution to travel, visa and installation costs + a monthly subsistence allowance of about EUR 1,400 for up to 24 months (maximum EUR 33,600). At some programs the travel and installation contribution is deducted from the monthly amount, so confirm the exact split with your consortium.
Duration	12 to 24 months (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 central scholarship application.
Application deadline	Varies by program; most fall between October and January for the following academic year, and some run into February
Awards	2,603 scholarships were awarded worldwide for the 2024 intake, to students from 137 countries. Scholarship quotas vary by program, so check each program’s own stated quota rather than assuming a fixed number.
Acceptance rate	Highly competitive, but rates vary significantly by specific program rather than following one fixed percentage – check individual program data where published
Max programs per applicant	Up to three programs per academic year (confirm in the current Erasmus+ guidance and in each program’s own rules)
Participating institutions	Higher education institutions from 140 countries took part as coordinators or full partners between 2004 and 2023
Top nationality of scholarship holders	India 6% (2,199 students), Brazil 5%, China 4%, Mexico 4%, Pakistan 4% (Erasmus+)
Official website	erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu and the Erasmus Mundus Catalogue on eacea.ec.europa.eu

What Is the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM)?

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) – previously also referred to as EMJMD – provides international students the opportunity to pursue postgraduate education at leading universities across Europe. It is Master’s-level only, not available for undergraduate study. Per current official guidance, an EMJM program involves at least three higher education institutions from three different countries, with students completing at least two study periods in two different countries. At graduation, you receive a joint degree from several universities, or a separate certificate from each.

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. India has been the largest source of scholarship holders since 2004, and 146 Indian students received scholarships for the 2024 intake (EU Delegation to India).

Benefits of the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

There’s a real range of benefits available through the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. Depending on your application and the selection committee’s assessment, you may receive a full scholarship to study at some of Europe’s best-ranked universities.

Benefit	Details
Full tuition fees	Complete coverage of tuition and other mandatory participation costs for the joint master’s program across all partner universities
Travel costs	Contribution to travel for moving between the two or more program countries
Visa fees	Visa costs are part of the scholarship contribution – you don’t pay for student visas to the European countries involved
Monthly living allowance	Approximately EUR 1,400/month for up to 24 months (current rate). Earlier cohorts under the previous programme period received lower amounts, and some programs deduct the travel and installation contribution from the monthly figure, so always confirm the exact figure with your specific consortium.
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 the Erasmus Mundus Alumni Association; a professional network spanning Europe and 140+ countries

Note: the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is a genuinely strong opportunity, but competition is fierce, and only a small percentage of applicants receive it. If you don’t secure it, expect to cover significant expenses, often running into several lakhs per year. This is why many students explore education loans as a backup plan.

If you don’t receive the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, GradRight can help. Create a profile, and get offers from 18+ lenders across India and abroad within two days. Compare and choose the best loan, with approval possible in as little as 10 days. Apply on GradRight for an Education Loan

Also read: Top 10 Master’s Scholarships for Indian Students 2026

Eligibility Criteria for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

You must hold a bachelor’s degree, OR be in the final year of your bachelor’s studies, OR be graduating by the time your master’s program begins.
You may still apply without a formal bachelor’s degree if your prior education is officially recognized as equivalent.
Your bachelor’s degree must align with the specific program’s requirements.
Strong academic records help, given the competitive nature of selection. There is no single GPA or percentage cutoff set by Erasmus Mundus itself, so check your target program’s stated academic expectations.
English language proficiency, proven through test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent).
Some programs also require relevant work experience.
Some programs may require standardized test scores (GRE/GMAT).
Students who have previously received an Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship are not eligible for another one.
You should be a highly motivated individual with the potential to contribute to your program.
Students from all countries are eligible. There’s no maximum age limit.

Note: the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship generally doesn’t impose age limitations. Applicants from any age group can apply as long as they meet other program requirements. Some programs may indirectly require a minimum age through their work-experience requirement, but there’s no maximum age cap.

Important Documents for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

Document	Details
Valid passport copy	To verify citizenship and nationality
Degree certificates / academic transcripts	Bachelor’s degree certificate or equivalent qualification; official transcripts with GPA
English language test results	IELTS, TOEFL, or other recognized test; verify the minimum score required by your specific program
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	Should align your future goals and prior academic/professional experience with your intended program; keep it authentic, personal, and specific
Updated CV/Resume	Academic and work experience, relevant skills, and prior achievements
Letters of recommendation	From academic or professional references; 2-3 LORs typically required, detailed and specific to your 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

Step	Action
1	Go to the official Erasmus+ portal (erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu).
2	Navigate to: Opportunities > Opportunities for Individuals > Students > Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees.
3	This redirects you to the program catalog, listing the currently funded Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programs across many fields. The list changes every year as new cohorts are added, so check the current catalog directly. Explore and click on programs that interest you.
4	Review the program detail page and send your application directly to your program coordinator/consortium. There is no central application portal.
5	Check the box to be considered for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship when filling out the application form – there’s typically a checkbox for this. Don’t skip it.
6	Submit before the deadline. Most programs open applications around October and close between January and February for the following academic year. You can apply to up to three programs in one academic year; confirm the current rule in the Erasmus+ guidance and each program’s own rules.

Application deadlines vary by participating institution, but generally fall between October and January. So if you’re targeting a 2027 program start, plan to apply by around January 2027, and check each program’s own date, since some close earlier or later. Erasmus+ also adds a new batch of eligible master’s programs to the catalog every year, so always check the official catalog for the current list rather than relying on an older one.

Also read: Difference Between Scholarships and Fellowships: What to Choose?

Selection Criteria for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

Factor	What the Committee Looks For
Academic excellence	A strong academic background with a high GPA and relevant achievements. Some programs require a bachelor’s degree in subjects relevant to the master’s program.
Motivation	Demonstrated through your SOP – outline how your intended program aligns with your prior education, aspirations, and career goals.
Potential	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 English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or similar.
Research proposal (where required)	Clarity of research direction, feasibility, and alignment with the program’s research focus.

How Competitive Is the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

Almost 50,000 students have participated in Erasmus Mundus since 2004, more than 34,000 of them with an EU scholarship. The largest shares of scholarship holders come from India (6%), Brazil (5%), China (4%), Mexico (4%), and Pakistan (4%).

The number of applicants and acceptance rate both vary significantly by specific program – some receive far more applications than others, and scholarship quotas differ program to program. Check the specific program’s own published data where available, rather than relying on one figure across all programs combined. Selection criteria are rigorous across the board, making competition genuinely stiff.

Statistic	Number
Total scholarship budget 2021-2027	EUR 1 billion
Students who have participated since 2004	Almost 50,000 (over 34,000 with a scholarship, about 13,000 without)
Scholarships awarded for the 2024 intake	2,603, to students from 137 countries
Indian scholarship holders	2,199 between 2004 and 2023 (6%, the largest single nationality group); 146 in 2024
Master’s programs funded 2004-2023	585 projects, covering 349 unique Master’s programs
Acceptance rate per program	Varies significantly by program – check individual program data
Maximum programs you can apply to	3 per academic year

Sources: Erasmus+ – 20 years of Erasmus Mundus in figures and the EU Delegation to India.

How to Win the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

Being strong in just one area, academic, extracurricular, or professional, generally isn’t enough. Here’s what genuinely helps improve your chances:

Work on scoring a strong, consistent GPA. It’s not the only requirement, but it’s a significant one – check your specific target program’s stated academic expectations rather than assuming a single universal cutoff applies.
Demonstrate leadership potential, global perspective, motivation for social impact, and adaptability across diverse environments, in both your application and any interview.
Take your Statement of Purpose seriously. Follow your program’s specific SOP guidelines, be authentic, share genuine experiences, and clearly connect them to why you’re applying.
The scholarship typically requires 2-3 letters of recommendation. Make sure your recommenders know you well enough to write a detailed, specific, positive letter.
Structure your CV precisely, using a format that adds real value to your application (see below).
Start early. Transcripts, language certificates, your motivation letter, and your CV all take real time to prepare well.
Some programs ask for more than documents, like a test, writing sample, or portfolio. Read your specific program’s requirements carefully.
Consider applying to more than one program (up to three in an academic year) – spreading your applications can improve your overall odds, since acceptance rates vary significantly by program.

How to Write a CV for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

Erasmus+ doesn’t mandate a specific CV format, but this structure works well:

CV Section	What to Include
Personal information	Full name, nationality, contact details, proficiency in relevant languages
Educational qualification	Reverse chronological order (latest first): graduation dates, institutions, degrees/certificates earned, relevant achievements and coursework
Work experience	Reverse chronological order, including voluntary work, internships, and jobs; highlight research, project management, or role-specific skills
Skills and extracurriculars	Technical/software tools relevant to your program; community organizations or clubs that show leadership and global awareness
References	Academic or professional references, alongside your separate recommendation letters

GradRight helps you shortlist European universities and programs that fit your profile across 15,000+ on-campus programs at 200+ universities. Free and AI-powered. Find your program on GradRight

Build a Backup Funding Plan Alongside Your Application

Apply for Erasmus Mundus, but don’t wait on results before exploring financing. GradRight lets you compare loan offers from 18+ lenders in one place, so you’re ready either way. Start your free profile on GradRight.

Tags:

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship?

Students from all over the world can apply. You need a relevant bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and English proficiency, and you must not have received an Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship before. Individual programs may add specific requirements, such as work experience or a research proposal.

Is it hard to get an Erasmus Mundus scholarship?

Yes – it’s genuinely competitive, though acceptance rates vary significantly by specific program rather than following one fixed percentage. Only 2,603 scholarships were awarded worldwide for the 2024 intake. The selection committee looks for highly motivated candidates with strong academic and professional backgrounds.

What GPA do you need for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship?

Requirements vary by program, so check your specific target program’s stated academic expectations rather than assuming one universal GPA cutoff applies across all Erasmus Mundus programs.

How much money do Erasmus Mundus students get?

The exact amount varies by program, but the scholarship generally covers participation costs including tuition and insurance, plus a monthly subsistence allowance of about EUR 1,400 for up to 24 months, which is EUR 33,600 over a full 24-month program. Some programs deduct an optional travel and installation contribution from the monthly amount, and earlier cohorts received different figures, so confirm the details with your target program.

How many programs can I apply for through the Erasmus Mundus scholarship?

You can apply for up to three Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programs in one academic year. Check the current Erasmus+ guidance and each program’s own rules before you apply.

Is Erasmus Mundus available for undergraduate/bachelor’s study?

No – the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) is Master’s-level only. You need a bachelor’s degree, or to be in your final year with graduation before the program starts, to be eligible.