Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) programmes are among the most comprehensively funded scholarships in the world — full tuition, a monthly living allowance, and the chance to study across two or more countries within a single degree. On 16 July 2026, the European Commission announced 37 newly selected EMJM projects for the 2027 intake, adding to a catalogue that already covers well over 100 active programmes across nearly every academic discipline.
Here’s the thing to understand upfront: there’s no single Erasmus Mundus application or deadline. It’s a catalogue of independently run programmes, each with its own consortium, entry requirements, and timeline. This guide explains exactly how the system works, what the funding covers, and how to actually navigate it to find and apply for the right programme.
Quick Overview
| Funded by | European Union, via Erasmus+ |
| Programme type | Joint Master’s degree (60, 90, or 120 ECTS) |
| Duration | 1–2 academic years |
| Number of active programmes | Over 100, spanning nearly every discipline |
| Newly selected programmes for 2027 intake | 37, announced 16 July 2026 |
| Monthly living allowance | €1,400, for up to 24 months |
| Typical application window | October 2026 – January/February 2027, varies by programme |
How Erasmus Mundus Actually Works
Each EMJM is a joint degree delivered by a consortium of at least three universities in different countries, who together:
- Design a single, unified curriculum split across their institutions — for example, semester one at a Dutch university, semester two in Germany, and a thesis semester at a French or Scandinavian partner
- Set their own application deadlines, entry requirements, and selection committees — there is no central portal; you apply directly through each programme’s own website
- Award a joint, double, or multiple degree recognised by all participating universities
Unlike Chevening or Fulbright, Erasmus Mundus scholarships are merit-based only — there are no nationality quotas and no requirement to return to your home country afterward, which makes them accessible to applicants from virtually anywhere, including EU citizens.
What the Funding Covers
For students awarded a scholarship (not all admitted students necessarily receive full funding — check each programme’s scholarship quota):
- Full tuition/participation fee waiver — scholarship holders cannot be charged tuition or other mandatory participation costs
- Monthly living allowance of €1,400, for the duration of the programme, typically up to 24 months
- Travel and installation costs, contributing toward relocation and visa-related expenses
- Insurance coverage for the duration of study
Important nuance: scholarship quotas vary significantly by programme. Some fund only 2–3 international scholars per intake; others fund 15–20. This directly affects how competitive a given programme is, so check the specific scholarship quota on each programme’s own page before building your shortlist.
Eligibility Criteria
- Hold, or be about to complete, a Bachelor’s degree (or recognised equivalent) relevant to your target programme
- Meet the specific academic and language requirements set by your chosen programme — these vary significantly by consortium and field
- Be able to demonstrate strong motivation and fit with the specific programme’s focus and mobility structure
- Applicants of any nationality are eligible, including EU citizens
Because each programme sets its own detailed criteria — required prior coursework, language certificates, portfolio or work samples for some fields — always check the specific requirements on your target programme’s page rather than assuming general eligibility applies across all of them.
How to Find and Apply to the Right Programme
- Browse the official EMJM catalogue on the Erasmus+/EACEA website, filtering by discipline, country, and duration.
- Read each programme’s own website carefully. A programme’s name doesn’t always tell you what it actually covers — check the curriculum, partner universities, thesis/mobility options, and critically, the scholarship quota for international students.
- Shortlist 3 programmes — this is the maximum you’re generally permitted to apply to per cycle — chosen for genuine fit with your academic background and goals, not just prestige.
- Check each programme’s specific deadline. These vary — some close as early as November, others run into January or February, for a start the following September. There’s no substitute for checking each one directly.
- Prepare a programme-specific motivation letter for each application. On many programmes, the motivation letter alone can account for close to half your overall score — a generic letter reused across applications is a wasted opportunity. Name the consortium universities specifically, and explain why that particular mobility path and specialisation fits your goals.
- Line up strong reference letters, since these round out your file alongside transcripts and your motivation letter.
- Submit each application directly through the relevant programme’s own portal before its specific deadline.
- Selection. Most programmes score applicants on a roughly 100-point scale weighing transcripts, relevant experience, references, and motivation — sometimes followed by an interview for shortlisted candidates.
What’s New for the 2027 Intake
On 16 July 2026, the European Commission announced the selection of 37 new EMJM projects under the latest Erasmus+ call — spanning fields as varied as AI-assisted medical imaging, advanced microscopy, and structural design. These new programmes are expected to be added to the official catalogue and begin accepting applications in autumn 2026, for students starting in September 2027. If you’re researching now, it’s worth watching the catalogue for these new additions alongside the established programmes already running.
Key Dates
- New programme announcement: 16 July 2026 (37 new EMJM projects selected)
- Application windows generally open: October–November 2026
- Most deadlines fall between: November 2026 and January/February 2027
- Programme start: September 2027
Because deadlines are scattered by programme rather than fixed to one date, the practical rule is: identify your shortlist early, and track each programme’s specific deadline individually rather than assuming a single date applies across the board.
Official Resources
- Official EMJM catalogue: https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-plus/actions/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters_en
- Each programme maintains its own dedicated website with current deadlines, entry requirements, and application portals — search by programme name or browse the catalogue by field to find yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there one application for all Erasmus Mundus programmes? No — each programme is run independently by its own consortium, with its own application portal, deadline, and requirements. You apply directly to each one.
How many programmes can I apply to? Generally up to three per application cycle.
Does everyone admitted get the full scholarship? Not necessarily — scholarship quotas for international students vary by programme, from as few as 2–3 spots to 15–20, so admission and funding aren’t always guaranteed together. Check each programme’s specific quota.
Is this scholarship restricted by nationality? No — unlike some national scholarships, EMJM is merit-based and open to applicants from any country, including EU citizens.
How much weight does the motivation letter carry? On many programmes, it’s a substantial part of your overall score — sometimes close to half — so a tailored, programme-specific letter matters significantly more than a generic one.
When do most deadlines fall? Typically between November 2026 and January or February 2027 for a September 2027 start, though this varies by individual programme.
Don’t Wait on This One
Because strong applications require a genuinely tailored motivation letter per programme, solid reference letters, and — for many programmes — language or portfolio requirements that take time to prepare, the students who do best are the ones who start shortlisting programmes and drafting materials in late summer, well before the November–January deadline window opens in earnest.
Want expert guidance through the process? Our experienced student counsellors can help you shortlist the right EMJM programmes for your field and craft a standout, programme-specific motivation letter — reach out today.
Follow @stepbystepscholarshipguide for more fully funded scholarship breakdowns, deadlines, and step-by-step application guidance.
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