The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees (EMJMD) are high-level, integrated, and internationally delivered programmes funded by the European Union under Erasmus+.
They involve consortia of at least three universities—two of which must be based in Programme Countries (EU and associated nations)—offering joint or multiple master’s qualifications.
These programmes aim to foster academic excellence, international collaboration, and enhanced employability.
Program Structure and Academic Format
EMJMD programmes typically span 60, 90, or 120 ECTS credits, equivalent to one to two years of full-time postgraduate study. The curriculum is jointly delivered across multiple institutions, often requiring students to spend semesters in different countries.
Upon completion, students receive either a joint degree (single credential endorsed by consortium universities) or multiple degrees (certificates issued separately by two or more partner universities).
These programmes are designed for full-time study and involve structured mobility periods across participating institutions.
Eligibility and Candidate Requirements
Eligibility standards are defined at two levels:
General Erasmus+ Requirements: Applicants must hold or expect a bachelor’s degree before the start of the programme. Both EU and non-EU candidates may apply; there is typically no strict age limit. Language requirements vary (e.g., IELTS ≥ 6.5), and prior EMJMD funding disqualifies applicants ().
Consortium-Specific Eligibility: Individual programmes may require relevant prior experience or specific academic backgrounds (e.g., PHID requires 180 ECTS and two years’ human rights-related experience) ().
Scholarship Coverage and Financial Benefits
EMJMD scholarships are comprehensive and designed to eliminate financial barriers:
Tuition and participation costs: Fully covered against standard fees; private candidates set different rates ().
Monthly living stipend: Typically ranges from €1,000 to €1,400 per month, depending on the programme (€1,400/month over 24 months maximum) ().
Travel and installation grants: Fixed lump sums for ERASMUS+ living region grants—generally €1,000 to €3,000 per mobility period ().
Health insurance: European-wide coverage included as part of the scholarship ().
Optional allowances: Certain programmes may offer additional support for internships or research activities.
Programmes and Discipline Diversity
EMJMDs span more than 200 specialised programmes across science, engineering, arts, humanities, public health, and social sciences (). Examples include:
SpaceMaster: Space Science and Technology across institutions in Sweden, France, UK, Czechia, Finland ().
VIBOT: Computer Vision & Robotics between Spain, France, UK ().
AstroMundus: Astronomy and Astrophysics across Austria, Italy, Germany, Serbia ().
Application Process and Workflow
The standard application process involves the following steps:
Consult the EMJMD catalogue via the official Erasmus+ site to identify programmes ().
Select up to three programmes to diversify admission chances ().
Visit programme websites to confirm eligibility, additional entry requirements, and deadlines (usually October–January) ().
Prepare application materials: curriculum vitae, transcripts, motivation letter, reference letters, language test results, and program-specific documents ().
Submit online via the programme’s portal, often combined admission and Erasmus Mundus scholarship forms ().
Selection procedure: may include eligibility checks, academic evaluation, and sometimes interviews ().
Notification: Typically between April to June for programmes starting the following academic year ().
Confirmation phase: Scholarship awardees must accept, register with each consortium university, apply for visas, and arrange travel and accommodation.
Selection Criteria
Consortia generally evaluate based on these core dimensions:
Academic performance: Grades or class ranking in relevant prior degrees ().
Relevance of experience: Research, work, or project involvement in the field of study ().
Motivation and coherence: Alignment of study goals with programme objectives, as demonstrated in the motivation letter ().
Recommendation quality: Letters that address both academic ability and personal competencies ().
Language proficiency: Verified via recognized English tests, often C1-level required ().
Timeline and Key Dates for 2025–2026 Intake
Catalogue released: September–October 2024 ().
Application window: October/November 2024 to January–March 2025, depending on programme ().
Selection results: April–June 2025 ().
Programme commencement: Typically starts September/October 2025.
Mobility Rules and Regional Requirements
Students must fulfill mobility mandates by studying at least two different countries (one EU/Programme Country and one partner country), excluding their country of residence. Partner-country students spending more than three months in Programme Countries may lose their monthly stipend for that period (). Programme-country students also face mobility limits regarding time spent in certain nations [oai_citation:1‡emhrpp.com](https://www.emhrpp.com/costs-and-scholarships?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
Responsibilities after Award and Pre-Departure Planning
Once selected, candidates are expected to:
Confirm acceptance and sign scholarship/student contracts.
Register with each university in the consortium.
Arrange visas/residence permits for all host countries.
Plan logistics: travel, accommodation, and insurance.
Begin mobility according to the programme’s schedule.
Outcomes, Recognition and Career Impact
EMJMD degrees carry international prestige and are valued by employers and academic institutions worldwide. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in research, public policy, international development, technology, and business. The programme’s multinational mobility experience enhances professional networks and intercultural competencies ().
Professional Preparation Tips
Focus on academic consistency: Ensure transcripts reflect high-achieving performance.
Align your statement: Clearly state how the programme aligns with your academic and career trajectory.
Choose referees wisely: Prefer referees with deep insight into your scholarship fit.
Gather language credentials early: Validate test scores well before deadlines.
Apply to multiple programmes: Select up to three EMJMDs to improve chances.
Apply Now
Explore the EMJMD catalogue and submit your application through the official portal:
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships present a fully funded, professionally rigorous pathway for exceptional international candidates.
With robust financial support, multi-nation learning experiences, and internationally recognized qualifications, EMJMDs align strongly with global academic and professional objectives.
By meeting eligibility criteria, carefully tailoring applications, and following pre-departure requirements, this scholarship offers a high-value opportunity for 2025–2026.