The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded program sponsored by the European Union that enables international students to pursue joint master's degrees at multiple universities across Europe.
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, travel expenses, insurance, and a monthly living stipend of up to €1,400 (~ INR 1.50 L) for a maximum duration of 24 months.
The most popular option under this program is the Erasmus Mundus masters scholarship, which is specifically designed for postgraduate students.
Who is Eligible for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?
The scholarship is a highly competitive program open to outstanding students from around the world.
To be eligible, applicants must hold, or be in the final year of obtaining, a bachelor's degree, satisfy the academic and language requirements of their chosen program, and must not have previously received an Erasmus scholarship.
Along with this, there are key criteria you must meet:
A. Academic Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
You must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution
You should have a strong academic record in your previous studies
Your degree should be relevant to the master’s program you choose
You must satisfy admission requirements of participating universities
Minimum 60–70% GPA or equivalent grade
The scholarship eligibility criteria strongly emphasize academic performance and readiness for international study.
B. Language and Skill Requirements
You may need proof of English proficiency such as IELTS or TOEFL
Some programs may require additional skills or subject-specific knowledge
Good communication and adaptability skills are important
C. Nationality Criteria
The scholarship is open to students from all countries
Both EU and non-EU students can apply
Selection is based on merit, not nationality
Who may not be eligible for the Scholarship?
You may not qualify under scholarship eligibility if:
You do not hold a valid bachelor’s degree
Your academic performance does not meet program standards
The Erasmus scholarship offers extensive financial support along with global academic exposure, making it one of the most comprehensive study opportunities in Europe. It covers not only tuition costs but also living, travel, and overall student well-being.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the benefits:
Category
What is Covered
Tuition & Fees
100% waiver of participation and tuition fees at all partner universities
Living Allowance
Monthly stipend of €1,000–€1,400 (INR 1.07 L– INR 1.50 L) to cover accommodation, food, and personal expenses
Travel & Installation
Financial support for airfare, visa costs, and initial settling expenses
Accommodation
Included within the monthly stipend and mobility support
Health Insurance
Full medical and health insurance for the entire program duration
This structured funding ensures that students can focus entirely on their studies without worrying about financial constraints.
Additional Benefits
Beyond financial support, the scholarship provides several unique academic and career advantages:
Mobility Experience: Study in 2–3 different European countries over the duration of the program
Global Network: Access to a strong international alumni network and industry connections
Prestigious Degrees: Earn a joint or multiple master’s degree from top European universities
Cultural Exposure: Experience diverse cultures, teaching styles, and academic systems
Career Opportunities: Build global skills that enhance employability across international markets
The scholarship is especially valuable because it combines academic excellence with international exposure, giving students a well-rounded and globally recognised education experience that goes far beyond traditional single-country programs.
The application for the scholarship is completed through individual program websites, where you can fill in your details, upload documents, and submit everything online in one place.
Here is the step-by-step procedure explaining how to apply:
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Visit the official Erasmus program catalogue and select a suitable course under the Erasmus Mundus masters scholarship that matches your academic background and career goals.
Step 2: Open Application Portal
Go to the selected program’s official website and access its application portal. Each course has its own system for submitting the scholarship application.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
Enter your personal, academic, and professional details carefully. You will also need to include your motivation and study plans as part of the application.
Step 4: Verify Your Details
Before proceeding, carefully review all the information and uploaded documents to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Accept the terms and conditions, review your form, and submit your application before the deadline to complete the process.
Documents Required for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
While applying for the Erasmus program, applicants must upload a set of documents to support their academic and professional profile.
Here is the complete list of documents commonly required under scholarship requirements:
Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL, if required)
Passport copy or valid ID proof
Note: Make sure all documents are clear, accurate, and aligned with your application details to avoid any issues during evaluation.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Deadline
The Erasmus program does not follow a single fixed deadline across all programs. Instead, the timeline depends on the specific course and intake cycle.
Below is how the application timeline generally works:
Application Opening: Applications typically open between October and November for courses commencing in the autumn of the following academic year.
Application Frequency: Applications are released once every year for each program.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by course consortium and generally fall between December and February, with most courses closing applications between December and January.
Program-Specific Timelines: Some programs may have slightly earlier or later deadlines, as each course sets its own application schedule.
Because of this structure, not all applicants will have the same application window. The timing and availability of the scholarship may vary depending on the program you choose.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Selection Process
The selection process for the scholarship is designed to identify candidates who demonstrate strong academic performance, motivation, and the ability to succeed in an international learning environment.
Below is the detailed step-by-step process involved in the selection of students:
Application Screening: All applications received are reviewed to verify whether candidates meet Erasmus scholarship eligibility and basic academic requirements.
Candidate Shortlisting: Applicants are shortlisted based on academic performance, relevant experience, and alignment with the chosen program.
Detailed Evaluation: Documents such as SOP, CV, and recommendations are carefully assessed to understand the applicant’s goals and profile strength.
Interview (if applicable): Some programs may conduct interviews to further evaluate communication skills, academic interest, and motivation.
Final Selection: Candidates are selected based on overall merit, academic excellence, and suitability for the program.
How to Check the Scholarship Status?
To check the status of your scholarship application, candidates must log in to the official portal of the specific program they applied for.
Once logged in, applicants can track updates related to shortlisting and final selection.
Here are the steps:
Step 1: Log in to the Portal
Access the program’s official application portal using your registered email ID and password.
Step 2: Go to Application Dashboard
Navigate to your dashboard where all submitted applications are listed.
Step 3: View Application Updates
Open your application to check updates related to evaluation, shortlisting, or document review.
Step 4: Check Final Status
Once results are announced, the final selection status will be updated in the portal or shared via email.
Common Reasons for Rejection of Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
Applications for the Erasmus scholarship may be rejected if eligibility or documentation requirements are not properly met, or if the application lacks strength.
Some common reasons for rejection include:
Not meeting eligibility criteria: Failing to satisfy scholarship eligibility such as academic or language requirements
Weak academic profile: Low grades or lack of relevant background for the chosen program
Incomplete or incorrect application: Missing or incorrect information in the application form
Poor statement of purpose: Unclear goals or weak motivation for applying
Document-related issues: Missing, unclear, or mismatched documents during verification
Program mismatch: Applying to a course that does not align with academic or career background
Conclusion
The Scholarship offers an excellent opportunity for students who want to study across Europe and gain international exposure.
By clearly understanding how to apply, meeting all requirements, and preparing a strong application, students can improve their chances of selection.
With proper planning and preparation, the Erasmus Mundus masters scholarship can open doors to global education, diverse cultural experiences, and strong career opportunities.
To get the erasmus scholarship, you need to choose a suitable master’s program, meet eligibility criteria, and submit a strong application. Focus on academics, a clear statement of purpose, and relevant experience when learning how to apply.
2. How difficult is it to get an Erasmus Mundus scholarship?
The scholarship is competitive because many students apply worldwide. Selection depends on academic performance, motivation, and overall profile strength. A well-prepared application meeting all Erasmus Mundus scholarship requirements can improve your chances significantly.
3. Is IELTS required for Erasmus?
Most programs require proof of English proficiency like IELTS or TOEFL. However, some universities may waive this requirement if you studied in English. It is important to check individual program criteria under Erasmus eligibility before applying.
4. Can Indians apply for Erasmus Mundus?
Yes, Indian students can apply for the Erasmus scholarship. It is open to applicants from all countries, including India, as long as they meet the academic, language, and course-specific eligibility requirements.
5. What is Erasmus Mundus scholarship?
If you are wondering what is Erasmus Mundus scholarship, it is a fully funded program that allows students to study in multiple European universities. It offers financial support and international exposure through joint degree programs across different countries.
6. Can I apply to multiple Erasmus Mundus programs?
Yes, you can apply to multiple courses under the erasmus mundus masters scholarship. However, you must prepare separate applications for each program and ensure you meet their specific academic and admission requirements.
7. Is work experience required for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?
Work experience is not mandatory for most programs. However, internships or relevant experience can strengthen your application, especially if they align with your chosen course and help you meet the requirements.
8. What makes a strong Erasmus Mundus application?
A strong application includes good academic scores, a clear statement of purpose, and relevant skills. Demonstrating motivation and career goals aligned with the course helps in meeting eligibility and improves your chances of selection.
9. Can I stay in Europe after completing the program?
Many countries allow graduates to stay for a limited time to look for jobs after completing the erasmus mundus scholarship. However, visa rules differ by country, so you should check post-study opportunities in your study destination.
10. Do I need to choose universities while applying?
In most cases, the program already includes partner universities. When applying for the erasmus scholarship, you apply to a course consortium, and your mobility between universities is decided as per the course structure.
11. Can I reapply if I am not selected?
Yes, you can apply again if you are not selected. Improve your profile, gain more experience, and strengthen your documents before reapplying. Understanding how to apply for erasmus mundus scholarship better can increase your chances next time.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4627 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
Download this Article as PDF
Refer Your Friend & Earn upto ₹15000
Help your friend upgrade to a Global Career and earn rewards together.