Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship (aka Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Program) is a prestigious, fully funded international master’s program offered by the European Union, allowing students to pursue their degree through participating universities across different countries. 

Here’s a quick look at the main details:

• Program type: Fully funded international master's program
• Managed by: European Union
• Study level: Master’s degree
• Participation costs: Covered for selected scholarship holders
• Monthly stipend: Up to €1,400 (approximately INR 1.55L) per month, depending on the program and scholarship period
• Travel support: Available for eligible travel and mobility expenses
• Insurance: Health and other required insurance support
• Application route: Directly through the selected Erasmus Mundus master’s program

The sections below explain Erasmus Mundus Scholarship eligibility, benefits, application process, required documents, deadlines, selection process, application status, common rejection reasons, and tips to improve your chances.

Who is Eligible for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship eligibility criteria can vary by program. While international students can apply, each Erasmus Mundus master's program sets its own academic, language, and admission requirements.

Academic Eligibility Requirements

A strong academic background is required, but the exact academic standard depends on the master's program and its participating universities.

• Hold a bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
• Have an academic background relevant to the selected master's program
• Demonstrate strong academic performance in previous studies
• Meet any minimum marks (usually 60-70%+), GPA, or grade requirements specified by the program
• Satisfy the admission requirements of the participating universities

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship eligibility criteria need to be checked against the requirements of your chosen program rather than a single universal standard.

Language and Skill Requirements

Language requirements vary by program, particularly where courses are taught in English or involve study across different countries.

• Provide IELTS exam, TOEFL exam, or another accepted English proficiency test scores, where required
• Meet any additional language requirements specified by the program
• Demonstrate subject-specific knowledge where the course requires it
• Have relevant technical or professional skills, where applicable

These form an important part of the overall Erasmus Mundus Scholarship requirements, so check the program website before deciding which test to take.

Nationality Criteria

The scholarship is open to applicants from a wide range of countries, as both EU and non-EU students are able to apply to eligible programs.

• Applicants from different countries can apply
• Both European Union and non-European Union students are eligible for Erasmus Mundus programs
• Some programs may have specific nationality-related conditions
• Country-specific rules, where applicable, are determined by the individual program

Always review the nationality conditions of your selected program, as the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship eligibility rules can differ between courses.

Who May Not Be Eligible for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

You may not qualify if you fail to meet the academic, language, admission, or other conditions set by your selected program.

• You do not meet the program's academic requirements
• You do not hold, or are not completing, the required bachelor's degree
• You fail to meet the required language standard
• Your academic background does not match the program
• You do not satisfy other conditions specified by the program

Meeting the basic Erasmus Mundus Scholarship requirements is essential before submitting an application, particularly because programs can have different eligibility conditions.

Also Read: Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students

Benefits of Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship combines financial assistance with international academic exposure, allowing selected students to study across multiple institutions without bearing the full cost.

Financial Benefits

The exact financial package depends on the program, but the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship can support major study and mobility-related expenses.

Category	What Is Covered
Tuition & Fees	100% waiver of participation and tuition fees at all partner universities
Living Allowance	Monthly stipend of €1,400 (approximately INR 1.55 L) to cover accommodation, food, and personal expenses
Travel & Installation	Support for eligible travel and mobility expenses
Insurance	Health and other required insurance coverage
Other Support	Program-specific financial assistance, where applicable

For current Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Scholarships, selected students can receive substantial support towards participation costs, travel, visa, and living expenses. The scholarship amount can be up to €1,400 (approximately INR 1.55 L) per month for up to 24 months, depending on the program and scholarship period.

Additional Benefits

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship goes beyond financial assistance. Students also gain experience that can be difficult to obtain through a traditional single-country master's program.

• Study in multiple European countries: Move between participating universities as part of the program's mobility structure.
• International academic exposure: Experience different teaching methods, academic systems, and learning environments.
• Joint or multiple master's degrees: Depending on the program, earn a joint or multiple degree from participating institutions.
• International network: Build connections with classmates, academics, alumni and professionals from different countries.
• Cross-cultural skills: Develop adaptability, communication, and collaboration skills in an international environment.

This combination of academic mobility and financial support makes the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship particularly attractive to students looking for an internationally focused master's experience.

How to Apply for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

There is no single application form for every Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. All applications must be made through a chosen master's program, and it is necessary to indicate the specific master's program you want to apply.

Here are the necessary steps to apply:

• Step 1: Begin by Selecting a Program

Check the Erasmus Mundus catalogue and shortlist programs that fits your interests, career aspirations, and academic qualifications.

• Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements

Before applying to any selected program, review the academic, nationality, language, and other requirements for admission.

• Step 3: Go to the Official Program Website

Visit the official website to learn about the application process, the participating universities, and mobility.

• Step 4: Make an Application Account

Register at the appropriate application portal if the program requires creating an account on the website to submit an application.

• Step 5: Fill in the Application Form

Be careful when filling in your personal, academic, and professional details, and make sure you provide the requested details about your study plans.

• Step 6: Upload Necessary Documents

Submit transcripts, certificates, recommendations, SOP, and any other documents required for the program.

• Step 7: Review and Submit

Read the entire application for mistakes, missing parts, and inconsistencies before submitting by the deadline.

•  Step 8: Track Your Application

Check the application portal and registered e-mail for information regarding evaluation, shortlisting, or a decision on admission or scholarship.

Documents Required for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

The document list may differ between programs; applicants should refer to program instructions as the final list of documents required. 

The documents needed to apply for an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship are as follows:

• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificate or provisional certificate
• Statement of Purpose (Check the correct SOP Format)
• Letters of Recommendation (Check the correct LOR Format)
• Updated CV/resume
• English language proficiency proof, if required
• Passport or valid ID
• Additional program-specific documents, where required

Your documents should be consistent with the information provided in the application. Missing or mismatched documents can create problems during the evaluation process and may affect your application.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Deadline

There is no common deadline for every Erasmus Mundus master's program. Each consortium decides its own application timeline, so applicants need to check the dates for their chosen course rather than rely on a single scholarship deadline.

Application Timeline

The general application cycle follows a fairly predictable pattern, although individual programs can set different dates.

• Application opening: Many programs open applications between October and November for courses beginning in the following academic year.
• Scholarship application deadline: Deadlines commonly fall between December and February, depending on the program.
• Program-specific variations: Some programs may open earlier or close later than the general cycle.
• Admission and scholarship results: Final results are announced after the application review process, according to the programme schedule.

Since applications are usually released once a year, missing the deadline may mean waiting for the next intake.

How to Check the Deadline?

The safest way to confirm the deadline is to check the official page of the specific program you plan to apply for.

• Erasmus Mundus program catalogue: Use it to identify relevant Joint Master's programs.
• Official program website: Check the latest application dates and scholarship instructions.
• Consortium or university application portal: Look for the actual submission deadline shown for your program.
• Program-specific admission instructions: Review the timeline for both admission and scholarship consideration.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship requirements and deadlines should always be checked together because some programs have separate instructions for admission and scholarship applications.

Also Read: Study in Europe for Free

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Selection Process

The selection process generally looks at academic merit, program fit, motivation, and the overall strength of the application. However, each consortium can use its own evaluation criteria and ranking system.

Application Screening

The first stage is usually an eligibility and document check to confirm that applicants meet the basic conditions.

• Verification of academic qualifications and supporting documents
• Review of program and admission requirements
• Confirmation that the application is complete
• Initial assessment against the program's eligibility criteria

Shortlisting and Evaluation

Eligible applications are then assessed more closely to identify candidates who best match the program.

• Academic transcripts
• Shows evidence of completing a diploma or qualification with at least 120 credit hours. 
• Statement of Purpose and motivation 
• Letter of Recommendation 
• Fit with the selected program
• Overall strength and potential of the applicant

Applicants who clearly connect their academic background, experience, and plans with the program may be better positioned during this stage.

Interview and Final Selection

Some programs may have an interview before the decision, while others may decide based on the application alone.

• Interview (where applicable): Evaluates communication, motivation, academic interests, and suitability.
• Final ranking: Candidates are ranked based on the selection criteria of the program.
• Admission and Scholarship Offer: Successful candidates are given the applicable admission and scholarship communication.
• Reserve list: Some programs may place strong applicants on a reserve list if scholarship places are limited.

Given the high competition for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, having the minimum cut-off does not guarantee selection. 

How to Check Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Status?

Once you apply, you can track the application's progress on the application platform for the Erasmus Mundus master's program you applied for. Usually, the important information is sent through email.

To check the application status, follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to the Program's Portal

Log in with your registered email address and password.

Step 2: Open the Application Dashboard

In the dashboard, click the application submitted in the program you are interested in.

 Step 3: Review the Evaluation Updates

Check for notifications about verification, evaluation, shortlisting, or interview status of documents.

Step 4: Review the Final Decision

After decisions are made, confirm if you are accepted, offered a scholarship, or have a different outcome.

Step 5: Check your Registered Email.

Check often in case selection information or further instructions are sent to you by e-mail. 

Suggested Read: Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Europe

Common Reasons for Rejection of Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

Limited scholarship availability for each program requires applicants to have a strong overall profile and fulfill basic requirements. Here are some of the common reasons why an application may be rejected: 

• Not meeting academic eligibility: Academic record does not satisfy the eligibility requirements of the program.
• Poor academic preparation: If the academic record is weak, inadequate, or inconsistent with the chosen master's degree.
• Failure to meet language standards: Not achieving the required level of English or other language proficiency.
• Incomplete or incorrect application: Information is missing, incorrect, or inconsistent.
• Documents missing/mismatched: Required documents are missing, unreadable, or do not show the information in the application.
• Weak motivation statement or SOP: Goals or reasons for the program are not well presented.
• Lack of program fit: There is a lack of consistency between academic interests and experience/career plans and the chosen course.
• Limited relevant experience: Some programs may require academic, research, or professional related experience.
• Failure to follow program instructions: You don't follow particular requirements regarding documents, presentation, or submission.
• Competitive applicants: A qualified application might not be funded if there is a large number of applicants for the scholarship in comparison to the number of scholarships available. 

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

The selection committee should be able to relate your background, your selection of program, and your potential after graduation in a competitive application.

Below are some tips to help you maximize your chances of being awarded the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship:

• Select an applicable program: Select programs that are similar to your academic area and career goals.
• Research participating universities: Check the universities involved, their specialisations, and the mobility structure before applying.
• Customize your SOP: Do not repeat any message across multiple statements.
• Show relevant experience: Include projects, internships, research, publications, and experience in your application.
• Have high grades: A strong academic record can help, especially if there are many applications.
• Get names of strong recommenders: These are individuals who know your academic or professional work and can give specific examples.
• Review program-specific criteria carefully: Do not take it for granted that all requirements are the same for all of the Erasmus Mundus courses.
• Have documents ready: Have all transcripts, test scores, recommendation letters, and certificates ready before the application deadline.
• Submit your application before the deadline: Submit early so that you can handle anything that goes wrong in the process or due to missing documents.
• Pre-submission checks: Review all information before submitting to ensure names, dates, academic information, documents, and statements are consistent. 

Conclusion

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship offers a valuable opportunity to pursue an internationally focused master’s degree while receiving support for tuition, travel, visa, insurance, and living expenses. With scholarships offering up to €1,400 (approximately INR 1.55L) per month for up to 24 months, it can make studying across multiple European universities much more accessible.

However, there is no single application or deadline for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. Your best approach is to choose a course that fits your academic and career goals, understand its specific requirements, and prepare your application well in advance. The right program could be the start of an experience that takes your education beyond borders.

If you need help comparing costs, finding suitable funding, or planning your study abroad journey, you can book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad's study abroad experts today!