Study a Master’s in Europe for Free: Erasmus Mundus 2025

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is a fully paid Master’s program supported by the European Union, offering a unique chance to study in Europe for free. In 2024, more than 30,000 students applied, but only 3,173 were selected, making it highly competitive. Indian students were among the top three recipients outside Europe. 

This scholarship lets you study in Europe across two or more countries under one program. You earn a joint or multiple degrees from top-ranked universities. Courses are taught in English and span fields like engineering, data science, environment, public policy, and more. 

In this guide, you’ll learn how to apply for Erasmus Mundus in 2025, along with eligibility rules, top programs, required documents, deadlines, and expert tips to boost your chances.

What is the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is one of the most prestigious international Master’s programs funded by the European Commission. What makes it unique is that it’s designed and run by a group of universities across Europe, often including academic partners from Asia or the Americas.

Students accepted into the program gain cross-border academic exposure, often spending each semester at a different campus. Many courses also include research work, field visits, or an industry project in the final term. 

By the end of the program, you will graduate with a globally recognized joint degree and valuable experience studying in diverse learning environments.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship – Key Highlights

Aspect	Details
Program Type	Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJMD)
Offered By	European Commission under Erasmus+
Degree Awarded	Joint or Multiple Master’s Degrees
Area of interest	European countries
Duration	1.5 to 2 years
Fields Available	Data Science, AI, Environment, Public Policy, Law, Engineering, etc.
Language of Instruction	English
Tuition Fees	100% covered
Monthly Stipend	€1,100–€1,200 (₹99,000–₹1,08,000)
Travel & Setup Grant	Up to €3,000 (₹2.7 lakh approx)
Visa & Insurance	Fully covered
Internship/Thesis Mobility	Often required across countries
Eligibility	Bachelor’s degree English Proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL)  Apply to 3 programs max
Application Period	Oct 2025 – Mar 2026 (varies by program)
Selection Rate (2024)	10% (3,173 out of 30,000+)

With full funding, multi-country learning, and a joint degree from top EU universities, Erasmus Mundus gives Indian students a direct path to high-quality global education and career opportunities.

Top Erasmus Mundus Programs for Indian Students

Erasmus Mundus offers more than 100 Master’s programs in areas like engineering, business, data science, environment, and the arts. Many of these courses are especially popular among Indian students because they offer strong academics, global experience, and great job outcomes.

Programs like the International Masters in Industrial Management (IMIM), the Masters in Models and Methods of Quantitative Economics (QEM), and the Law, Science and Technology Joint Master’s Degree (LSM Manda) have seen a steady number of Indian applicants every year.

Below is a list of the most well-known Erasmus Mundus courses that many Indian students apply to:

Program Name	Field of Study	Study Countries
IMIM – Int. Master's in Industrial Management	Engineering + Business	Italy, Spain, UK, Germany
QEM – Models and Methods in Economics	Economics, Math, Data	France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium
EMAI – Erasmus Mundus in AI	Artificial Intelligence	Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain
EUROPHILOSOPHIE	Philosophy, Cultural Studies	France, Germany, Portugal, Belgium
Choreomundus	Dance and Heritage Studies	France, Norway, Hungary, UK
MARIHE – Research in Higher Ed	Public Policy, Education	Austria, Finland, Germany, China
LSM Manda	Sustainability, Management	Italy, Sweden, France
EMJMD ACES – Advanced Systems	Embedded Systems, Electronics	Germany, UK, France, Portugal
EMIMEO – Mobile Embedded Systems	Electrical & Computer Engineering	Spain, Sweden, France, UK

These programs not only cover your full tuition and living costs but also give you the chance to study in top-ranked countries across Europe, making them a smart and affordable choice for Indian students planning a global career.

What Are the Benefits of the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is one of the top fully funded opportunities for students aiming to study in Europe. It supports you financially throughout your Master’s degree by covering your tuition, travel, living, and insurance costs.

Here is the list of benefits:

• Tuition Fees Covered
  You don’t need to pay anything for your course or university registration. The scholarship takes care of the full academic cost.
• Monthly Living Allowance
  You receive around ₹99,000 to ₹1,08,000 every month (€1,100–€1,200) to manage rent, food, and daily needs while studying abroad.
• Yearly Travel Support
  The scholarship provides about ₹2.7 lakh per year (€3,000) to help with international travel and local mobility across program countries.
• One-Time Installation Grant
  When you first move to Europe, you get a settling-in amount of about ₹90,000 (€1,000) to handle your initial costs like housing deposits or setup.
• Health and Travel Insurance
  Full insurance is included for the duration of your program, covering medical needs and emergencies in every host country.
• Visa Fee Reimbursement
  Your visa application fees for all countries in the program are reimbursed or directly covered by the scholarship.
• Multi-Country Education
  You will study in at least two and sometimes up to four countries, gaining international experience and exposure without any additional tuition cost.
• No Repayment After Graduation
  This scholarship is grant-based, not a loan; there’s no need to pay anything back, even if you choose to return to India.
• Access to the Global Alumni Network
  As a graduate, you can connect with professionals, mentors, and Erasmus alumni across the world through the Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA).

Note: You cannot receive more than one Erasmus+ scholarship at the same time. Also, to be eligible as a Partner Country applicant, you must not have lived in Europe for over 12 months during the last 5 years.

How to Apply for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship in 2025

Applying for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship involves multiple steps, and each program has its own application process. There is no centralized EU application portal. Instead, you apply directly through each program’s official website.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

1. Explore the Erasmus Mundus Catalogue
   Visit the official EMJMD program catalogue and identify up to three programs that match your academic goals and background.
2. Check Program Eligibility for Indian Students
   Make sure the programs you're interested in accept Partner Country applicants (India falls under this category). Also, review each program’s academic and language requirements.
3. Visit the Official Program Website
   Each Erasmus Mundus program has its own website where you’ll find the application form, guidelines, and scholarship details.
4. Create an Account and Access the Application Form
   Register on the program portal and begin filling out the form with your academic, personal, and professional details.
5. Write a Program-Specific SOP
   Most programs require a motivation letter or SOP. Tailor your content based on the program’s focus and your goals. Avoid generic essays.
6. Upload All Required Documents in One Submission
   Most programs accept only one complete application, so make sure you prepare and upload everything at once. Common documents include your degree certificate, transcripts, English test scores, SOP, resume, and reference letters.
7. Pay the Application Fee
   Some programs may charge a small fee, usually between ₹1,800–₹4,500 (€20 - €50), while others are free. Check the official site for exact details.
8. Submit the Application Before the Deadline
   Programs usually close applications between January and March 2026. Late submissions are not accepted under any condition.
9. Track Application Updates
   Once submitted, you may receive an acknowledgment email and, in some cases, login access to track the status of your application.
10. Wait for Results and Final Offers
    Results are generally announced between April and June 2026. If selected, you’ll receive the scholarship offer along with your admission confirmation.

Note: You can only apply to a maximum of three Erasmus Mundus programs per academic year, and you must submit a full application to each one separately. 

Looking for more scholarships Like Erasmus Mundus? Explore top international scholarships, eligibility details, and how to apply: All in one place. Browse Global Scholarships with upGrad

H2: Eligibility Criteria and Documentation for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

To apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, you must meet both general and program-specific criteria. Most programs are open to Indian students with a strong academic background and good English skills.

Who Can Apply for This Scholarship?

Before you apply, check if you meet the basic eligibility criteria set by the Erasmus+ program.

Here’s who can apply, and under what conditions:

• You must hold a Bachelor’s degree (at least 180 ECTS or equivalent).
• Indian students and other non-EU nationals are eligible.
• You must have valid IELTS/TOEFL scores (as per program needs).
• You must not have stayed in an EU country for over 12 months in the past 5 years.
• There’s no age limit to apply.
• You can apply to a maximum of 3 programs in one intake.
• Work experience is not required, but helpful for some programs.

Some programs may ask for extra qualifications. Check their official site.

What Documents Are Needed for the Application?

Once eligible, you’ll need to gather all required documents for the application. Submitting everything properly is key to moving forward.

Here’s the list of documents you’ll need:

• A valid passport (scanned copy).
• Final degree certificate and official transcripts.
• A Statement of Purpose (SOP) tailored to each program.
• 2–3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs), both academic and professional.
• Valid IELTS or TOEFL scorecard (as per requirement).
• An updated resume or CV (Europass format if requested).
• Work experience letter (only if asked by the program).
• Portfolio or writing samples (if applying for creative fields)
• Program-specific forms/templates (e.g., for LSM Manda, EMIMEO).

Note: Always check each program’s official website for exact eligibility rules and document checklists. Some programs may have unique instructions, templates, or country-specific conditions.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2025 Deadlines

Erasmus Mundus programs follow a fixed annual cycle, but exact dates vary by course. Most applications open around October or November and close between December and February. Results are announced by April or May, followed by visa and relocation steps.

Here’s when you need to apply and what to expect next in the 2025 cycle:

Stage	Timeline Range
Applications Open	October to November 2025
Applications Close	December 2025 to February 2026
Evaluation & Shortlisting	February to March 2026
Final Results Announced	April to May 2026
Visa & Pre-departure Process	May to July 2026
Program Commencement	August to October 2026

Note: Always check the official program page. Dates can vary slightly, and early applications are strongly recommended.

Want to Study in Europe on a Scholarship? Check out the best scholarships for Indian students to study in top European countries. Explore Europe Scholarships

Tips to Improve Your Erasmus Mundus Scholarship: Do’s and Don’ts

Every year, thousands of students apply for Erasmus Mundus, but only a few are selected. Many strong applications are rejected because of small mistakes like generic SOPs, late submissions, or missing documents. 

The tips below will help you stay on track and improve your chances.

What You Should Do

• Write a separate SOP for each program. It should reflect your goals, interests, and why the course is the right fit.
• Apply early. Submitting your application within the first few weeks gives you an advantage.
• Choose programs that match your academic background. This shows clarity and seriousness.
• Make sure your documents are complete, recent, and follow the format asked by the program.
• Get strong letters of recommendation from teachers or supervisors who know your work well.
• Follow all instructions mentioned on the program’s website, including file format and naming rules.
• Show that you are open to different cultures. Erasmus values students who can adapt and work globally.

What Should You Avoid?

• Don’t copy the same SOP for every program. It looks lazy and lowers your chances.
• Don’t wait until the last day to apply. Sites often crash, and you may miss your chance.
• Don’t apply to programs that don’t match your profile just because they are fully funded.
• Don’t ignore details like document size, format, or order. These small things matter.
• Don’t submit old or unclear documents. This includes expired passports or scanned copies that are hard to read.
• Don’t forget to proofread everything before uploading. One error can cost you the opportunity.

Being honest, clear, and organized can make a big difference. The scholarship is not just about grades; it’s about who you are and how well you present yourself.

How Can upGrad Help You with Your Erasmus Mundus Application?

Applying to Erasmus Mundus can feel overwhelming, especially with so many programs, deadlines, and document requirements. That’s where upGrad can guide you step by step.

Here’s how upGrad supports you through the entire application journey:

• Shortlisting Programs That Match Your Profile
  Get help choosing 2–3 Erasmus programs that align with your academics and goals.
• SOP and LOR Support
  Expert guidance on writing compelling Statements of Purpose and getting strong Letters of Recommendation.
• Document Checklist and Review
  Ensure all documents: transcripts, CV, and English test scores that meet the program's standards.
• 1:1 Mentorship from Admission Experts
  Personalized support for scholarship strategy, timeline tracking, and program requirements.
• Visa and Pre-departure Help
  Assistance with the student visa process, accommodation, packing, and travel arrangements.

Conclusion

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is one of the most rewarding opportunities for Indian students who want to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in Europe. It gives you the chance to study in two or more countries, earn a world-recognized degree, and build a global career.

But the application process is highly competitive. Planning early, choosing the right program, and submitting a complete and well-written application are key to success.

If you're serious about applying in 2025, start your research now and don’t hesitate to seek expert support to guide you through each step.

Need Help with Your Erasmus Mundus Application? Speak to an expert and get 1:1 guidance on selecting the right program, preparing your documents, and meeting deadlines. Book a Free Consultation with upGrad