Erasmus Mundus Programme (European Commission)

Erasmus Mundus is not a single scholarship: it is hundreds of EU-funded Joint Master's programmes (EMJM), each run by its own consortium of universities with its own website, requirements and deadline. You apply directly to the programme you choose, not to a central agency.

On ForsaEdu we list a selection of these programmes, each with its own page for criteria, benefits and deadline. This guide explains what they have in common and how to choose. The detailed application steps are in our Erasmus Mundus scholarship guide.

What all Erasmus Mundus programmes share

The amount and details of each scholarship are on its programme page in the «Programmes» section below.

How to choose the right programme

• Start from the official catalogue on the EU website, which adds new programmes every year.
• Read the programme's own website: it lists the partner universities, entry requirements and application steps with and without a scholarship.
• Match your background: programmes are very specialised (AI, public health, space, international law…), and committees look for a clear fit between your previous studies and the programme.
• Check the track and mobility: each programme sets which countries you study in each semester, and some offer tracks (for example a law track and a political science track).
• Apply to several suitable programmes rather than one, because scholarships go to the top-ranked applicants of each programme.

What makes the difference

• Early deadlines: most programmes close between December and January, some earlier. Have your language certificate and recommendations ready before October.
• A motivation letter for each programme: explain why this consortium, these universities and this track specifically.
• Recommendations from professors who know your work. See the recommendation letters guide.
• CV: many programmes accept or require the Europass format. See the Europass CV guide.
• Get advice: the Erasmus Mundus Association offers tips, events, national representatives and stories from successful applicants.

Common mistakes

• Looking for one "Erasmus Mundus portal": there is none. Each programme takes applications on its own website.
• One motivation letter for every programme without tailoring it.
• Ignoring a programme's specific requirements, such as a particular academic background or a higher language level.
• Applying without a scholarship by mistake: some programmes have "with scholarship" and "without scholarship" options, so pick the right one.

Source: the "Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (students)" page on the European Commission's Erasmus+ website (erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu), reviewed in November 2026. Almost 50,000 students have taken part in Erasmus Mundus since 2004.