Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters 2027: Fully Funded Master's in Europe (How to Apply)

An Erasmus Mundus Joint Master is a two-year (sometimes shorter) master's degree taught by at least three universities in three different countries, and the best-ranked applicants can win a full EU scholarship. The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters 2027 round is opening now. Most programmes take applications between October and January for a start in 2027, and each consortium sets its own deadline, so there is no single date to remember. Roughly 218 programmes are listed in the official catalogue. The scholarship isn't automatic, though, because not every listed programme still offers one.

Quick facts

Who is eligible

The EU's requirements are short. You must have a bachelor's degree (a first degree) or be in the last year of one, and you must graduate before the master's starts. If you don't have a bachelor's degree, you may still apply if you can show bachelor's-equivalent learning that is officially recognised under the national rules of the country awarding the degree.

That's the floor. Each programme then sets its own entry requirements: the right undergraduate field, a minimum grade, a language certificate and the list of documents. Programme websites hold those details, so read them before you read anything else.

There is no GPA cutoff and no age limit in the EU's own description, but individual programmes can add their own criteria. Citizens of any country are welcome. Some consortia split their scholarships by region of origin, so check whether your country falls into a quota group.

What it covers

The official page says scholarships cover your participation costs and contribute to travel, visa and a living allowance. Participation costs normally include tuition and insurance, but ask your programme to confirm. The page doesn't give a monthly figure.

One University of Glasgow programme page offers a concrete example. It lists €1,400 a month for 24 months, so up to €33,600 in total. It also describes an optional route where you take three advance payments of €1,000 for visa, travel and installation, and your monthly amount shrinks to compensate. Treat that as one consortium's example, not a rule for all 218. Some blogs quote totals of €40,000 to €50,000, and those numbers aren't from the EU.

Two warnings. First, the scholarship is for the best-ranked students, not everyone admitted. You can be admitted and still pay your own way, so check how many scholarships each programme gives. Second, because you study in several countries, living costs change as you move. €1,400 goes far in some cities and not in others.

How to apply, step by step

1. Open the EACEA course catalogue and shortlist 3 to 5 programmes. Filter by field and country. Check each programme's own site to confirm it still offers scholarships, because the catalogue warns that some programmes are near the end of their funding.
2. Read each programme's rules. Find the deadline, the language of instruction, the required documents, and whether there's a separate application for the scholarship. The EU page says every programme website lists the process with and without a scholarship.
3. Check your degree against the requirements. Make sure your field matches and that you will graduate before the programme starts.
4. Book any language test (allow several weeks). If the programme asks for IELTS, TOEFL or similar, arrange it first because results can take time.
5. Request transcripts and references (3 to 6 weeks). Ask your recommenders early and tell them each deadline.
6. Write a tailored motivation letter and CV (2 to 3 weeks). Selection is competitive, and a letter that explains why this combination of universities and countries fits you will beat a generic one.
7. Submit through the programme's own portal. There is no central EU form.
8. Wait for the ranking. Scholarship winners are chosen from the top-ranked applicants, and offers can come in waves.

Plan to finish a few days before each deadline, since portals slow down at the end. The Erasmus Mundus Association (em-a.eu) publishes advice, programme contacts and applicant stories.

Competitive reality check

The EU doesn't publish an acceptance rate, and I wouldn't trust blogs that quote one. What we do know is that each programme awards a limited number of scholarships to the best-ranked applicants worldwide. That makes it highly competitive, and the top candidates at popular programmes often hold strong grades, relevant experience and a clear reason for choosing the programme.

The common reasons applications fail are:

• A generic motivation letter that could be sent to any programme.
• Not meeting the programme's own entry requirements, even if you meet the EU's.
• Missing a language certificate or a reference.
• Applying only to one programme.
• Misreading the process, for example not applying for the scholarship separately when the programme requires it.

Because each programme has its own rules and ranking, applying to several is sensible. Check each call, since consortia may limit how many programmes you can apply to or whether you can hold more than one award.

This isn't for you if you want to stay in one country, since mobility across several is the whole design. It's also a poor fit if you can't afford any risk of studying without funding, since not every admitted student gets a scholarship. And it won't work if you can't complete a bachelor's degree before the start date.

FAQ

Do I apply to the EU or to the university?
To the programme. The EU page says students apply directly to the institution running their chosen master's.

Is Erasmus Mundus open to students from my country?
The EU says students from all over the world are welcome. A programme may still divide scholarships by region, so read its scholarship rules.

Will I definitely get a scholarship if I'm admitted?
No. Scholarships go to the best-ranked students at programmes that offer them, and some listed programmes don't offer scholarships at all.

When should I apply?
Usually between October and January for study starting the next academic year. Check each programme's exact date.

Do I get one degree or several?
Either a joint degree (one certificate issued for at least two institutions) or multiple degrees, depending on the programme.

Official link and what to read next

Start with the official Erasmus+ page for Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters and the EACEA catalogue at eacea.ec.europa.eu. The EACEA site also has a "Scams and Frauds" section, which is worth reading before you pay anyone. Don't pay agents who promise a guaranteed scholarship, because applications go straight to the programme.

If this isn't the right fit, check these categories on MastersGrant next:

• Single-country fully funded master's scholarships in Europe. They suit you if you'd rather stay in one place.
• Scholarships with later deadlines. They give you time if you miss the October to January window.
   

Other Scholarships in Europe:

Portugal Government Scholarships 2027: Fully Funded Opportunities for International Students