International students looking to pursue a master’s degree across Europe can explore the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, one of the European Union’s flagship international education programmes offering highly competitive scholarships to students from around the world.
Funded through the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are delivered by international consortia of universities, allowing students to study across multiple countries as part of a single master’s degree.
For students seeking an internationally focused postgraduate education, the programme combines advanced academic training with international mobility, research opportunities, professional networks and exposure to different higher education systems.
What Are Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters?
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are international master’s programmes jointly designed and delivered by groups of higher education institutions.
Each programme involves at least three higher education institutions from three different countries, alongside associated academic and non-academic partners.
Depending on the programme, students may undertake their studies across several participating universities and may also complete research projects, traineeships, thesis preparation and other forms of academic or professional training.
The international structure means students can gain academic experience in multiple countries while completing one coordinated master’s programme.
Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
Some Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters offer full scholarships to the highest-ranked applicants from around the world.
Scholarship support may contribute towards major costs associated with studying internationally, including:
- Participation costs
- Travel expenses
- Visa-related expenses
- Living allowance
The exact scholarship package varies between programmes. Applicants should therefore check the official website of their chosen Erasmus Mundus master’s programme for precise information about funding and eligibility.
Because scholarships can cover several major study and living expenses, Erasmus Mundus remains one of the most attractive international postgraduate funding opportunities available to students worldwide.
How Long Do Erasmus Mundus Masters Last?
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters generally last between one and two academic years and correspond to 60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits.
Depending on the programme, graduates may receive either a joint degree or multiple degrees.
A joint degree consists of a single degree certificate issued on behalf of at least two higher education institutions within the consortium.
A multiple degree involves two or more degree certificates issued by participating higher education institutions.
The specific degree arrangement depends on the structure of the individual master’s programme.
Who Can Apply?
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are open to applicants from countries around the world, although individual programmes establish their own admission requirements.
Applicants will generally need to:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent first degree.
- Be in the final year of a bachelor’s programme, provided they graduate before the master’s programme begins.
- Demonstrate an appropriate level of prior academic learning where required.
- Meet any additional academic, language or professional requirements established by the selected programme.
Because each Erasmus Mundus master’s has its own admission criteria, prospective applicants should carefully review the requirements of their preferred programme before applying.
When Should Students Apply?
A new selection of Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters is added to the programme catalogue each year.
For many programmes, applications are submitted between October and January for courses beginning in the following academic year.
However, deadlines vary between programmes.
Students interested in the 2026–2027 application cycle should therefore begin reviewing available programmes early and check the specific deadline published by each consortium.
How to Find and Apply for an Erasmus Mundus Master’s
There is no single central application form covering every Erasmus Mundus Joint Master.
Students should first search the Erasmus Mundus course catalogue and identify programmes that match their academic background and career goals.
After selecting a programme, applicants should visit its dedicated website to review:
- Participating universities
- Course structure
- Entry requirements
- Scholarship availability
- Application deadlines
- Required documents
- Study locations
- Application procedures
Applications are submitted directly to the university consortium responsible for the selected master’s programme.
Why Erasmus Mundus Stands Out
One of the biggest advantages of Erasmus Mundus is its international structure.
Rather than completing an entire master’s degree at one university, students may have the opportunity to study in multiple countries, work with researchers and academics from different institutions, undertake international traineeships and build professional networks across Europe and beyond.
The programme therefore combines postgraduate education with international mobility and cross-cultural experience.
Since its launch in 2004, almost 50,000 students have participated in Erasmus Mundus, demonstrating the programme’s substantial international reach.
For students planning to pursue a master’s degree abroad, Erasmus Mundus offers a pathway to study at multiple internationally recognised institutions while competing for scholarships that can significantly reduce the financial burden of international education.
Students interested in the programme should begin by identifying suitable Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters and checking the individual application and scholarship deadlines for each programme.
