Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship: A Comprehensive Guide

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) scholarship program, funded by the European Union, offers a unique opportunity for international students to pursue higher education at leading European universities. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship, its objectives, eligibility criteria, application process, and expected impact.

Introduction to Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters

The Erasmus Mundus program aims to enhance the attractiveness and excellence of European higher education worldwide. It attracts talented students to Europe through institutional academic cooperation and individual mobility. The program is structured into two main lots: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) and Erasmus Mundus Design Measures (EMDM). This guide focuses on the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM).

EMJMs are master's level study programs delivered and recognized jointly by higher education institutions (HEIs) established in Europe. These programs are open to institutions worldwide and are delivered by an international consortium of HEIs from different countries. EMJMs contribute to the integration and internationalization of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). The high degree of jointness/integration among participating institutions and the excellence of their academic content are key features of EMJMs.

Objectives of the EMJM

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters program aims to:

Enhance the attractiveness and excellence of European higher education in the world.
Attract talent to Europe.
Showcase European excellence in higher education through institutional academic cooperation.
Provide individual mobility for all students taking part in the EMJM.
Offer EU-funded scholarships for the best students.

Eligibility Criteria for Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters

To be eligible for an Erasmus grant, project proposals for Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters must meet specific criteria related to participating organizations, consortium composition, geographic location, and project duration.

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Eligible Participating Organizations

To be eligible, applicants (beneficiaries and full affiliated entities) must:

Be legal entities (public or private bodies).
Be Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) established in an eligible country, including EU Member States, third countries associated with the Programme, or eligible third countries not associated with the Programme.
HEIs in an EU Member State or a third country associated with the Programme must hold the ECHE certificate (Erasmus Charter for Higher Education).
Full partner HEIs must demonstrate that they have fulfilled the external Quality Assurance (QA) requirements of their jurisdiction for the joint program. This can be achieved through:

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- Implementing the European Approach for Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes (if national legislation allows).
- Specific accreditation/evaluation of the joint program.
- Evaluation of each national component on which the EMJM is based.
Organizations from Belarus (Region 2) and the Russian Federation (Region 4) are not eligible to participate.

Consortium Composition

Proposals must be submitted by a consortium of at least three HEIs (beneficiaries, not affiliated entities) from three different countries. At least two of these countries must be EU Member States or third countries associated with the Programme.

Geographic Location

Activities must take place in eligible countries.

Duration of the Project

Projects should typically last 74 months, with possible extensions if justified and through an amendment. Previously funded Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMDs) and Joint Masters (EMJMs) can only apply for renewal at the earliest the year before the contract ends. An exception exists for EMJMs selected in 2021, which are eligible to apply if their ongoing contract ends before March 31, 2028. No two editions of a Master funded by different grant agreements can start in the same academic year.

Where and When to Apply

Applications should be submitted to the European Education and Culture Executive Agency with the Call ID: ERASMUS-EDU-2026-PEX-EMJM-MOB. The application deadline is February 12 at 17:00:00 (Brussels time).

Setting Up an EMJM Project

EMJMs are expected to meet specific requirements, including a jointly designed and fully integrated curriculum that adheres to the Standards for Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

Joint Implementation Procedures

EMJMs emphasize the following joint/common implementation procedures:

Joint student admission requirements, application, selection, fee policy, monitoring, and examination/performance evaluation rules/procedures.
Joint program design and integrated teaching/training activities, including a jointly agreed language policy and a joint process for recognition of study periods within the consortium.
Common services offered to students (e.g., language courses, visa support).
Joint promotion and awareness-raising activities to ensure worldwide visibility of the program and the Erasmus Mundus scholarship scheme.

Consortium Requirements

The consortium must involve at least three HEIs from three different countries, with at least two being EU Member States and third countries associated with the Programme. All full partner HEIs must be Master level degree-awarding institutions and award either a joint or multiple degrees attesting to the successful completion of the EMJM program.

Institutional Commitment

The necessary institutional commitment from all participating organizations must be ensured before the enrolment of the first EMJM students. This commitment takes the form of an EMJM Partnership Agreement signed by all partner institutions. Participating HEIs from third countries not associated with the Programme should commit to the principles of the ECHE in this Partnership Agreement. The EMJM Partnership Agreement covers all academic, operational, administrative, and financial aspects related to the implementation of the EMJM and the management of the EMJM scholarships. A draft Partnership Agreement must be provided at the application stage.

Associated Partners

The EMJM study program may involve associated partners who contribute indirectly to the implementation of specific tasks/activities and support the dissemination and sustainability of the EMJM. Their contribution may include knowledge and skills transfer, complementary courses, or backing for secondment or placement.

Student Enrolment and Mobility

EMJMs enrol excellent students worldwide. The selection, recruitment, and monitoring of individual students are the responsibility of the EMJM consortium. Student selection must be transparent, impartial, and equitable. A number of these students may receive an EMJM scholarship. Students must have obtained a first higher education degree or demonstrate a recognized equivalent level of learning. The first generation of enrolled students should start studying no later than the academic year following project selection.

To ensure transparency and define the rights and responsibilities of all enrolled students, both parties (students and EMJM consortium) must sign a Student Agreement upon enrolment. Students must study in at least two different countries, which must differ from their country of residence at the enrolment stage. All Master program study periods must take place in full partner HEIs or under their direct supervision. Compulsory mobility periods cannot be replaced by virtual mobility (distance learning).

Staff and Scholar Exchange

The program promotes the exchange of staff and invited scholars to contribute to teaching, training, research, and administrative activities.

Degree Award and Recognition

Successful completion of the EMJM program must lead to the award of either a joint degree (one single diploma awarded by at least two HEIs from different countries, with at least one being an EU Member State or third country associated with the Programme), or multiple degrees (at least two diplomas awarded by two HEIs from different countries, with at least one being an EU Member State or third country associated with the Programme), or a combination of both.

The degree(s) awarded to graduates must belong to the higher education degree systems of the countries in which the HEIs are based and must be mutually recognized by all awarding full partner HEIs. Consortia should provide students with a joint Diploma Supplement at the end of their studies, covering the entire content of the Master program.

Program Readiness

At the application stage, EMJM proposals must present fully developed joint study programs, ready to run and be advertised worldwide immediately after selection. The concerned masters should commit to (i) continue respecting the objectives, scope, and expected impact of the action, (ii) engage to ensure continuity with the previously funded Master program, and (iii) provide an activity report at the end of the period concerned.

Expected Impact of the EMJM

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters program is expected to have a significant impact at the system, institutional, and individual levels.

At System Level

Foster academic cooperation within the EHEA and beyond by supporting joint teaching and qualifications, quality improvements, and promotion of academic excellence.
Enhance the international dimension of higher education through cooperation between institutions in Europe and abroad and through mobility for the best students worldwide.
Increase the synergies between higher education, innovation, and research.
Remove barriers to learning, improving access to high quality and innovation-driven education, and making it easier for learners to move between countries.
Respond to societal and labor market needs.
Contribute to the development of innovative education policies.

At Institutional Level

Provide European and non-European HEIs with more opportunities for structured and sustainable academic cooperation worldwide.
Improve the quality of programs at the Master level and supervision arrangements.
Increase the internationalization and competitiveness of participating organizations.
Support the creation of new networks and enhance the quality of existing ones.
Increase the attractiveness of the participating organization(s) towards talented students.
Contribute to the internationalization policies of HEIs by developing international awareness through their curricula and the design of comprehensive internationalization strategies (institutional cooperation and cross-border mobility of people).

At Individual Level

Improve the employability of participating students.
Improve key competences and skills of students.
Forge new mind-sets and approaches to academic studies through international, interdisciplinary, intersectoral, and intercultural experience.
Enhance networking and communication capacities of the students.
Increase the individual contribution to the knowledge-based economy and society.

Award Criteria

The evaluation of EMJM proposals is based on several criteria, including:

Relevance of the Project (30 points)

Background and general objectives of the project and their relevance in relation to the EMJM.
Relevance for the respect and promotion of shared EU values, such as respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, as well as fighting any sort of discrimination.
Project rationale and needs analysis on which the proposal is built.
Issues/challenges/gaps and specific objectives that the project aims to address in academic terms and with regard to societal and labor market needs.
Strategy to foster excellence and innovation.
Support to the modernization and internationalization strategy of the partner HEIs.
Project uniqueness and added value when compared with the existing offer of master programs.
Strategy to increase the attractiveness, integration, internationalization, and contribute to the policy objectives of the European Higher Education Area.

Quality of the Project Design and Implementation (30 points)

Jointness/integration of the EMJM, taking into account the requirements described under the section âSetting up a project.â
The academic program and how excellence and innovative elements in the learning experience will be ensured across the consortium.
The organization of study periods, including the minimum mobility requirements and the mutual recognition of the learning outcomes/credits.
The principles and requirements for student application, selection, participation in the course, and student scholarship allocation.
The services offered to students.
The contribution of mobile staff and invited scholars to teaching, training, research, and administrative activities.
The specific support measures for facilitating equal and inclusive access to participants and the enrolment of students/staff/invited scholars with individual needs linked to long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments.
Internal and external quality assurance measures of the master program.
Extent to which the jointly designed and fully integrated curriculum adheres to the Standards for Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes in the European Higher Education Area.
The joint degree/the degrees to be delivered and its/their recognition by the awarding full partner HEIs, as well as the joint diploma supplement

Project Teams, Staff, and Experts

Project teams and how they will work together to implement the project.

Cost Effectiveness and Financial Management

Management of EU funding, mobilization of complementary funding, and budget plan.

Risk Management

Identification of risks in the project implementation and planning of adequate mitigating measures.

Tips for a Successful Application

Research Erasmus Mundus programs that align with your educational and career goals.
Collect all necessary documents, including CVs, academic transcripts, and recommendation letters.
Prepare a compelling motivation letter that highlights your academic achievements, relevant experiences, and reasons for pursuing the EMJM program.
Demonstrate English language proficiency through recognized tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
Complete the online application form accurately and submit all required documents before the deadline.
Use the Europass format for your CV unless otherwise stated by the program.

Understanding EMMIR as an Example

The European Master in Migration and Intercultural Relations (EMMIR) serves as a prime example of an Erasmus Mundus Joint Masterâs program. It is the first African-European-Asian EMJM in migration studies, established in 2011. EMMIR is jointly run by nine partner universities across Africa, Europe, and Asia, including:

Carl von Ossietzky University, Oldenburg, Germany (coordinating)
Ahfad University for Women, Omdurman, Sudan
Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda
University of Nova Gorica, Slovenia
University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
University of Stavanger, Norway
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Mahanirban Calcutta Research Group in Kolkata, India
Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata, India

EMMIR students experience structured mobility, studying in at least three different countries:

Semester 1: University of Oldenburg, Germany
Semester 2: University of Stavanger, Norway
Semester 3: Focus module and internship at one of the partner institutions in Africa, Asia, or Europe
Semester 4: Thesis research and writing, supervised by faculty from one or more partner universities

This structure provides students with firsthand exposure to migration-related issues across different regional and institutional contexts.

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