Erasmus Mundus
Are you ready to become an Erasmus Mundus scholar? Find out how you can apply. Source: Sean Rayford/Getty Images North America/Getty Images via AFP

Are you ready to become an Erasmus Mundus scholar? Application to the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Programme (EMJMD) 2022-23 is now open, and deadlines are looming.  

Whether you’re a first-time study abroad aspirant or an experienced one, an Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship programme is unparalleled in offering a truly international educational experience

Each programme is carefully designed and delivered through partner higher education institutions. Since its inception in 2004, more than 24,000 students have benefitted from Erasmus Mundus courses and its multinational community connecting scholars across the globe. 

Here’s what you need to know if you’re gunning for this renowned international scholarship: 

What is the EMJMD all about, and how much can I get?

The EMJMD scholarship is the most coveted prize among the scholarships offered under the Erasmus+ network. In 2021 alone, 2,756 students from 141 countries were awarded this life-changing opportunity to study for a full-time master’s degree in the network’s partner institutions

Students in India topped the scholarship table, with Indonesia and the Philippines also listed in the top 15 recipients. Candidates go through a rigorous application screening process, and only some programmes require interviews before a decision is made. 

The EMJMD is typically a two-year full-time master’s programme, although some institutions do have a shorter study duration of not less than 12 months. Part-time studies are not possible under this scholarship, as the award already covers all provisions needed to study abroad. 

The scholarship funds participation costs, including tuition fees and mandatory insurance coverage for the duration of your studies. On top of that, you will also get travel funds and settling-in costs, and a monthly living allowance for scholarship holders studying outside of their country of residence. For scholarship holders from a partner country who will be studying in any other partner country, the monthly allowance will not extend for more than three months. 

To know more about the specific details of the EMJMD funding, click here.

Erasmus Mundus

The Erasmus Mundus scholarship covers provisions needed to study abroad. Source: Ina Fassbender/AFP

I’m interested! So when are the deadlines?

Here’s where it gets tricky — the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degrees have different scholarship deadlines. 

Depending on your programme selection, the deadlines can be anywhere from Dec. 27, 2021 to May 20, 2022 if you meet certain visa requirements. Be sure to click on your intended programme’s website as soon as you can to confirm your scholarship application deadlines.

How do I know if I’m eligible? 

The EMJMD scholarships are open to applicants worldwide, and non-EU students could receive more in funding. Since you’ll be enrolling in an intensive, high-level graduate programme, you must possess a first higher education degree beforehand. 

You can also apply as a final-year undergraduate student if the completion of your bachelor’s degree falls before the start date of the EMJMD programme you’re aiming for. You will need to notify the EMJD coordinator if you’re applying before graduation, and may receive a conditional offer if you pass the evaluation process. 

Candidates with disabilities and special needs are encouraged to apply, as the Erasmus+ Programmes are committed to promoting equity and inclusion. 

How can I start applying and what is the process like? 

First off, you want to check all the available EMJMD programmes listed in the official catalogue. Simply click on the website of the programme that you’re interested in and check if you meet the conditions for the master’s degree offered. 

It’s important to note that each EMJMD has its own requirements and application procedure, so don’t skim over the finer details! You’re allowed to submit to up to three Erasmus Mundus joint programmes at the same time.

On each programme website, you can find information such as course structure, participating institutions, course duration, awarding title and the programme’s application process. More importantly, the website also lists the contact details of each EMJMD coordinator should you need further clarification about the degree. 

Your application results will be notified directly by the coordinators of the programmes that you’ve applied for. They can either be successful, rejected, or be placed on a reserve list.

How can I successfully nail my application?

The Erasmus Mundus scholarship is notorious for being competitive, so you want to get started as early as possible. Preparation is key — get all your qualifications and requirements in order ahead of time. 

Before making the final submission, it’s best to contact the Erasmus+ international office in your country first if available, or get in touch with your EMJMD coordinators. They will assist in advising about the application process, in addition to visa procedures once you receive the scholarship. 

Alternatively, you can also connect with the Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA), the alumni network specific to the joint master’s degrees. The association has Country Representatives (CR) who have a direct mandate to represent EMA in their individual countries. 

As former Erasmus Scholars, CRs have hands-on experience that are valuable to prospective students. You can get tips and advice from the alumni through seminars, workshops and meetings, in addition to hearing their own inspiring study abroad stories to keep you motivated throughout the application process. 

Will COVID-19 impact my application and travel plans?

In 2020, the Erasmus+ programmes as a whole faced a crisis in mobility for participants due to mobility and travel restrictions, forcing admissions to be deferred for a year. Luckily, things seem to be looking up after global vaccination rollouts and border reopenings. 

The Erasmus Mundus programmes have already implemented adaptive strategies to support future scholars as the pandemic goes on beyond 2021. Nevertheless, it is important to always check for the latest updates on any travel restrictions or mandatory quarantine measures stipulated by your country and your study destination. This is particularly crucial for scholarship holders needing study visas, since processing can take a much longer time due to high-volume applications now that international borders are gradually reopening.