Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Guide 2027

What Is Erasmus Mundus?

You apply to one Master's programme, then physically move between 2 to 4 European countries over 1–2 years — Spain, France, Germany, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Portugal, Belgium, Austria and more. The EU funds full scholarships for the top-ranked applicants. But with a 2–5% acceptance rate, a stipend that doesn't cover rent in half your cities, and a new apartment hunt every semester, the reality is far more complex than the brochure.

3+ universities, 3+ countries, 1 programme

Each programme is run by a consortium of universities across different countries. They co-design the curriculum, share teaching, and award a joint or multiple degree. You enrol at all of them, sequentially.

You move countries every semester

You physically relocate — typically every 4–6 months. A programme might send you from Spain to France, then Germany, then Finland. At least two study periods take place in different countries, and at least one of them must be in an EU Member State or a country associated to Erasmus+.

Who the scholarships are for

Scholarships are open to students from all over the world, and everyone competes in the same pool. The old split into Category A (non-EU “Partner Country” students, about 75% of scholarship spots) and Category B (EU/EEA “Programme Country” students, about 25%) was dropped for masters selected from 2021 onward. Today the main quota is a diversity rule: no more than 10% of a programme's scholarships may go to candidates of the same nationality.

A joint or multiple degree

You graduate with either a joint degree (one certificate from the consortium) or multiple degrees (separate diplomas from 2+ universities). Credentials from some of Europe's best institutions.

Erasmus Mundus is the only major scholarship where you study in multiple countries as a core feature.

Unlike Fulbright (one country), Chevening (UK only) or Commonwealth (UK only), moving between countries is built into every Erasmus Mundus programme.

What Nobody Tells You Before Applying

Six realities, gathered from forums, alumni blogs and research papers.

1. There is no single application portal

Each of the 200+ programmes has its own website, portal and deadlines. Unlike DAAD or Fulbright, there's no central system. One programme wants 500 words; another wants 1,000. One closes in October; another in January. You're applying to a specific consortium, and figuring out each one takes days.

2. A 2–5% acceptance rate — your motivation letter decides

Popular programmes can receive 600+ applications for 15–25 scholarship spots, and the essay is the primary differentiator. One scholar's first application, “full of achievements only, with no story”, was rejected. When they rewrote it to “speak from the heart, with failures and a vision,” they were selected for two programmes. Read our Motivation Letter guide.

3. €1,400 a month doesn't cover rent in half your cities

We estimate living costs in Amsterdam at about €2,152 a month, and funding gaps of €200–500 a month are common. In the most expensive cities, such as Amsterdam, Reykjavik and Paris, the stipend may not cover basic living. Spain, Portugal and Eastern Europe are more manageable — but you don't choose where you go. See our Living Costs guide.

4. A new visa for every country you move to

Processing times, documents and fees differ per country. A 2024 EMA survey found visa delays caused “stress and potential setbacks in academic mobility” for many respondents. Some countries don't have embassies in every nation. Our Visa Guide explains what to prepare.

5. Finding housing every semester is exhausting

You hunt for apartments remotely, in cities you've never visited. One scholar described life as “a suitcase with few personal objects, always ready for the next move.” There is no separate installation grant under the current rules: deposits and moving costs come out of the same €1,400 monthly scholarship. See our Housing guide.

6. Reserve-list limbo can last into the summer

Results come out from February to May. Reserve-list candidates may wait months, sometimes until just before the September start, with no definitive answer. You can't plan your life, accept other offers or book housing, and the process gives almost no status updates.

Under the current Erasmus+ rules the scholarship is a single monthly amount of €1,400 for the full length of the Master's (12, 18 or 24 months). It is meant to cover your travel, visa, installation and living costs — there is no longer a separate travel or installation allowance. Consortia cannot charge scholarship holders tuition fees or other mandatory participation costs, and they must provide full insurance coverage.

Funding gap by city

How the €1,400 stipend compares to our estimates of monthly living costs in six study cities.

Full analysis in our Living Costs guide. Budget €2,000–5,000 in savings before your programme starts.

This is the typical cycle for programmes starting in September 2027. On 16 July 2026 the European Commission announced 37 newly selected Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters that open for student applications in autumn 2026. Use the official catalogue: each programme sets its own deadline, and most fall between October and January.

1. 1
   Jun–Sep 2026

   Research & shortlist

   Browse the Catalogue. Shortlist around 3 programmes. Research requirements. Start your motivation letter.

2. 2
   From Oct 2026

   Applications open

   Gather documents. Register on each programme's portal early — each has its own system.

3. 3
   Oct 2026 – Jan 2027

   Scholarship deadlines

   Most scholarship deadlines fall in this window. Submit early — portals slow down or crash on the last day every year.

4. 4
   Feb–May 2027

   Results & reserve lists

   Programmes publish results at different times. On a reserve list? You may wait into the summer with few updates.

5. 5
   May–Aug 2027

   Pre-departure

   Secure visas. Find housing. Attend orientation. Pack light — you'll move again in 4 months.

6. Sep 2027

   Programme begins

   Country 1. Classes start. The Erasmus Mundus experience begins.

Navigate This Guide

20 guides covering everything, grouped by where you are in the process.

Just starting out

Building your application

After selection