Erasmus Mundus Interview Guide 2027

Not All Programmes Conduct Interviews

This is the first thing to understand: the majority of Erasmus Mundus programmes do not interview applicants. Most make their selection decisions based entirely on the written application — your motivation letter, references, academic record, and supporting documents.

However, a growing number of programmes have added an interview stage, especially in social sciences, humanities, arts, and interdisciplinary fields where personal fit and communication skills matter as much as academic qualifications. Technical programmes (engineering, sciences) are less likely to interview, but it is not unheard of.

If your programme conducts interviews and you are invited, you have already made it through the first round of selection.

The committee has read your application, evaluated your qualifications, and decided you are a serious candidate. An interview invitation typically means you are within the top 2–3 times the number of available spots.

The Shortlisting Process

Programmes that interview typically follow this pattern:

1. 1
   600+ applications received

   For a programme with 20–30 scholarship spots.

2. 2
   200–300 pass eligibility screening

   Complete documentation and minimum requirements met.

3. 3
   50–80 shortlisted for interview

   Based on the quality of the written application.

4. 20–30 scholarship offers made

   Main list plus reserve list.

The exact ratio varies by programme. Some interview only 40 candidates for 25 spots; others interview 100 for 15 spots. The point is: if you get an interview invitation, your odds are dramatically better than the overall 2–5% acceptance rate suggests. You might be looking at a 30–50% chance at this stage.

Interview Format: What to Expect

Almost all Erasmus Mundus interviews are conducted online. Here is the typical setup.

Common Interview Questions

Based on alumni reports and forum discussions, these are the questions that come up most often in Erasmus Mundus interviews. Panels are looking for specificity, self-awareness, and genuine enthusiasm — not rehearsed corporate answers.

1. Why did you choose this specific programme?

This is the most important question. They want to hear that you have researched the programme thoroughly — the specific courses, the mobility track, the partner universities, the research focus. A generic answer about “wanting an international experience” will not work. Mention specific modules, professors, or research groups that attracted you, and show you understand what makes this consortium different from other Erasmus Mundus programmes in the same field.

2. Why multi-country study? Why not a traditional Master's?

They want to understand why you chose a programme that moves you between countries every semester. Good answers connect the multi-country structure to your academic or career goals: “I want to study migration policy from the perspective of both sending and receiving countries, which is exactly what this mobility track offers.” Bad answers: “I want to travel and see different cultures.”

3. What are your career goals after graduation?

Be specific and realistic: “I plan to work in [specific sector/organization] doing [specific type of work], and this programme provides the [specific skills/knowledge/network] I need.” If you are unsure, be honest about exploring options, but show you have thought about it seriously. A vague “I want to make the world a better place” will hurt you. See our guide on common mistakes for more on this.

4. Tell us about your academic background and how it relates to this programme.

Connect the dots between your previous studies and the programme. If there is a gap (for example, switching fields), address it directly and explain how your background is actually an asset. Highlight specific courses, research projects, or thesis work that is directly relevant.

5. How will you handle moving to a new country every semester?

This probes your adaptability and self-awareness. Good answers acknowledge the difficulty honestly while showing resilience: “I have lived abroad before and know the adjustment period is real. What helped me was [specific strategy].” If you have never lived abroad, be honest, but show you have thought about the practical and emotional challenges.

6. Which mobility track do you prefer, and why?

Some programmes offer multiple mobility tracks (for example, Track A: Spain → France → Germany; Track B: Italy → Belgium → Netherlands). Know the tracks. Have a preference and explain why — ideally connected to specific courses or research opportunities at particular partner universities, not just “I like Barcelona.”

7. What will you contribute to the cohort?

Erasmus Mundus cohorts are intentionally diverse, and panels want students who bring unique perspectives. Think about what your background, country context, professional experience, or research interests add to the group. This is not about being the “best” student — it is about being a distinctive one.

8. Do you have any questions for us?

Always have questions prepared. Good questions show you have done your research: “I read about the thesis collaboration with [specific research center]. Could you tell me more about how students access that?” Bad questions: “How much is the stipend?” (that is public information) or “When will I hear back?” (they will tell you when they tell you).

How to Prepare for the Interview

Preparation is the difference between a candidate who gets selected and one who does not. Here is a practical plan.

1. 1
   Re-read your entire application

   The interviewers have read it. They may ask you to elaborate on something from your motivation letter or clarify a point in your CV. Re-read everything you submitted, including any supplementary statements. Know your own application inside out.

2. 2
   Know the programme inside out

   Study the curriculum in detail: the courses in each semester, the partner universities, the mobility track options, the thesis requirements, and any specialization tracks. Know the names of key professors and read their recent publications if the programme is research-oriented. Look at student projects or thesis topics from previous cohorts if available.

3. 3
   Practice out loud

   Thinking about answers and saying them out loud are completely different skills. Practice speaking your answers to a friend, to a mirror, or record yourself. Watch clarity, length (aim for 1–2 minutes per answer), and whether you actually answer the question asked. Rambling is the most common interview mistake.

4. 4
   Set up your technical environment

   Test your internet connection, camera, and microphone at least a day before. Find a quiet room with good lighting (face a window if possible) and a plain or neutral background. Close all other applications, have the video conferencing app installed and updated, and join the call 5 minutes early.

Tips from Alumni Who Have Been Through It

We gathered advice from Erasmus Mundus scholars who went through interviews for various programmes. Here is what they wish they had known.

“The interview was much more conversational than I expected. They weren't grilling me — they genuinely wanted to understand my motivation. The moment I stopped trying to give ‘perfect’ answers and just spoke honestly about why I cared about the topic, the conversation flowed naturally.” — Scholar, Social Sciences programme

“I was asked a question I did not expect: ‘What is the biggest challenge in your field right now, and how would this programme help you address it?’ I had not prepared for that specific question, but because I had been reading widely about my field, I could give a thoughtful answer. Read beyond your application materials.” — Scholar, Environmental Science programme

“My internet dropped twice during the interview. The panel was completely understanding — they deal with applicants from countries with unreliable connections all the time. They just asked me to rejoin and we continued. Do not panic if tech issues happen. Just stay calm, reconnect, and apologize briefly.” — Scholar, Engineering programme

“The best advice I got was: know the specific courses you want to take at each partner university. When I said ‘In my second semester at University X, I'm excited about Professor Y's course on Z because it connects to my thesis idea about…’, I could see the panel members nodding. That level of specificity showed I wasn't just applying randomly.” — Scholar, Humanities programme

Interviewed by Multiple Programmes

There is no official limit on how many Erasmus Mundus programmes you can apply to, and most applicants target about three, so you might receive interview invitations from more than one. This is a good problem to have, but it requires careful management.

• Check for scheduling conflicts. Invitations often come with limited time slots. If two programmes overlap, contact the coordination office immediately to request a different slot. They understand applicants apply to multiple programmes.
• Prepare separately for each. Each programme has a different curriculum, partner universities, and mobility tracks. Mixing up details (“I'm excited about the semester in Helsinki” — but that programme doesn't go to Helsinki) is a quick way to be rejected.
• Do not mention other programmes during the interview. The panel does not need to know you are interviewing elsewhere. Focus entirely on why this programme is the right fit for you.

What Not to Do in the Interview

• Do not memorize scripted answers. Interviewers can tell immediately when someone is reciting a memorized script. Prepare key points, not word-for-word answers. The conversation should feel natural.
• Do not be vague about the programme. If you cannot name specific courses, partner universities, or the mobility track, you signal that you applied without proper research. This is fatal in an interview.
• Do not focus only on the scholarship money. Never make the interview about the funding. They are selecting scholars, not awarding grants. Focus on academic fit, intellectual passion, and career vision.
• Do not speak for more than 2 minutes per answer. In a 15–30 minute interview every second counts. Long, rambling answers eat up time and frustrate the panel. Make your point and stop.

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