ScholarshipUnion | Guides
Application Strategy

Programme Selection:
How to Choose Your 3 Wisely

There are 200+ Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programmes. You can apply to a maximum of 3. This guide explains how to navigate the catalogue, evaluate consortium quality, and make strategic choices that maximize your chances.

Choosing Your 3 Programmes

You can apply to a maximum of 3. Choose wrong, and you waste all your effort.

Start here: Official Erasmus Mundus Catalogue — filter by subject, country, and duration.

What to Evaluate

Does it match your background?

Check required undergraduate fields. If you're from engineering, don't apply to a pure humanities programme hoping for a stretch. Also check if your specific sub-field matches — "environmental science" programmes vary wildly in focus.

Where will you actually live?

The mobility track is usually fixed. A programme in Amsterdam + Paris + Reykjavik means €2,000+/month cities. One in Lisbon + Ghent + Warsaw is far more affordable. The track also affects your visa situation and language needs.

Who runs the programme?

Look at the lead university's reputation in your field. Check faculty research. Google alumni — where do they work now? A well-connected consortium opens more doors than a prestigious name alone.

Can you afford the gap?

Even with the €1,400 stipend, expensive cities create funding gaps. Factor in the cost of moving 2–4 times. A "dream programme" in costly cities may cause genuine financial hardship. See Living Costs.

Strategic Selection

Programme 1: Dream

Your top choice. Best fit academically. Apply here with your strongest effort.

Programme 2: Strong Fit

Good match with slightly better odds. Maybe fewer applicants or a newer programme.

Programme 3: Strategic

Niche programme with lower competition. Still genuinely interests you — never apply to a programme you wouldn't attend.

Ready to Start Your Application?

You've done the research. Now let's build your application step by step.