The Erasmus programme is the European Union's flagship education exchange initiative — and through its Erasmus Mundus strand, it offers some of the world's most generous fully funded master's and doctoral scholarships to students globally. This guide explains the difference between Erasmus+ and Erasmus Mundus, what each covers, and how to apply.
Erasmus+ vs Erasmus Mundus — What Is the Difference?
Many students confuse these two distinct programmes:
| Programme | What It Is | Who Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Erasmus+ | Exchange programme — you study at a partner university abroad for 1 semester or 1 year | EU/EEA students primarily; some international students through partnerships |
| Erasmus Mundus | Fully funded joint master's or doctoral degrees taught across multiple European universities | International students globally (highly competitive) |
For international students outside Europe, Erasmus Mundus is the relevant fully funded scholarship. Erasmus+ exchanges are primarily for students already enrolled at European institutions.
Erasmus Mundus — The Flagship International Scholarship
What Is Erasmus Mundus?
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degrees (EMJMD) are:
- Taught at 2–4 European universities in different countries
- Students spend time at each partner institution during their studies
- Funded by the European Commission
- Open to students from any country in the world
- Over 200 programmes available across all disciplines
What the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Covers
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | Full fees (all partner universities) |
| Monthly stipend | €1,400/month |
| Installation grant (arrival) | €1,000 per mobility between countries |
| Travel allowance | Varies by region of origin |
| Total annual value | Approximately €25,000 – €30,000 |
For most Erasmus Mundus scholars, the total scholarship value is €50,000 – €60,000 for a 2-year master's — covering all costs comfortably.
Erasmus Mundus Programme Categories
Category A (Full Scholarship — International Students)
The full Erasmus Mundus scholarship for students from outside the EU/EEA:
- Monthly stipend: €1,400
- All tuition fees paid
- Installation grants for country changes
- Travel allowance (proportional to distance from Europe)
Category B (Partial Scholarship — EU/EEA Students)
EU/EEA students can also receive Erasmus Mundus funding, but at a lower rate:
- Monthly stipend: €1,000
- All tuition fees paid
How Many Erasmus Mundus Scholarships Are Available?
Each EMJMD programme offers a limited number of full scholarships per year — typically 5–20 scholarships per programme. However, with over 200 programmes, the total number of scholarships globally is approximately 2,000–3,000 per year.
This makes Erasmus Mundus competitive but significantly more accessible than programmes like Chevening or Rhodes.
Erasmus Mundus Programmes — Examples by Field (2026)
| Field | Example Programme | Partner Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | Erasmus Mundus in Computer Science | Multiple EU universities |
| Data Science | EDISS (European Data and Informatics Specialisation) | Sweden, Germany, Netherlands |
| Public Health | Erasmus Mundus in Global Health | Belgium, Spain, Portugal |
| Business / Management | GLOGOV (Global Governance) | UK, Belgium, Argentina |
| Environmental Science | MEME (Molecular Evolution) | Multiple |
| Linguistics | Erasmus Mundus in Linguistics | Netherlands, Italy, Spain |
| Education | EUMIE (Education) | Various |
| Economics | IME (International Macroeconomics) | France, Germany, UK |
| Engineering | EMAE (Aerospace Engineering) | France, Germany |
| Philosophy | Erasmus Mundus in Philosophy | Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic |
| Architecture | EU-MAIA (Architecture) | Spain, Italy, Netherlands |
A full list of accredited EMJMD programmes is available on the European Commission's Study in Europe portal.
Who Can Apply for Erasmus Mundus?
Eligibility
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Any country (including EU/EEA) |
| Degree | Bachelor's degree completed before programme start |
| GPA | Strong academic record (minimum 3.0/4.0 or equivalent) |
| Language | IELTS/TOEFL meeting programme requirements |
| Restriction | Cannot have resided or studied in the EU for 12+ of the last 5 years for Category A |
The residency restriction is important: If you have already lived or studied in EU/EEA countries for more than 12 months in the last 5 years, you may be eligible for Category B (EU) rather than Category A (international).
Erasmus Mundus Application Process
Step 1: Find an Eligible Programme (September–November)
Browse programmes at the EU's official EMJMD portal. Each programme has its own website with:
- Course content and structure
- Partner universities
- Scholarship availability
- Application requirements and deadline
Step 2: Prepare Your Application Documents (November–January)
Common required documents:
| Document | Detail |
|---|---|
| Academic transcripts | All university-level study |
| Degree certificate | Certified copy |
| CV / Resume | Academic and professional achievements |
| Motivation letter | Programme-specific; typically 500–1,000 words |
| Two to three reference letters | Academic referees strongly preferred |
| IELTS / TOEFL certificate | Meeting programme-specific requirement |
| Proof of citizenship | Passport |
| Research proposal (some programmes) | Required for research-oriented programmes |
Step 3: Submit Before the Deadline (January–February)
Most Erasmus Mundus programmes have application deadlines between January 10 and February 15 for September entry. Some programmes have earlier deadlines — check the specific programme page.
Step 4: Selection and Notification (February–April)
Programmes conduct their own selection processes — some interview shortlisted candidates; others select entirely from written applications.
Step 5: Scholarship Confirmation (April–May)
Scholarship offers are typically notified by April–May for September entry.
IELTS Requirements for Erasmus Mundus
Erasmus Mundus programmes are taught in English (most), French, Spanish, or mixed language. For English-taught programmes:
| Typical Requirement | IELTS Score |
|---|---|
| Most Erasmus Mundus programmes | 6.5 – 7.0 |
| Competitive programmes (top-ranked) | 7.0 – 7.5 |
| Programmes with writing-intensive focus | 7.0 Writing minimum |
Some programmes also accept TOEFL iBT (typically 90–100+), Cambridge C1 Advanced, or PTE Academic.
Erasmus Mundus Motivation Letter — The Most Important Document
The motivation letter is the primary selection document for most Erasmus Mundus programmes. Tips for a strong letter:
-
Address the specific programme — explain why this combination of universities and curriculum fits your background and goals. Generic letters are immediately visible and rejected.
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Connect your bachelor's to the master's content — show that your previous study prepared you for this programme's specific requirements.
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Explain the international dimension — why do you want to study in multiple countries? What does mobility add to your academic and personal development?
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Career clarity — what will you do with this degree? Be specific about your post-programme plans.
Erasmus+ Exchange — For Students Already in Europe
If you are already enrolled at a European partner university, Erasmus+ exchanges allow you to study at another partner university for 1 semester or 1 year:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly allowance | €150 – €700/month (varies by country combination) |
| Tuition waiver | No tuition at the host institution |
| Administrative support | Visa support, housing guidance |
Erasmus+ exchanges are less financially comprehensive than Erasmus Mundus full scholarships — but provide valuable international academic experience within your existing degree.
Prepare for IELTS with Gabble — Erasmus Mundus programmes require IELTS 6.5–7.5. A score above the minimum strengthens your application in a competitive international pool. AI-powered speaking and writing feedback with instant band scores.