Erasmus Mundus Scholarship: Eligibility, Benefits and How to Apply

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Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJMs) are international master’s programmes funded through the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme. EMJMs are delivered by consortia of higher education institutions in different countries and are open to students worldwide. Selected students may receive competitive Erasmus Mundus scholarships that cover the programme’s participation costs and contribute to travel, visa, installation and subsistence costs.

For Bangladeshi students, EMJMs offer an internationally delivered master’s degree through a programme involving multiple countries and institutions. Bangladesh’s eligibility status is explained under Eligibility below.

This guide explains what EMJMs are, who can apply, what the scholarship covers, what applicants need to prepare, and how to apply for the 2027 intake.

What Is the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

The official programme is Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM), an Erasmus+ action supporting integrated international master’s programmes delivered by higher education institutions from different countries. An EMJM consortium must include at least three higher education institutions from at least three different countries, of which at least two must be from an EU Member State or a third country associated with the Erasmus+ Programme.

EMJMs must include compulsory physical mobility for all enrolled students, consisting of at least two study periods in two different countries, of which at least one must be in an EU Member State or a third country associated with the Erasmus+ Programme.

An EMJM awards either a joint degree (one degree certificate issued on behalf of at least two institutions) or multiple degrees (at least two-degree certificates issued by institutions in the consortium).

There is no single application form covering all EMJMs. Students apply directly to the institution or consortium running the programme they want to join. The official catalogue changes as new Erasmus Mundus programmes are selected and as programmes become available or stop accepting applications. Applicants should rely on the current official catalogue and the individual programme website rather than on a fixed number of programmes.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

Tuition and participation costs

Erasmus Mundus scholarship holders cannot be charged tuition fees or other mandatory costs related to participation in the EMJM. Selected EMJM projects also cannot charge student application fees.

Monthly scholarship

The scholarship is calculated as EUR 1,400 per month multiplied by the duration of the master’s programme. The scholarship is awarded to full-time students and normally covers the full duration of the master’s programme. If prior learning is formally recognised, the scholarship duration may be reduced, but it cannot be shorter than one academic year.

Travel, visa, installation and living costs

Under the current Erasmus+ funding rules, travel, visa, installation and subsistence costs are incorporated into the €1,400 monthly scholarship calculation; they are not described as a separate universal travel grant.

Insurance

Full insurance for enrolled students is funded through the programme’s institutional-cost contribution, a separate unit cost paid to the consortium, and is not deducted from the student’s monthly scholarship.

Scholarship availability

Admission to an EMJM does not automatically guarantee a scholarship. Scholarships are competitive, and each consortium conducts its own student selection process within the applicable Erasmus+ rules.

Why Choose an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master?

An EMJM combines master’s-level study with compulsory international mobility: every enrolled student, scholarship holder or not, completes at least two study periods in two different countries, and may also undertake research, traineeships and other integrated activities. Programmes span a wide range of academic fields; the Commission does not limit EMJMs to a particular discipline.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Eligibility

Nationality

EMJMs are open to students from around the world. Bangladesh is listed by the European Commission as a third country not associated with the Erasmus+ Programme and is included in Region 5 (Asia).

Academic qualification

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, or be in the final year of bachelor’s studies and graduate before the master’s programme begins. Applicants may also qualify by demonstrating a bachelor’s-equivalent level of learning officially recognised under the relevant national legislation and practices.

Work experience

There is no general EMJM-wide work-experience requirement. A specific programme may set this as an additional admission requirement, but it is not a universal condition.

English-language proficiency

There is no single Erasmus Mundus-wide IELTS, TOEFL or other English-language score requirement. Language requirements are set by individual programmes.

Age

The European Commission does not specify a general maximum age limit for EMJM applicants. Applicants should nevertheless check whether their chosen programme has any programme-specific eligibility conditions.

Previous Erasmus Mundus scholarship

A student who has previously obtained an EMJM scholarship is not eligible to receive an additional one.

Targeted top-up scholarships for Region 5 (Asia)

The EU also provides additional scholarship funding for students from certain regions outside the Erasmus+ Programme. Under the 2026 Erasmus+ rules, Region 5 (Asia), which includes Bangladesh, has an indicative allocation of 21% of the available NDICI budget for this action, with priority given to least developed countries. These additional scholarships are separate from the standard EMJM scholarship pool, and the 10% nationality-balance rule does not apply to them. Availability depends on the funding awarded to individual EMJM consortia. Not every EMJM receives additional funding for targeted regions, so applicants from Bangladesh must check the individual programme’s scholarship information.

Important Scholarship and Eligibility Points

Admission and Scholarship Selection

Meeting an EMJM’s admission requirement does not guarantee a scholarship. Admission and scholarship selection are separate. Scholarships are competitive, and each EMJM consortium uses its own admission, selection and scholarship rules under the Erasmus+ framework.

Bangladesh and Region 5

Bangladesh is part of Region 5 (Asia). This may make Bangladeshi applicants eligible for additional NDICI-funded scholarships when an EMJM receives funding for targeted regions. However, Region 5 status does not guarantee a scholarship. An EMJM may receive up to 18 additional NDICI-funded scholarships for targeted regions during the full Master’s project period. These scholarships are not reserved for Bangladeshi students. The 2026 Erasmus+ rules give priority to least developed countries in Region 5. Bangladesh is scheduled to leave the UN least developed country (LDC) category on 24 November 2026. The effect of this change on future EMJM selection is not yet clear, so applicants should check the rules that apply in their application year.

The 21% Region 5 Figure

The 21% Region 5 figure is not a scholarship quota for Bangladesh. Under the 2026 Erasmus+ Programme Guide, Region 5 has an indicative 21% share of the NDICI budget for the targeted-region scheme. This is a regional budget share, not a promise that 21% of scholarships will go to Bangladeshi applicants.

Programme-Specific Requirements

Each EMJM sets its own detailed admission and selection requirements within the Erasmus+ framework. Depending on the programme, applicants may need specific academic qualifications, language proof, prerequisite courses, work experience, recommendation letters, portfolios, tests or other documents. Applicants should check the official EMJM website for the exact eligibility rules, required documents, deadlines and scholarship selection process.

The €1,400 Monthly Scholarship

Under the 2026 Erasmus+ rules, the EMJM scholarship is €1,400 per month. It is not simply a living allowance. It contributes to travel, visa, installation and subsistence costs. The scholarship normally covers the applicable Master’s period, which can be 12, 18 or 24 months, depending on the programme and the applicable rules. EMJM scholarship holders cannot be charged tuition fees or other mandatory participation costs by the funded project. These costs are covered through the programme’s EU funding arrangements and are not taken from the student’s monthly scholarship.

Scholarship Numbers and Nationality Balance

Under the 2026 Erasmus+ funding rules, the standard EMJM scholarship component is calculated for up to 50 scholarships over the grant period. This limit does not include additional targeted-region scholarships. The actual number of scholarships depends on the individual EMJM and its funding agreement, and each consortium publishes its own scholarship availability and selection rules. To support geographical balance, normally no more than 10% of standard EMJM scholarships awarded during project implementation should go to applicants of the same nationality. This 10% rule does not apply to additional targeted-region scholarships, where applicable.

Erasmus Mundus Application Documents

There is no single EU-wide document checklist; each programme sets its own entry requirements and procedure. Depending on the programme, applicants may be asked to provide documents such as:

Bachelor’s degree certificate or evidence of final-year study
Academic transcripts
Curriculum vitae
Motivation or personal statement
Proof of language proficiency where required
Recommendation letters where required
Passport or other identity information where required
Evidence of relevant academic or professional experience where required
Portfolio, research proposal or other academic materials for programmes that require them

There is no EU rule requiring every applicant to submit a Europass CV, a set number of recommendation letters, a portfolio, a research proposal, or proof of work experience.

How to Apply for Erasmus Mundus

Step 1: Search the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue, maintained by EACEA, for programmes matching your background and interests.
Step 2: Study each programme’s own website for its institutions, structure, entry requirements, procedure and scholarship information.
Step 3: Prepare the academic records, language evidence and other materials the selected programme requires, paying close attention to its prerequisites and selection criteria.
Step 4: Submit your application directly to each institution or consortium running the selected EMJM. There is no current Erasmus+ rule in the Programme Guide imposing a universal maximum number of EMJMs to which a student may apply, but individual programmes may have their own application procedures or restrictions.
Step 5: Follow the scholarship procedure published by the programme. Some combine admission and scholarship selection in one process; the European Commission distinguishes procedures “with and without scholarship.”
Step 6: After receiving an offer, complete the visa or residence-permit procedures for the countries where you will study.

When to Apply for the 2027 Intake

In most cases, EMJM applications are submitted between October and January for courses beginning the following academic year. On 16 July 2026, the European Commission announced that 37 newly selected EMJMs will be added to the catalogue and will open student applications in autumn 2026, for programmes starting in September 2027.

The 37 newly selected programmes are not the only possible options for the 2027 intake. Existing EMJMs may also offer places for 2027, depending on their programme cycle and funding arrangements. Applicants should therefore search the full official catalogue and check each programme’s own website for its 2027 intake and deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Starting too late: EMJM applications require multiple documents, so early preparation allows time to obtain them and complete any required tests or translations.

Using the same application for every programme, instead of addressing each programme’s specific academic focus and structure.

Ignoring academic prerequisites: confirm your degree and coursework satisfy the background required by the selected programme.

Treating the scholarship as automatic: admission and scholarship selection are not the same outcome.

Missing the deadline: deadlines are set by individual programmes, not by a single Erasmus Mundus-wide date.

Do not rely on outdated advice claiming that applicants are limited to three EMJM applications per cycle. The current Erasmus+ rules do not establish a universal three-application limit; applicants should nevertheless check the individual programmes they wish to enter.

Erasmus Mundus Programmes for Bangladeshi Students

Applicants from Bangladesh can search the official catalogue across disciplines and should check whether their chosen programme has been awarded Region 5 top-up scholarship funding.
The European Commission’s 2026 selection round illustrates the breadth of subjects available. The 37 newly selected programmes include water vulnerability engineering, medical image analysis, semiconductor chips integration, sustainable structural design, chemical nano-engineering, animation, advanced microscopy with artificial intelligence, law, data and artificial intelligence, nuclear decommissioning and environmental remediation, large-scale accelerators and lasers, and infectious diseases and one health.

How Competitive Is the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

Erasmus Mundus scholarships are competitive; the Commission describes them as scholarships for the best-ranked students worldwide. Numbers available depend on funding negotiated in each consortium’s EU grant agreement. Under the current Erasmus+ rules, EMJM consortia should maintain geographical balance, with no more than 10% of the scholarships awarded during project implementation going to candidates of the same nationality. This rule does not apply to additional scholarships for targeted regions, where applicable.

How to Strengthen Your Application

Choose programmes whose academic requirements match your bachelor’s background
Prepare academic documents well before the application deadline
Write a programme-specific motivation statement
Show a clear connection between your academic background, the programme and your plans
Provide complete and accurate supporting documents
Select referees who can speak to your academic or professional abilities
Apply to multiple suitable EMJMs where their eligibility requirements and deadlines allow. The current Erasmus+ rules do not establish a universal maximum number of EMJM applications, but applicants should check the procedures of the programmes they select.
Check whether your chosen programme has Region 5 top-up scholarship funding, if relevant
Follow every programme’s published application and scholarship procedure

These steps can improve an application’s quality and completeness, but no strategy guarantees a scholarship.

Final Thoughts

EMJMs offer international master’s programmes through institutions in different countries. Bangladeshi students can apply, and selected students may receive scholarships covering tuition and mandatory participation costs, with €1,400 per month for travel, visa, installation and subsistence costs. The 37 newly selected EMJMs will open applications in autumn 2026 for September 2027 entry, while other programmes may also offer 2027 entry. Applicants should check the official catalogue and their chosen programme’s requirements, scholarship terms and deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions about Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

Can I apply after a bachelor’s degree?

Yes. You need a bachelor’s degree, or must be in your final year and graduate before the programme begins. A recognised equivalent qualification also satisfies this requirement.

Can I apply without IELTS?

There is no single IELTS requirement for all Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) programmes. English language requirements are set by each individual programme, and some may accept alternative proof of English proficiency. However, applicants from Bangladesh may be required to provide an accepted English proficiency test score, depending on the programme’s specific requirements. Always check the official admission requirements of your chosen EMJM programme before applying.

Can I apply to more than one programme?

Yes. You may apply directly to multiple EMJMs where their eligibility requirements and deadlines allow. The current Erasmus+ rules do not establish a universal maximum number of EMJM applications, but individual programmes may set their own procedures.

Are Erasmus Mundus scholarships fully funded?

Yes, Erasmus Mundus scholarships cover the programme’s participation costs for scholarship holders and provide €1,400 per month toward travel, visa, installation and subsistence costs. Insurance is funded through the programme’s institutional-cost contribution. The scholarship is competitive and is not automatically awarded to every admitted student.

How long is an EMJM?

One to two academic years, comprising 60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits.

Where can I find programmes?

The official EACEA Erasmus Mundus catalogue, plus each programme’s own website for full details.

Can I apply again in a future cycle?

You may apply again in a future cycle, subject to the programme’s requirements. However, a student who has previously obtained an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarship is not eligible to receive another EMJM scholarship.