Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2024/25: All you need to know to win this generous scholarship

Now’s your chance if you have always dreamed of getting one of the most generous and prestigious scholarships in the world: an Erasmus Mundus scholarship. 

Since its inception in 2004, it has opened doors for over 30,000 students from more than 190 countries.

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) 2024-25 is now open for application, continuing its streak of popularity among students, especially those from India.

In 2023, it recorded the largest-ever annual selection of Indian scholarship winners. 

As many as 174 Indian students, of which over half were women, won the Erasmus Mundus scholarships for the academic year 2023-24 – a historic milestone and a testament to the scholarship’s growing global impact. 

Erasmus Mundus scholarship: A short history

The European Union introduced the “Erasmus” programme in 1987 to work closer with universities and higher education institutions throughout the bloc in organising and facilitating student exchange.

From 2014 to 2021, more than 13 million individuals, including staff, students, young people, and learners of all ages, have participated in Erasmus+.

Then, in 2004 the Erasmus Mundus launched as a higher education cooperation programme funded by the European Commission and continued until 2013.

Beginning in 2014, Erasmus Mundus became part of the Erasmus+ funding scheme.

The Erasmus Mundus scholarship is a great opportunity for international students looking to further their education. 

This scholarship offers a comprehensive package, covering your tuition fees and a generous stipend ranging from 1,100 to 1,500 euros per month for 24 months. 

Recipients will also receive:

• a travel allowance
• international airfare tickets between host countries after each semester
• the freedom to choose any destination without bond restrictions after completing the programme. 

If you dream of being an Erasmus Mundus scholarship recipient, you must first hold a bachelor’s degree or be in the final year of your undergraduate studies and are set to graduate before your master’s programme starts. 

The application process varies by programme but generally requires documents such as:

• letters of recommendation
• motivation letter
• academic transcripts
• your CV, 
• proof of your residence
• proof of English proficiency (an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent)

Erasmus Mundus scholarship: 2024 deadline

Like all scholarships, the Erasmus Mundus scholarship has its own its application deadline.

This may differ depending on the specific programme you are applying for.

The application window for most programmes typically falls between October and January.

That being said, some programmes have deadlines that are in March 2024.

This timeline is specifically for courses commencing in the subsequent academic year.

As prospective applicants, you are advised to carefully review the requirements and deadlines associated with your chosen Erasmus Mundus programme to ensure you don’t miss out on this opportunity.

How to apply for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship

We cannot stress how important this first step is. Before beginning your application for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship, you need to carefully research the specific programme you are interested in. 

Start by visiting the official Erasmus Mundus website and exploring the available master’s or doctoral programmes. 

Review the application requirements and deadlines once you’ve identified the programme that aligns with your academic and career goals. 

This is when you ask yourself the important questions like why do you want to pursue a postgraduate degree?

Is it because they’re popular? Or you’d like a fulfill the requirement towards a PhD? Is it to land one of the highest paying jobs in the world?

Then comes the tedious (but worthwhile) task of putting together all the necessary documents, such as your academic transcripts, letters of recommendation and language proficiency certificates.

But that’s not the most difficult part. 

For past applicants, the hardest part is having to create a motivation letter.

Many struggle here, as you need it to be compelling enough to win a fully-funded degree in one of the most coveted study destinations in the world.

As the saying goes, “The difference between who wins and who does not win is simply words — the words that they each write.” 

To make your motivation letter stand out, here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Take the time to reflect on all that you’ve achieved in your life and studies so far. 
2. Think about the future. What’s next for you?
3. Clearly articulate why you are passionate about the chosen programme and how it aligns with your long-term goals.
4. Emphasise how the Erasmus Mundus experience will contribute to you, personally and professionally, your community and the world.
5. Ensure your motivation letter is well-structured, concise and showcases your unique perspective and strengths.

Aside from that, you could also:

• Explore your choice of universities within the Erasmus Mundus programme. Share your knowledge about each university’s history, research initiatives, programme structure and ranking. 
• Demonstrate a clear connection between your academic and career goals and the offerings of each chosen university. Express your interest in specific subjects by outlining your vision and how the programme can help you achieve it. 
• Research and mention any opportunities, such as summer schools or activities offered by the programme. 
• Show your interest by indicating how you plan to engage in these extra-curricular activities to enhance your learning experience.

Finally, conclude your motivation letter with an expression of gratitude for considering your application.

And if you need help, you could always seek feedback from mentors or advisors to refine your writing. 

Before making the final submission, it’s best to contact the Erasmus+ international office in your country first or contact your EMJMD coordinators. 

They will assist in advising about the application process, in addition to visa procedures, once you receive the scholarship. 

Alternatively, you can connect with the Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA), the alumni network specific to the joint master’s degrees.

The association has Country Representatives (CR) who are directly mandated to represent EMA in their countries.

Erasmus Mundus’s success stories

Michael Yoshimura:

Imagine spending six months in Madrid, exploring the vibrant culture and studying engineering and design at the Universidad Europea de Madrid.

This was Michael Yoshimura’s reality thanks to the Erasmus study programme.

His curiosity and passion blossomed during his time in Spain, influencing his outlook on architecture and design.

Yoshimura’s projects, including “Waterworld,” a futuristic post-apocalyptic concept, gained recognition in film festivals.

His career journey led him through various prestigious offices, contributing to his growth as a designer. Now a CG artist, his love for science-fiction, CGI, film, and cinematography propels his career as a Concept Artist.

Giulia Serenato:

From Brazil to the presidency of the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) at Alcalá University in Spain, Giulia Serenato’s Erasmus journey is an inspiring tale of international education.

Studying translation and interpreting at the University of East Anglia in the UK, Serenato discovered her passion for connecting cultures.

Her Erasmus experience equipped her with invaluable soft skills like social inclusion, patience, and resilience, enhancing her ability to lead ESN.

As the ESN president, Serenato leads volunteers in integrating international students with the local community.

Erasmus Mundus joint master’s degrees

The Erasmus Mundus joint master’s degrees, funded by the European Union, bring together top universities from around the globe. 

Imagine studying astrophysics in Sweden or delving into advanced robotics in Italy, all while meeting and connecting with interesting people from all over the world. 

The Erasmus Mundus scholarship programme involves many countries across Europe and beyond.

While the specific participating countries can vary depending on the joint degree programme, here is a general list of countries commonly associated with Erasmus Mundus:

European Union member states:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden

Non-EU European countries:

• Albania
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• North Macedonia
• Montenegro
• Serbia

For a full list of countries that host the Erasmus Mundus programme, click here.