Erasmus Mundus Scholarship: How to Apply and Who Can Get Funding

Erasmus Mundus is a database of 218 master’s programmes across Europe that welcome more than 2,500 students annually. The scholarship covers travel costs, visa expenses, and provides €1,400 per month for living allowance, totalling approximately €33,600 over a two-year study period. Applications are accepted from October through January while the funding competition is open.

What is Erasmus Mundus and how does it work

Erasmus Mundus is not a single scholarship but an entire database of funded programmes. The main mistake applicants make is trying to apply the scholarship to a programme they’ve already chosen at a university. It actually works differently: you need to find programmes in the database that receive Erasmus Mundus funding and apply to those.

The main advantage of these programmes is studying in at least three different European countries. During your studies, you gain diverse cultural experiences, work with different universities and lecturers. The programmes include not only lectures but also practical training, internships, and thesis writing at partner universities.

All programmes are updated annually. Currently there are 218, but this number changes every year.

Application deadlines and what the scholarship covers

The main application period is October through January. This is when universities begin reviewing candidates and deciding who receives scholarship funding. Applications can continue through February, March, and beyond, but without funding—only those who applied during the main deadline will receive the scholarship.

The Erasmus Mundus scholarship covers three main expenses:

— travel costs between study countries; — all visa-related expenses; — monthly living allowance of €1,400.

In most European countries, this allowance is sufficient for a month’s living costs. Over two years of study, this amounts to €33,600. Some programmes also cover tuition fees, but this should be checked in the specific programme description.

Requirements for candidates

The minimum requirement is holding a bachelor’s degree or completing your bachelor’s programme before the Erasmus Mundus programme starts. If you’re in your final year, that works—you just need to have your diploma by the programme’s start date.

Erasmus Mundus is primarily designed for master’s programmes. Any bachelor’s graduate, regardless of specialisation, can apply if their field matches one of the funded programmes.

Programmes typically last from one to two years, though most are two-year programmes. Teaching is conducted in English and organised by semesters, distributed across several universities in different countries. Each programme includes a catalogue with precise details: which countries and universities are included, what courses are offered, how internships are organised.

Study fields: programme diversity

The Erasmus Mundus database offers programmes in virtually every field: artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, neuroscience, public health, cultural diversity, sustainable construction, sports, ethics, journalism, global studies, cinematography. If you can imagine what you want to study, there’s likely at least one programme in the database.

Each programme is described in detail: the language of instruction, duration, format (full-time, part-time). The description specifies the exact universities and cities included in your study path. For example, a programme might include four semesters in Portugal, Lithuania, and Belgium with semester distribution and the names of specific universities.

Documents and tips for writing a motivation letter

Applicants are required to submit a CV, motivation letter (or statement of purpose for some programmes), and recommendation letters from people who can assess your professional activities—for example, former supervisors or lecturers.

The main mistake in motivation letters is repeating what’s already in your CV. The university already sees your experience and projects. Your letter should tell your story: why you’re an ideal fit for this specific programme, how the specialisation aligns with your goals, how you’ll use the knowledge you gain.

Don’t use AI or ChatGPT to write your motivation letter. Many admission committees will notice, and this can lead to rejection. The text must be written by you and reflect your personal position.

Preparation approach: write a separate motivation letter for each programme. Programmes are specific, and your letter should show alignment between you, the professors teaching there, and the university itself. Don’t retell your CV contents and bachelor’s degree—that’s already in your documents. Focus on why you’re the best fit for this particular programme.

How to find a programme and apply

The first step is to visit the Erasmus Mundus programme database and filter programmes by your area of interest. Each programme has its own application process: some accept applications through the university portal, others require a separate form. Each programme lists exact document requirements and the application sequence.

Application deadlines vary by programme, but the main window is October–January. This is when universities begin selecting candidates for funding. Applications continue to be accepted after January, but funded positions are already allocated.

Selection and scholarship award is a competition won by thousands of applicants from around the world. How successful your application will be largely depends on the quality of your documents, especially your motivation letter and recommendations.