Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are international master’s programmes run by a group of universities in Europe. Students study in at least two countries and finish with a joint or double degree. The European Union funds scholarships for the strongest applicants, and Nigerians can apply on the same terms as students from other countries.
This guide explains how the programmes work, what the scholarship pays, how and when to apply and how to build a competitive application.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Funder | The European Union |
| Level | Joint master’s degrees |
| Length | 12, 18 or 24 months |
| Typical monthly allowance | About €1,400 in published figures, with variation by programme |
| Where to apply | Directly to each programme, not through one central office |
| Typical deadlines | Autumn to January for the intake in September of the next year |
How Erasmus Mundus Programmes Work
Each programme is run by a consortium of universities, often in three or four European countries. A student spends semesters at different partner universities and graduates with a degree recognised in several countries. The subject range is wide: data science, public health, environmental studies, law, engineering, media, agriculture and many others.
There is no single central application. A student applies directly to the programme that interests them, and each consortium has its own website, deadline and selection rules. The scholarship is awarded by the consortium, not by a separate office.
What the Scholarship Covers
The EU grant for scholarship holders typically covers three things:
- Participation costs, which include tuition fees and insurance.
- A travel and installation contribution for students who live outside the programme countries.
- A monthly living allowance. Published figures commonly cite €1,400 a month for the full duration of the programme.
Courses last 12, 18 or 24 months, so the allowance totals vary with the course length. Individual consortia publish exact amounts and conditions, and some allow only a limited number of scholarships. Confirm numbers on the programme website before applying.
Dates for the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 Intakes
The intake for 2026/2027 is closed. Most consortia open their applications for the 2027/2028 intake, which starts in September 2027, between October and November 2026 and close in January 2027. Dates vary. One programme, the Master in International Higher Education Management (MARIHE), had a September 2026 deadline for its next round. Nigerian applicants should list the programmes they like and track each deadline.
Eligibility Requirements
Entry rules are set by each programme, but the following applies to most:
- A bachelor’s degree or recognised equivalent in a relevant subject.
- Strong academic results. Many programmes expect the equivalent of a second class upper or similar.
- Proof of English at the level the programme asks for, often IELTS Academic 6.5 or higher.
- For some programmes, a second language or subject-specific tests.
- A motivation letter, references and a curriculum vitae.
The EU rules also limit scholarship holders to one Erasmus Mundus scholarship, so a student who already received one in the past cannot receive a second.
How To Apply
- Search the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue for programmes in the subject area.
- Read each programme’s page. Note the countries involved, the language of teaching, the deadline and the scholarship rules.
- Shortlist three to five programmes and compare entry requirements.
- Prepare certificates, transcripts, a passport copy and an English test result.
- Write a programme-specific motivation letter. Mention the courses at each partner university and explain how the mobility path fits the career plan.
- Ask referees to write letters that match the programme.
- Submit through the programme’s online system before its deadline.
- If the programme issues an offer, accept it in writing and begin the visa process.
What Selectors Look For
| Criterion | Strong Evidence |
|---|---|
| Academic record | High grades, relevant courses, a final-year project linked to the programme |
| Motivation | Clear reasons for each partner university and a link to a career goal |
| Experience | Work, research or volunteer activity in the field |
| Language | An English test at or above the minimum |
| Fit with the programme | An application that mentions specific modules and the mobility path |
Visa and Living Costs
Students study in more than one country, so they apply for a student visa for each country in which they spend a term. The consortium’s coordinator gives guidance, and universities often help with letters. Rent varies a lot: a student in a smaller city in Spain, Poland or Portugal spends far less than a student in Paris or Copenhagen. The allowance is meant to cover living costs, but students plan carefully for the first month, before the first payment.
How To Choose the Right Programme
The catalogue contains many programmes, so a clear method saves time. Start with the career goal, not the country. Ask which skills are needed in the next job, then find programmes that teach them.
- Subject match: The programme should build on the bachelor’s degree or on work experience.
- Mobility path: Check which countries the student visits and whether the mix suits the budget and personal plans.
- Language: Look at the language of teaching and the language needed for daily life.
- Scholarship numbers: A programme with many scholarships for non-European students gives better chances than one with only a few.
- Graduate outcomes: Look for alumni profiles and links to employers or research groups.
A Sample Application Plan
| Month | Task |
|---|---|
| September to October 2026 | Search the catalogue and shortlist programmes. Book the English test. |
| October to November 2026 | Request transcripts and certificates. Contact referees. Start the motivation letters. |
| December 2026 | Finish the letters and gather all documents. Check each programme’s online form. |
| Early January 2027 | Submit applications before the earliest deadline, since some close in mid-January. |
| February to May 2027 | Wait for results and respond quickly to interview invitations. |
| June to August 2027 | Accept the offer, apply for visas and plan the move. |
The Motivation Letter
The motivation letter is written for one programme only. A strong letter has four parts: why the field, why this programme, why the applicant is ready and what the applicant plans to do afterwards. Mention at least two modules or partner universities by name and explain why they matter to the applicant’s goals. A letter that could be sent to any programme without change will not stand out.
Residence Permit and Work After Graduation
Many European countries allow graduates to stay for a period after the degree to look for work, but the rules differ by country and change over time. Students should check the rules in the countries where they study, especially the last country of the programme. A student visa is the first step, and the programme’s coordinator can explain how the later permits work.
Mistakes That Lower the Chance
- Applying to many programmes with the same generic letter.
- Ignoring the English test requirement until the last week.
- Missing a programme’s own deadline.
- Submitting documents without the required certification.
- Choosing a programme with no link to previous study or work.
Scholarship Scams
Erasmus Mundus programmes do not charge an application fee for the scholarship and no “agent” is needed. Anyone who promises a place for payment is not connected to the programme. Apply only through the official programme website listed in the Erasmus Mundus catalogue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nigerians apply for Erasmus Mundus?
Yes. The programmes are open to students from all countries. Some scholarships are reserved for students from specific regions, which the programme page explains.
Do students need to speak a European language?
Most programmes teach in English. Some require basic knowledge of the language of a host country, so read each programme page.
Is a scholarship guaranteed with admission?
No. A programme can admit more students than it can fund. Applicants compete for both admission and the scholarship.
How many programmes can an applicant apply to?
Most programmes allow an applicant to apply to several, but the EU limits scholarship holders to one award. Each programme sets its own rules on how many applications it accepts from one person.
Is an English test always required?
Most programmes require proof of English. Some accept an English-taught degree instead. Read the programme’s page for the exact rule.
Can a student work during the programme?
Student visas often allow limited part-time work, but the rules depend on the country. The programme’s coordinator explains the local rules.
Final Thoughts
Erasmus Mundus joint master’s programmes combine study in several European countries with a funded scholarship for the best candidates. Nigerian applicants succeed when they pick programmes that fit their background, write tailored letters and respect each programme’s own deadline. Begin the search in autumn 2026 and confirm every rule on the official programme page.