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An Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) is a full master’s degree run jointly by a consortium of universities in at least two different countries. You study in more than one country, graduate with a joint or multiple degree, and — if selected — can receive a substantial scholarship that typically covers tuition, a monthly living allowance and a travel or installation contribution. It is a completely different thing from a normal Erasmus exchange semester.
Erasmus Mundus is the most misunderstood word in the Erasmus family — students confuse it with the normal exchange grant and either miss a life-changing scholarship or apply to the wrong thing. This guide is the clear version: what a Joint Master actually is, exactly what the scholarship covers, how the application really works, and how to compare programmes without being dazzled by the headline funding.
Erasmus Mundus vs a Normal Erasmus Exchange
| Question | Erasmus exchange | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A few months abroad during your existing degree. | A full master’s degree in its own right. |
| You apply | Through your home university’s nomination. | Directly to the programme consortium — nothing to do with your home uni. |
| Length | One semester or one year. | The whole master’s, usually one to two years (60-120 ECTS). |
| Where you study | Usually one host university. | At least two universities in two different countries. |
| Funding | A monthly mobility grant (EUR 250-700). | A competitive scholarship that can cover tuition + living + travel. |
| You finish with | Credits transferred to your home degree. | A joint, double or multiple master’s degree. |
What Makes It a "Joint" Master
The defining feature is the consortium: a group of universities across at least two countries that design and deliver one integrated programme together. You do not pick and mix — you follow a set mobility track, spending semesters at different partner universities, and you graduate with a degree jointly awarded by them (a joint, double or multiple degree depending on the programme). That multi-country structure is the whole point, and it is what makes an EMJM stand out on a CV.
The Scholarship: What It Actually Covers
This is where Erasmus Mundus is genuinely generous, and very different from the exchange grant. A full EMJM scholarship is designed to cover the programme participation costs (tuition), a monthly living allowance for the whole degree, and a contribution to travel and installation. For a competitive candidate that can add up to tens of thousands of euros over the programme. The catch: scholarships are limited and awarded on merit, so a place on the programme does not automatically mean a scholarship. Read the funding rules on each programme’s own page — the numbers and conditions vary. See the wider Erasmus funding guide for how it fits alongside other options.
How the Application Really Works
- Find programmes in the official catalogue. Search the EMJMD catalogue by subject — there are programmes across almost every field.
- Apply directly to the consortium. Each programme runs its own admissions, with its own portal and requirements — your home university is not involved.
- Mind the early deadlines. For a September start, most application windows fall the previous autumn to winter, months before normal master’s deadlines.
- Prepare the standard pack. Degree transcripts, a motivation letter, language proof (usually English), and reference letters. One application is often considered for both admission and the scholarship.
Who It Is For — and Who Should Skip It
Erasmus Mundus is a strong fit if you want a full international master’s, a multi-country academic profile, and you are ready for a competitive, early application. It is not the right route if you only want a short semester abroad during your current degree — that is a normal Erasmus exchange, and much simpler to arrange. Choosing EMJM for the wrong reason usually means missing your home-university exchange deadlines while chasing a long-shot scholarship.
How to Compare Programmes Properly
Do not shortlist on the scholarship headline alone. Weigh the things that actually shape two years of your life: which universities and countries you would live in, the visa workload for each, the real cost of living in each host city (an expensive city can erode even a good allowance), the thesis and internship structure, degree recognition in your target job market, and the alumni network. Once you have a shortlist, use Odisea’s country and city guides to pressure-test the practical side before you commit.
Where To Go Next
Official Sources
- EACEA: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters catalogue
- European Commission: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters for students
- Erasmus+ Programme Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Erasmus Mundus the same as Erasmus?
No. Erasmus Mundus is a full joint master’s degree run by a consortium of universities in several countries, with its own application. A normal Erasmus exchange is a short study period abroad during your existing degree, arranged through your home university.
How much is the Erasmus Mundus scholarship?
It varies by programme, but a full scholarship is designed to cover tuition, a monthly living allowance for the whole degree, and a travel/installation contribution — often adding up to tens of thousands of euros. Always check the exact figures on the specific programme page.
Do all Erasmus Mundus students get a scholarship?
No. Scholarships are limited and awarded competitively on merit. You can be admitted to the programme without receiving the scholarship, so check each consortium’s funding rules.
How do I apply for an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master?
You apply directly to the programme consortium, not through your home university. Find programmes in the official EMJMD catalogue and note the deadlines — for a September start they usually fall the previous autumn or winter.