Erasmus foundation grants
1. What is the Erasmus+ Program?
Erasmus+ (short for “European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students”) is an EU-funded program that supports education, training, youth, and sport in Europe. It offers scholarships and grants for students to pursue part of their studies, complete internships, or even earn full master’s degrees in multiple European countries.
Unlike traditional scholarships, Erasmus+ focuses not only on academic excellence but also on personal growth, intercultural understanding, and professional development. The program is open to students, teachers, trainees, and youth workers from both EU and partner countries worldwide.
2. Historical Background
The Erasmus program was first established in 1987 as a student exchange initiative between European universities. It began with only 11 participating countries and a few thousand students. Over the decades, the program expanded significantly, evolving into Erasmus+ in 2014, when the EU decided to combine all its education, training, and youth initiatives into one comprehensive framework.
Today, Erasmus+ is considered one of the largest and most successful educational initiatives in the world. It operates in over 33 program countries (including all EU member states) and collaborates with 170+ partner countries globally. Since its launch, more than 11 million people have benefited from the program.
3. The Core Objectives of Erasmus+
Erasmus+ is not merely a scholarship scheme — it is a strategic tool for building a modern, interconnected, and skilled Europe. Its main goals include:
Improving the quality of education and training by encouraging innovation, cooperation, and exchange between universities and institutions.
Strengthening employability and equipping participants with international experience that enhances their competitiveness in the job market.
Promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding among young people from diverse backgrounds.
Supporting research and innovation across borders.
Encouraging social inclusion, sustainability, and digital transformation within the European educational space.
4. Types of Erasmus+ Opportunities
Erasmus+ offers a wide range of opportunities that suit different academic and professional stages:
a. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD)
This is one of the most prestigious scholarships under Erasmus+. It funds fully financed master’s programs offered jointly by a consortium of at least three European universities. Students study in at least two different countries, gaining a joint or double degree upon completion.
b. Student Exchange Mobility
Undergraduate and postgraduate students can spend 3 to 12 months studying or training abroad as part of their degree. The credits earned abroad are recognized by the home institution, ensuring smooth academic progression.
c. Staff and Teacher Mobility
Erasmus+ also funds academic and administrative staff exchanges, allowing university professionals to share knowledge, teach, or receive training at partner institutions abroad.
d. Youth and Volunteer Projects
Beyond academia, Erasmus+ supports youth exchange programs and volunteer initiatives, giving young people the chance to work on community projects and build leadership skills.
5. Financial Coverage and Benefits
Erasmus+ is known for being a fully funded or partially funded scholarship, depending on the type of mobility. The financial package may include:
Full tuition coverage for Erasmus Mundus master’s programs.
Monthly living allowance, ranging between €1,000–€1,400 depending on the host country.
Travel and visa expenses, including international flights and insurance.
Accommodation and settlement costs during the study period.
In addition to financial support, Erasmus+ offers immense personal and professional benefits, such as:
Exposure to multicultural environments and different teaching systems.
Improvement in language skills and communication abilities.
Development of soft skills like teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving.
Stronger career prospects through international experience and networking.
6. Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility requirements vary depending on the type of Erasmus+ program, but generally include:
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree (for master’s programs) or be enrolled in a recognized higher education institution (for exchange programs).
Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and motivation for international study.
English proficiency (usually IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) is required for most programs.
Students from EU member states and partner countries (including many from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East) are eligible to apply.
7. Application Process
The application process for Erasmus+ is competitive but transparent. It typically involves:
Choosing the right program from the official Erasmus+ Catalogue (published annually).
Preparing required documents such as a CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, reference letters, and English language certificate.
Submitting an online application directly through the program’s website or partner university portal.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview or additional assessments.
Each Erasmus Mundus consortium has its own deadlines and requirements, so applicants should carefully check the details on the program’s official page.
8. The Erasmus Experience
What truly distinguishes Erasmus+ from other scholarships is the experience it offers beyond academics. Students not only study in top universities but also travel across Europe, engage in cultural events, meet people from all over the world, and form lifelong friendships.
Living in multiple countries teaches participants independence, adaptability, and cross-cultural understanding — qualities that are invaluable in today’s globalized job market. Many Erasmus alumni describe the program as a transformative journey that changed their worldview and opened countless career opportunities.
9. Impact and Global Recognition
Erasmus+ has had a profound impact on global education. Studies show that over 90% of Erasmus graduates find employment within six months after completing their program — a rate significantly higher than the European average.
Moreover, Erasmus+ has become a symbol of European unity and cooperation, promoting tolerance, diversity, and mobility among the youth. Many countries outside the EU now collaborate with the program, expanding its global footprint and influence.
10. Challenges and Future Prospects
While Erasmus+ is highly successful, it still faces challenges such as unequal access, limited funding in some regions, and bureaucratic complexity. However, the EU continues to enhance the program, with the 2021–2027 Erasmus+ framework increasing its budget to over €26 billion — almost double the previous cycle.
The new phase focuses on digital education, green initiatives, and inclusion, ensuring that more people from disadvantaged backgrounds can participate.
11. Conclusion
The Erasmus+ Scholarship stands as a beacon of hope for students aspiring to explore the world through education. It bridges cultures, connects institutions, and nurtures a generation of globally minded citizens. Beyond academic degrees, Erasmus+ provides something far more valuable — a chance to grow, adapt, and truly experience the world.
For any ambitious learner, researcher, or youth leader, Erasmus+ is not just a scholarship — it’s a life-changing journey that opens doors to infinite possibilities and lifelong memories.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship: A Global Gateway to Excellence
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship (EMJM) stands among the most prestigious and competitive scholarships in the world. Funded by the European Union, it gives talented students from all countries the opportunity to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in Europe — often studying at two or more universities across different European nations. The program is not just about academics; it is a life-changing journey that combines education, cultural immersion, and professional growth on a global scale.
1. What is Erasmus Mundus?
Erasmus Mundus is a specific branch of the broader Erasmus+ Program, which focuses on higher education and international cooperation. The name “Erasmus Mundus” literally means “Erasmus of the World”, reflecting its global reach.
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) offers integrated master’s programs that are jointly designed and delivered by a consortium of European universities. Each program typically includes at least three universities from different European countries, and students must study in at least two of them during their degree.
Graduates receive either a joint degree (one diploma issued by multiple universities) or multiple degrees (a separate diploma from each participating institution).
2. History and Evolution
The Erasmus Mundus program was launched by the European Commission in 2004 to strengthen cooperation between European universities and to promote the European Union as a center of academic excellence.
It began as a separate initiative from Erasmus+, targeting mainly postgraduate students from outside Europe. However, in 2014, it was integrated into the Erasmus+ framework — becoming part of the EU’s unified educational and training program.
Today, Erasmus Mundus continues to operate as the flagship master’s scholarship under Erasmus+, attracting thousands of highly qualified applicants every year.
3. Main Objectives
The Erasmus Mundus program is built around several key goals:
Enhance the quality of higher education through academic cooperation between institutions in different countries.
Promote intercultural understanding and global citizenship by bringing together students from all parts of the world.
Boost employability and innovation by equipping students with diverse skills and international experience.
Encourage European universities to collaborate globally and maintain Europe’s competitiveness in education and research.
Support inclusion and equal opportunity, ensuring access for students from developing and underrepresented regions.
4. Program Structure
Each Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s program is unique, but all share a common structure:
Duration: Usually 1 to 2 academic years (60–120 ECTS credits).
Mobility requirement: Students must study in at least two different countries, often spending one semester or one academic year in each.
Curriculum: Interdisciplinary and research-oriented, combining lectures, lab work, field studies, and often an internship or thesis.
Consortium: Typically includes 3–6 European universities, with possible participation from partner institutions outside Europe.
At the end of the program, students earn an internationally recognized master’s degree — a credential that often opens doors to global job opportunities or PhD programs.
5. Financial Coverage
One of the most appealing aspects of Erasmus Mundus is that it is fully funded. The scholarship covers nearly all expenses, allowing students to focus entirely on their studies and cultural experience.
The funding package typically includes:
Tuition fees: Fully covered (students pay nothing).
Monthly living allowance: Around €1,000–€1,400 per month to cover accommodation, food, and daily expenses.
Travel and installation costs: Up to €7,000 depending on the student’s home country.
Insurance: Comprehensive health and travel insurance for the entire duration of the program.
This makes Erasmus Mundus one of the most generous and accessible scholarships in the world.
6. Eligibility Criteria
Erasmus Mundus is open to students from all countries — both EU and non-EU nations. However, the eligibility requirements vary slightly between programs. In general, applicants must:
Hold a recognized bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).
Demonstrate strong academic performance and motivation.
Provide proof of English language proficiency (usually IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent).
Meet any specific requirements of the chosen master’s program (such as field of study, GPA, or work experience).
Students who have already received an Erasmus Mundus scholarship in the past are not eligible to apply again.
7. Application Process
Applying for Erasmus Mundus requires careful preparation. The steps are as follows:
Choose a program: Visit the official Erasmus Mundus Catalogue and browse the list of active master’s programs. Each program has its own website and details.
Check requirements: Review the admission criteria, required documents, and deadlines (which usually fall between October and January each year).
Prepare documents, typically including:
Academic transcripts
Bachelor’s degree certificate
CV (Europass format recommended)
Motivation letter
Two recommendation letters
English test results
Passport copy
Apply online directly through the program’s website — not a central portal.
Wait for results: Shortlisted candidates are usually notified in March–April, and final results are published by May–June.
Selection is highly competitive: most programs receive thousands of applications for fewer than 50–100 scholarships.
8. Academic and Cultural Experience
Studying under the Erasmus Mundus program is far more than earning a degree — it’s a journey across borders, cultures, and disciplines.
Students live and study in multiple countries, experience different educational systems, and interact with peers from over 100 nationalities. This exposure builds strong cross-cultural communication skills and fosters global networks that often last a lifetime.
Typical Erasmus Mundus programs emphasize:
Teamwork and collaboration across cultures.
Hands-on learning, combining theory with practical projects.
Research opportunities in world-class laboratories or companies.
Cultural immersion, including language learning, travel, and local engagement.
Many alumni describe their Erasmus Mundus journey as “transformative,” noting how it reshaped their worldview, career goals, and personal confidence.
9. Career Impact
Graduates of Erasmus Mundus are highly sought after by employers worldwide. According to the European Commission, over 90% of Erasmus graduates find a job within six months after completing their studies.
The reasons are clear:
They possess international experience and intercultural competence.
They are adaptable, independent, and skilled at working in diverse environments.
They often speak multiple languages and have strong communication skills.
They belong to a powerful global Erasmus Alumni Network, which provides mentorship, job connections, and collaboration opportunities.
Moreover, many graduates go on to pursue PhDs or research positions in top universities across Europe and beyond.
10. Diversity and Inclusion
The Erasmus Mundus program prides itself on inclusivity. It actively encourages applications from underrepresented groups — including students from developing countries, low-income backgrounds, and regions with limited access to higher education.
Each year, a significant portion of scholarships is reserved for non-European students, promoting diversity and mutual understanding.
The multicultural nature of the program creates an environment where differences are not only respected but celebrated — a cornerstone of the Erasmus spirit.
11. Challenges and Adaptation
While Erasmus Mundus offers unmatched benefits, it also brings challenges. Adapting to new cultures, academic systems, and climates can be overwhelming at first. Students often move to a new country every semester, which requires flexibility and emotional resilience.
However, this mobility is precisely what makes the experience so enriching. By the end of the program, most participants have grown more independent, confident, and globally minded.
12. Future of Erasmus Mundus
The European Union continues to expand and modernize the Erasmus Mundus initiative. Under the 2021–2027 Erasmus+ framework, the program has received increased funding and a renewed focus on:
Digital education and innovation
Sustainability and green mobility
Equal access for students with fewer opportunities
This ensures that Erasmus Mundus remains at the forefront of global education for the next generation of learners.
13. Conclusion
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship is far more than a financial grant — it is a bridge between continents, cultures, and ideas. It enables outstanding students from around the world to study in Europe, gain world-class education, and become ambassadors of global cooperation.
By combining academic excellence with cultural diversity, Erasmus Mundus shapes not just skilled professionals, but also global citizens who understand the value of collaboration and unity.
For ambitious students seeking a transformative experience — academically, personally, and professionally — Erasmus Mundus is not just a scholarship. It is a life journey that opens minds, builds futures, and connects the world through education.