The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree programme is funded by the European Union and offers one of the most intellectually stimulating scholarship experiences available: you study at two or three European universities in different countries, in a truly international cohort, with a scholarship that covers everything.
For African students, Erasmus Mundus is particularly attractive because it requires no prior European language skills (many programmes are in English), no work experience, and has a relatively accessible acceptance rate of around 20%. The scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly living stipend of €1,400, travel between partner universities, and an installation grant.
This guide explains how Erasmus Mundus works, which programmes are most relevant for African students, and how to build a competitive application.
Unlike a typical scholarship where you study at one university, Erasmus Mundus requires you to study at a consortium of two or three partner universities in different European countries. For example, you might spend your first year in Sweden, your second year in Portugal, and write your thesis in France. This design is intentional: it exposes you to different academic environments, research cultures, and professional networks across Europe. Your degree is awarded jointly by all partner universities and is recognised across the EU.
The Erasmus Mundus scholarship includes: a monthly contribution of €1,400, an installation grant of €1,000 paid once at the beginning, travel expenses between partner universities (approximately €1,000 for students travelling from outside Europe), and a Participation Cost contribution toward tuition fees. The tuition is covered separately: the €1,400 per month is purely for living costs. This makes the total package one of the most generous in European higher education.
There are over 200 active Erasmus Mundus joint master's programmes, covering fields from environmental science to cultural policy. The EACEA (Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency) maintains the official list at erasmus-mundus.eu. When selecting a programme, consider: which partner universities are involved, whether the programme is in English, what the minimum GPA requirement is, and how the curriculum aligns with your career goals. Fields particularly well-suited to African career paths include public health, water management, sustainable energy, economics, and governance.
You can apply to as many programmes as you wish: there is no limit. However, each application requires a tailored motivation letter that is specific to that consortium. Applying to ten programmes with a generic letter is less effective than applying to three with exceptional, tailored letters. Most successful applicants apply to 5–8 programmes.
No. Erasmus Mundus scholarships are specifically designed for non-EU students. EU citizens can participate in the programme but are not eligible for the scholarship: they pay tuition fees. African students applying from outside Europe are the primary target of the scholarship component.
No. Unlike Chevening (2 years required) or DAAD EPOS (2 years required), Erasmus Mundus has no work experience requirement. Recent graduates from African universities can apply directly. This makes it one of the most accessible fully funded scholarships for early-career applicants.
You apply for a student visa in your first host country: this is where you will spend the first part of your studies. Once you are in the Schengen Area with a valid student visa, you can travel freely within it. When you move to your second partner country, your visa status is managed with the help of the programme coordinator. The Erasmus Mundus programme office handles most of the visa coordination complexity.
Popular programmes among African applicants include MUNDUS MAPP (public administration), WACOMA (water and coastal management), IMAE (environmental science), Global Markets Local Creativities, EMLE (European and international law), and GEM (geo-information and earth observation). The best choice depends on your academic background and career goals.
Last updated: April 2026. Find scholarships on StudiePoint AI →