Increase your chances of receiving an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's scholarship is highly competitive. We will share tips on how to make your application stand out by following a few simple tips.
What is the Erasmus Mundus scholarship?
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's scholarship is one of the most competitive and fully funded opportunities in Europe. It allows top international students to pursue a Master's degree across two or more countries, tuition-free and with generous financial support.
📌 Want to learn more about what it covers and how the program works?
Inspired to study for a Master's degree in Europe?
We have thousands of Master's degrees in our database!
Browse degrees →Increase your chances of receiving an Erasmus Mundus scholarship
Thousands of students apply to Erasmus Mundus every year. Here's how to make your application stand out – straight from students who’ve been there.
1. Start early and stay organized
It's never too early to begin preparing for your application. From transcripts and language certificates to your motivation letter and CV, Erasmus Mundus programs require a detailed and complete application.
"You will need to go through many iterations of your CV and motivational letter, and gather all the documents from your university", said Bohdana, a graduate of the Excellence in Analytical Chemistry Erasmus Mundus program. "Plan early so you're not stressing out the day before submission".
Documents like proof of residence or certified translations may take time, especially over holidays or between semesters. Keep in mind that many deadlines fall in December or January, right during the holiday break. Don't wait until the last minute to start.
2. Apply to the right program (not every program)
A common mistake is trying to apply to as many programs as possible. But that can dilute your motivation and make your application less convincing.
"Don't apply to a mediocre program just to increase your chances", said Bohdana. "Apply to something that you're really excited about, because it really shows".
Start narrowing down your list well in advance so you can tailor your academic projects or course selections to support your application.
"Maybe you can go into a course that is directly related to that Master's program or write a paper with a professor in the field. That can make a real difference.
But don't stress yourself too much. Just explore the areas that you find interesting, dig deeper."
3. Write a motivation letter that connects your story
The motivation letter isn't a formality – it's a key component of your application, especially in competitive programs.
"Through the motivational letter I could show my strong interest in the field and why I really want to study in this particular program", said Bohdana. "I think that was my selling point".
Be honest, specific, and forward-looking. Highlight how your background has prepared you for the program, and how the program fits into your career goals.
"To me it was very important to get the scholarship", said Danila, who completed an Erasmus+ traineeship. "This might have been my only chance to get this experience".
4. Prepare your CV with purpose
A well-organized CV is just as important as your motivation letter. Use a clear format (like Europass) and highlight academic achievements, international experiences, and relevant extracurriculars.
"They were also looking at your CV, motivation letter, and your experiences before", said Bohdana. "Most of my classmates did a regular Erasmus exchange during their undergraduate studies or they used some other sort of opportunity to get an international experience".
Even if you haven't studied abroad, list internships, research work, or volunteering that shows initiative and adaptability.
5. Expect program-specific assessments
Some Erasmus Mundus programs require more than just documents – they may ask for a test, writing sample, or even a portfolio.
"We had for example a test in chemistry that you needed to do in order to apply", said Bohdana. "And that was quite important to get like 100% or nearly 100%".
Read your target program's requirements closely and prepare early. If your field is technical, expect subject knowledge to be assessed directly.
6. Practice for the interview
If your program includes an interview stage, treat it seriously. Be ready to explain your goals, discuss your academic experience, and articulate why this program is right for you.
"They will ask you why you want to go there, and why you think you could benefit from this internship", said Danila. "So it's better to really think about what you want to say, and if you know the language of the interview, prepare what you want to say in that language".
Don't over-rehearse, but be clear and confident about your intentions.
7. Take the logistics seriously – even the small stuff
It's easy to overlook things like formatting, grammar, or file uploads. But sloppy mistakes can reflect poorly on otherwise strong candidates.
Proofread everything. Ask a friend or mentor to review your application. And always double-check what format or structure the program requires.
"If they ask for something – do it. If they say use this format – use that format", said Danila.
8. Be realistic but open to what the experience will bring
Erasmus Mundus is exciting, but it's not always easy. From culture shock to climate, moving countries can challenge your comfort zone. Demonstrating that you're flexible and self-reliant helps your case.
"You'll need to show that you're independent, you're capable of moving to different countries, navigating all these processes", said Bohdana. "It’s a lot of decision-making, action-taking."
Think carefully about what living in different countries will mean for your daily life – climate, culture, and costs all vary widely.
"Also, maybe think about the country that you're going to because I was kind of hesitant to go to Norway because of the weather".
Other Erasmus opportunities: Start with exchange or traineeship programs
Erasmus Mundus is just one part of the wider Erasmus+ family of programs. If you're currently doing your Bachelor's degree or just entering the job market, there are other ways to gain experience abroad and prepare for future applications.
Erasmus exchange during your Bachelor's
"It was really useful and it made me more confident in my decision to study abroad later", said Lola, a former Erasmus exchange student who spent a semester in Norway. "Also, I feel like it shows you're not afraid to be independent".
Erasmus exchange programs allow you to study in another European country for one or two semesters, with financial support.
Erasmus+ Traineeship or Internship
"I was very determined to get it because it was a great internship", said Danila. "And I think it definitely impacted my life. I still have connections from that internship. It helped me understand what kind of job I want, and where I want to live".
Erasmus+ also offers funding for short-term internships or placements in Europe, which are ideal for gaining international work experience and trying out a new career path.
Conclusion
The Erasmus Mundus scholarship isn't just about getting a degree. It's about joining a network of globally minded students, building lifelong skills, and discovering what kind of future you want to create.
"This is a great opportunity", said Bohdana. "I've had a really, really good experience with this. What's not to love about it? You get to try different countries, you'll have more diplomas than any of your peers in the same amount of time. And having your own funding makes it so much easier to do whatever else you find interesting, like interning at a big company".
Start early. Be honest about what you're ready for. And apply to programs that genuinely match your goals and mindset. You don't need to be perfect – you just need to be prepared, intentional, and willing to take that leap.
We hope our tips have helped you with your application. Best of luck!
educations.com team
Author
The educations.com team consists of hundreds of dedicated individuals who share a passion for studying abroad. We combine our diverse strengths to guide millions of students in over 250 countries toward finding their dream education.
About us ┃ Authors and contributors | Our editorial standards
Find a program in these categories
