An Erasmus Mundus scholarship funds a Joint Master’s programme run by a consortium of universities in several countries. To apply from abroad, you submit your application directly to the programme, not to a central office, and each programme sets its own deadlines and rules. This guide explains how the process works, what to prepare and where to check the current details for 2026 and 2027 intakes.
Short answer: To apply for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship from abroad, choose a Joint Master’s programme, check its eligibility and deadline, and submit the application online to the programme consortium. Applications typically include your degree certificates, transcripts, a language certificate, a CV and a motivation letter. Each programme sets its own deadline and rules, so the call of that programme is the binding source.
Key points at a glance
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are run by consortia of universities. You apply to the programme, not to one university.
- The scholarship is awarded by the programme, and the award is linked to the Erasmus+ funding rules.
- You can usually apply to several programmes, but each one has a separate application and deadline.
- Eligibility, including nationality limits, is set in the call for each programme, so read it carefully.
- If the scholarship covers your living costs, ask the German mission whether the award letter can serve as proof of funds.
How do I choose an Erasmus Mundus programme?
Start with the subject and the study format. Joint Masters combine several universities and usually include a mobility period in at least two countries, so the course of study can differ from a standard Master’s programme. Check the consortium partners, the language of instruction and whether the programme has a German university as a partner.
- Search the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue and filter by subject and start year.
- Open the call of each shortlisted programme and note the deadline, the eligibility rules and the documents.
- Check the admission requirements of the programme, including the minimum degree and the language level.
- Compare the mobility plan, because the countries and the timing of each stay are set by the programme.
Which documents do I need for an Erasmus Mundus application?
The required documents depend on the programme, but most applications ask for the same core items. Gather them early, because official translations and certificates from abroad can take several weeks.
| Document | What to check | Typical issue |
|---|---|---|
| Degree certificate | Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, with an official translation if required | Certificates in a language other than English or the call language |
| Transcript of records | Grades and credit points for each course | Grading scale is not explained in the transcript |
| Language certificate | English or the language of instruction, at the level in the call | Test validity period and minimum score |
| CV and motivation letter | Academic background, reasons for the programme and your goals | Generic letters that do not match the programme |
| Reference letters | Number and type of referees required by the call | Late or unsigned references |
How long does the application take from abroad?
Most Erasmus Mundus applications are submitted in the months before the intake, and the selection can take several months. The timeline below is an example and must be adjusted to the deadline of your programme.
Example (assumption): Your programme has a deadline in January and starts in September. You begin documents in the autumn before, order your transcripts in October, take the language test in November and submit the application in January. The selection result may arrive several months later, so keep a backup plan.
Can I apply from abroad, and how do I organise the visa?
Yes, most applications are made online from abroad. If you are offered a place and a scholarship, you then need a German visa for study. The visa process requires proof of finances, and the rules on blocked accounts still apply unless the mission accepts the award letter instead. Ask the mission in writing before you book a blocked account you may not need.
For the visa and insurance steps, read our guide studying in Germany from Morocco. Students who receive a funded place often also ask how the programme covers the costs of travel, insurance and tuition. These details are set by each call and should be confirmed in the award letter.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be admitted before I can apply for the scholarship?
This depends on the programme. Some calls run the admission and the scholarship as one application, while others ask for the admission first or allow you to apply for both at the same time. Read the call and follow the order it specifies.
Are Erasmus Mundus scholarships open to all nationalities?
Not always. The call sets eligibility rules, including nationality and residence limits. Read these rules for each programme before you invest time in the application.
What if I am not selected?
Keep applying to other programmes and look at other funding options at the same time. Our overview of funding study abroad lists other routes, and the DAAD programmes are described in our DAAD overview.
Is an Erasmus Mundus scholarship taxable?
The tax and social insurance treatment depends on the type of award and on your residence. Check the official rules and read our overview on scholarship taxation before you plan your finances.
Does the scholarship include health insurance?
Some awards include insurance, but this must be confirmed in the award letter. Even with an insurance package, you need to check that the cover is valid in Germany from your arrival. Our guide on health insurance for international students explains the rules.
What should I do next?
- Choose three Joint Master programmes that match your subject and your language level.
- Write down the deadline, the eligibility rules and the documents for each programme.
- Order transcripts and language certificates now, and ask for official translations early.
- Ask two referees to write letters and give them the deadline and the programme name.
- Submit each application before its deadline and keep the confirmation for your records.
Related reading
- Studying in Germany from Morocco: insurance, blocked account, visa
- DAAD scholarships 2026 for international students: overview
- Erasmus funding rates 2026/27: deadlines explained
- Funding study abroad: BAföG, Erasmus and scholarships
- Health insurance for Erasmus exchange students in Germany
If you want a personal assessment of your own situation, you can find out how we work at academycon.de. This page explains the process only and does not replace an individual consultation.
Sources:
- Erasmus+ programme website, European Commission, for the rules of Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, status October 2026
- EACEA, Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency, for the managing body of the programme
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
