Securing a full scholarship as an international student completely transformed my life. Over two years, I traveled to more than 30 cities, lived in four different countries, earned a master’s degree, and saved up €6,000 for an emergency fund. On top of all that, I expanded my network and opened up opportunities for even more incredible experiences. It wasn’t just a scholarship—it was an investment in my future.
Now, you might be thinking: “Scholarships? Well, that’s not for me. I’m not a genius, so I have no chance.”
I’m here to prove you wrong.
I was far from a straight-A student and had a few subjects where my grades were barely passing. I can name countless people who are smarter than I am. But the one thing that made a difference? They didn’t apply. They simply didn’t take the plunge for whatever reasons—family commitments, fear of rejection, or the uncertainty of moving to a new place.
And that’s where you can gain an advantage. If you shift your mindset from “I’m not good enough” to “What’s the worst that could happen?”, you’ll find that your chances of winning a scholarship increase.
One of the best opportunities I found was the Erasmus Mundus program. Not everyone has heard of it, which is another factor in your favor. Let me walk you through how Erasmus Mundus can help change your life, just like it did for me.
What Is Erasmus Mundus?
Erasmus Mundus is a European Union-funded mobility program designed to help students from all over the world pursue graduate degrees in Europe. It offers scholarships for master’s and doctoral programs, with the unique twist of requiring participants to study in at least two different countries.
Important update: As of 2018, Erasmus Mundus now only offers scholarships for master’s degrees under the Erasmus+ program. Doctoral applications are now managed through the Marie-Sklodowska Curie fellowships.
The Erasmus Mundus program was launched in 2004 with the goal of promoting European higher education globally. The European Commission funds scholarships for non-EU students, and in return, universities attract top-tier international talent.
But it’s not all about academic prestige. One of the main aims of the program is to foster cross-cultural dialogue by bringing students from different parts of the world together in European classrooms. You’ll find that your fellow students will come from a diverse range of countries, offering a rich, global experience that goes far beyond academics.
How to Find Erasmus Mundus Full Scholarships: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Explore the Erasmus Mundus Programs
To start your scholarship journey, head over to the Erasmus Mundus website. There, you’ll find a comprehensive list of all the active programs under the Erasmus Mundus umbrella. This list is constantly updated, so keep an eye on it.
You’ll apply for both the program and the scholarship at the same time—no separate applications are needed. Your application will be submitted through the individual course websites.
Step 2: Research Your Options
Once you’ve found some programs that catch your interest, dive deeper by visiting the individual program websites. Pay attention to key details like:
- Program objectives
- Partner universities
- Locations of the participating universities
- Program structure
For example, I knew I wanted to live in Spain because I loved the language and culture. When I started narrowing down my options, I focused on programs that had Spanish universities involved.
It’s essential to consider how these programs align with your academic background, interests, and future career goals. Don’t forget to think about the countries you’d like to experience during your studies.
Step 3: Confirm Your Eligibility
Now, it’s time to make sure you meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Some key factors to check include:
- Does the program require specific bachelor’s degrees?
- Are there technological or skill requirements?
- What about language proficiency?
One crucial distinction you’ll need to understand is the Erasmus Mundus applicant category. There are two categories:
- Programme Country Applicants: These are applicants from EU countries, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Turkey, and former Yugoslavia.
- Partner Country Applicants: If you’re from a country not listed in the Programme Country category, you’ll fall into this group.
If you’re a Partner Country applicant, you’ll likely receive a higher monthly stipend to help with your living costs. Just make sure you’ve lived outside the EU for at least 12 consecutive months in the last five years and haven’t previously received an Erasmus Mundus scholarship.
Also Check: Erasmus Mundus Scholarship For Master & PhD 2025 (Fully Funded)
Step 4: Narrow Your Choices
You can apply to a maximum of three programs, so make sure to narrow your list down to three options. If you submit more than three applications, you risk having all your applications rejected.
Step 5: Prepare Your Documents
Each program will have a list of required documents, including:
- A copy of your passport
- Your bachelor’s degree transcript and diploma
- Proof of language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL scores)
- A motivation letter
- Two reference letters from professors or colleagues
- Your CV
Some programs may also require an essay on a specific topic. Make sure your documents are translated into English or any other required language. Plan ahead, as it can take time to get everything in order.
Step 6: Familiarize Yourself with the Online Application Platform
Erasmus Mundus applications are mostly submitted online. Some programs may also require you to send documents by post. Make sure you know how to navigate the application platform well in advance. You’ll need to provide personal details, your eligibility category, and your documents.
Let me show you an example of an EMJMD program website.
Example: CHiR’s website (Erasmus Mundus Master in Chemical Innovation and Regulation)
The CHiR application form can be found by selecting “Apply” from the drop-down menu, then choosing “Application Form,” indicated above in red. Once you access this, you’ll be directed to a registration link, where you’ll complete a form with your personal information. The initial CHiR application page will appear as follows.
Also Check: DAAD Scholarship in Germany 2025-26 (Fully Funded)
Step 7: Apply and Keep Track of Deadlines
Once you have everything ready, make sure to mark your calendar with the application deadlines. Most applications open in November and close by December. Give yourself plenty of time to gather all the necessary documents. I recommend starting preparations as early as June to ensure everything is in order.
What to Expect After You Apply
Once you’ve submitted your application, the waiting game begins. You’ll typically hear back from the program between February and March. Here’s what can happen next:
- Accepted with Scholarship: Congratulations, you’ve made it onto the main list with scholarship funding!
- Waitlisted: You’re still in the running for the scholarship, but you’ll have to wait for a spot to open up.
- Accepted Without Scholarship: You’ve been accepted into the program, but you didn’t get the scholarship. It’s time to explore other funding options.
- Rejected: Unfortunately, your application didn’t cut this time.
But don’t get discouraged! If you’re rejected, you can always try again. Many successful applicants didn’t get in on their first try. Treat the rejection as a learning experience to improve your application next time.
Final Thoughts: Start Your Journey Today
Winning an Erasmus Mundus scholarship can truly change your life. It’s not just about the degree; it’s about the experiences, the connections you’ll make, and the doors that will open for you. So what are you waiting for? Start searching for your Erasmus Mundus scholarship now—who knows, by this time next year, you could be embarking on your European adventure!
Also Check: Study in Japan Without IELTS 2025 with Scholarship (Fully Funded)
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