There are a lot of benefits for Nigerians studying abroad, especially at Masters level. However, it can be quite tough to settle on your preferred country or school.
But then, why narrow down your choices of international study destinations to just one country when you can study in three at a go?
Wondering how?
This golden opportunity is offered by Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Programme, a fully-funded post-grad scholarship that allows beneficiaries to study in two or more European countries.
As an Erasmus Scholar, you can be awarded multiple Masters’ Certificates from top European universities in addition to well-paid internship experience. In this article, you will learn the history, programme description, eligibility criteria, application requirements and other key details of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship Programme.
History of Erasmus Mundus
The Erasmus programme has an interesting history from 20th-century Europe. Originally established in 1987, the programme facilitated student exchange among European institutions. In 2004, “Erasmus Mundus” was officially launched as a higher education cooperation programme funded by the European Commission.
From 2014, a series of Erasmus+ Scholarships was introduced and made open to students across the globe. Over 30,000 students from more than 190 countries have benefited from the programme since then.
For the 2024 edition, the programme has extended its scope to include teaching and non-teaching staff of higher education institutions across the globe. This will facilitate greater penetration and knowledge-sharing among academics in the international arena. Also, it will ensure that the benefits are not only enjoyed by industry-inclined Erasmus Scholars but also students of Erasmus beneficiaries in the academic line.
About the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship Programme
In facilitating cooperation among higher education institutions, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) were designed at international level. Each of the Masters programmes involves at least 3 Higher Institutions from 3 different EU member states or associated countries.
Interestingly, some EMJM programmes also involve some non-educational (industry-based) Erasmus Mundus partners with high level of expertise in their fields. This enables scholars to experience a variety of academic programmes, cultures and industrial experience.
The EMJM curriculum is seamlessly integrated in a flexible manner. It includes at least 2 study periods in 2 member countries (different from students’ country of origin). During the program, students are engaged in a range of activities such as studying, conducting research, completing thesis requirements and internships.
Can Nigerians Benefit from the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship?
Though the EMJM scholarships are quite competitive, many postgraduate applicants and researchers from Nigeria have successfully been awarded. Over 800 Nigerians have benefited from EU-sponsored scholarships in the best universities in Europe since 2014.
In her recent visit to Nigeria, The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Samuela Isopi, highlighted the significance of the programme, which she described as an EU Success Story. She described it as not only an avenue for facilitating educational advancement but also a window to cultural and intellectual exchange.
Hence, Ms. Isopi encouraged qualified Nigerians to seize the opportunity to benefit immensely from the program.
Who Funds the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters?
The EMJM programme is entirely funded by the European Union. The funding includes the expenses for running these international programmes, grants to research centers or professionals, support for higher education institutions and attractive scholarship packages for students.
The funding is classified into different categories:
- Up to €5 million grant for institutions
- About €1,400 per month (max. 24 months)
- About €1,100 to €1,500 per month for scholars throughout programme duration.
Other funding avenues include:
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Postdoctoral Fellowships for researchers
- Staff exchanges
- Erasmus+ support for students, staff and others
Additional Benefits for Erasmus Scholars
As an Erasmus Scholar, you not only get a premium educational and professional experience for free, you also get a generous stipend! Other additional benefits for Erasmus Scholars include funding for
- Travel expenses
- Visa processing
- Living expenses/logistics, etc.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Programme Duration
Perhaps you’re wondering how long the EMJM program lasts for, especially as it involves traveling across countries and internship experience.
Well, the EMJM programmes have been designed to consist of specialised courses rather than conventional postgraduate degrees. Hence, scholars only focus on their fields of interest.
Each edition of the Joint Master’s Programme consists of 1 to 2 academic years. During this period, students are expected to complete 60, 90 or 120 transferable ECTS credits.
At the end of the programme, Erasmus Scholars would’ve bagged either a joint degree or multiple degrees!
EMJM Specialized Courses
As mentioned earlier, the various study programmes offered by the Erasmus+ Scholarships are specialized courses, with some of them multidisciplinary in nature. For example, some courses focus on renewable energy fields such as hydrogen technology, some on geosciences and a lot more.
The table below contains details of some available EMJM tracks:
| S/N | Programme | Project Locations | Application Link |
| 1 | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Physiology and Medicine of Humans in Space and Extreme EnvironmentSpaceMed | France, Germany, Slovenia | https://space-med.eu |
| 2 | MSc in Smart Cities and Communities SMACCs | Belgium, Spain, Greece, Finland | https://www.smaccs.eu/ |
| 3 | EMerald Master in Georesources EngineeringEMerald | France, Belgium, Sweden, Germany | https://www.em-georesources.eu/ |
| 4 | European Master For Industry in Microwave Electronics and PhotonicsEMIMEP | France, Germany, Italy, Spain | https://www.erasmus-mundus.emimep.eu/ |
| 5 | Multiphase Systems for Sustainable EngineeringMULTIPHASE | France, Germany, Italy | https://www.multiphase-master.eu/ |
| 6 | Safe and Reliable Nuclear ApplicationsSARENA | France, Finland, Spain, Slovenia | https://www.imt-atlantique.fr/en/study/masters/emjmd/sarena |
| 7 | European Master Degree in PLANT HEALTH IN SUSTAINABLE CROPPING SYSTEMSPLANTHEALTH3 – | France, Germany, Italy, Spain | https://www.planthealth.upv.es/web/ |
| 8 | Erasmus Mundus Masters Program in Public PolicyMUNDUS MAPP | Austria, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom | https://www.mundusmapp.org/ |
| 9 | Interdisciplinarity in Materials for Energy Storage and Conversioni-MESC | France, Spain, Slovenia, Poland | https://i-mesc.eu/ |
| 10 | Children’s Literature, Media and Cultural EntrepreneurshipCLMCE | United Kingdom, Netherlands, Denmark | https://www.clmce-erasmusmundus.eu/ |
| 11 | Education Policies for Global DevelopmentGLOBED | Spain, Germany, Cyprus, United Kingdom | http://www.globed.eu/ |
| 12 | European Master of Science in Skin Health and CareEMOTION | Italy, Belgium, Spain | http://www.emotion-master.eu/ |
More than 200 Masters courses are offered through the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship, and the application is still ongoing, with some deadlines extending to March, 2024. More courses can be viewed on the EMJM catalogue.
Eligibility Requirements for Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship
Eager to apply for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Joint Masters Scholarship?
It’s very important to know the eligibility requirements and necessary application documents before commencing the application. Don’t apply blindly; continue reading to learn what you need to become an Erasmus Scholar!
Though some requirements may vary based on programme, general eligibility requirements for Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship include:
- First Degree Certificate and Transcripts
- Letters of Recommendation from Professors, Mentors, etc.
- Personal Motivation Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Proof of Country of Residence
- Proof of English Proficiency (an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent)
Can Final Year Students Apply for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?
You might be wondering, “What if I’m in my final year? Can I still apply for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship?”
Well, if you’re about to graduate, you may submit an application as long as you anticipate the completion of the bachelor’s programme before the commencement of the EMJM programme.
The EMJM application is usually run between October and January, but a number of the programmes have deadlines in March, 2024.
And guess what? Individuals who aren’t necessarily university graduates but possess comparable qualifications or have demonstrated a significant level of academic achievement may also apply if their qualifications are officially recognised according to national legislation and practices in the degree-awarding country.
Applying for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Programme
To apply for any of the EMJM programmes, go to the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Webpage. From there, you can navigate to the EMJM course catalogue. Each programme listed on the catalogue has an associated application link. Hence, you’re required to submit your application directly to your desired programme coordinators.
Closing Remarks
Now you know the key details about the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship. We wish you success in your postgraduate application!
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