Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2025 – Requirements, Benefits, How to Apply

Are you an Indian student with dreams of studying abroad? The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship might be your path to top-notch education in Europe. The European Union offers this scholarship for attending Master’s or Doctoral degree programs in European universities. Since its inception in 2004, this well-known scholarship has helped thousands of students worldwide, including many from India.

In this article, we will look closely at the requirements, benefits, documents requirements and how to apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship.

What is Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is a fully-funded scholarship offered by the European Union (EU) to students worldwide. It is part of the Erasmus+ program that aims to improve the quality of higher education through international cooperation. The scholarship is for Joint Master’s Degrees (EMJMDs) and Joint Doctoral Programmes (EMJDs) in various fields. For Indian students, the most important one is the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship.

Since 2004, over 50,000 students from 184 countries have benefited from the Erasmus Mundus program. According to the European Commission’s statistics, over 1,800 Indian students received the scholarship between 2004 and 2020. India is consistently among the top countries in terms of scholarship recipients. According to The Economic Times, 146 Indian students were awarded Erasmus Mundus Scholarships in 2024 for the 2-year Master’s programme.

Also read: Top International Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad After 12th

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Requirements

For Indian students applying for this scholarship, here are the eligibility criteria:

1. Academic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or in the final year of studies; Master’s degree for doctoral programs.
2. Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is mandatory. Most programs require TOEFL or IELTS scores.
3. Work Experience: Not always mandatory but can be useful for certain programs.
4. Age: No specific age limit, but most successful candidates are below 35.
5. Previous Residency: Must not have lived or carried out main activity (studies, work, etc.) for more than 12 months over the last 5 years in any Program Country.

Note – Specific requirements may vary depending on the chosen EMJMD program. Indian students should carefully review the criteria for their desired program.

Also read: Top Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA 2024

Benefits of the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship covers the entire academic journey of a student:

1. Tuition Fees: The scholarship covers the entire tuition fee for the duration of the program.
2. Monthly Allowance: Students get a monthly allowance of EUR 1,000, approximately INR 91,000, at current exchange rates. This stipend covers accommodation, food, travel, and other living expenses.
3. Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage for 24 months.
4. Multicultural Experience: Students study in at least two different European countries, a unique cross-cultural experience.

Below is a list of participating European countries where you can study:

From the above list, identify which countries have the best education system in the world.

Documents Required for Applying Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

Indian students interested in applying for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship have to submit the following documents:

• Completed application form
• Copy of passport
• Certified copies of academic degrees and transcripts
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL scores)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivation letter
• Letters of recommendation (usually 2-3)
• Research proposal (for doctoral programs)
• Proof of work experience (if applicable)
• Passport-sized photographs

Also read: Why Indian Students Go Abroad To Study?

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2025 Important Dates

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship usually has application deadlines around December 2024 or January 2025. For dates and criteria please refer to the official websites of the programs you are interested in.

How to Apply for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

Here are the steps to apply for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship:

1. Research Programs: Research the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree programs and choose the ones that fit your academic and professional goals. You can find more information on the official Erasmus Mundus website (https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/).
2. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the chosen programs’ eligibility criteria.
3. Documents: Collect and prepare all required documents and translate them if necessary.
4. Online Application: Most applications are done online through the program’s website. Fill out the application form correctly and upload the required documents.
5. Submission: Apply before the deadline. Deadlines vary per program, so check the specific dates. Most programs have application deadlines between October and January for courses starting in the following academic year.
6. Follow-up: After submission, wait for an email from the program coordinator.

Erasmus Mundus has a very competitive acceptance rate; only 10-15% of applicants are accepted. For Indian students, that means only 150-200 scholarships are given out every year, so you have to make sure you have a strong application.

Also read: Study in UK Without IELTS in 2024

Motivation Letter for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

The motivation letter is the most important part of the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship application. Here, you can show your personality, academic interests, and career goals. Here are some tips for writing a good motivation letter:

1. Introduction: Start with a strong introduction that will catch the reader’s attention. Mention your academic background and the program you are applying to.
2. Academic and Professional Background: Clearly state your academic achievements and professional experiences. Explain how these experiences have prepared you for the program.
3. Program Fit: Show that you understand the program and how it fits your career goals. Explain why you have chosen this program and how it aligns with your future plans.
4. Personal Motivation: Share your personal motivation to apply. This could be your passion for the field, your wish to study in a multicultural environment, or your commitment to make a change in your home country.
5. Conclusion: End with a strong conclusion will reiterate your enthusiasm for the program and your willingness to be part of the academic community.

Students can refer our article on motivation letter for complete writing tips.

Download our sample motivation letter for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

Conclusion

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship gives Indian students a great chance to study in Europe without money worries. It pays for everything from school fees to living costs, so you can focus on learning and making the most of your time overseas. But many people want this scholarship so you must prepare a solid application and meet all the requirements. If you’ve got good grades and want to study with people from all over the world, don’t pass up this opportunity to expand your worldview and reach your education goals.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship FAQs

Q1. What is Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

A1. The European Union funds the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. This program gives students from all over the world a chance to study Joint Master’s Degrees at several European universities. The scholarship pays for tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance.

Q2. What is the age limit for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

A2. Anyone can apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, no matter their age, as long as they meet the academic and language requirements.

Q3. How competitive is Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

A3. Keep in mind that this scholarship is tough to get. Every year, thousands of people apply for a limited number of spots. So, if you’re interested, make sure you put together a solid application.

Q4. What is the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship stipend?

A4. Each grantee will be awarded EUR 1000 each month for 24 months of the program.

Q5. Can Indian students apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

A5. Yes, Indian students can apply for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship.

Author: Stanley Lazarus Chelli

Stanley is our seasoned writer known for his deep knowledge of the ed-tech industry. He delivers insightful and impactful content that resonates with readers. Beyond his exceptional writing abilities, he is a die-hard petrolhead with a profound love for the automotive industry. Additionally, Stanley is a soon-to-be professional keyboardist.