Embarking on my EMJM journey, I traversed my four semesters (120 ECTS) across four EU countries — Spain, France, Hungary, and Germany — culminating in a Dual Master's degree from two esteemed European universities, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) and Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME). This transformative experience was made possible through the Erasmus Mundus (EM) Scholarship, worth 49,000 euros!
The impact of EMJM and the EM scholarship on my career has been profound, inspiring me to contribute back through active involvement in the Erasmus Mundus Student and Alumni Association (EMA). Since my first semester (2017) in EMJM, I have steadily progressed into leadership roles within EMA. Currently serving on the Management Board from July 2021 to June 2025, a tenure spanning four impactful years, I collaborate closely with the European Commission (EC) and various European Union Delegations (EUD) worldwide, passionately promoting the EMJM initiative and EMA.
EMJM is not just an academic pursuit; it's a life-changing opportunity that can serve as the catalyst for your career, propelling you towards greater achievements. Drawing from my extensive EMJM experience and close engagement with different EMJM programs, I am eager to share insights into the application process, hoping to guide you on your journey to embracing the transformative potential of EMJM & EM Scholarship.
In this blog post, I will guide you through the step-by-step process of applying for an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's (EMJM) degree program with the Erasmus Mundus (EM) Scholarship. There are four steps.
Summary of FOUR STEPS: Step 1: Research and Program Selection Step 2: Make a Shortlist and Perform an Eligibility Check Step 3: Prepare Required Documents Step 4: Online Application Submission
Step 1: Research and Program Selection
Before immersing yourself in the application process, it's crucial to thoroughly research and select the EMJM program that aligns with both your academic background (referred to as the 'past') and your career aspirations ('future'). The 'past' includes your academic credentials, such as a Bachelor's degree, while the 'future' pertains to your career goals. Each program boasts unique features, consortium universities (EU universities), and specializations. Explore the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue website, and then delve into individual EMJM program websites to gather comprehensive information during this step.
Click Here to go to the official EMJM catalogue
Step 2: Make a Shortlist and Perform an Eligibility Check
From the catalogue, select all the EMJM programs that suit your criteria and create a shortlist in an Excel document. You can actually apply to as many programs as you wish. There is no official limit to the amount of programmes that applicants can apply for. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria outlined by your chosen or shortlisted EMJM program. Click on the program titles in the EMJM catalogue to access detailed information about each program. The individual program website link will be provided on that page. If you encounter any difficulties locating the individual program website link, simply copy the full program name and search on Google to find their website. These criteria may encompass academic qualifications, language proficiency, and other specific prerequisites. Note the application deadlines, as missing them may jeopardize your chances.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
EMJM applications typically necessitate a set of standard documents. Prepare these well in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Commonly required documents include: Curriculum Vitae (CV) Motivation Letter/Statement of Purpose (SOP) Academic Transcripts & Certificates Letters of Recommendation (LOR) Language Proficiency Certificate (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) Passport Copy Very important: Carefully review your chosen program's application guidelines (i.e., program website) for any additional requirements. As your evaluation hinges on the documents you submit, meticulous preparation is essential.
Step 4: Online Application Submission
Most EMJM programs utilize an online application platform (each has its own and there is NO centralised portal!). Create an account on the portal of your target EMJM website and meticulously fill out the application form. Provide accurate information and ensure that all uploaded documents adhere to the specified formats. Double-check for any supplementary questions or essays. For most EMJM programs, you are automatically considered for the Erasmus Mundus (EM) Scholarship when you submit your application package. However, for some, you may need to mention this during the online application process on their program website. Be thorough in checking every detail on the program website to make yourself eligible for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship.
Here's a golden rule for success: meticulously explore every nook and cranny of a program website, leaving no inch or centimetre unchecked. Dive into the details, read every piece of text, and ensure you extract every bit of information from the program website. This thorough approach is the key to getting the full picture of any EMJM program.
OK. so these were the FOUR STEPS!
A Tentative Timeline of the above four steps:
Await Admission Decision Once you've submitted your application, patiently await the admission decision. The result release timeframe may vary among programs, with some announcing results in March/April and others in May/June. Monitor your email inbox, including your spam folder, for updates. Stay informed about any additional steps, such as interviews or further documentation.
Scholarships If you are admitted to your desired EMJM program with the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, congratulations! If admitted without the scholarship, seek external sources for alternative scholarships or funding. Explore various scholarship options and financial aid available for EMJM students, including opportunities provided by individual EMJM programs which may have their own funding sources.
Conclusion The journey to enrol in an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's program is a comprehensive process requiring careful planning and attention to detail. By following these steps and staying organized, you'll enhance your chances of successfully navigating the application journey and embarking on an enriching academic experience. Best of luck!
Note: this article was written in November 2023 and last edited in November 2023.
— — — Best Regards, Rajon Bhuiyan EMJM alumni of the ME3 program (2017–2019 session), & the Management Board Member of Erasmus Mundus Students and Alumni Association (EMA)
