The Erasmus Mundus scholarship 2026 2027 round is officially open. Announced on 1 October 2025 by the European Commission, this cohort welcomes new master’s students into Europe’s most prestigious EU-funded joint master’s programmes for the 2026/2028 entry. For Nigerian, Ghanaian, Kenyan, South African and other African applicants, this is the most cost-effective way to study in Europe at zero personal expense.
What is Erasmus Mundus?
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) are highly competitive, fully funded international master’s programmes jointly designed and delivered by consortia of European universities. Students typically study in two to three different countries during the programme, earning a joint, double or multiple degree at the end.
What does the scholarship cover?
- Full tuition — whether the programme costs €4,000 or €18,000 per year.
- Monthly living allowance of around €1,400 for the full 24-month duration.
- International travel to and from Europe.
- Installation allowance and visa support in many cases.
- Health insurance covered by the consortium.
Who is affected?
African applicants are heavily targeted under the geographical balance criteria. There are usually additional regional scholarship slots reserved for students from specific developing regions, in addition to the worldwide pool.
Strongest profiles for African candidates:
- Recent Nigerian, Kenyan, Ghanaian, South African, Egyptian or Senegalese bachelor’s graduates with first-class or upper second-class degrees.
- Working professionals (under 35) with relevant 2-5 years of experience.
- Applicants with strong English (IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+) and clear research interests.
Key requirements and timelines
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field by the start of the programme.
- English language proficiency — IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent.
- Two academic references and a strong statement of purpose.
- Application windows mostly between October and February for September 2026 intake.
- Apply directly through each individual EMJM programme — not a single central portal.
Why it matters for Nigerians and Africans
The Naira is under pressure, UK and Canadian tuition has climbed sharply, and several African scholarship programmes have tightened. Erasmus Mundus is one of the few schemes that pays you to study in Europe instead of asking you to pay. The €1,400 monthly stipend is enough to cover rent and groceries comfortably in most EU cities, and graduates often qualify for post-study work permits across the EU.
Practical tip: pick three to four programmes whose course content matches your professional background — selectors look for fit, not just grades. Tailor your statement of purpose to the consortium’s research themes. Apply to multiple programmes — you can typically rank up to three EMJM choices in a single application form.
Key Takeaways
- Erasmus Mundus 2026/2027 round is now open.
- Coverage: full tuition, €1,400/month stipend, international travel.
- African students are actively targeted under regional balance rules.
- Apply October–February for September 2026 intake.
- Multi-country study at top European universities — joint or double degree.
Win an Erasmus Mundus scholarship with Travel Explore
Need help shortlisting the right consortium, polishing your statement of purpose, or preparing for the EMJM interviews? Our scholarship advisors are ready: https://linktr.ee/travelexpore
Share This Story
- Erasmus Mundus 2026/2027 just opened — here is how Nigerians can win a fully funded master’s in Europe.
- EU pays Africans €1,400 a month plus full tuition to study at top European universities — here is the route.
- Forget DAAD, Chevening and Commonwealth — Erasmus Mundus is the most generous EU scholarship in 2026.