Are you looking for a way to broaden your horizons, enrich your knowledge, and boost your career prospects? If so, Erasmus Mundus might be the perfect opportunity for you. Erasmus Mundus is a program that offers scholarships and academic cooperation between Europe and the rest of the world. Students and scholars can study, teach, and research in different countries, cultures, and disciplines. In this guide, we will explain what Erasmus Mundus is, how it works, and how you can apply for it.
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What is Erasmus Mundus?
Erasmus Mundus is a program launched in 2004 by the European Union. Its main goal is to promote the quality and attractiveness of European higher education and foster intercultural dialogue and understanding. Erasmus Mundus supports joint master’s and doctoral programs and partnerships and projects between higher education institutions from Europe and other regions of the world. Erasmus Mundus also offers scholarships and fellowships to students and scholars who want to participate in these activities.
How does Erasmus Mundus work?
Erasmus Mundus has three main actions:
- Action 1: Joint Programs. These are high-quality, integrated study programs at the master’s or doctoral level, designed and delivered by a consortium of at least three higher education institutions from different European countries. Students who enroll in these programs can study in at least two of the participating institutions and receive a joint or multiple degree at the end of their studies. Erasmus Mundus provides scholarships to students from all over the world who want to join these programs. The scholarships cover tuition fees, travel costs, living expenses, and insurance. Scholars from any country can also apply for short-term teaching or research assignments in these programs.
- Action 2: Partnerships. These are cooperation schemes between European higher education institutions and a specific world region. The partnerships aim to enhance the exchange of students, scholars, and staff and improve the quality and relevance of education and research. Erasmus Mundus provides mobility grants to students and scholars who want to spend a period (from a few months to a few years) in one of the partner institutions. The grants cover travel costs, living expenses, and insurance.
- Action 3: Projects. These initiatives support the development and promotion of Erasmus Mundus and European higher education in general. The projects can involve curriculum development, quality assurance, dissemination of best practices, alumni networking, and policy dialogue. Erasmus Mundus funds higher education institutions and organizations that want to implement these projects.
How can you apply for Erasmus Mundus?
If you are interested in Erasmus Mundus, you have to follow different steps depending on the action you want to apply for.
- For Action 1, you must apply directly to your chosen joint program. The list of available programs and their application deadlines is on the Erasmus Mundus website. You have to meet the specific requirements and criteria of the program, such as academic qualifications, language skills, and motivation. You also have to indicate whether you are applying for a scholarship or not. The joint program consortium does the selection of students and scholars.
- For Action 2, you have to apply through your home or host institution. You can find the list of participating institutions and their contact details on the Erasmus Mundus website. You have to meet the eligibility and selection criteria of the partnership, such as nationality, academic level, and field of study. You also have to submit a learning agreement or a work plan, depending on the type and duration of your mobility. The partnership coordinator does the selection of students and scholars.
- For Action 3, you have to apply as part of a consortium of higher education institutions and organizations. You can find the list of eligible countries and regions and the application guidelines and forms on the Erasmus Mundus website. You have to submit a project proposal describing your project’s objectives, activities, outcomes, and budget. The European Commission does the selection of projects.
Why should you apply for Erasmus Mundus?
Erasmus Mundus is a unique opportunity for students and scholars who want to pursue their academic and professional goals in a global and diverse environment. By participating in Erasmus Mundus, you can:
- Gain a high-quality education and a recognized degree from prestigious institutions in Europe and beyond
- Experience different cultures, languages, and perspectives, and develop intercultural and interpersonal skills
- Expand your network and connections with peers, professors, and experts from various fields and sectors
- Access a wide range of resources, facilities, and opportunities for learning, research, and innovation
- Enhance your employability and career prospects in the local and international market
Erasmus Mundus is more than just a program. It is a journey of discovery, growth, and transformation. If you are ready to take on this challenge, don’t hesitate to apply for Erasmus Mundus. It might be the best decision of your life.
Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for Erasmus Mundus depend on the action and the program you want to apply for. In general, you need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent for master’s programs, and a master’s degree or equivalent for doctoral programs. You must also have a good command of English or another language the program requires. You should not have stayed in any eligible European country for more than 12 months in the last 5 years, and you should not have received any similar scholarship under the Erasmus Mundus Action 2 project. You can check the Erasmus Mundus website or the specific program website for more details.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for Erasmus Mundus varies depending on the action and the program you want to apply for. In general, if you are applying for a scholarship under Action 1 (Joint Programs), you should submit your application between October and January for courses starting the following academic year. If you are applying without a scholarship or for Action 2 (Partnerships), you may have more time until May or June. You can check the specific deadlines for each program on the Erasmus Mundus or program websites. For example, the European Master in Global Studies has a deadline of March 15, 2024, for scholarship applicants and May 31, 2024, for self-funded applicants. I hope this helps you plan your application. Good luck! 😊
