Study a Master’s in Europe for Free: Erasmus Mundus 2025

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is a fully funded Master’s program supported by the European Union. It gives international students a rare chance to study in Europe for free. In 2024, over 30,000 students applied, but only 3,173 were selected. That makes it very competitive. Indian students were among the top three recipients from outside Europe.

This program lets you study in Europe across two or more countries while following a single course. You’ll earn a joint or multiple degrees from some of the top universities in Europe. All classes are in English. You can choose from a wide range of subjects like engineering, data science, environmental studies, public policy, and more.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship in 2025. You’ll also find out who’s eligible, which programs are the best, what documents you need, application deadlines, and smart tips to improve your chances.

Looking to apply for Erasmus Mundus?
Start with two of the most popular destinations under this scholarship:

• Study in France
• Study in Germany

Looking for a program that aligns with Erasmus-level ambition?
Explore master's programs like the MBA in General Management in Germany or the MSc in International Finance at Paris School of Business. 

What is the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is one of the most respected international Master’s programs. It’s funded by the European Commission and is run by a group of universities across Europe. Some programs even include academic partners from Asia or the Americas.

If you're selected, you get a chance to study in Europe while moving between countries. Most students spend each semester at a different campus, which means they experience different cultures and teaching styles. Many programs also include research work, field trips, or an industry project in the final semester.

By the time you finish, you’ll have a globally recognized joint degree and strong international experience. It's a smart way to build both your career and your confidence while studying in different parts of the world.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship – Key Highlights Table

Aspect	Details
Program Name	Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJMD)
Offered By	European Commission under Erasmus+
Degree	Joint or Multiple Master’s Degrees
Countries	European countries
Duration	1.5 to 2 years
Major Fields	Data Science  AI  Environment  Public Policy  Law  Engineering
Application Language	English
Tuition Fees	100% covered
Monthly Stipend	€1,100–€1,200 (INR 99,000–1,08,000)
Travel & Setup Grant	Up to €3,000 (INR 2.7 lakh )
Visa & Insurance	Fully covered
Internship/Thesis Mobility	Often required across countries
Eligibility	Bachelor’s degree English Proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL)  Apply to 3 programs max
Application Period	Oct 2025 – Mar 2026 (varies by program)
Selection Rate (2024)	10% (3,173 out of 30,000+)

Now, let us explore the Top Erasmus Mundus Programs for Indian Students. 

Top Erasmus Mundus Programs for Indian Students

Erasmus Mundus offers over 100 Master’s programs in fields like engineering, business, data science, environmental studies, and the arts. Many of these are popular with Indian students because they offer strong academics, international exposure, and good job prospects.

Courses like the International Master’s in Industrial Management (IMIM), the Master’s in Models and Methods of Quantitative Economics (QEM), and the Law, Science and Technology Joint Master’s Degree (LSM Manda) consistently see a high number of Indian applicants.

Here’s a list of some of the most well-known Erasmus Mundus programs that many Indian students choose.

Program Name	Field of Study	Study Countries
IMIM – Int. Master's in Industrial Management	Engineering + Business	Italy, Spain, UK, Germany
QEM – Models and Methods in Economics	Economics, Math, Data	France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium
EMAI – Erasmus Mundus in AI	Artificial Intelligence	Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain
EUROPHILOSOPHIE	Philosophy, Cultural Studies	France, Germany, Portugal, Belgium
Choreomundus	Dance and Heritage Studies	France, Norway, Hungary, UK
MARIHE – Research in Higher Ed	Public Policy, Education	Austria, Finland, Germany, China
LSM Manda	Sustainability, Management	Italy, Sweden, France
EMJMD ACES – Advanced Systems	Embedded Systems, Electronics	Germany, UK, France, Portugal
EMIMEO – Mobile Embedded Systems	Electrical & Computer Engineering	Spain, Sweden, France, UK

These programs cover both your full tuition and living costs. They also let you study in top-ranked countries across Europe, which makes them a smart and affordable option for students aiming for a global career.

What Are the Benefits of the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is one of the best fully funded options for students who want to study in Europe for free. It covers your tuition, travel, living expenses, and insurance so that you can focus on your studies without worrying about money.

Here’s what you get:

Fully Covered Tuition Fees
You don’t need to pay for your course or university registration. The scholarship handles all academic costs.

Monthly living allowance
You’ll receive around ₹99,000 to ₹1,08,000 every month (€1,100–€1,200) to help with rent, food, and daily needs.

Yearly travel support
The scholarship gives you about ₹2.7 lakh per year (€3,000) to manage international travel and local mobility during the course.

One-time setup grant
When you move to Europe, you’ll get about ₹90,000 (€1,000) to cover initial expenses like rent deposits or basic setup.

Health and travel insurance
Full coverage is included for the entire program. It covers medical care and emergencies in all the countries you study in.

Visa fee reimbursement
Your visa application fees for all countries in the program are either paid directly or reimbursed.

Multi-country education
You will study in at least two, and sometimes up to four, top-ranked countries across Europe without paying any extra tuition.

No repayment needed
This is a grant, not a loan. You don’t need to return the money after graduation, even if you go back to India.

Global alumni network
After graduating, you can join the Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA) to connect with alumni, mentors, and professionals worldwide.

Note
You cannot hold more than one Erasmus+ scholarship at the same time. Also, to apply as a Partner Country student, you must not have lived in Europe for more than 12 months in the past five years.

How to Apply for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship in 2025

Erasmus Mundus doesn't have a single portal where you can apply. Each program has its own website, its own deadlines, and its own process. That means you’ll need to apply to each one separately.

Here’s how to go about it :

Start by choosing your programs
Go to the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue. Look through the list of Master’s courses and pick up to three that fit your background and interests.

Check if you're eligible
Each course has different entry rules. Make sure they accept students from Partner Countries like India. Also, check if your academic background and English skills match what they need.

Visit the program website
Once you shortlist a course, go to its official site. That’s where you’ll find the application form, scholarship details, deadlines, and contact info if you need help.

Create your account and start the form
Sign up on the program website. Fill in your details carefully - education, work experience, language scores, and other required information.

Write a solid motivation letter
Most programs will ask for a Statement of Purpose. Take time to write this well. Show why the course fits your goals, and avoid using generic or copied content.

Upload all your documents together
Usually, you get just one shot to submit everything. Common documents include your degree, transcripts, English test score, resume, SOP, and letters of recommendation. Double-check before you click submit.

See if there’s a fee
Some courses charge a small application fee, usually between ₹1,800 and ₹4,500. Others are free. This will be mentioned clearly on the program’s site.

Apply before the deadline
Most Erasmus Mundus programs close applications between January and March 2026. Don't wait until the last day, as late applications are not accepted.

Check for updates
After you apply, some programs will email a confirmation. Others might give you a login to track your status. Keep an eye on your inbox.

Wait for the results
You’ll usually hear back between April and June 2026. If you’re selected, the admission letter and scholarship offer will come together.

Note: You can only apply to three Erasmus Mundus programs per year. Each one needs a separate and complete application.

Looking for more scholarships Like Erasmus Mundus? Explore top international scholarships, eligibility details, and how to apply: All in one place. Browse Global Scholarships with upGrad

Eligibility Criteria and Documentation for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

To apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, you must meet both general and program-specific criteria. Most programs are open to Indian students with a strong academic background and good English skills.

Who Can Apply for This Scholarship?

Before you apply, check if you meet the basic eligibility criteria set by the Erasmus+ program.

Here’s who can apply, and under what conditions:

• You must hold a Bachelor’s degree (at least 180 ECTS or equivalent).
• Indian students and other non-EU nationals are eligible.
• You must have valid IELTS/TOEFL scores (as per program needs).
• You must not have stayed in an EU country for over 12 months in the past 5 years.
• There’s no age limit to apply.
• You can apply to a maximum of 3 programs in one intake.
• Work experience is not required, but helpful for some programs.

Some programs may ask for extra qualifications. Check their official site.

What Documents Are Needed for the Application?

Once you are eligible for the scholarship program, the next step is to collect the documents. 

Here is the list of documents that you need to complete the application.

• A valid passport (scanned copy).
• Final degree certificate and official transcripts.
• A Statement of Purpose (SOP) tailored to each program.
• 2–3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs), both academic and professional.
• Valid IELTS or TOEFL scorecard (as per requirement).
• An updated resume or CV (Europass format if requested).
• Work experience letter (only if asked by the program).
• Portfolio or writing samples (if applying for creative fields).
• Program-specific forms/templates (e.g., for LSM Manda, EMIMEO).

Make sure to check each program’s official website for the exact eligibility rules and list of required documents. Some programs may have special formats, extra instructions, or conditions based on your country.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2025 Deadlines

Erasmus Mundus programs follow a yearly cycle, but the exact dates can change depending on the course. Applications usually open in October or November and close between December and February. 

Results come out by April or May. After that, you’ll start your visa process and plan your move to Europe.

Here is the timeline for the Scholarship Application.

Process	Timeline
Opening Months	October to November 2025
Closing Months	December 2025 to February 2026
Evaluating and Selection	February to March 2026
Result Declaration	April to May 2026
Visa & Pre-departure Process	May to July 2026
Program Begin Date	August to October 2026

Note:Always check the official website for exact dates and timelines. 

Want to Study in Europe on a Scholarship? Check out the best scholarships for Indian students to study in top European countries. Explore Europe Scholarships

Tips to Improve Your Erasmus Mundus Scholarship: Do’s and Don’ts

Winning this highly selective scholarship is difficult. Here is the list of dos and donts take you need to take care of, while filling the applications.

What to do?

1. Make SOP's for every program which include your desired outcome,interest and worthiness of course.
2. Submit the application as early as possible to get a come first get first advantage.
3. Consider courses that are related to your academic background.This portrays will and vision.
4. Submit complete and latest documents with the required format for the program.
5. Get Letters of recommendation from the faculty who know your potential.
6. Consider the instructions reflected on the program's website,including naming rules and correct file format.
7. Reflect open-mindedness. Erasmus values students who can adjust and adapt to work worldwide.

What not to do?

1. Do not submit a single SOP for every program as it portrays lathargy and lowers your chances.
2. Do not wait for the last date to apply.Sites often faces high load and may crash,you may miss the opportunity.
3. Do not apply to the programs that don't goes with your academic background just because they are fully funded.
4. Do not overlook details like document size, format, or order as these small details hold worth.
5. Do not submit old or unclear documents like expired passports or blurred scanned copies.
6. Do not forget to re-evaluate everything before submitting. A single mistake can cost you the chance.

Honesty, clarity and organized behaviour can favour you.The scholarship is not only based on grades but on your characteristics and how well you present them.

How Can upGrad Help You with Your Erasmus Mundus Application?

Applying to Erasmus Mundus can be a lot to handle with different deadlines, documents, and program options. That’s where upGrad makes things easier with clear, step-by-step support.

Here’s how upGrad helps you through the entire process:

Help choosing the right programs-

You get guidance to shortlist 2 to 3 Erasmus programs that match your background and goals.

Support with SOPs and LORs-

Experts help you write a strong Statement of Purpose and request Letters of Recommendation that stand out.

Document checklist and review-

We share a full checklist and review your academic transcripts, test scores, and CV to make sure everything’s correct before you apply.

1:1 help from admissions mentors-

You get personal support for scholarship planning, deadlines, and program-specific requirements.

Help with visa and travel-

We assist with your visa application, finding accommodation, booking tickets, and planning your move.

Conclusion

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is one of the most important opportunities for Indian students who aspire to get a fully funded degree in European Countries. Securing this scholarship helps you get a prestigious fully funded degree with worldwide recognition and a global career ahead.

But as the applicants for this scholarship is very high, the selection is tough. Planning early, choosing the right program, and submitting a complete and well-written application are very important for securing a seat.

If you are willing to apply in 2025, start your research now and don’t hesitate to ask for expert support to guide you through each step.