– Author of this Blog

Md Rejuan Ahmed Mahim

I know the fear of the unknown — and the thrill of a new beginning. As a 2025 Russian Government Scholar and BAPO special intern, I share what I’ve learned to help you move forward.

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is considered as one of the most prestigious and fully funded international scholarship programs offered by the European Union. Designed to support outstanding students worldwide, this program enables students to pursue joint masters degrees across multiple universities , mainly in Europe. "The Erasmus Mundus Programme opens up Europe’s doors to the world’s brightest minds and brings the world into European classrooms"— European Commission (EACEA statement).

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

— Nelson Mandela

And Europe is handing you that weapon — fully funded and ready to shape your future.

Eligibility criteria for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship: 

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is open to applicants from around the globe. However, candidates must meet specific eligibility and academic requirements. 

General Eligibility:

Nationality:

Open to both EU and non-EU applicants.

Previous Scholarship Status:

Applicants must not have previously received an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for a master’s or doctoral program.

Residence Rule:

Non-EU applicants should not have resided in a European country for more than 12 months in the past five years. 

Age limit:

No age restrictions apply.

Academic Requirements

Degree Requirement : 

A bachelor’s degree ( equivalent to 180 ECTS credits) from a recognized university.

Final year students :

Eligible if they will graduate before the program commences.

Program Alignment:

Academic Background should align with the targeted master’s program.

Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 is recommended, though competitive programs may expect higher scores.

Language Proficiency :

Most programs require IELTS (6.5-7.0), TOEFL, or equivalent.

Other Language:

some programs may require or accept proficiency in French, Spanish or the program’s language of instruction.

Normally required documents include:

• Academic transcript and diplomas
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivation Letter/ statement of purpose
• Two or three letter of recommendation
• Proof of language proficiency 
• Passport or National ID
• Proof of residence (for some programs)
• Additional documents such as work
• Experience or research proposals ( as required by specific programs) 

Selection Criteria

The Erasmus Mundus selection process is competitive and based on:

• Academic excellence 
• Motivation work or research experience
• Language proficiency
• Country-specific quotas ( EU vs non EU applicants)

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Research and select your program:

Visit the Erasmus Mundus Catalogue to explore available master’s programs.

Choose up to three programs that best match your academic goals and interests.

Rank your program preferences as required by the application.

Step 2:Check Eligibility and Gather Documents:

Review the eligibility and admission requirements for each selected program.

Prepare all necessary documents as early as possible, particularly your motivational letter and reference letters.

Step 3: Register and Start your Application : 

Create an account on the program consortium’s portal. Enter All required information including contract information, nationality and academic background 

Step 4 : Provide Academic and language Information:

Submit detailed academic history and test scores. Upload valid proof of English or other language proficiency.

Step 5:Prepare a Compelling Motivation Letter: 

Your motivation letter should have:

Your personal story is what sets you apart—let it shine through . Clearly explain why you’re applying to the program. Show alignment with your academic or professional goals. Highlight your qualifications and aspirations Be well-structured, error-free and authentic

Step 6: Upload all the document and submit application:

Upload all documents in the required format (normally PDF Format). Ensure reference letters are submitted via official institutional emails when required.

Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline:

Deadlines vary by program usually from October to January. Late or incomplete applications are not accepted. 

Step 8:Possible Interview:

After initial screening, some consortia conduct interviews or ask for additional assessment. Prepare by reviewing the program’s research areas and being ready to discuss your background and fit.

Step 9: Results:

Admission and Scholarship decisions are typically announced in late winter/early spring. For example, many programs inform applicants by March or April.

Benefits and Outcomes of this Scholarship:

Erasmus Mundus Scholarships are fully funded. In General, winners receive:

• Tuition Waiver - 100% of tuition fees are covered. You enroll as a regular student but pay no fees.
• Monthly Stipend - A living allowance to cover daily expenses. Most of the program pay almost 1000 to 1400 Euros per month during the study period.
• Travel and Installation: A good amount of money is given to the students to help with travel costs between consortium universities and extra payment to help you settle in a new destination. Traveling is a important element of life as Saint Augustine said "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
• Health Insurance: Some programs include health insurance for their students.
• Degree: At graduation you receive a joint or double Master’s degree from the consortium Universities which is highly regarded in academia and industry. 

Strong Alumni Network:

Erasmus Mundus has a strong global alumni network, nearly 50,000 students have graduated from EMJMDs since 2004. Alumni often go on to advance studies or careers in academia, international organizations or industry. So after graduation you’ll be a part of one of the biggest and most successful Alumni Network who can help you not only during your study but after study as well.

Top Erasmus Mundus Master’s program to Consider:

Program name - Focus Area

MESPOM - Environmental science,

policy and Management - Environment & Sustainability  

IMFSE - Fire Safety Engineering - Engineering

CYBERMACS - Cybersecurity, AI, Automation

SUSMED- Pharmaceutical Science

PROMISE - Photonics, Optical Engineering

EMMIE - Engineering and Management

Film Memory - Film heritage & Culture

Plant Health - Sustainable Agriculture

Global Studies - IR, Development, Globalization

ACES - STAR - Aquaculture & Marine Science 

Deadlines and portals:

There is no single application portal you apply on each program’s site. Most 2025 intake applications closed by early 2025. However, a few programs use different timelines .

Selection Criteria :

The basic evaluation remains the same- committees look at academic merit, motivation, recommendations, language skill and how well you fit the program’s goal.

Post-Graduation Opportunities

• Different country have different type and duration of Post work visa mostly from 12 months to 24 months and the fact that many Erasmus alumni stay and work in Europe after graduation — especially under Post-Study Work Visas (like in Germany, France, or the Netherlands).

Is this scholarship completely hassle-free and the most perfect in the world? Not quite — like any opportunity, the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship also comes with its own set of challenges:

No Centralized Application System

• Although I have mentioned there's no single portal, it’s important to stress that each program operates independently, and deadlines, requirements, and procedures can vary significantly.

Understanding the Odds: Selection Ratios You Should Know

• Erasmus Mundus is highly competitive. Most programs accept only 1–5% of applicants, often choosing just 20–30 students from thousands. But don’t let the odds hold you back—let them push you to stand out. A strong, well-prepared application can open doors that few dare to knock on.

Visa and Residency

• Add a short section on the visa application process, as selected students will need to apply for Schengen visas or national visas for multiple countries.

Application Fee

• Some Erasmus Mundus programs require a small application fee, which students should prepare for.

Success Stories from Bangladesh: Real Impact, Real Lives

"আমরা যদি না জাগি মা, কেমনে সকাল হবে?”

— কাজী নজরুল ইসলাম

“If we do not awaken, mother, how will the dawn break?”

These inspiring individuals truly embody this spirit. They woke up, took action, and have made their mark on the world.

Hasibul Hasan Ahmed – Environmental Leadership

A BRAC University graduate, Hasibul secured a place in the competitive

MESPOM program, ranking among just 22 selected candidates out of over 2,000 applicants.

Tanzila Azad Mow – Bridging Cultures

With master’s degrees in Government and Gender Studies, Tanzila

studied in Italy, Poland, and beyond, embracing a rich cross-cultural academic journey.

Sujan Kumar Bhaduri – From Sirajganj to Europe

Despite financial challenges, Sujan earned a spot in the Plant

Breeding master’s program at UniLaSalle, France, marking a

transformative step from rural Bangladesh to global academia.

Some Scholarship Students are working day and night to make our country and world a better place one of them is Dr. Mohammad Golam Kibria who is Turning the Tide with Knowledge

In a country where floods strike every year, Dr. Mohammad Golam Kibria chose not to leave—he chose to lead. With an Erasmus Mundus Master in Flood Risk Management, earned across Portugal and France, he returned to Bangladesh armed with global expertise. Today, he works with the Bangladesh Water Development Board and the World Bank, building flood-resilient systems that protect millions. His story is more than success—it's a reminder that studying abroad isn’t brain drain, it’s brain gain for the nation.

I think to address these people Kofi Annan shared his one of the most famous quotes ,as they are the one who gained knowledge and using the knowledge to help people around the world as well as Bangladesh.

Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family."

— Kofi Annan

Conclusion: Take the Leap – Apply Now!

শিক্ষা আলো, যা অন্ধকার দূর করে।”

“Education is light that drives away darkness.”

Let this light guide your path—embrace the opportunities Erasmus Mundus offers, and step confidently into a brighter, limitless future. The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship offers more than just a degree—it provides a gateway to a dynamic future. Dare to dream big. With Erasmus Mundus, those dreams can become a global reality.

Sources that I've used for my blog:

1. https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/opportunities-for-individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters#:~:text=,before%20the%20master%E2%80%99s%20programme%20starts
2. https://www.upgrad.com/study-abroad/articles/erasmus-mundus-scholarship/
3. https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/hu/news/erasmus-mundus-projects-selection-from-2024#:~:text=Examples%20of%20new%20masters%20include
4. https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/programme-guide/part-a/eligible-countries#:~:text=Participants%20in%20Erasmus%2B%20projects%20may,and%20support%20concerning%20visas%2C%20residence
5. https://www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/ema_tips_on_applying_for_erasmus_mundus_scholarships.pdf#:~:text=,end%20ona%20strong%20and%20positivenote
6. https://www.smaccs.eu/admissions/admission-criteria/#:~:text=Language%20of%20instruction%20for%20the,SMACCs%20Master%20is%20English
7. https://leapscholar.com/blog/erasmus-scholarship-eligibility-application-and-selection/#:~:text=Step%201%3A%20Choose%20a%20Program,shortlist%20up%20to%20three%20programs
8. https://www.europubhealth.org/
9. https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/good-day-bangladesh/scholarship-takes-sujan-from-raiganj-to-europe

There are more sources that I've used during the writing of this blog !