How to Apply for Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: Complete Guide for Indian Students and Parents

Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students, but the cost of education and living expenses can be a big challenge. The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, funded by the European Union, is one of the best opportunities for students to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in Europe. This guide will help you understand everything about the scholarship—eligibility, application process, tips to stand out, and more—so you can confidently take your next step toward studying abroad.

What is the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) is an international study program that allows students to study at two or more universities in Europe (and sometimes beyond). It offers:

  • Full tuition fee coverage

  • Monthly stipend (€1,100–€1,500) for living expenses

  • Travel and visa cost reimbursement

  • Insurance coverage

This makes it a golden opportunity for Indian students who want to study abroad in Europe without worrying about finances.

Example: A student might start the program in France, continue in Germany, and finish in Spain—all funded by Erasmus Mundus.

Benefits of the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

Why should you consider Erasmus Mundus? Here are some strong reasons:

  • Full financial support (tuition + living expenses)

  • Opportunity to live and study in multiple European countries

  • International exposure and networking with global students

  • Boosts your career prospects globally

  • No bond—you are free to work anywhere after graduation

This scholarship is especially appealing for students from India, where the cost of international education is often a major concern.

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students

Before applying, make sure you meet these general eligibility requirements:

  1. Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) is required. Final-year students can also apply if they will graduate before the program starts.

  2. Language Proficiency: Most programs require IELTS/TOEFL. Some accept Duolingo or PTE. A few may waive the requirement if you studied in English.

  3. Academic Performance: A strong academic record (minimum 60–65% for Indian universities) is usually expected.

  4. Motivation Letter & Recommendations: A compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP) and 2-3 recommendation letters are essential.

  5. No Age Limit: Anyone with a bachelor’s degree can apply.

Tip: Even students with a three-year Indian bachelor’s degree (like B.A. or B.Sc.) are eligible for many Erasmus Mundus programs.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Erasmus Mundus Scholarships

Applying for Erasmus Mundus can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into steps makes it easier. Here’s a complete roadmap:

Step 1: Research Eligible Programs

  • Visit the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue: https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships

  • Filter programs based on your subject area, e.g., Engineering, Computer Science, Public Health, Environment, etc.

  • Check each program’s eligibility, deadlines, and required documents.

Example: For Computer Science, programs like EMDC (Distributed Computing) or Big Data Management are popular among Indian students.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Typically, you will need:

  • Academic transcripts and degree certificate

  • Passport (valid for at least 18 months)

  • English proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, or PTE)

  • Motivation letter/Statement of Purpose (SOP)

  • CV/Resume in Europass format

  • 2–3 recommendation letters from professors or employers

  • Work experience certificates (if applicable)

Pro Tip: Prepare a professional Europass CV—it’s the standard format preferred across Europe.

Step 3: Write a Strong Motivation Letter (SOP)

Your SOP is the heart of your application. Make it personal and persuasive:

  • Introduce yourself and explain your interest in the program.

  • Highlight academic achievements and relevant experiences.

  • Show how the program fits your career goals.

  • Mention your desire to contribute to Europe–India relations or global society.

✅ Tip: Keep it 800–1,000 words and tailor it to each program. Avoid copy-pasting.

Step 4: Apply Online

  • Visit each chosen program’s official website (from the Erasmus Mundus catalogue).

  • Fill out the online application form and upload documents.

  • You can apply to up to three programs in one academic year.

Deadline Reminder: Most applications open in October and close between December to February.

Step 5: Selection Process

The selection usually involves:

  1. Initial Screening of academic and language qualifications.

  2. Evaluation of SOP, CV, and recommendation letters.

  3. Some programs may conduct online interviews.

Selected students receive a conditional or final offer around March–April.

Step 6: Visa and Travel Preparation

Once selected:

  • Apply for a student visa (Schengen or national) for your first hosting country.

  • Arrange travel, accommodation, and insurance.

Check out our guide on Student Visa Requirements for Europe for a complete checklist.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Selection

  1. Start early: Begin preparing documents and SOP at least 6–8 months before deadlines.

  2. Apply to multiple programs: You can apply to three Erasmus programs in one year.

  3. Highlight international exposure: Any internships, projects, or volunteering experience counts.

  4. Strong academic and extracurricular profile: Good grades plus leadership roles or social work create a strong impression.

  5. Get professional SOP and CV review: Ask mentors or alumni for feedback.

Example: Students with an average GPA but strong leadership/volunteering experience have been selected in the past.

Cost and Funding Details

The Erasmus Mundus scholarship covers:

  • Tuition fees (100%)

  • Monthly stipend (€1,100–€1,500)

  • Travel allowance (€2,000–€4,000/year)

  • Insurance and visa support

This makes it one of the most generous scholarships in the world, saving Indian families ₹30–40 lakhs on average.

After Winning the Scholarship: What to Expect

  • Multi-country experience: Typically two European universities, sometimes even in Asia or the Americas.

  • World-class education with practical training.

  • Career opportunities: Many graduates get job offers in Europe or globally.

  • Networking: Meet students and professors from 100+ countries.

Internal Links Suggestions

To keep readers engaged, you can link to:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need IELTS to apply for Erasmus Mundus?
Most programs require IELTS or TOEFL. Some may accept Duolingo or waive it if your bachelor’s was taught in English.

2. Can Indian students with a three-year degree apply?
Yes, many programs accept Indian bachelor’s degrees like B.A., B.Sc., or B.Com.

3. Is there an age limit for Erasmus Mundus scholarships?
No, there is no age limit. Anyone with a bachelor’s degree can apply.

4. How competitive is the Erasmus Mundus scholarship?
It is competitive, but Indian students have a strong record of selection with good SOPs and academic backgrounds.

5. When should I start preparing?
Start at least 6–8 months before the application deadline, i.e., around June–July for most programs.

Conclusion: Take the Next Step Toward Your Global Education Dream

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is one of the best opportunities for Indian students to pursue fully funded master’s degrees in Europe. By following this guide—researching programs, preparing documents, and crafting a winning application—you can study in top European universities without worrying about finances.

Scroll to Top