Erasmus Mundus scholarship documents commonly include academic transcripts, degree evidence, a CV, a motivation statement, recommendation letters, proof of language ability and identification. But there is no universal document checklist: each Erasmus Mundus Joint Master consortium sets its own admission and scholarship instructions. Start with the official European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) catalogue, then follow the chosen course’s current application page.
This guide helps prospective international master’s students build a reliable document folder, avoid common submission mistakes and understand why two Erasmus Mundus programmes may request different evidence. It is an application-preparation resource, not an announcement that every listed programme is accepting applications or offering scholarships.
Who can apply for an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master?
The European Commission’s student guidance says applicants from around the world are welcome. In general, candidates need a first degree, may apply while completing their final undergraduate year, and must graduate before the master’s programme begins. A recognised equivalent level of learning may also qualify under the relevant national rules.
That is only the starting point. A consortium may require a particular academic background, minimum grade, language evidence or track-specific preparation. Read the entry requirements before investing time in an application. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection or an Erasmus Mundus scholarship.
These are jointly delivered master’s degrees, normally lasting one to two academic years, with study across multiple institutions. Students apply directly to the institution or consortium running the selected programme, not through a single universal Erasmus Mundus student application portal.
Erasmus Mundus scholarship documents: practical checklist
Use this as a preparation list, then mark each item as required, conditional or not requested using the course’s own instructions. Do not upload sensitive records to third-party agents or unofficial forms.
| Document | What to check before uploading |
|---|---|
| Degree certificate or graduation evidence | Whether final-year applicants can submit an enrolment letter or expected-completion certificate; when the final degree must be issued. |
| Academic transcripts | Required semesters, grading scale, institutional certification and whether postgraduate records are also needed. |
| CV or résumé | Accepted format, length, publications, research, work experience and whether Europass is required or only preferred. |
| Motivation letter or statement of purpose | Exact questions, word limit, chosen study track, career goals and programme fit. |
| Recommendation letters | Number, academic/professional referee rules, signature, letterhead, email domain and upload method. |
| English or other language evidence | Accepted tests, minimum scores, validity periods, exemptions and whether a medium-of-instruction letter is accepted. |
| Passport or identity document | Accepted ID type, scan quality, expiry date and whether nationality or residence evidence is requested. |
| Other programme-specific materials | Portfolio, research proposal, study-track selection, residence proof, declarations or extra forms—only if the consortium asks. |
Academic records and certified translations
Request your official transcript early, especially if it takes time for your university to stamp records or explain the grading system. If your documents are not in the required language, check whether a certified or official translation is necessary. Keep the original-language scan and translation together, with clear filenames. Do not assume a self-translated PDF will be accepted.
If you are still studying, ask your university for a letter confirming your expected graduation date. The European Commission permits final-year applicants in principle, but the exact interim document and graduation deadline depend on the programme.
CV and motivation statement
A useful academic CV prioritises education, relevant coursework, research, internships, projects, publications and skills that match the master’s curriculum. Avoid inflated job titles or unsupported achievements. For the motivation statement, connect a concrete academic interest to the course’s modules, mobility track and your future plans. Our scholarship motivation letter guide explains how to turn general enthusiasm into evidence-based examples.
Recommendation letters and language evidence
Contact referees before starting the portal. Give them your CV, programme description, deadline and the specific qualities you hope they can discuss truthfully. Some courses require signed letters on letterhead; others send a secure upload link to referees after submission. Our recommendation letter request guide includes a respectful request and follow-up approach.
Similarly, there is no reliable blanket answer to “Is IELTS compulsory for Erasmus Mundus?” Accepted tests and exemptions vary. A medium-of-instruction certificate may work for one consortium but not another. Check the named course’s published language policy before booking a test or relying on a waiver.
Why the exact programme matters: two official examples
The differences below come from the programmes’ own published instructions, reviewed on 5 November 2026. They illustrate document rules; they are not a substitute for checking the current intake page when you apply.
| Requirement | GLOCAL | Mundus MAPP |
|---|---|---|
| CV | Any format accepted; Europass preferred. | Any format; include publications if applicable. |
| References | Two signed references on institutional letterhead or with an official stamp, with specific date and sender rules. | Two referees entered in the portal; they receive upload links and have seven days after application submission. |
| Personal statement | Supporting statement up to 1,200 words. | Statement of purpose no more than 500 words. |
| Submission route | University of Glasgow online system with the appropriate application form. | Central European University online application; scholarship interest indicated within the form. |
Compare the GLOCAL application instructions with the Mundus MAPP admissions checklist and MAPP application process. The key lesson is practical: a perfectly prepared file for one course may be incomplete or wrongly formatted for another.
How to prepare and submit your application in eight steps
- Shortlist by academic fit. Search the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue by field and institution. Confirm each course’s own website and whether it currently offers a scholarship. Our international opportunities search guide offers a reusable shortlisting method.
- Create one requirements sheet per programme. Record the official URL, admission criteria, scholarship route, deadline with time zone, file formats, size limits, references and any track restrictions.
- Request slow-to-obtain documents first. Order transcripts, degree certificates and translations; ask your university about final-year evidence where relevant.
- Check language rules individually. Confirm whether your existing test result is valid and whether your circumstances qualify for an exemption. Do not assume a rule from another course applies.
- Contact referees early. Explain the actual submission method. For portal-based systems, allow time after your own submission for referees to complete their part.
- Tailor the CV and statement. Match your preparation to the named curriculum and track. Keep a truthful master CV, but submit a programme-specific statement.
- Review the application as a complete package. Check name consistency, readable scans, required signatures, translated pages, file names, dates and scholarship-consideration selections.
- Submit before the deadline and save proof. Keep the confirmation email or portal receipt. Check whether references or additional actions remain outstanding after submission.
A realistic four-week preparation example
Week 1: shortlist two suitable courses and build their requirement sheets. Week 2: request academic records, translations and referee commitments. Week 3: write course-specific statements and check language evidence. Week 4: proofread, test document readability, submit and monitor the portal. This is an illustrative workflow, not an official programme schedule. Begin earlier if you need a language test, translation or passport renewal.
Does an Erasmus Mundus scholarship cover every cost?
The European Commission says Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters may offer full scholarships to top-ranked students. Its guidance describes participation-cost coverage and contributions toward travel, visa and living costs. That does not mean every course in the catalogue currently offers scholarships or that every personal expense is reimbursed. The EACEA catalogue specifically warns that some listed programmes may no longer have scholarship funding.
Before accepting an offer, request or read the current consortium funding terms: what is paid directly, what is a stipend, when payments start, what documentation is needed and which initial expenses you must finance yourself. For a broader explanation of coverage language, see fully funded versus partially funded opportunities.
Common application mistakes to avoid
- Using a generic “Erasmus Mundus application form” from an unrelated website instead of the consortium’s official portal.
- Assuming a programme’s presence in the catalogue proves that a scholarship is available for the current intake.
- Submitting an old or unsigned recommendation when the course specifies letterhead, signature or a referee portal.
- Writing one personal statement for every course without addressing the selected curriculum or track.
- Ignoring the time zone, post-submission referee deadline or required language proof.
- Sending passports or transcripts to unofficial intermediaries or paying an unverified “guaranteed selection” service.
For general safety checks, read our guide to verifying international opportunities. An authentic Erasmus Mundus application should be traceable to the official EU catalogue and the university consortium’s own admissions system.
Frequently asked questions
Is there one Erasmus Mundus scholarship document list for everyone?
No. The degree-level eligibility framework is broad, but each consortium sets its own document requirements, submission route and selection process. Use this checklist as a starting point, not as a replacement for the programme’s official instructions.
Can I apply before receiving my bachelor’s degree?
Generally, yes, if you are in your final undergraduate year and will graduate before the master’s begins. Confirm what interim evidence the specific programme accepts and its final graduation deadline.
Is a Europass CV mandatory?
Not universally. For example, GLOCAL prefers Europass but accepts any CV format, while Mundus MAPP accepts any format. Other programmes may specify a template or page limit.
Do I need IELTS for every Erasmus Mundus programme?
No single rule applies. Some programmes accept other tests or certain exemptions; others have narrower rules. Check the exact language requirements for your course and study track.
Do I apply for the scholarship separately?
It depends on the programme. Mundus MAPP, for example, lets candidates indicate scholarship interest in its admissions form; GLOCAL distinguishes scholarship and self-funded application forms. Always follow the consortium’s instructions.
When should I start preparing?
The European Commission says many courses receive applications between October and January for the following academic year, but deadlines vary. Begin several weeks or months before your chosen course’s verified deadline, particularly if official documents or language testing take time.
Official sources and editorial verification
Source check: 5 November 2026. This evergreen guide relies on primary programme and European Union pages. Funding, entry requirements, dates and procedures can change by intake; the consortium’s current instructions always take priority.
- European Commission — Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters for students
- EACEA — official Erasmus Mundus catalogue and scholarship caveat
- GLOCAL consortium — application requirements
- Mundus MAPP consortium — admissions checklist
- Mundus MAPP consortium — how to apply
Editorial note: The featured photograph illustrates university study; it does not depict an identified Erasmus Mundus participant, scholar or RiseUp All representative.
