Erasmus Mundus Full Scholarship for European Master's Degrees

Published on May 14, 2026

Every year, one of the most underrated questions I receive from parents is: "My daughter wants to pursue a master's degree after university. Are there any good fully funded programs in Europe?"

My answer is always: "Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMDs): EU-funded, fully funded dual-degree master's programs across 2 countries and 2 years. There are 100+ programs every year, and each program usually has around 1-3 quota spots for Taiwan. Across Erasmus Mundus as a whole, Taiwan receives about 30-50 spots per year, more than Fulbright."

Parents get excited: "Why has no one mentioned this?"

The answer is: Erasmus Mundus has low awareness in Taiwan, but its ROI is extremely high for European academic careers and international organization pathways. Drawing on 15 years of hands-on consulting experience, this article breaks down EMJMDs for you.

1. What Is Erasmus Mundus?

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMDs), formerly known as Erasmus Mundus Master Programmes (EMMC).

1.1 Core Features of EMJMDs

Total scholarship value over 2 years: EUR 49,000-58,000 (NTD 1.65-1.95 million / USD $52K-62K), fully covered!

2. Overview of 100+ EMJMDs Programs

EMJMDs offer programs across multiple disciplines:

Full list: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters

3. Eligibility Requirements

3.1 Academic Requirements

3.2 Non-Academic Requirements

4. Application Process

4.1 Main Timeline

4.2 Application Documents

5. The 2-Country Structure of Erasmus Mundus

5.1 Typical Program Structure

5.2 Real Program Examples

5.2.1 Master in International Business (IBM)

5.2.2 Erasmus Mundus Master in Sustainable Development

6. The Reality of Erasmus Mundus Competition for Taiwan

6.1 Applicant Numbers

Each program opens spots to international students:

• 200-500 applicants worldwide -> 30-50 admissions
• Around 0-3 Taiwanese admits per program
• 30-50 Taiwanese students across EMJMDs as a whole each year

6.2 Competitor Profiles

• University GPA 3.6+
• TOEFL 100+
• 2-3 years of work / research experience (a plus)
• Second language (a plus if choosing a non-English-speaking European country)
• Strong motivation letter, showing "Why this program"

7. Erasmus Mundus vs. Other European Master's Options

8. The "5 Major Advantages" of Erasmus Mundus

8.1 Multi-Country Experience

Two years across 2 European countries, offering an experience that is "twice as deep" as a single-country master's degree.

8.2 Multilingual Exposure

Although programs are mainly taught in English, living in 2 countries means exposure to 2 language environments and multilingual ability.

8.3 Cross-University Alumni Network

EMJMDs alumni come from 100+ countries, creating a network far beyond that of a single university.

8.4 EU Prestige

An official EU program, recognized by European academia, governments, and NGOs.

8.5 Flexible Employment Options After Graduation

After graduation, students can apply for an EU work visa and work across European countries (some may require the Blue Card).

9. Career Paths After Erasmus Mundus

9.1 Entering European Academia (25-30%)

• PhD in Europe
• Research positions

9.2 Entering EU Institutions (20-25%)

• European Commission
• European Parliament
• European External Action Service

9.3 Entering International Organizations (20-25%)

• UN agencies
• World Bank
• OECD

9.4 Entering Multinational Companies (25-30%)

• European HQs of multinational companies
• Management consulting
• International banking

9.5 Returning to Taiwan (10-15%)

• Taiwan HQs of multinational companies
• National Development Council / Ministry of Economic Affairs / Ministry of Foreign Affairs

10. 5 Practical Application Tips for Erasmus Mundus

10.1 Do Not Chase Only the "Most Famous" Programs

-> Strathclyde IBM is well-known but extremely competitive; some niche programs have less competition while maintaining equally high quality.

10.2 Your Motivation Letter Must Explain "Why This Program"

-> Not "why a master", but "why this specific program's 2-country combination".

10.3 Apply to 3-5 Programs to Spread Risk

-> Do not put everything on one program. Apply broadly.

10.4 December-January Deadlines Are Early

-> EMJMDs deadlines are 3-4 months earlier than typical U.S. and European master's deadlines.

10.5 Work Experience Is a Plus

-> Business / policy / NGO-related programs tend to favor applicants with 2+ years of work experience.

11. Fit Assessment for Taiwanese Students Applying to EMJMDs

11.1 Taiwanese Students Who Are a Good Fit for EMJMDs

• ✓ University GPA 3.6+ + TOEFL 100+
• ✓ Want to stay and work in Europe (EU Blue Card pathway)
• ✓ Interested in a multi-cultural experience
• ✓ Already have 1-2 years of work experience (a plus)
• ✓ Already know at least 1 European language (such as French / German / Spanish)

11.2 Taiwanese Students Who May Not Be a Good Fit

• ✗ Want an immediate 6-figure salary (European salaries are lower)
• ✗ Want only prestige (HYPMS is more widely recognized)
• ✗ Prefer to settle in one place (2 countries and 4 semesters mean frequent moves)
• ✗ Do not want to learn a new language (although programs are taught in English, daily life requires basic local language ability)

12. Conclusion: Erasmus Mundus Is an "Underrated Full Scholarship"

Over the past 15 years, I have seen too many Taiwanese students know only Fulbright + Chevening, while Erasmus Mundus offers more spots, less competition, and ROI that is every bit as strong.

My final advice for Dr. G. students:

Erasmus Mundus is suitable for students who:1. Have a university GPA of 3.6+ + TOEFL 100+2. Want to pursue an interdisciplinary / international master3. Want to stay and work in Europe4. Are interested in a multicultural experience

The ROI of Erasmus Mundus:- 2 years fully covered + monthly stipend (EUR 1,400)- Dual degree + alumni across 2 countries- EU work visa pathway- Less competition than Fulbright / Chevening

If you have graduated from university, are unsure whether to choose the U.S. or Europe, and want a diverse international experience, Erasmus Mundus is the most underrated best choice.

Further Reading:

• The Value of Fulbright for Graduate School Applicants
• Jardine Scholarship (Oxford / Cambridge Asia Scholarship)
• TA / RA Opportunities (Master's and PhD)
• How to Prepare for Taiwan's MOE Government Scholarship Exam
• Complete Guide to International Student Scholarships in Canada / the UK / Australia