The Applications are now open for Erasmus Mundus EMMIR Scholarship 2027
If you are passionate about understanding one of the most defining global phenomena of our time—human mobility, forced displacement, and cross-cultural integration—the European Master in Migration and Intercultural Relations (EMMIR) offers an academic journey like no other.
As the first joint African-European-Asian Master's programme in migration studies, EMMIR is fully funded through the European Union's prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) scheme. This two-year, interdisciplinary degree (120\text{ ECTS}) unites leading universities across Europe, Africa, and Asia, giving you direct exposure to migration policies, fieldwork, and empirical research across diverse cultural landscapes.
With tuition fees covered and a generous monthly living stipend, this scholarship removes financial barriers so you can focus on building solutions for global human mobility.
At a Glance: Scholarship Summary
Here is a simple, high-level overview of what the Erasmus Mundus EMMIR Scholarship offers:
- Host Consortium: Jointly delivered by European, African, and Asian partner universities (Coordinated by Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Germany)
- Degree Level: Joint Master of Arts (MA) in Migration and Intercultural Relations (120\text{ ECTS})
- Program Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
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Study Route:
- Semester 1: Germany (University of Oldenburg)
- Semester 2: Norway (University of Stavanger)
- Semester 3: Project-based Research Internship & Mobility partner institution
- Semester 4: Master's Thesis research and completion
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Financial Package: Fully Funded (Erasmus+ Grant)
- 100% Tuition & Registration Fees covered in full.
- Monthly Living Allowance: €1,400 per month for 24 months (totaling up to €33,600).
- Comprehensive Health & Travel Insurance included for the entire duration of studies.
- Note on Travel: Scholars use their monthly stipend to cover individual relocation, visas, and semester travel between host countries (no separate installation grant).
The EMMIR Mobility Pathway: How It Works
What sets EMMIR apart from conventional postgraduate degrees is its mandatory transnational cohort mobility. You study together as an international community across multiple countries:
- Foundations in Germany (Semester 1): You begin at Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, covering foundational theories of migration, intercultural relations, and research methodologies.
- Specialization in Norway (Semester 2): The entire cohort moves to the University of Stavanger, diving deeper into human rights, migration governance, and social integration.
- Applied Fieldwork & Internship (Semester 3): You undertake an intensive research-based internship or study period with affiliated consortium partner institutions across Africa, Asia, or Europe.
- Thesis & Defense (Semester 4): You finalize and defend your multidisciplinary Master’s thesis under joint academic supervision.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for admission and the Erasmus Mundus scholarship for the 2027 intake, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Background: Hold a completed Bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) in a discipline relevant to migration studies—such as Social Sciences, History, Cultural Studies, Education, Law, Economics, Development Studies, or Journalism.
- Minimum Grade Benchmark: A cumulative final grade of at least C+ (or local equivalent), backed by official degree certificates and transcripts.
- Knowledge Prerequisites: Documented academic exposure or practical background in migration studies, intercultural relations, and empirical social research methods.
- Degree Recency (5-Year Guideline): Your primary undergraduate degree should ideally have been completed within the past 5 years. If your degree was completed earlier, you must convincingly articulate in your motivation statement why you are returning to academic study now.
- Second Master’s Justification: If you already hold a Master’s degree, you must provide a compelling academic rationale explaining why pursuing EMMIR is essential to your career progression.
- Prior Grant Restriction: Applicants who have previously received an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) scholarship are not eligible for a second funding award.
Language Requirements
Because the program is taught in English across all partner institutions, applicants whose first language is not English—or who did not complete their undergraduate degree entirely in English—must provide verifiable proof of proficiency.
Acceptable documentation includes:
- Internationally recognized tests (e.g., IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT).
- Official institutional verification confirming that your prior university education was taught entirely in English.
- Verifiable documentation demonstrating long-term professional work experience within an English-speaking organizational environment.
Required Application Documents
All application materials must be uploaded in clean digital format to the online application platform:
- Completed Online Application Form
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) (Europass format recommended)
- Statement of Purpose / Motivation Letter: Highlighting your research interests in migration and suitability for cohort mobility.
- Bachelor’s Diploma and Transcripts: Certified copies, including official grade scale explanations.
- Proof of English Language Competence
- Two Academic or Professional Reference Letters
- Proof of Nationality: Valid passport scan.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Applications for the EMMIR program are coordinated centrally through the University of Oldenburg:
Step 1: Review Curriculum and Partner Tracks
Explore the official EMMIR curriculum and research areas to see how your background fits into their multidisciplinary coursework.
Step 2: Access the EMundus Portal
Create an applicant profile on the official EMMIR online application portal (EMundus), coordinated by the University of Oldenburg.
Step 3: Complete the Form and Upload Documentation
Fill in each section of the digital application form. Upload your transcripts, CV, language proofs, and your personal statement directly into the portal.
Step 4: Submit for Scholarship Consideration
Make sure to indicate in the funding section of the application that you wish to be evaluated for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. Submit your completed file before the scholarship deadline.
Step 5: Consortium Selection
The EMMIR Joint Selection Board—composed of faculty representatives from each consortium partner—evaluates applications based on academic merit, research quality, and motivation. Shortlisted nominees are submitted to the European Commission for final award confirmation.