Erasmus Mundus Scholarships 2027 for Nigerian Students: Eligibility, Benefits and How to Apply

n

If you are a Nigerian student looking for a fully funded Master’s opportunity in Europe, Erasmus Mundus Scholarships 2027 for Nigerian students should be on your list. The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) are international Master’s programmes delivered by universities in different countries, and scholarships are available to top-ranked students from around the world.

The 2027 intake is particularly worth watching now. The European Commission announced in July 2026 that 37 new Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters had been selected and would begin opening for student applications in autumn 2026 for programmes starting in September 2027. There is no single Erasmus Mundus application deadline. Each Master’s programme sets its own deadline and application rules.

For Nigerian applicants, that means the best approach is to find suitable programmes early, check each programme’s official website, and prepare your documents before its scholarship deadline.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarships 2027 for Nigerian students: quick facts

Item	Details
Programme	Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Study level	Master’s degree
Who can apply	Students from around the world, including Nigerians
Study location	Multiple universities and countries in Europe and, in some programmes, beyond Europe
Programme length	1 to 2 academic years
Scholarship	Full scholarships may be offered to the best-ranked applicants
Scholarship support	Participation costs plus contributions towards travel, visa and living costs, subject to the programme and scholarship rules
Typical application period	October to January for programmes starting the following academic year
2027 intake	Newly selected programmes are opening during autumn 2026 for September 2027 starts
Where to apply	Directly to the institution or consortium running the selected Master’s programme

What is Erasmus Mundus?

Erasmus Mundus is part of the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme. Its Joint Masters bring together universities and other partners to deliver integrated Master’s programmes across national borders.

An Erasmus Mundus Joint Master normally involves at least three higher education institutions from at least three different countries. Students can therefore study in more than one location during the programme. Depending on the course, the programme may include study periods, research, traineeships and a thesis.

The degree structure also varies. A student may receive one joint degree issued on behalf of two or more institutions, or multiple degrees from institutions in the consortium.

Can Nigerian students apply for Erasmus Mundus?

Yes. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are open to students from all over the world. The official Erasmus+ student guidance does not restrict applications to European citizens.

Nigeria also has a strong record in the programme. In September 2025, the EU Delegation to Nigeria reported that 104 Nigerian students had secured Erasmus Mundus postgraduate scholarships for the 2025/26 academic year. It said 83 of those 104 students received fully funded scholarships covering tuition, travel, insurance and living costs.

Past Nigerian participation is not a guarantee of selection, but it shows that Nigerian applicants are actively represented in the programme.

What does an Erasmus Mundus scholarship cover?

There is an important distinction between the Master’s programme and the scholarship. Not every student who is admitted necessarily receives an Erasmus Mundus scholarship. The European Commission says Master’s programmes may offer full scholarships to the best-ranked students worldwide.

For scholarship holders, the support covers participation costs and contributes to travel, visa and living expenses. The Erasmus+ programme information for institutions currently describes the EU scholarship as €1,400 per month for a maximum of 24 months. The exact award and conditions should always be checked on the official website of the programme you are applying to.

Some programmes may also have other sources of funding or different financial arrangements. Do not assume that every Erasmus Mundus course has identical scholarship terms.

How long does an Erasmus Mundus Master’s last?

Most Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters last between one and two academic years. The official Erasmus+ page lists programmes carrying 60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits.

The duration matters when planning your finances and travel. A two-year programme can involve several mobility periods, while a shorter programme may have a different study route. Read the programme structure carefully before applying.

Who is eligible for Erasmus Mundus Scholarships?

The basic academic requirement is straightforward. You must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, or be in the final year of your Bachelor’s degree. If you are still studying, you must graduate before the Master’s programme starts.

That is only the general Erasmus Mundus requirement. Individual programmes can set additional conditions. These may include a particular Bachelor’s subject, specific prerequisite courses, work or research experience, language requirements, minimum grades, professional experience or proof of English proficiency.

For a Nigerian applicant, the right question is therefore not simply, “Am I eligible for Erasmus Mundus?” You should ask, “Do I meet the admission and scholarship requirements of this specific Erasmus Mundus Master’s programme?”

What courses can you study?

Erasmus Mundus covers a wide range of Master’s subjects. The European Commission’s 2026 selection includes new programmes in areas such as water vulnerability engineering, medical image analysis, semiconductor technology, artificial intelligence and structural design, chemical nano-engineering, animation, law and data, nuclear decommissioning, large-scale accelerators, and infectious diseases and One Health.

The catalogue changes as new programmes are selected and older programmes reach the end of their funded cycles. Use the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue rather than relying on old lists shared on social media.

When should Nigerians apply for Erasmus Mundus 2027?

Most Erasmus Mundus applications are submitted between October and January for courses starting in the following academic year. However, there is no universal deadline.

The European Commission confirmed in July 2026 that 37 newly selected Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters would open student applications in autumn 2026 for programmes starting in September 2027. Existing programmes can have different opening dates and deadlines.

This is why applicants should not search for one general “Erasmus Mundus deadline 2027”. The correct deadline is the one published by the specific Master’s consortium.

How to find Erasmus Mundus programmes for 2027

1. Start with the official catalogue

Use the Erasmus Mundus catalogue to identify programmes that match your academic background and career plans. Read the programme description rather than selecting a course only because it offers a scholarship.

2. Check the official programme website

Once you identify a programme, move to its official website. The programme website should tell you the universities involved, entry requirements, scholarship availability, application steps and deadline.

3. Check where you will study

Read the mobility plan carefully. You may be required to study at two or more universities in different countries. Check the cities, academic calendar and language of instruction before applying.

4. Confirm that the scholarship is available for your intake

Do not assume that a programme offering an Erasmus Mundus scholarship in an older intake will offer the same number of scholarships in your intake. Check the current programme information for the 2027 start.

Documents Nigerian applicants may need

There is no single document list for every Erasmus Mundus Master’s. Each consortium sets its own application requirements. Depending on the programme, you may need:

• Bachelor’s degree certificate or proof that you will graduate before the programme begins.
• Academic transcripts.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Motivation letter or statement of purpose.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Proof of English or another required language, where applicable.
• Passport or other identity document.
• Evidence of relevant work, research or professional experience where required.
• Additional academic documents or portfolio materials for specialised programmes.

Some programmes may ask for documents in a particular format or require certified copies. Follow the instructions on the individual programme website instead of using a generic Erasmus document checklist from an old blog.

How to apply for Erasmus Mundus Scholarships 2027

Step 1: Check your academic background

Compare your Bachelor’s degree, grades and previous courses with the Master’s admission requirements. A programme may be open to international applicants but still require specific academic preparation.

Step 2: Shortlist suitable programmes

Choose programmes that genuinely fit your education and career plans. Quality matters more than applying randomly to courses simply because they are funded.

Step 3: Read the scholarship rules

Find out whether the programme offers Erasmus Mundus scholarships for the 2027 intake, how scholarship candidates are selected and whether there are separate scholarship questions or documents.

Step 4: Prepare your documents

Request transcripts, references and other documents early. If your university needs time to issue an official transcript, starting early can prevent a deadline problem.

Step 5: Prepare a focused motivation letter

Your motivation letter should explain why the particular programme fits your background and what you intend to do with the training. Avoid submitting the same generic letter to every consortium.

Step 6: Apply directly to the consortium

The European Commission says students apply directly to the institution running their chosen Erasmus Mundus programme. There is no single central student application form on the main Erasmus+ website.

Step 7: Submit before the programme deadline

Check the exact deadline shown on the programme’s official website. Some programmes close applications earlier than others, and scholarship consideration can be tied to a particular application round.

Step 8: Monitor your application

Keep a copy of your submitted form and documents. Check your email and the programme’s applicant portal for requests, interview invitations or admission and scholarship decisions.

Do you need IELTS for Erasmus Mundus?

There is no single IELTS rule for every Erasmus Mundus Master’s. The individual consortium decides its language and admission requirements.

Some programmes may accept different forms of English-language evidence, while others may have specific minimum scores or exemptions. Check the exact requirements for the course you want before paying for a language test.

Can you apply to more than one Erasmus Mundus programme?

Applicants can explore different Erasmus Mundus programmes, but you should read the current application rules of each consortium before submitting multiple applications. Programme-specific rules can differ, and you should only apply where your academic background and career plans genuinely fit.

Applying to several programmes also means preparing strong, tailored applications. Sending many weak applications is usually less useful than preparing carefully for the programmes that match you best.

How competitive is Erasmus Mundus?

Erasmus Mundus scholarships are competitive because the programmes attract applicants from around the world and scholarship places are limited.

The European Commission’s 2025 report from Nigeria gives an indication of the scale. It reported more than 15,000 applications globally for the 2025/26 selection and 104 Nigerian scholarship recipients. That does not represent every Erasmus Mundus programme or every future intake, but it shows why applicants need a strong academic and professional case.

A competitive application should connect your academic background, relevant experience, reasons for choosing the programme and future plans. Your documents should support the same story instead of presenting unrelated achievements.

What Nigerian applicants should do differently

Start earlier than the deadline. Many applicants lose time because they wait for the scholarship application before researching admission requirements.

If you need a transcript, reference, language test or academic document, begin arranging it while you are still researching programmes. Also check whether your university uses a particular grading system and whether the programme asks applicants to explain or convert grades.

Finally, pay attention to mobility. Studying in several countries can be one of the strongest parts of an Erasmus Mundus Master’s, but it also means planning for visas, travel, accommodation and changes in academic location.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Looking for one central Erasmus Mundus application form.
• Using an old programme list without checking whether the course is funded for the 2027 intake.
• Assuming every Erasmus Mundus programme has the same scholarship amount or deadline.
• Applying without checking the specific Bachelor’s degree requirements.
• Using one generic motivation letter for every programme.
• Waiting until the deadline to request academic transcripts or references.
• Paying an agent who claims to have guaranteed access to an Erasmus Mundus scholarship.
• Confusing Erasmus+ exchange opportunities with Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters.

Is there a fee to apply for Erasmus Mundus?

There is no single EU-wide student application fee because each Erasmus Mundus Master’s manages its own application process. Check the individual programme’s official application instructions for any fee or exemption.

Be careful with anyone who asks you to pay a private person to secure an Erasmus Mundus scholarship. Your application should go through the official programme website and the application system specified by the consortium.

What happens after selection?

If you receive an Erasmus Mundus scholarship, the consortium will provide instructions about admission, enrolment, mobility, visa arrangements and the financial support attached to your award.

Because the programme involves international mobility, you should begin visa and travel preparations as soon as the consortium tells you to do so. Do not book expensive non-refundable travel based only on an informal message or social media post.

Official Erasmus Mundus links

• Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, official Erasmus+ student page
• Erasmus Mundus catalogue
• Erasmus+ official website

Frequently asked questions

Can Nigerians apply for Erasmus Mundus scholarships?

Yes. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters accept applications from students around the world, including Nigerian students.

Are Erasmus Mundus scholarships fully funded?

Full scholarships are available for the best-ranked students on participating Master’s programmes. The support can cover participation costs and contribute to travel, visa and living expenses, subject to the programme’s rules.

How much does an Erasmus Mundus scholarship pay?

The current Erasmus+ information for Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters describes an EU scholarship of €1,400 per month for a maximum of 24 months. Check your selected programme’s current scholarship conditions because the award depends on the funded programme and applicable rules.

When is the Erasmus Mundus 2027 deadline?

There is no single deadline. Most applications are made between October and January for programmes beginning the following academic year. Each Master’s consortium publishes its own deadline.

Do I need a Master’s degree before applying?

No. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are Master’s-level programmes. You generally need a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, or you can apply while completing your final year as long as you graduate before the Master’s begins.

Can I study in more than one country?

Yes. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are international programmes, and students normally study at multiple partner institutions or in different countries as part of the programme structure.

Is there an Erasmus Mundus scholarship specifically for Nigerians?

The main Erasmus Mundus scholarship is not restricted to Nigerians. Nigerian applicants compete in the international pool. The EU Delegation to Nigeria has reported substantial Nigerian participation in previous intakes.

Where do I apply?

You apply directly to the institution or consortium running the Erasmus Mundus Master’s programme you have chosen. There is no single central student application form for all Erasmus Mundus courses.

Related scholarship guides

If you are preparing an Erasmus Mundus application, our guides on how to apply for a scholarship, scholarship application documents and writing a scholarship personal statement can help you prepare. You can also browse the Scholarships & Funding section for more opportunities.

Final advice for Nigerian applicants

Erasmus Mundus is worth approaching as a serious Master’s application, not simply as a search for free study abroad. Choose a programme that fits your academic background, understand its mobility plan, prepare your documents early and write an application that clearly explains where you are coming from and where the degree will take you.

For the 2027 intake, the timing is especially important because newly selected programmes are opening during autumn 2026. Start with the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue, then move to the website of each programme you want to apply for. Always use the current programme page for the final eligibility rules, scholarship details and deadline.