Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are integrated international Master's programs designed and delivered by a consortium of higher education institutions from at least three different European countries. The European Union funds the program through the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Scholarship recipients study in at least two of the consortium countries, earning a joint, double, or multiple degree. The scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly subsistence allowance of 1,400 EUR, travel costs, and installation costs for the full duration of the program (1 to 2 years). It is best suited for musicians who want exposure to multiple European music education systems and are flexible about relocating between countries during their studies.

How Erasmus Mundus Scholarships Work

Each Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) is a distinct program run by a specific consortium of universities. You apply directly to the consortium, not to the EU. The consortium evaluates applications and selects both scholarship and self-funded students. Programs must last between 1 and 2 years (60 to 120 ECTS credits) and involve physical mobility between at least two of the consortium institutions.

Music-Related Programs

Erasmus Mundus programs relevant to musicians vary year to year. As of the 2025/2026 cycle, programs in music, sound, and related fields have included:

• Master in Music and Acoustic Engineering programs that combine music technology with engineering across multiple institutions
• Sound and Music Computing programs spanning universities in Italy, Spain, and other EU countries
• Cultural and Arts Management programs that include music industry modules
• Programs in digital humanities and audio heritage that accept music-focused applicants

The full list of available programs changes annually. New consortia are added and some programs end their EU funding cycle. You must check the official Erasmus Mundus catalog for the current year's offerings.

What Is Covered

• Full tuition fees for the entire program (the consortium receives the tuition payment directly from the EU)
• Monthly subsistence allowance: 1,400 EUR per month for the full duration of the program (including the thesis period)
• Travel allowance: A lump sum based on the distance between your country of origin and the first host institution (ranges from approximately 1,000 to 3,000 EUR depending on distance)
• Installation allowance: A one-time payment of approximately 1,000 EUR for costs incurred at the start of the program
• Resettlement allowance: A one-time payment at the end of the program if you are returning to a third-country (non-EU) destination

Eligibility

• Hold a first higher education degree (bachelor's or equivalent) before the program starts
• Applicants from partner countries (non-EU) and program countries (EU) are both eligible, but each consortium reserves a percentage of scholarship slots for each group (typically 75% for partner countries, 25% for program countries)
• You must not have already received an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarship or an Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorate scholarship
• You cannot benefit from another EU-funded scholarship for the same period
• Individual programs may have additional requirements such as language proficiency, portfolio submission, or specific academic backgrounds

Application Process

Applications are submitted directly to each consortium. There is no central Erasmus Mundus application portal. Each program sets its own deadline and application requirements. Typical timelines:

1. Programs open for applications: October to November
2. First application deadline: December to January (for scholarship recipients)
3. Second application deadline (if applicable): February to March (for self-funded students or a second scholarship intake)
4. Results announced: March to May
5. Program start: September to October

You can apply to multiple Erasmus Mundus programs simultaneously, but you can only accept one scholarship. Application materials typically include academic transcripts, a CV, a motivation letter, recommendation letters, proof of language proficiency, and for music programs, a portfolio or audition recording.

Real-World Example

A composer from Brazil with a bachelor's degree in composition applies to an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Sound and Music Computing in November 2026. The program is delivered by a consortium of three universities: Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona, Spain), KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Stockholm, Sweden), and University of Porto (Portugal). The program lasts 2 years (120 ECTS).

He submits his application directly to the consortium, including a portfolio of three electroacoustic compositions, a CV, academic transcripts, a motivation letter, and two recommendation letters. The consortium reviews his application and awards him an Erasmus Mundus scholarship in March 2027.

His scholarship covers:

• Full tuition for 2 years (approximately 9,000 EUR per year, paid directly to the consortium)
• 1,400 EUR per month for 24 months (33,600 EUR total)
• Travel allowance of approximately 2,500 EUR (based on the distance from Brazil to Spain)
• Installation allowance of 1,000 EUR
• Resettlement allowance of 1,000 EUR at the end of the program

The total package value exceeds 55,000 EUR over two years. He spends the first year in Barcelona, the second year in Stockholm, and completes his thesis in Porto. He earns a joint degree from all three institutions.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

Erasmus Mundus offers something most scholarships do not: the ability to study in multiple countries within a single degree program. For musicians, this means exposure to different pedagogical traditions, music scenes, and professional networks across Europe. You might study music technology in Spain, acoustic engineering in Sweden, and complete a thesis in Portugal, all within one coherent program.

The 1,400 EUR monthly allowance is adequate in many European cities but tight in expensive locations like Stockholm, Paris, or Amsterdam. Rent alone can consume 600 to 900 EUR per month in these cities. Programs in southern or eastern Europe (Spain, Portugal, Poland, Hungary) offer a more comfortable living standard on the same stipend.

The scholarship is open to applicants from any country. EU applicants receive the same monthly allowance but may have lower travel allowances since they are already within the EU. The 75/25 split between partner-country and program-country scholarships means non-EU applicants have more scholarship slots available.

The key steps are:

1. Search the official Erasmus Mundus catalog for programs relevant to your music specialization
2. Review each program's specific entry requirements and application deadlines
3. Prepare your portfolio, CV, motivation letter, and recommendation letters
4. Apply directly to each consortium by their deadline
5. If offered a scholarship, confirm acceptance and begin visa procedures for the first host country

Potential Drawbacks / Things to Consider

• Limited music-specific programs: Erasmus Mundus has far more programs in engineering, sciences, and policy than in music. Music-relevant programs are often in adjacent fields like sound computing, audio engineering, or cultural management rather than pure performance.
• Frequent relocation: Moving between countries every 6 to 12 months is disruptive. You must handle visas, housing, and social networks in each country. This can be stressful and expensive beyond what the allowances cover.
• Stipend varies in adequacy: 1,400 EUR per month is comfortable in Porto but tight in Stockholm. Research living costs in each host city before accepting.
• No performance-focused programs: Most Erasmus Mundus programs related to music focus on technology, research, or management rather than instrumental or vocal performance. If you want a performance Master's, this may not be the right fit.
• Program availability changes: EU funding cycles mean programs can end or lose their Erasmus Mundus status. A program available this year may not be available next year.
• One scholarship per lifetime: If you receive an Erasmus Mundus Master's scholarship, you cannot receive another one for a different program later.

Related Opportunities

• Chevening Scholarship for one-year Master's study in the UK
• DAAD Study Scholarships for postgraduate music study in Germany
• Music Scholarships Directory for the full list of funding opportunities
• Music Schools Directory to find European conservatoires and music programs
• Streaming Royalty Calculator to estimate your post-graduation earnings
• Visit the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters page for the official catalog of available programs