Call for Applications : Erasmus Mundus EMMIR 2027-2029
- Deadline: December 20, 2026.
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Applications for the Erasmus Mundus EMMIR Joint Master have been open since 1 October 2026 for the 2027-2029 cohort. Applicants wishing to receive an Erasmus Mundus scholarship or a tuition-free self-funded place must submit their application no later than 20 December 2026 at 23:59 CET, Germany time.
The European Master in Migration and Intercultural Relations (EMMIR) is an international two-year, 120-ECTS Master’s programme focused on migration, intercultural relations and the social transformations associated with them. The programme currently brings together eight partner institutions in Germany, Norway, Czechia, Slovenia, Ghana, Uganda, South Africa and India. All students begin together in Germany, continue their second semester in Norway, and then choose a specialization and an individualized mobility path for the second year.
Applicants selected for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship receive €1,400 per month for 24 months, amounting to up to €33,600. Their health insurance, university enrolment fees and student service fees are also covered. Travel costs, visas, vaccinations, residence permits and installation expenses must, however, be financed from this monthly allowance: EMMIR does not provide a separate travel allowance.
EMMIR PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION
The European Master in Migration and Intercultural Relations is the first joint Erasmus Mundus programme to bring together African, European and Asian perspectives in the field of migration studies.
Created in 2011, it offers an interdisciplinary programme that examines migration from social, political, historical, cultural, educational, economic, legal and transnational perspectives. The programme renewed its Erasmus Mundus funding in 2026: the European Union awarded it approximately €4.6 million over five years to support new cohorts and student funding.
The curriculum places significant emphasis on research methods, fieldwork and engagement with perspectives produced in different regions of the world. Students notably study:
- contemporary theories of migration ;
- intercultural relations ;
- borders, citizenship and integration ;
- forced migration and protection systems ;
- gender, diversity and intersectionality ;
- migration, development, conflict and climate change ;
- migration policies ;
- education and citizenship ;
- knowledge production on migration ;
- digitalization and artificial intelligence in the analysis of migration phenomena.
EMMIR is a full-time programme lasting four semesters. Each semester represents 30 ECTS credits, for a total of 120 ECTS.
AVAILABLE TRACKS AND SPECIALIZATIONS
EMMIR does not operate through several completely separate tracks from the first year. All students complete the first two semesters together, then progressively build their individual specialization around five broad areas:
- knowledge production, representation and power relations ;
- gender, diversity and intersectionality ;
- development, conflict, climate change and justice ;
- education and citizenship ;
- policy analysis, digitalization and artificial intelligence.
The third semester is the main specialization period. Students then choose one of the Focus Modules offered by the partners.
Third-semester Focus Modules
The options currently published are:
- University of Nova Gorica, Slovenia: Migration and Small Nations: Language, Education and Demography ;
- Charles University, Czechia: Representation, Ethnicity and Nation State ;
- University of Ghana, Ghana: Legal and Policy Aspects of Migration or Environmental Change and Migration ;
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda: Forced Migration, Gender and Post-Conflict Setting in East Africa ;
- University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa: depending on the year, Labour Migration in a Global and Regional Context, Migration and Human Rights or The Psychosocial and Health Consequences of Forced Migration ;
- University of Oldenburg, Germany: Methods and Theories in Migration Studies – Knowledge Production & Inter-disciplinarity ;
- Mahanirban Calcutta Research Group, India: Global Protection Systems for Refugees and Migrants.
The third semester also includes a 15-ECTS Project-Based Internship.
MOBILITY WITHIN THE EMMIR PROGRAMME
Mobility is one of the programme’s central features.
First semester — Oldenburg, Germany
All students begin at Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg.
The 2027-2029 cohort begins with an intensive phase from 1 to 30 September 2027, followed by the first academic semester from 1 October to 22 December 2027.
The main modules cover:
- Studying Global Migration in the 21st Century ;
- research methods in transcultural contexts ;
- academic writing and presentation ;
- historical dimensions of migration ;
- contemporary theories of migration and intercultural relations ;
- the contextualization of African migration.
The programme also offers activities allowing students to understand the contributions of the different partner universities before defining their individual pathway.
Second semester — Stavanger, Norway
In January 2028, the entire cohort leaves Germany to join the University of Stavanger in Norway.
The semester notably includes:
- Migration between Time and Temporality: Regional Perspectives ;
- Theorizing Migration and Multiculturalism.
Students also choose several sub-modules from topics such as:
- Migration and Integration ;
- Migration, Borders and Citizenship ;
- Migration, Gender, Work ;
- Controversies over Multiculturalism ;
- Citizenship, Multiculturalism and Pluralism.
During this semester, each student prepares their individual mobility path for the second year with the EMMIR team.
Third semester — Europe, Africa or Asia
From June/July 2028, the cohort separates.
Each student completes:
- a 15-ECTS Project-Based Internship ;
- a 15-ECTS Focus Module.
The destinations currently planned for the Focus Module are:
Germany, Slovenia, Czechia, Ghana, Uganda, South Africa or India.
This period combines specialized teaching, research and professional experience within an institution, NGO, international organization, research centre or other relevant organization.
Fourth semester — Master’s thesis
All students reunite in December 2028 in Oldenburg for a mandatory Proposal Colloquium.
They then devote the remainder of the semester to their research and thesis writing. Mobility becomes much more flexible at this stage: fieldwork, research or certain activities may be carried out in different countries under the academic supervision of the consortium.
The thesis for the 2027-2029 cohort must be submitted no later than:
30 June 2029.
The graduation ceremony is scheduled for the first Friday of September 2029 in Oldenburg.
DEGREE AWARDED
EMMIR is a 120-ECTS programme leading to the:
Joint Degree of Master of Arts (MA) in European Master in Migration and Intercultural Relations.
The programme is fully accredited, and the degree is jointly awarded by the partner universities authorized to confer the qualification.
The degree notably provides access to:
- a PhD in migration studies or related disciplines ;
- a career in international organizations ;
- NGOs and humanitarian organizations ;
- public administrations ;
- organizations working on migration, integration, education or human rights ;
- academic research ;
- development and international cooperation organizations.
RESPONSIBLE CONSORTIUM
The current consortium comprises eight partners across three continents:
- Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg — Germany, coordinator ;
- University of Stavanger — Norway ;
- Charles University — Prague, Czechia ;
- University of Nova Gorica — Slovenia ;
- University of Ghana — Accra, Ghana ;
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology — Uganda ;
- University of the Witwatersrand — Johannesburg, South Africa ;
- Mahanirban Calcutta Research Group — Kolkata, India.
The consortium has evolved for the new Erasmus Mundus funding period: the University of Ghana and Charles University joined the partnership from 2026. Charles University notably replaces the former University of South Bohemia in the current consortium.
This configuration is particularly noteworthy for African applicants: three African institutions participate directly in the consortium, in Ghana, Uganda and South Africa.
ERASMUS MUNDUS EMMIR SCHOLARSHIPS 2027-2029
EMMIR received new Erasmus Mundus funding in 2026. For the 2027-2029 cohort, the programme offers a limited number of Erasmus+ scholarships, awarded on the basis of merit.
The official website currently publishes no precise number of scholarships for Edition 14. It would therefore be incorrect to announce a quota that has not been confirmed by the consortium.
Scholarship amount
Each recipient receives:
€1,400 per month for 24 months.
This represents up to:
€33,600 over the two years.
In addition:
- health insurance is covered ;
- university enrolment fees are covered ;
- student service fees are covered.
Travel, visa and installation
EMMIR clearly states that scholarship holders must use their monthly allowance to finance:
- airfare and other transportation related to mobility ;
- visas ;
- any required vaccinations ;
- permits or residence permits ;
- installation expenses ;
- accommodation and everyday living expenses.
No separate travel or installation funding is provided.
THREE FUNDING OPTIONS
One particularly interesting feature of EMMIR is the availability of three possible funding statuses.
1. Erasmus+ Scholarship Holder
The applicant receives:
- €1,400 per month for 24 months ;
- an exemption from participation fees ;
- health insurance ;
- enrolment and student service fees.
2. Non-Fee Paying Self-Funded Student
Some highly ranked applicants who do not receive the Erasmus Mundus scholarship may receive a place without participation fees.
They therefore do not pay programme fees and also benefit from coverage of insurance, enrolment and student service fees.
However, they must finance:
- their accommodation ;
- their food ;
- their international travel ;
- their visas ;
- all other living expenses.
This category is also selective and awarded on merit.
3. Fee-Paying Self-Funded Student
Other applicants admitted as self-funded students pay:
€4,500 per semester.
Over four semesters, participation fees therefore amount to:
€18,000 for the two years.
These fees cover mandatory programme activities, health insurance, university enrolment fees and student service fees. They do not cover accommodation, living expenses or travel.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
EMMIR is intended for applicants holding a first university degree, generally a Bachelor’s degree, in a field related to migration studies.
The disciplines listed include:
- social sciences ;
- history ;
- cultural studies ;
- education sciences ;
- law ;
- economics ;
- development studies ;
- journalism.
Other backgrounds may also be considered when applicants convincingly demonstrate the relevance of their experience to migration and intercultural relations.
Minimum Bachelor’s grade
The undergraduate degree must have been obtained with at least the equivalent of:
C+.
The admission regulations provide the following reference points:
- US GPA: 2.3 ;
- German grade: 2.7.
Applicants must provide official proof of their final grade.
Mandatory prior knowledge
Applicants must also demonstrate knowledge of:
- migration studies ;
- intercultural relations ;
- empirical methods.
This knowledge may be demonstrated through:
- courses completed during the Bachelor’s degree ;
- essays or academic work ;
- examinations ;
- research ;
- internships ;
- volunteering ;
- relevant professional experience.
The 2027-2029 application form notably asks applicants to summarize their knowledge in this field in a space limited to 480 characters.
Can the degree be more than five years old?
Yes, but EMMIR states that the most recent degree should normally have been obtained within the last five years.
When this is not the case, applicants must explain in their Statement of Purpose why they wish to return to university studies.
Can you apply if you already have a Master’s degree?
Yes.
An applicant who already holds a Master’s degree is not automatically excluded. However, they must convincingly explain why a second Master’s degree through EMMIR is necessary for their academic or professional plans.
CAN FINAL-YEAR STUDENTS APPLY?
For applicants seeking an Erasmus Mundus scholarship or a tuition-free self-funded place, the first university degree must be fully completed no later than 20 December 2026.
The final diploma parchment does not necessarily need to have been printed already. EMMIR accepts an official provisional transcript when it:
- confirms that all required examinations have been completed ;
- states the final grade ;
- establishes that the degree has effectively been completed.
The final diploma must then be presented no later than at the time of enrolment.
Fully self-funded applicants are subject to a more flexible rule: under certain conditions, their final diploma may be provided up to three months after the programme begins. This option does not apply to scholarship applicants.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
The programme requires a high level of English, broadly corresponding to C1 level.
For applicants whose native language is not English and whose university education was not conducted in English, officially listed tests include:
- IELTS: minimum 6.5 ;
- TOEFL iBT: minimum 88 ;
- TOEFL PBT: minimum 570 ;
- TOEFL CBT: minimum 230 ;
- Cambridge C1 Advanced: C1 level ;
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency: C1 level or higher.
The regulations also list APIEL 3.0 and MELAB 85 among acceptable forms of proof. Equivalent alternatives may be considered upon request.
EMMIR generally considers language certificates valid for two years.
IELTS or TOEFL exemption
An exemption may notably be requested by:
- applicants from a country where English is one of the official languages ;
- graduates of a university programme taught entirely in English ;
- people who have studied for at least two consecutive academic years at certain English-speaking institutions ;
- applicants with at least two years of experience in an international company where English is the official working language, with appropriate supporting documentation.
Even when an exemption is granted, EMMIR reserves the right to subsequently verify the applicant’s actual level of English.
Special case for native English speakers
Applicants whose native language is English must demonstrate proficiency in a second language relevant to migration studies.
The programme may ask applicants to explain why this language is relevant to their future work on migration.
APPLICATION FOR ERASMUS MUNDUS EMMIR SCHOLARSHIPS
Applications are submitted entirely online through the official eMundus platform.
The portal for the current cohort displays:
EMMIR APPLICATION edition 14 2027-2029
with a closing date of:
20 December 2026 at 23:59, Europe/Paris time zone.
Applicants first create an account, complete the different sections and then select the funding options for which they wish to be considered.
They may request consideration as:
- Erasmus+ scholarship student ;
- non-fee paying self-funded student ;
- and/or fee-paying self-funded student.
There is no need to justify the choice of these categories, and the choice does not affect the academic assessment.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
For the online application, documents must be uploaded in PDF format.
EMMIR notably requires:
- a clearly legible copy of a valid passport ;
- a CV ;
- a Statement of Purpose of no more than 1 to 2 pages explaining the applicant’s motivation ;
- the undergraduate degree certificate ;
- the corresponding academic transcripts ;
- other relevant university qualifications, where applicable ;
- proof of language proficiency ;
- any other relevant document requested in the form.
All documents must be in English. Documents issued in another language must be accompanied by an official English translation.
Are letters of recommendation required?
No, recommendation letters should not be uploaded.
The form only asks for the email addresses of referees. EMMIR may decide to contact them directly.
Referees may come from:
- academia ;
- or the professional world.
Statement of Purpose
The Statement of Purpose is an important part of the selection process.
It must explain:
- why the applicant wishes to study migration and intercultural relations ;
- the connection between their previous background and EMMIR ;
- their professional, academic, voluntary or practical experience related to migration ;
- their goals after the Master’s programme ;
- and, where applicable, why they wish to obtain a second Master’s degree or return to university after several years.
The admission regulations expressly ask applicants to develop their professional or practical experience in the field of migration.
IMPORTANT: CERTIFIED COPIES AFTER SELECTION
Applicants should not immediately send paper documents to the University of Oldenburg.
At first, the application process is entirely digital.
However, when an applicant receives notification offering them a place, they have only:
10 calendar days
to send the requested documents as certified copies and provide EMMIR with proof of shipment including a tracking number.
The documents concerned notably include:
- the printed and signed version of the electronic application form ;
- a copy of the passport ;
- certified true copies of the degree certificate and transcripts ;
- proof of language proficiency.
SELECTION PROCESS
Applications are first checked by the coordinating institution and then evaluated by the Consortium Committee Selection Board.
The official criteria include:
- the level of the academic qualification ;
- the relevance of the academic background to EMMIR ;
- the relevance and level of professional or research experience ;
- the Statement of Purpose ;
- proficiency in a second or third language.
The admission regulations use a weighted scoring system out of 300 points:
- academic level: up to 90 points ;
- relevance of academic background: up to 90 points ;
- professional or research experience: up to 60 points ;
- Statement of Purpose: up to 30 points ;
- second/third language: up to 30 points.
An application must reach at least 140 points out of 300 and meet the minimum scores imposed for each applicable criterion in order to satisfy the minimum admission requirements.
This scoring system shows that academic results are important, but EMMIR also gives significant weight to the coherence of the applicant’s background, migration or intercultural experience and language skills.
2027 SELECTION TIMELINE
The official timetable provides for:
- 1 October 2026: applications open ;
- 20 December 2026 at 23:59 CET: deadline for Erasmus Mundus scholarships and tuition-free self-funded places ;
- end of March 2027: Selection Board meeting ;
- early April 2027: notifications begin to be sent ;
- 30 April 2027: target date for finalizing preliminary admissions for scholarship holders and non-fee-paying students ;
- May-June 2027: possible admission from the reserve list when a place becomes available ;
- 15 July 2027: latest possible deadline for fully self-funded applicants, subject to remaining places ;
- 1 September 2027: official start of Edition 14 in Oldenburg.
SELF-FUNDED APPLICATIONS AFTER 20 DECEMBER
Applicants who are not seeking either an Erasmus Mundus scholarship or a self-funded place exempt from fees may continue to apply after 20 December.
Fee-paying self-funded students are admitted subject to remaining places, no later than:
15 July 2027.
For applications submitted by the end of February, results are normally communicated from April onwards. For applications submitted from March, EMMIR generally indicates a processing period of approximately 4 to 8 weeks.
Self-funded applicants must nevertheless budget for:
€18,000 in participation fees over the two years
in addition to all living and mobility expenses.
CONTACT AND INFORMATION
The programme is coordinated by:
Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg
Faculty III – School of Linguistics and Cultural Studies
Oldenburg, Germany.
For questions that are not answered on the website or in the FAQ:
EMMIR notes, however, that the team receives a large number of enquiries and may not provide an individual response when the information is already available on the website. Relevant questions may be addressed during application webinars.
The eMundus portal currently displays the campaign:
EMMIR APPLICATION edition 14 2027-2029.
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