Do you want to get a master's degree that is truly international and lets you study in several European countries, often with a fully funded scholarship? The Erasmus+ Program is one of the best and most generous options for Indian students. With each Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM), you can go to at least two different EU universities, make connections with people all over the world, and get a dual or even triple degree, all while getting a monthly stipend.
This complete guide walks you through the whole process of applying for Erasmus+, from figuring out if you're eligible and researching programs to writing a great Statement of Purpose (SOP), getting strong Letters of Recommendation (LORs), and sending in a great application. Let's get going.
1. What is Erasmus+ and why is it important?
The European Union's main program for education, training, youth, and sports is called Erasmus+. The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJM) is the most appealing part for Indian master's applicants. It is a two-year, fully funded master's program that takes place at 2–4 partner universities in different EU countries. Students get scholarships that pay for their tuition, travel, insurance, and a monthly stipend of up to €1,400.
Some of the main benefits are:
• 100% tuition coverage at top universities
• a monthly living allowance so you don't have to work part-time
• exposure to different cultures and languages
• During the program, you can travel freely in Schengen countries.
• There is also a strong alumni network with more than 100,000 graduates.
2. Requirements for Indian Students
3. A Quick Look at the Application Timeline
• May–August (Year 1): Look at the Erasmus Catalogue and make a note of the prerequisites for the programs you want to apply to.
• September–October: Make a list of 3–5 programs that fit your background.
• November–December: Write your SOP, update your CV, ask for LORs, and gather your transcripts and IELTS scores.
• December–January: Submit your applications online (most deadlines are between December 15 and January 15).
• March–April: Candidates who are on the shortlist may have to do online interviews or other tasks.
• May: The results of the scholarships are announced.
• June–July: Get your visa and other paperwork ready.
• August–September (Year 2): Fly to your first host university.
4. How to Pick the Best Erasmus Mundus Program
• Relevance: Make sure the classes you take are related to your career goals, whether they are in data science, sustainability, or heritage studies.
• Partner Universities & Mobility Path: Find out which cities or countries you'll be studying in each semester. This is important for planning your visas and living costs.
• Reputation of the Consortium and Links to the Industry: Some programs have corporate partners that offer internships.
• Stats on Employability: LinkedIn outcomes for alumni show real ROI.
• Seat & Scholarship Ratio: Programs with 25 seats and 20 scholarships have better odds than those with 100 seats and 15 scholarships.
5. The main parts of an application and how to get them right
a) Purpose Statement (SOP)
Use the STAR framework (Situation–Task–Action–Result) to show off school projects and leadership roles that are related to the program's focus. Link each accomplishment to a goal for the future and explain why the multi-country format is so important for your growth.
b) CV/Resume
Use the Europass format or the reverse-chronological format. Count the results: "Led a project with five members" and "Increased lab throughput by 25%."
c) Letters of Recommendation
Get two academic letters of recommendation (or one academic and one professional) that include specific stories. Give people who are writing letters of recommendation bullet points and due dates.
d) Proof of English and transcripts
Upload provisional certificates and consolidated mark sheets. Some groups let you use a Medium of Instruction letter instead of the IELTS.
e) Portfolio/Extra Essays
Some programs in design and heritage may ask for a digital portfolio, while some programs in data may ask for a coding test.
6. Tips from the inside for a great Erasmus+ application
1. Get Started Early: Write your SOPs by October; the deadlines for Erasmus come up quickly.
2. Customize: Make each SOP unique to that consortium by highlighting modules that are only available to them.
3. Emphasize a Multicultural Mindset: Use examples of working together across cultures, like the Model UN, exchange programs, and virtual global projects.
4. Use Research: Name the professors or labs you want to work with.
5. Show Impact: Erasmus likes candidates who plan to "give back." Talk about how you plan to share your knowledge with India in the future.
6. Go to Webinars: Most consortia have Q&A sessions, which are great for meeting people and getting inside information.
7. Stick to the 70–30 Rule: 70% of your goals should be about the future and 30% about the past. This keeps you moving forward.
7. Mistakes that happen a lot and how to avoid them
• Generic SOP: Doesn't talk about specific modules or mobility paths.
• Late LOR Requests: Professors get a lot of requests in November and December, so ask early.
• Ignoring Eligibility Nuances: Some programs won't accept applicants who have been in the EU for more than 12 months.
• Inconsistent Documents: Names are different on the passport and the transcripts.
• No Proofreading: Typos show that you don't care—use Grammarly and peer reviews.
8. How to make a budget and break down your stipend
The Erasmus scholarship usually pays for:
• Tuition Fee Waiver: (up to €18,000 for two years)
• Monthly Allowance: €1,000–€1,400 for 24 months (varies by consortium)
• Installation & Travel Grant: About €1,000 a year for students from outside the EU
Still, set aside about €2,000 for visa renewals, moves to more than one city, and housing deposits.
9. Tips for getting a visa and a residence permit
• Use your scholarship letter to apply for the first host country's student visa. This makes it easier to get your financial documents.
• When you go from one semester to the next, make sure to keep copies of your admission and scholarship letters.
• Renew permits 8–10 weeks before they expire because EU bureaucracy moves slowly.
10. Questions that are often asked (FAQs)
Q1. Are final-year undergraduates eligible to apply? Yes, if you will graduate before the intake year starts in August or September.
Q2. How many programs can I apply to? Up to three EMJMs per intake cycle.
Q3. What GPA is "safe"? A 7.5+/10 GPA is better, but a strong SOP can make up for a lower GPA.
Q4. Do I need to take the GRE or GMAT? Most of the time no, but some business-focused groups might ask.
Q5: Can I bring dependents? The Erasmus scholarship doesn't cover dependents, and visa rules are different.
Last Thoughts and What to Do Next
An Erasmus+ scholarship can change your life by giving you multiple degrees, exposure to Europe, and a network that lasts a lifetime. But there is a lot of competition. Start early, plan ahead, and let your real story shine through.
Book a 1:1 consultation call today to build your personalized master’s strategy.
