Earning a postgraduate degree is a difficult task, and not easy to pay for either. But the Erasmus Mundus programme was created for students like you. Read on to learn how this unique programme can aid you in your quest for a degree.

The Erasmus Mundus programme was created with the intent of improving the quality of European higher education and encouraging understanding between people and cultures. Whilst the original scheme was launched for 2004-2008, the activities of the programme were extended to continue on until 2013. More students like you can now benefit from what the programme has to offer.

The programme's main objectives include promoting mobility for highly talented students between the European Union and other "third countries," in order to further develop societies by enhancing the qualifications of these men and women. Cooperation and accessibility in the higher education field between countries are some of the programme's key focuses.

Erasmus Mundus affects a wide range of people and higher education institutions, but just how can it affect students like you? By applying for one of the many funding opportunities available, you could find your continued education to be much cheaper. The programme offers scholarships for both undergraduate and masters students, and fellowships for doctoral candidates, teachers, researchers, and other academic staff.

The European Commission runs the Erasmus Mundus programme, managing the budget and setting the criteria. The Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) implements the programme, which includes awarding the individual grants and dealing with the beneficiaries. The implementation of the programme involves three different actions, according to the EACEA website, www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/erasmus_mundus:

ACTION 1 – Implementation of Erasmus Mundus joint programmes at Masters (Action 1 A) and Doctorate (Action 1B) levels and award of individual scholarships/fellowships to participate ion these programmes.

ACTION 2 – Erasmus Mundus Partnerships between European and third country higher education institutions including scholarships and fellowships for mobility at all academic levels (former External Cooperation Window).

ACTION 3 – Promotion of European higher education through projects enhancing the attractiveness of Europe as an educational destination and a centre of excellence at world level.

Students interested in applying should address their applications to the Action 1 consortium or the Action 2 partnership of their choice. See the Erasmus Mundus 2009-2013 Programme Guide available at the Erasmus Mundus website for further information on how to apply.

Scholarship amounts can vary depending on the level of your students, their length (anywhere from three months to three years), and the nationality of the student (amounts for non-EU students are higher). The Erasmus Mundus programme is expected to award 13,270 scholarships and fellowships by 2013.

The programme awards scholarships for a vast array of Masters courses, from humanities to geography, health sciences to art and design. Passionate about architecture? Look into one of the many associated projects, like the European Master in Diagnosis and Repair Buildings (EMDIREB) programme. Is mathematics your areas of expertise? Choose from a number of projects in this field, like the Algebra, Geometry and Number Theory (ALGANT) programme. For a full list of the sources covered by Erasmus Mundus, log on the European Commission’s website at: http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/mundus/projects/index_en.html.

Students interested in Erasmus Mundus must go through a competitive selection process. But students who make it through certainly reap the benefits. If you’re a student who may apply, check out the Erasmus Mundus website or contact the Erasmus Mundus National Structure in your country.

Glossary

A few terms you need to know to better understand Erasmus Mundus, according to the Erasmus Mundus Programme Guide.

Erasmus Mundus National Structures – contact and information points located in each of the participating European countries. They inform the public about the programme, offer assistance and advice to potential applicants and actual participants and provide feedback on programme implementation to the Commission; they can provide useful information about the particularities of national education systems, visas requirements, credit transfers and other tools.

European Country – a country which is a Member State of the European Union or which participated in the programme according to Article 9 of the Programme Decision.

Third Country – a country which is not a Member State of the European Union and which does not participate in the programme according to Article 9 of the Programme Decision. Does not mean “third world country”.

Article by: Rachel Stark