Erasmus Mundus MAPP Scholarships 2026–2028: Fully Funded Master’s Opportunities for Global Students

The Erasmus Mundus MAPP Scholarships support the Mundus MAPP (Master’s in Public Policy) program — part of the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) framework. This flagship two-year master’s program provides a fully funded opportunity for high-achieving students worldwide. For the 2026–2028 intake, the MAPP program, backed by these scholarships, continues to be a top choice for those aiming to build a career in public policy, governance, development, or international affairs.

🎯 What is Mundus MAPP?

• Mundus MAPP is a joint master’s programme coordinated by Central European University Private University (CEU PU), in collaboration with several top European institutions including Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals (IBEI), International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), and University of York. mundusmapp+2scholarshipsads.com+2

• It offers four specialization tracks, giving students the flexibility to tailor their studies:

  • Global Public Policy (CEU–IBEI track)

  • European Public Policy (CEU–York track)

  • Political Economy and Development (ISS–IBEI track)

  • Governance and Development (ISS–York track)

• Over the two years, students typically study at more than one institution — offering exposure to different academic and cultural environments across Europe.

This mobility, blended with rigorous academic training, gives MAPP graduates a global perspective on policy, development, and governance — an edge for careers in government, international organisations, NGOs, research, and beyond.

💶 What the Scholarship Covers — and What It Doesn’t

✅ Covered / Included

• Full tuition fee waiver for the entire 24-month programme.

• Monthly stipend: €1,400/month — totalling up to €33,600 over 24 months. This is meant to cover living costs, subsistence, and modest accommodation. mundusmapp+2Careers Help Desk+2

• Health insurance for the full duration of studies — plus a buffer (weeks before and after) depending on arrival and departure.

• Travel, visa, installation support (for mobility among consortium countries) — at least partially covered under the EMJM scholarship framework.

• Support for students with disabilities or special needs — additional financial assistance depending on level of need. mundusmapp+1

⚠️ Not Covered (or only partially covered)

• Costs of study visits in Year 1 (approx. €600–€1,000)

• Winter School costs in Year 2 (also approx. €600–€1,000)

• Travel & visa from home country to the first host institution, and between countries for mobility in Year 2 — these are typically not covered by the scholarship, so students must budget for them themselves.

Note: There is also an Institutional Scholarship option per track, offering a 50 % tuition waiver (for both years) — but without the monthly stipend or living support.

✅ Who Is Eligible — and What You Need to Apply

• Nationality: Open to all — both EU and non-EU / non-EEA.

• Academic background: A Bachelor’s degree (at least 3 years) from a recognized university. Preference given to graduates in social sciences, public policy, economics, law, or related fields. Natural sciences or pure engineering backgrounds are generally not eligible.

• Academic performance: Applicants typically need a high GPA — often equivalent to a “Second-Upper Class / Upper Second / B+ / GPA ≥ 3.17/4.0” in a 4.0 scale.

• Language proficiency: Proof of English proficiency (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, Duolingo) — unless prior degree was entirely in English.

• Recommended (but not always mandatory): Relevant work or volunteer experience in fields like development, governance, policy — this can strengthen your application.

Required application materials

• Online application via CEU’s portal (only applications submitted via CEU PU will be considered).

• Bachelor’s diploma and transcripts (translated into English, if needed)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) Mycvcreator.com

• Motivation statement / personal statement (often ~500 words) explaining why you want to join MAPP, your background, and future aspirations.

• Two letters of recommendation (at least one academic)

• English language proficiency test result (unless exempt)

📅 Deadlines & Application Timeline (2026–2028)

*Note: For scholarship consideration, you must apply by the 10 December 2025 deadline.

If you miss the scholarship deadline, you can still apply as a self-funded student — but you’ll need to cover tuition and living costs yourself.

🧠 What Makes Mundus MAPP Stand Out — and What to Watch Out For

✔️ Strengths & Opportunities

• World-class, multi-country education: MAPP gives you a truly international degree, studying across multiple European institutions — a rare combination of mobility, diversity, and academic depth.

• Fully funded support: For many global students (especially from developing countries), the full tuition waiver and living stipend make MAPP financially accessible and realistic.

• Strong professional & networking prospects: With rigorous training in public policy, governance, development and international affairs — plus a diverse cohort — graduates are well-positioned for careers in international organisations, NGOs, government, research, and global development agencies.

• Support for inclusivity and equal access: Students with disabilities or special needs can receive additional support. mundusmapp+1

⚠️ Challenges & What You Should Know

• The scholarship does not cover all costs — especially study visits, winter schools, additional travel/visa costs, which you’ll need to budget for on your own.

• The programme is highly competitive — only a limited number of EMJM scholarships are awarded, based on academic merit and overall profile.

• If you don’t get the EMJM scholarship, self-funding might be expensive, especially living in multiple European countries over two years.

• You need to think carefully about language requirements, documentation (transcripts, translations), and time for preparation — especially if coming from a non-European country.

Tips for a Strong Application to the Erasmus Mundus MAPP Scholarships

Based on common advice and lessons from past applicants:

• Emphasize intercultural sensitivity, an international outlook, and strong motivation. The Erasmus Mundus MAPP Scholarships value not only academic excellence but also a demonstrated commitment to global cooperation and impactful public policy.

• Ensure your letters of recommendation come from individuals familiar with your academic or policy-relevant work. Generic or vague references won’t make your application stand out.

• Write a clear, well-structured motivation statement explaining why MAPP is the right fit, what you hope to achieve, and how you plan to contribute to policy or development.

• Highlight any relevant work, volunteer experience, or academic interests in public policy, governance, development, or international relations. This is particularly valuable if your bachelor’s degree isn’t strictly in the social sciences.

• Start early. Allow ample time to gather transcripts, draft personal statements, contact recommenders, and prepare English proficiency tests. Many strong candidates are rejected due to incomplete or rushed applications.

Conclusion: Who Should Apply — And Why the Erasmus Mundus MAPP Scholarships Are Worth It

If you are a student or recent graduate from outside the EU — including Africa, Asia, or Latin America — with a passion for shaping public policy, global governance, or development, strong academic credentials, and a readiness to thrive in a cross-cultural academic environment, then the Erasmus Mundus MAPP Scholarships offer an exceptional opportunity.

With full funding, access to world-class universities across Europe, and preparation for international careers, the 2026–2028 cohort provides a once-in-a-lifetime chance to pursue a career at the intersection of policy, governance, and global development — all without the financial burden that often comes with international master’s programs.