1. Joint Master Degrees EMJMDs
ERASMUS+
Key Action 1
Erasmus Mundus
Joint Master Degrees EMJMDs

2. A streamlined architecture: 3 Key Actions
A single integrated programme
Erasmus+
KA1
Learning
Mobility for
Individuals
KA3
Policy
Support
KA2
Co-operation
Projects
Specific activities:
Jean Monnet
Sport
Erasmus+ is the European Union (EU's) programme which supports projects, partnerships, events and mobility in the areas of education, training, youth and sport. The programme, which runs from 2014 to 2020, provides funding opportunities for cooperation in all these areas, both among European countries and between European countries and Partner Countries throughout the world.
Erasmus+ budget 2014 – 2020:
- Almost €16.5 billion
- 40% budget increase
- EU and external budget
Erasmus+ replaces seven programmes bringing together :
- The Lifelong Learning Programme (Erasmus, Leonardo da Vinci, Comenius and Grundtvig, Jean Monnet)
- The Youth in Action programme
- Five international cooperation programmes (Erasmus Mundus, Tempus, Alfa, Edulink, the programme for cooperation with industrialised countries)
- The new sport action.
Erasmus+ recognises the importance of the extra-EU international dimension in all these areas, especially in higher education and supports the international exchange of students, academics, ideas and good practice between institutions. Erasmus+ provides more opportunities for individuals and for organisations, simplifies the way these scholarships and grants work and adds a range of new opportunities.
These opportunities to get involved fall primarily under Erasmus+ Key Action 1 (entitled 'Learning Mobility') and Key Action 2 (entitled 'Cooperation for Innovation and the Exchange of Good Practices').
The actions of the Erasmus + programme are divided into decentralised actions and centralised actions. The decentralised actions are managed in each programme country by the International Erasmus+ Contact point (ICPs) of the National Agencies. The centralised actions are managed at a European level by the Education, Audiovisual and Culture
Executive Agency (EACEA).For strands of the Erasmus+ programme that work with countries outside the EU and other Programme Countries (i.e. Partner Countries), National Erasmus+ Offices have been set up in a number of these eligible Partner Countries.
Key Action 1 – Learning Mobility for Individuals (Higher Education area): Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
Mobility Actions for Higher education students and staff (National Agencies)
Key Action 2 - Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices:
Capacity Building in the field of higher education supporting cooperation with Partner Countries.
- Knowledge Alliances cooperation between higher education institutions and enterprises;
Sector Skills Alliances addressing skills gaps in specific economic sectors;
May include higher education institutions from partner countries, but only if clear added value for the project
Ad Degree mobility: the former EM Joint Doctorates have been integrated under Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (Horizon 2020)
EMJMD

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
…in brief:
Highly integrated Master study programmes delivered by international HEI consortium
No restriction in disciplines
Duration 12 – 18 – 24 months (60 – 90 – 120 ECTS credits)
4 consecutive student intakes
Mandatory study period in at least two (2) different Programme Countries (no virtual mobility)
Award of a joint or multiple Master degree
Full scholarships for students - 75% for students from Partner Countries
An Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) is a prestigious, integrated, international study programme, lasting between one and two years, delivered by an international consortium of higher education institutions (HEIs). The consortium may also include, where relevant, other educational and/or non-educational partners with specific expertise and interest in the areas of study.
EMJMDs award EU-funded scholarships to the best student candidates applying under annual selection rounds. Students must study in partner HEIs in at least two different Programme Countries. Grants are also available for visiting scholars or guest lecturers who can bring added value to the degree course.
EMJMD structure:
Integrated international Master programmes of excellent quality to attract the very best students worldwide
Developed and delivered by a consortium of HEIs from Programme Countries & Partner Countries (if relevant)
Duration 12 – 18 – 24 months (60 – 90 – 120 ECTS credits), optional preparatory year + 4 intakes (6 years maximum) – covered by one Grant Agreement
Mandatory study period in at least 2 different Programme Countries (no virtual mobility)
Fully recognised and accredited joint / multiple Master degrees
NEW 2018 Call: Programme Country scholarships offered to the consortia increase as the share of the Partner Country scholarships will take into account those offered under Heading 1 and Heading 4/ EDF budgets together

4. International cooperation
Programme Countries
Partner Countries
EU Member States +
Other Programme Countries:
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway,
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey
All other countries throughout the world
Programme countries are the EU 28 + Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Turkey, FYROM and since 2019 call also Serbia* i.e. all countries that contribute financially to the programme and have a National Agency to manage it. Partner Countries are all other countries throughout the world.
In 2019 the UK continues to count as FULL Erasmus+ Programme Country.
*The recognition of Serbia as a Programme Country is subject to the following conditions:
- The availability of the appropriations provided for in the draft budget for 2019 after the adoption of the budget for 2019 for
Serbia.
- Amendment to the Agreement between European Union and Republic of Serbia on the participation of the Republic of Serbia
in "Erasmus+": the Union programme for education, training, youth and sport.

5. EMJMD - main aims
Quality, innovation, excellence, internationalisation
Competences, skills & employability of Master graduates
Quality and attractiveness of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA)
Relevance for the labour market
"Jointness" – high level of course integration
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees build on the success of Erasmus Mundus Masters Courses ( ) and aim to:
foster quality improvements, innovation, excellence and internationalisation in higher education institutions (HEI);
increase the quality and the attractiveness of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and supporting the EU's external action in the higher education field, by offering full degree scholarships to the best Master students worldwide;
improve the level of competences and skills of Master graduates, and in particular the relevance of the Joint Masters for the labour market, through an increased involvement of employers.
Jointness: The programme is developed jointly by all consortium partners and jointly implemented:
Jointly developed curriculum
Joint application procedure and selection of students
Joint quality review and examination of students
EMJMDs are invited to actively address the challenges of structural reforms relating to quality assurance and qualifications frameworks in the EHEA as included in the Yerevan communiqué, the so-called European Approach for Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes, adopted by the Conference of Ministers responsible for higher education of the EHEA/Bologna Process, and thereby contribute to promoting the transparency and mutual trust in higher education in the EHEA.
In this regard, EMJMDs are expected to contribute to the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy and of the Education and Training strategic framework 2020 (ET2020), including the corresponding benchmarks established in those policies.

6. Opportunities for HEIs from
Programme countries
High degree of visibility in a programme of Excellence
Multiannual grant agreement and personalised management support by EACEA
Attractive EU co-funding scheme
Select top students worldwide
Potential benefits linked to the establishment of joint degrees (these points may also be valid for multiple degrees and dual degrees, however the joint degree scheme might better exploit these benefits)
Internationalisation of partner HEIs
Higher international visibility of partner HEIs
Broader and more innovative educational offerings at the participating HEIs
Educational and research collaborations – spin-off effects
Increase interest of foreign students/high potential students in the study programme
Increase intercultural understanding and collaborations – at personal and institutional level
Capacity building at partner institutions through cooperation and exchange of good practices
More transparency between different national educational systems
Graduates are well prepared for the labour market, thanks to key skills developed (adaptability, resilience, learning to learn, cultural awareness, etc.).
Challenges linked to the establishment and implementation of joint degrees
Setting up of a comprehensive Consortium agreement: agreement on financial and administrative issues and tuition fees; covering the participating HEIs (financial) responsibilities and affirming their intention to develop and deliver a joint degree, agree on programme structure, etc.
Development of joint transparent course management procedures: develop a grade conversion system between consortium HEIs; credit transfer agreement; joint internal and external course evaluation; issuing of the joint diploma and diploma supplement
Design of a coherent curriculum, agree on joint learning outcomes, ensure also flexibility to work with different academic calendars; decide on language(s) of instruction; decide on joint teaching and student assessment methods. At the same time, avoid overlapping of course content to ensure efficiency.
Student services – Students must quickly adapt to different academic and social environments & approaches to teaching and grading. This requires a high level of support to the students by the international offices of the HEIs before arrival and during the study programme (welcome kit before arrival, accommodation, visa issues, etc.). Moreover pro-active tutoring to close "knowledge gaps" and language training to ensure the success of the students.
Staff mobility will add value to the programme
Joint promotion strategy: recruitment of students; recognition of joint degree by academia and world of work; define uniqueness of the programme in comparison to other existing (national) offers
Exploiting, reinforcing and making more evident the added value of a joint degree
Setting up of a sustainability strategy: securing institutional support is a crucial element; support from national or international organisations and governments; ensure funding (joint degree study programmes are very demanding in terms of quality and budget)
Legal and accreditation issues, recognition of joint study programme by all partners
National regulations of countries of participating HEIs – impact on what is formally possible; alignment of joint academic regulations

7. Opportunities for HEIs from
Partner countries
High degree of international visibility in EU programme of Excellence
Increased exchange of excellent students and staff from and to HEIs in Partner countries
Exchange of good practices with other participating HEIs
Possibility of further educational and research collaborations
Potential benefits linked to the establishment of joint degrees (these points may also be valid for multiple degrees and dual degrees, however the joint degree scheme might better exploit these benefits)
Internationalisation of partner HEIs
Higher international visibility of partner HEIs
Broader and more innovative educational offerings at the participating HEIs
Educational and research collaborations – spin-off effects
Increase interest of foreign students/high potential students in the study programme
Increase intercultural understanding and collaborations – at personal and institutional level
Capacity building at partner institutions through cooperation and exchange of good practices
More transparency between different national educational systems
Graduates are well prepared for the labour market, thanks to key skills developed (adaptability, resilience, learning to learn, cultural awareness, etc.).
Challenges linked to the establishment and implementation of joint degrees
Setting up of a comprehensive Consortium agreement: agreement on financial and administrative issues and tuition fees; covering the participating HEIs (financial) responsibilities and affirming their intention to develop and deliver a joint degree, agree on programme structure, etc.
Development of joint transparent course management procedures: develop a grade conversion system between consortium HEIs; credit transfer agreement; joint internal and external course evaluation; issuing of the joint diploma and diploma supplement
Design of a coherent curriculum, agree on joint learning outcomes, ensure also flexibility to work with different academic calendars; decide on language(s) of instruction; decide on joint teaching and student assessment methods. At the same time, avoid overlapping of course content to ensure efficiency.
Student services – Students must quickly adapt to different academic and social environments & approaches to teaching and grading. This requires a high level of support to the students by the international offices of the HEIs before arrival and during the study programme (welcome kit before arrival, accommodation, visa issues, etc.). Moreover pro-active tutoring to close "knowledge gaps" and language training to ensure the success of the students.
Staff mobility will add value to the programme
Joint promotion strategy: recruitment of students; recognition of joint degree by academia and world of work; define uniqueness of the programme in comparison to other existing (national) offers
Exploiting, reinforcing and making more evident the added value of a joint degree
Setting up of a sustainability strategy: securing institutional support is a crucial element; support from national or international organisations and governments; ensure funding (joint degree study programmes are very demanding in terms of quality and budget)
Legal and accreditation issues, recognition of joint study programme by all partners
National regulations of countries of participating HEIs – impact on what is formally possible; alignment of joint academic regulations

8. Opportunities for students
Top academic expertise & specialisation options
Unique mobility experience recognised joint/multiple degree
Full scholarships with attractive financial envelope
High employability thanks to key skills developed
Support by consortium partners and EMA
Opportunities for students
Top academic expertise and specialisation options
Unique mobility experience inside (and outside) Europe with recognised joint/multiple degree
Full scholarships with attractive financial envelope (incl. insurance)
High employability thanks to key skills developed
Support by consortium partners and EM Alumni Association (EMA)
EMA = Erasmus Mundus Alumni Association

9. Taking part as an Organisation
Public and private organisations in Programme & Partner countries
Programme country HEIs: Accreditation/Evaluation
Non academic partners
Associated partners
The consortium offering an EMJMD must include HEIs from at least three Programme Countries and may involve additional HEIs from Programme and Partner Countries. Other organisations such as enterprises, public bodies, NGOs and research institutes may also be full partners.
Only an HEI established in one of the Programme Countries may submit an application on behalf of the consortium which delivers the degree programme.
EMJMDs open to public or private organisations in Programme & Partner Countries
HEIs
- Non-academic partners (enterprises, non-profit organisations, NGOs, foundations, etc.)
- Applicant: HEI established in Programme Country
Minimum EMJMD consortium composition: 3 HEIs as partners (including the coordinator) from at least 3 different Programme Countries
HEIs established in a Programme Country must be able to demonstrate at application stage the accreditation at national level of each degree-awarding Master programme on the basis of which the EMJMD programme is composed. For novel joint Master programmes that have not yet graduated students, the accreditation by the competent national authorities is required at application stage.
HEIs established in a Programme Country:
Accreditation at national level of each degree-awarding Master programme on the basis of which the EMJMD programme is composed – required at application stage
Cooperation with HEIs widespread across EHEA & HEIs and other eligible organisations from Partner Countries
Benefits: specific expertise, visibility to students and employers, promotion, etc.
Associated partners (optional): specific tasks/activities, e.g. dissemination, knowledge and skills transfer, internships, etc.
Minimum consortium: 3 HEIs - 3 different Programme countries

10. EMJMD students scholarships grants
Students from
Partner Countries
Students from Programme Countries
Contribution to participation costs
up to
9.000 € per year
4.500 € per year
Contribution to travel costs*
2.000 € per year if residence is less than km from EMJMD coordinator
3.000 € per year if residence is km or more from EMJMD coordinator
1.000 € per year
Contribution to installation costs*
1.000 € -
Living allowance
(max 24 months)
1.000 € per month (not when in country of residence, and max 3 months in any Partner Country)
1.000 € per month
(not when in country of residence)
The final amount of the students scholarships depend on the nationality of the student, his/her country of residence and the duration of the EMJMD (2-3-4 semesters):
- Max student scholarship: ,- €
* Scholarship amounts for travel/installation depend on the place of residence at the time of scholarship application

11. Taking part as an individual
Students apply to EMJMD consortia:
Catalogue with ongoing EMJMDs offering scholarships
In the course catalogue you will not only find the EMJMDs selected in , but also scholarships offered under the Intra-ACP academic mobility scheme (EMMCs and EMJDs had their last Erasmus Mundus funded intake in and are no longer included in the course catalogue)
Student agreement: to be signed by both parties following the student's EMJMD course enrolment. This agreement must define as precisely as possible the rights and obligations of both parties and cover the academic, administrative, financial and insurance aspects of course participation and the EMJMD scholarship + appeal procedures
EMJMD scholarship holders:
must have a first higher education degree or equivalent
have not received EMMC/EMJMD scholarship, EMJD fellowship in the past
May apply to as many EMJMD courses as they wish

12. EMJMDs – Key messages & lessons learned
Build up HEI consortia with a wide coverage of the EHEA
Invest in internship programmes
Participation of non-academic organisations in curriculum development, course implementation and performance evaluation
Develop complementary competences for EM students
Business and marketing plans for financial sustainability
Outreach activities to raise visibility and recognition of awarded joint degrees among academia and business community

13. Information sources Erasmus+ Programme guide
EMJMD call for proposals 2019
EMJMD website
Policy paper: "EMJMDs - The story so far"
EMJMD consortia selected in 2018
final.pdf

14. Thank you! Please contact us at: EACEA-EPLUS-EMJMD@ec.europa.eu