In a world shaped by rapid geopolitical shifts, climate transitions, digital transformation, and evolving power dynamics, understanding “global change” is no longer optional—it’s essential. The Erasmus Mundus Master in Global Studies (EMGS) 2026 is designed exactly for this moment.
This prestigious joint master’s program invites ambitious students from around the world to study global issues across borders, disciplines, and cultures, while living and learning in multiple European countries. If you are interested in international relations, global governance, development, history, culture, or policy analysis, this program offers a rare academic experience that goes far beyond a single university or country.
What Makes the EMGS Program Different?
The Erasmus Mundus Master in Global Studies is not a standard international relations degree. It is a multidisciplinary, mobility-based program that examines global change from historical, political, economic, social, and cultural perspectives.
Instead of studying global issues from one national viewpoint, students are trained to think comparatively and globally, learning how different regions of the world experience and respond to global transformations.
This approach makes EMGS particularly attractive for students aiming for careers in:
- International organizations and diplomacy
- NGOs and development agencies
- Policy research and think tanks
- Journalism and global media
- Academia and PhD research
Study Across Europe: A True Erasmus Mundus Experience
One of the most distinctive features of the EMGS 2026 program is its mandatory international mobility.
Over two years (120 ECTS), students study at multiple European universities, each offering a unique academic tradition and regional perspective. The program is coordinated by leading European institutions, and students typically complete:
- The first year at one partner university
- The second year at another partner university
- A Master’s thesis supervised within the consortium
In addition, selected students may access opportunities connected to non-European partner universities, further expanding their global exposure. This structure ensures graduates don’t just study globalization—they experience it firsthand.
Academic Focus: What You Will Study
The EMGS curriculum is built around the core question: How is the world changing, and why? – So the following academic areas are available under this EMJM scholarship:
- Global governance and international institutions
- Political economy and global capitalism
- Global history and transnational processes
- Culture, identity, and regional studies
- Power, conflict, inequality, and development
- Advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods
The program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and analytical depth, preparing students equally well for professional careers or doctoral studies.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Coverage for 2026
For the 2026 intake, the Erasmus Mundus Master in Global Studies continues to offer fully funded Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarships, awarded on a highly competitive basis to outstanding applicants worldwide.
Selected scholarship holders typically receive:
- Full coverage of tuition and participation costs
- A monthly living allowance for the entire program duration
- Travel and installation support
- Insurance coverage as per Erasmus Mundus rules
The scholarship is designed to allow students to focus entirely on their studies, without financial barriers.
Who Should Apply?
The EMGS 2026 program is ideal for applicants who:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, humanities, or related fields
- Have a strong interest in global affairs, international relations, or transnational studies
- Are comfortable studying in English in multicultural academic environments
- Are motivated to live and study in more than one country
- Aspire to global careers or PhD-level research
Applicants from all regions of the world are encouraged to apply, and diversity is a core value of the program.
Application Timeline for the 2026 Intake
For the Erasmus Mundus Master in Global Studies 2026 intake, applications for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarship are expected to close in early February 2026, while applications for self-funded candidates usually remain open until late spring 2026.