Breaking news for global applicants eyeing Europe in 2026: the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management (MESPOM) has officially opened its Call for Applications for the 2026–2028 cohort.
This is a fully international, two-year master’s degree opportunity coordinated by Central European University and delivered across four (04) leading European universities, with Erasmus Mundus scholarships available for outstanding students worldwide.
This article walks you through what MESPOM is, what it offers, who can apply, and the exact deadlines you need to mark now.
What kind of opportunity is MESPOM?
MESPOM is a prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJM) supported by the European Commission, designed for students who want to tackle real-world environmental and sustainability challenges from a global, policy-driven, and science-based perspective.
For the 2026–2027 academic intake (full cycle 2026–2028), successful applicants will study across multiple European countries, gain interdisciplinary expertise, and graduate with a degree recognized across Europe and beyond.
What this article is all about?
This news update explains:
- What makes the MESPOM Erasmus Mundus programme unique
- What the Erasmus Mundus scholarship covers
- Who is eligible to apply in 2026
- Where and how the programme is delivered
- The official application deadlines for both scholarship and self-funded routes
If you’re planning a fully funded or partially funded master’s degree in Europe in environmental studies, this is one of the most competitive and respected options available.
What the MESPOM Erasmus Mundus Scholarship offers?
MESPOM students can compete for Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships, one of the most generous funding schemes in Europe. These scholarships are awarded to top-ranked international applicants from both EU and non-EU countries. The Erasmus Mundus scholarship typically covers:
- Full participation and tuition costs for the entire 24-month programme
- Travel costs between host countries
- Visa and installation expenses
- Monthly subsistence allowance for living expenses throughout the programme duration.
In addition to scholarship holders, MESPOM also accepts self-financing students, giving applicants multiple pathways to join the programme.
Programme Structure and Study Pathway
The MESPOM master’s degree is a 120 ECTS, 24-month programme delivered across Europe:
- Year 1 (Fall & Winter): Central European University, Vienna (Austria)
Focus on interdisciplinary foundations, policy analysis, and sustainability challenges. - Year 1 (Spring): University of the Aegean, Lesvos (Greece)
Emphasis on environmental sciences, ecosystems, land and water management, and sustainable tourism. - Summer: Supervised professional internship with international organisations or partner institutions.
- Year 2 (Fall): Choose between:
- Lund University (Sweden): Environment, Industry and Products
- University of Manchester (UK): Environment and Pollution Control
- Final Term: Master’s thesis at any consortium university aligned with your academic and career goals.
Eligibility checks for 2026 applicants
To be considered for the MESPOM 2026–2028 intake, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Open to applicants from all countries worldwide
- A strong first university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or equivalent
- Academic background in environmental sciences, policy, management, natural sciences, social sciences, engineering, or related fields
- Applicants from other disciplines may be considered if they demonstrate clear commitment to environmental and sustainability challenges through work or volunteering
- Proven English language proficiency
- Strong academic performance, motivation, and relevant prior experience
Admissions are highly competitive, with selections based on academic excellence, intellectual capacity, and motivation for environmental leadership.
Career outcomes after MESPOM
MESPOM graduates work globally across:
- Government and public policy institutions
- United Nations agencies and international organisations
- Environmental NGOs and think tanks
- Industry, consulting, and sustainability roles
- Academic and PhD pathways in Europe and beyond.
Since 2005, the programme has trained over 570 students from more than 70 countries, building a powerful international alumni network.
Apply: https://mespom.eu/call-applications-2025-2027.
Application Deadlines for the MESPOM 2026-2028 intake
All applications are submitted online through Central European University on behalf of the MESPOM Consortium.
- January 7, 2026: Deadline for applicants applying for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship
- April 15, 2026: Deadline for self-financing applicants from non-EU/EEA countries who require a study visa
- July 15, 2026: Deadline for self-financing applicants who are citizens of EU/EEA countries
Early preparation is strongly advised, especially for Erasmus Mundus scholarship applicants, as competition is global and intense.