GEM Erasmus Mundus Fully-funded Scholarships 2027: Seeking Applications

What if your next master’s took you to two European countries to turn satellite images and spatial data into solutions for cities, ecosystems and land use? The GEM Erasmus Mundus programme offers that route for September 2027, with selected students receiving tuition coverage and a monthly scholarship.

GEM stands for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation for Environmental Modelling and Management. This English-taught, two-year MSc awards a double degree. Your first decision is which study track matches your background: planning, analysis, software development or environmental modelling.

Which GEM track takes you where?

Your chosen track determines both universities and your specialisation. The four routes are:

• Geospatial Planner: University of Tartu, Estonia, then University of Twente’s Faculty ITC, the Netherlands. Focus: urban and environmental planning.
• Geospatial Analyst: University of Tartu, Estonia, then UCLouvain, Belgium. Focus: spatial analysis, environmental monitoring and landscape modelling.
• Geospatial Developer: Lund University, Sweden, then University of Twente’s Faculty ITC, the Netherlands. Focus: programming, remote sensing and geospatial AI.
• Geospatial Modeller: Lund University, Sweden, then UCLouvain, Belgium. Focus: environmental simulations and Earth-system monitoring.

You can apply to only one track and cannot change tracks after admission. GEM requires physical attendance; it is not an online master’s.

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What does GEM’s scholarship actually pay?

Scholarship recipients receive tuition and insurance directly, plus an allowance they must budget themselves. At €1,400 per month, the maximum 24-month allowance is €33,600. It is intended to cover housing, living expenses, travel, visas, residence permits, study materials and a laptop; these are not separate guaranteed reimbursements.

Admission does not guarantee funding. Self-funded tuition for the whole programme is €5,500 for the EU/associated-country residence category or €19,800 for other countries. GEM estimates another €30,000 for living costs over two years, plus additional expenses.

Previous recipients of the Erasmus Mundus scholarships listed in GEM’s funding conditions are ineligible for another GEM award. Both study countries must differ from your country of residence at enrolment. Spouse expenses are not funded, and students arrange their own accommodation.

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Does your degree qualify for GEM?

You need a recognized bachelor’s equivalent to at least three full-time years or 180 ECTS, with First Class or Upper Second Class (2.1) results or an accepted equivalent. A Lower Second Class (2.2) does not qualify; country-specific grade requirements also apply.

Relevant backgrounds include geography, GIS, remote sensing, environmental or Earth sciences, ecology, agriculture, forestry, planning, civil or environmental engineering, computer science and data science. Other degrees may qualify where study, research or experience demonstrates sufficient preparation. For Developer and Modeller applicants, at least 15 ECTS in GIS or remote sensing is strongly recommended.

Final-year bachelor’s students can apply with current transcripts and a university statement confirming their status and expected graduation. The qualifying degree and final transcript must be submitted before 31 July 2027. Having an existing master’s does not prevent you from applying.

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Can you apply without IELTS?

Yes, with an approved alternative test or a formally recognized exemption. Other accepted options include TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency, PTE Academic and in-person LANGUAGECERT Academic.

PTE Academic requires 63 overall and 59 per skill. TOEFL applicants must check the thresholds for their test date because GEM distinguishes the older and newer scoring systems.

An English-medium degree alone is insufficient. Exemptions depend on the qualifying country, attendance and education requirements; selecting a listed country does not automatically establish exemption. Use the official self-check for September 2027. Duolingo, IELTS General Training, IELTS Online and IELTS One Skill Retake are not accepted.

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How do you submit your GEM application?

Submit one complete DreamApply application; scholarship consideration is automatic.

1. Read the official GEM application instructions and download its compulsory CV template.
2. Check the academic and English requirements, including the linked exemption self-check.
3. Register in University of Twente’s DreamApply portal, complete the mandatory eligibility screening and select your GEM track.
4. Upload your passport, academic certificates, transcripts, necessary certified English translations and English evidence. Use the GEM CV template, maximum two pages. Answer the funding questions in euros.
5. Submit before the deadline. No separate financial-plan document, motivation letter, reference letter or provisional research topic is required. Upload only requested documents.
6. Monitor your email: shortlisted scholarship candidates must complete the invited recorded interview. Admission alone is not a scholarship offer.

Application deadline: The last date to apply for the GEM Erasmus Mundus MSc 2027–2029 is 15 January 2027 at 23:59 CET, including required English evidence. Results are scheduled for 31 March 2027; the tuition payment deadline is 1 May 2027, and final certified graduation documents are due by 31 July 2027.

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