NOHA Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027–2029: 5 Application Steps

Could your experience in law, public health, engineering, management or community work lead to a funded Master’s in humanitarian action? The NOHA Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027–2029 is now open, offering international applicants the opportunity to study across European universities with tuition covered and a €1,400 monthly scholarship.

Applications opened on 1 October 2026. But before choosing universities, check the rule that can decide your eligibility: your bachelor’s studies must be completed by the scholarship deadline of 15 December 2026. Finishing before classes begin in 2027 is not sufficient for this funding competition.

This guide explains who can apply, what the scholarship pays, which universities participate, whether IELTS is necessary and how to complete NOHA’s joint application.

Quick Information Box: NOHA Scholarship 2027–2029

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How Much Funding Will You Receive Through NOHA?

Successful scholars receive tuition coverage and €1,400 per month for up to 24 months. The maximum scholarship payments therefore total €33,600.

• Scholarship holders are exempt from tuition and mandatory participation charges.
• The monthly contribution supports living, travel, visa and settling-in expenses.
• Insurance forms part of programme support.
• Disability-related support may be available according to assessed needs.

Budget carefully: travel and visa costs are included within the scholarship contribution. They should not be advertised as guaranteed extra allowances on top of €1,400. Compare rent and relocation costs across your preferred destinations before ranking them.

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Who Can Apply for the NOHA Scholarship?

NOHA welcomes graduates whose qualifications and interests connect to humanitarian action. Run through these questions before preparing your application:

• Is your bachelor’s relevant? Accepted fields include medical and food sciences, economics, management, engineering, law, social sciences, education and humanities.
• Will your studies be completed by 15 December 2026? This is required for scholarship consideration.
• Can you demonstrate the required language proficiency? Your university choices determine which languages you need.
• Can you explain your humanitarian interests? Connect your education and experience to a clear purpose for studying NOHA.
• Can you participate in international mobility? Studying across countries is compulsory.

Relevant work experience strengthens an application; Groningen describes it as an advantage. A convincing application should show how your academic preparation, research or practical experience equips you for humanitarian study.

Previous Erasmus Mundus scholarship recipients are subject to restrictions on another award. Scholars also cannot receive another EU scholarship to finance the same course.

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Which Countries’ Applicants Can Compete?

The competition welcomes candidates internationally, with funding allocated across country categories. NOHA advertises 16 scholarships: four for Programme Country candidates, eight for Partner Country candidates and four for specified targeted regions.

Nationality does not replace academic eligibility. Check both your country category and your qualifications rather than assuming that an internationally open competition guarantees funding.

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Which Subjects Will You Study in NOHA?

You apply for one interdisciplinary humanitarian-action Master’s, with specialist study choices within it. Foundational subjects include international law, world politics, public health, social anthropology and humanitarian management.

Your first semester establishes that foundation. The second develops specialist knowledge at another European university; the third offers regional training or a work placement; the fourth centres on the master’s thesis.

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Which European Universities Can NOHA Students Attend?

The programme’s eight European study destinations span eight countries. These are the institutions described in Groningen’s NOHA programme information:

International mobility is part of the degree: the first semester is at your home university and the second at another NOHA institution. Regional training can provide further international exposure during the third semester.

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Do You Need IELTS for the NOHA Scholarship?

IELTS is one accepted route, but an English-medium bachelor’s can support a test exemption. NOHA lists IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, and does not accept the home version.

If your entire bachelor’s was taught in English, provide official evidence on your academic records or a letter from the authorised university records office. Cambridge CAE/CPE and TOEFL are alternatives; confirm the applicable TOEFL scale with your chosen institutions because their published thresholds differ.

Aix-Marseille requires French C1. Deusto requires Spanish B2 for the first semester; its second semester is taught in English. Choose a route you can actually study in.

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How Many Applications Must You Submit for NOHA?

Start with one joint NOHA application through the scholarship route. The consortium handles the joint admission and scholarship process.

1. Read the rules: Review the official NOHA programme and scholarship guidance.
2. Check your destinations: Read the university-specific admission requirements, including document authentication and registration conditions.
3. Select the funding route: Open the NOHA application portal and choose “Apply with the Erasmus Mundus grant.”
4. Complete the form: Enter your background, rank home and host universities and upload supporting documents.
5. Submit: Check every required field and attachment before the scholarship deadline.

Any subsequent university registration requirements still matter. Check them before committing to your preferences.

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What Documents Should You Prepare for NOHA?

Prepare your academic, identity, language and residence evidence before completing the form. The portal requests:

• Valid passport’s main page.
• Bachelor’s diploma and transcripts, with official English translations where needed.
• Master’s records, if applicable.
• English CV in Europass format.
• Applicable language evidence.
• Two recommendation letters in English.
• Accepted proof of residence.

Files must be PDF or JPG, maximum 2 MB. The motivation statement allows 3,000 characters; the applicant abstract allows 500 characters. NOHA expressly asks you to write your motivation yourself without AI.

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Your NOHA University Choices Deserve Careful Thought

Rank universities by academic fit, language readiness and practical affordability. Ask: which destination will help me develop the knowledge I need for the humanitarian problem I want to address?

A useful shortlist should explain why each institution belongs in your study plan. Compare the teaching language, specialist curriculum and local costs before placing a university first.

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A Clean Application Strategy for NOHA 2027

Settle eligibility and university choices first, then assemble and submit a complete application.

1. Confirm your degree completion date.
2. Check language evidence and destination requirements.
3. Choose universities that fit your academic goals.
4. Collect transcripts, references and residence evidence.
5. Write a specific motivation statement in your own words.
6. Review every upload and submit ahead of the deadline.

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What Is the Last Date to Apply for NOHA Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

The last date to apply for the NOHA Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for the 2027–2029 cohort is 15 December 2026 at 23:59 GMT. Applications opened on 1 October 2026. Later self-funded admission dates do not extend this scholarship deadline, and your degree studies must be completed by the scholarship cutoff.

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