If you’re searching for a high-impact, fully funded European Master’s degree that goes beyond theory and directly connects architecture, engineering, and sustainability, the Erasmus Mundus TERRA Master’s programme has just opened its doors—and it’s worth your full attention.
Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 intake, with studies starting in September 2026. This is the very first edition of TERRA, which means early applicants have a rare advantage: fewer cohorts, strong funding availability, and a programme designed from the ground up to meet global demand for sustainable construction expertise.
Let’s break it down in a way that helps you decide quickly and confidently.
What Is the TERRA Erasmus Mundus Programme?
TERRA stands for European Master in Earthen Architecture and Construction. It’s a one-year (60 ECTS) Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s degree delivered by a consortium of universities across Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy.
Instead of focusing on conventional concrete-heavy construction, TERRA trains students to work with earthen materials, combining:
- Traditional and vernacular building knowledge
- Modern structural and seismic engineering
- Climate-responsive and low-carbon design
- Life-cycle analysis and sustainability performance
You don’t stay in one country. You move across partner universities, experience different academic systems, and graduate with a double Master’s degree—a major plus for global careers and PhD pathways.
Let’s Talk Funding—What Does the Scholarship Actually Cover?
The TERRA Master’s programme is co-funded by Erasmus Mundus and the European Union, placing it among the strongest funded Master’s opportunities in Europe. The funding structure is designed to remove financial barriers for high-potential international students and ensure that academic merit—not personal finances—drives selection. Depending on your ranking and availability of funds, applicants may receive either a fully funded Erasmus Mundus scholarship or a consortium tuition scholarship.
1# Erasmus Mundus TERRA Scholarships (Fully Funded)
Candidates awarded an Erasmus Mundus scholarship receive comprehensive financial coverage for the full duration of the one-year Master’s programme. This funding model supports both academic and living costs, allowing students to focus entirely on their studies and multi-country mobility experience.
| Funding Component | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Tuition / Participation Fee | 100% coverage of the €9,000 programme fee |
| Monthly Allowance | €1,400 per month for up to 12 months |
| Living & Mobility Support | Intended to cover living expenses, travel, relocation, and visa costs |
| Number of Awards | Around 10 scholarships per year, with the majority allocated to non-European (Partner Country) applicants |
2# Consortium Scholarships (Tuition Support)
For applicants who are not selected for Erasmus Mundus funding, the TERRA consortium also offers competitive tuition-focused scholarships. These awards reduce or fully offset the participation fee but do not include living allowances.
| Scholarship Amount | Coverage Scope | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| €9,000 | Full tuition coverage | No living allowance |
| €6,000 | Partial tuition coverage | Highly competitive |
| €3,000 | Partial tuition reduction | Limited availability |
In practical terms, top-ranked candidates can complete a one-year, multi-country European Master’s degree with little to no personal financial burden, while other strong applicants still benefit from significant tuition reductions through consortium funding.
Ask Yourself This: Are You Eligible?
TERRA is selective, but it’s very clear about who it’s looking for. You’re a strong candidate if you:
- Hold (or are completing) a degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field
- Have completed at least 240 ECTS (or 300 ECTS for some study tracks)
- Can prove English language proficiency: IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 72+, or equivalent
- Can submit a complete application including:
- A focused motivation letter
- Europass-format CV
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Two recommendation letters
- Proof of residence (important for Erasmus Mundus scholarship assessment)
Still studying? You can apply as long as you graduate by 31 July 2026.
Applications are submitted online only through the official TERRA application portal https://msc-terra.org/applications/.
The Deadline That Really Matters
The most important deadline for the Erasmus Mundus TERRA programme is 15 February 2026. Applications submitted by this date are automatically considered for Erasmus Mundus and consortium scholarships, making it the primary gateway to fully funded admission for the 2026–2027 cohort