The Erasmus Mundus MAGMa Scholarship 2026 offers a prestigious, fully funded two-year Master’s degree program focused on Managing Art and Cultural Heritage in Global Markets. Supported by the European Union, this scholarship enables students worldwide to study across multiple top European institutions, gaining expertise in art market management, cultural heritage protection, and global arts economics. Applications open October 1, 2025, and close January 19, 2026, making early preparation essential.
University and Program Details
The MAGMa program is a consortium-based international Master’s degree delivered jointly by five distinguished institutions in Europe:
- ISCTE Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Portugal (Semester 1)
- IESA Arts and Culture, Paris, France (Semester 2)
- Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands (Semester 3)
- University of Glasgow, UK (Summer/Winter schools; final dissertation)
- Winter school in Mumbai, India (optional)
Degree Awarded
- Multiple diplomas from consortium universities:
- International Master’s (University of Glasgow).
- Master of Arts in Art Markets (ISCTE – Lisbon).
- Certificate in Cultural Project Administration (IESA – Paris).
- Master of Arts in Arts & Culture Studies, Cultural Economics & Entrepreneurship (Erasmus University Rotterdam).
Program Structure
- Study in at least 3 locations.
- Semester 1: ISCTE – University of Lisbon.
- Semester 2: IESA Arts & Culture, Paris (+ optional summer school, University of Glasgow).
- Semester 3: Erasmus University Rotterdam.
- Winter School: Mumbai (optional).
- Semester 4: Dissertation at one of the above locations (based on study topic).
Objectives
- Learn from global experts in cultural heritage.
- Gain skills in management, marketing, economics, and law.
- Earn multiple Master’s degrees from top European universities
Study Areas and Program Focus
The MAGMa program covers interdisciplinary fields including:
- Art market management
- Cultural heritage and museum studies
- Art law and provenance
- Cultural economics and entrepreneurship
- Cultural policy and sustainable heritage management
Students develop skills in managing art collections, cultural projects, and heritage institutions while understanding ethical, legal, and economic dimensions of art globally.
Erasmus Mundus MAGMa Scholarship Benefits
The Erasmus Mundus MAGMa scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fees for the entire two-year program
- Round-trip international travel tickets for study locations
- Visa and travel insurance costs
- Monthly living allowance totaling approximately €33,600 over two years (about €1,400/month)
- Health insurance coverage during studies
- Access to multiple degrees from prestigious institutions
Benefits Not Included
The scholarship does not typically cover:
- Costs of personal travel outside study-related travel
- Optional summer/winter schools travel and accommodation (though many are included)
- Additional research or dissertation-related expenses beyond the standard program
Eligibility Criteria for Erasmus Mundus MAGMa Scholarship
Candidates eligible to apply must:
- Have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as art history, economics, law, archaeology, cultural management, conservation, anthropology, tourism, film, journalism, architecture, or related disciplines.
- Meet English language proficiency requirements (with recognized test scores).
- International students worldwide are eligible.
- UK applicants generally require a 2:1 Honours degree.
- EU and other applicants must meet country-specific GPA or degree equivalency standards.
- Relevant professional experience can sometimes substitute for standard academic qualifications.
- Final-year Bachelor students may also apply if they graduate before program start.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates (or latest transcripts if final year)
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Two or more reference letters
- Passport or identity document copy
- English language test certificate (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
- Completed online application form including personal statement and motivation letter
Erasmus Mundus MAGMa Scholarship Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
- Check Eligibility: Review academic qualifications and language proficiency.
- Prepare Documents: Gather transcripts, references, passport, and test scores.
- Create Application Account: Apply via the University of Glasgow’s online portal.
- Complete Application: Fill in personal, educational, and professional details accurately.
- Choose Program: Select “Managing Art and Cultural Heritage in Global Markets.”
- Upload Scholarship Form: Download the Erasmus Mundus MAGMa Scholarship form, complete and upload it with your application.
- Submit before Deadline: Apply by January 19, 2026, to be considered for the scholarship.
- Await Decisions: Scholarship results are announced by April 7, 2026.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Submit a clear, concise, and compelling personal statement explaining motivation and career goals.
- Highlight relevant academic achievements and professional experiences related to art and cultural heritage.
- Secure strong recommendation letters from professors or employers familiar with your work.
- Make sure all documents are accurate, complete, and in the required format.
- Apply early to avoid technical issues and collect documentation well in advance.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (USD)
While the scholarship provides a monthly stipend, understanding living costs helps with planning. Approximate expenses in major study cities are:
- Lisbon: $900 – $1,200
- Paris: $1,200 – $1,500
- Rotterdam: $1,100 – $1,400
- Glasgow: $1,000 – $1,300
These estimates include accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. The scholarship stipend (about €1,400, approx. $1,500) aims to cover these costs adequately.
Why Choose the Erasmus Mundus MAGMa Scholarship?
- Fully Funded: Covers tuition, travel, insurance, and provides a generous living allowance.
- Multinational Study: Learn at five top universities across Europe and attend exclusive summer and winter schools.
- Multidisciplinary Curriculum: Gain cross-sector knowledge combining art, law, economics, and management.
- Multiple Degrees: Earn certificates and master’s degrees from all consortium institutions.
- Strong Career Prospects: Open doors to careers in art markets, museums, cultural policy, auction houses, and NGOs worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can final-year students apply?
A: Yes, final-year students can apply if they graduate before the program start date.
Q: Is prior work experience required?
A: Not mandatory but relevant professional experience strengthens your application.
Q: How is the scholarship distributed?
A: Scholarship funds are disbursed monthly, with options for advance payments to cover initial travel and visa costs.
Q: Are internships included in the program?
A: The program offers networking and opportunities but does not guarantee internships.
Q: What if I am unsuccessful for the scholarship?
A: You may still apply as a self-funded student, with deadlines later in summer 2026.
Official Link:
The Erasmus Mundus MAGMa Scholarship 2026 is a rare gateway to advanced, international education in art and cultural heritage management. With its comprehensive funding and prestigious network, it empowers ambitious students globally to excel in a niche, dynamic sector. Start preparing today to meet the January 19, 2026 deadline and take a transformative step in your academic and professional journey.