The Erasmus Mundus EMOTION Scholarship 2026 funds a 2‑year English‑taught joint Master’s focused on skin health & care, preparing graduates for R&D careers in cosmetics, dermatological drugs, and medical devices across Europe. For the main scholarship round, the EMOTION application portal is open from November 1 to January 31 (23:59 CET) each year, and this round is the one that selects Erasmus+ scholarship holders and non-fee-paying self-funded candidates.
Basic information (including deadline)
EMOTION is an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) funded by the European Commission and delivered by a consortium of three universities in three countries, with mandatory mobility across at least two countries. The program lasts two academic years (120 ECTS) and follows a defined structure: two semesters in Italy, then one semester in Spain or Belgium, followed by a final semester internship/thesis project.
Here’s the quick, SEO-friendly snapshot for EMOTION 2026:
- Scholarship name: Erasmus Mundus EMOTION (Joint Master).
- Study level: Master’s degree (2 years).
- Teaching language: English.
- Key field: Translational cosmetic and dermatological sciences / skin health & care R&D.
- Application platform: moduli.uniupo.it (managed by Università del Piemonte Orientale).
- Main deadline (scholarship round): January 31, 2026 (23:59 CET).
- Second round (fee-paying self-funded): May 1 to May 31 (23:59 CET).
University/institution details
EMOTION is delivered by a European consortium that awards a double degree and gives students a true multi-country study experience. The partner institutions are:
- Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy (home of the application process and the first two semesters).
- Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), Elche, Spain (third-semester option, typically aligned with one track).
- Université de Namur (UNamur), Namur, Belgium (third-semester option, typically aligned with the other track).
The program structure explicitly states “two semesters in Italy (UPO) and one semester in Spain (UMH) or Belgium (UNamur),” then a final internship/thesis semester in academia or industry. This built-in mobility is part of what makes EMOTION attractive for students aiming for international careers in the European skin-care and life-science ecosystem.
Study areas (available program names)
EMOTION is a specialized joint Master’s that trains future translational scientists and professionals in skin health & care, covering the full R&D pipeline—from understanding skin pathophysiology to formulation and testing, with both non-clinical and clinical dimensions. The program also emphasizes practical and tutored work, plus workshops on transferable skills and “hot trends,” often delivered by professionals from industry and associations.
Program structure (how your “study areas” actually look inside EMOTION):
- Core theme: Translational cosmetic and dermatological sciences/skin health & care R&D.
- Mobility track options: Option A (Non-clinical development) and Option B (Clinical development).
- Final semester: A six-month elective project (internship) in academia or industry, which becomes your thesis.
Types of Scholarships:
There are three kinds of applicants for the EMOTION programme:
- Erasmus+ scholarship applicants
- non-fee-paying self-funded applicants
- fee-paying self-funded applicants.
- other scholarships opportunities
Erasmus Mundus EMOTION Scholarship benefits
- Erasmus+ Scholarship Students
- €1,400/month for up to 24 months
- No tuition/participation fees
- Health insurance, registration & student services covered
- Travel, visa & mobility costs covered by student from scholarship
- No extra travel or installation grants
- Non-Fee Paying Self-Funded Students
- No participation fees
- Health insurance, registration & student services covered
- Must cover living, housing, travel & mobility costs
- Extra-EU students must prove sufficient funds for a visa
- Fee-Paying Self-Funded Students
- €4,500 per year (€9,000 total)
- Fees include health insurance & student services
- Living, housing, travel & mobility costs not included
- Extra-EU students must prove funds for fees + living costs
Benefits not included (important to understand)
Many students assume Erasmus Mundus always pays travel separately, but EMOTION’s official guidance is clear about what is not provided as extra payments. Scholarship holders must cover the cost of mobility (for example, travel, visa, and residence permit fees) from their monthly scholarship according to the mandatory mobility path, and EMOTION states there are no additional payments for travel and installation.
Not included (or not paid separately) for scholarship holders:
- Travel costs and relocation/installation costs as extra lump sums (no additional payments).
- Visa and residence permit fees (covered by you from the monthly scholarship).
- Personal living costs beyond your monthly scholarship budget (rent upgrades, leisure travel, etc.).
Eligibility criteria for Erasmus Mundus EMOTION Scholarship
EMOTION’s eligibility is built around academic readiness for an intensive interdisciplinary program bridging biology, chemistry, and applied R&D.
Key eligibility points:
- Bachelor’s degree (or higher) equivalent to 180 ECTS
- Degree related to the programme area
- Background in both biology and chemistry
- Final degree certificate or transcript required
- Recognized institution (CIMEA / WHED)
English Language Requirement
- Minimum B2 level (for non-native speakers)
- Accepted tests: IELTS (6.5), TOEFL, Cambridge (CAE/CPE/FCE)
- Certificate must be valid (≤ 2 years)
- Native English speakers from listed countries are exempt
- English-taught degrees outside native countries do not waive the requirement
Selection Procedure
- Eligibility check by the administration
- Evaluation by Joint Admission Board (JAB)
Scoring
- Academic record: 0–4
- Merit (CV): 0–4
- Motivation letter: 0–3
- Reference letter: 0–1
Interview (for shortlisted candidates)
- 7 min: Present assigned research paper
- 10 min: Motivation & pathway choice
- 5 min: Q&A
Interview Scoring (0–8)
- Presentation quality: 3
- Motivation & expectations: 3
- Presentation skills & time management: 2
Required documents for the application
- Declaration form (downloadable in the application section).
- CV in English, dated and signed (format flexible, but must be clear and complete).
- University degree diploma(s) + certified translation if not in English (plus mark conversion documents if available).
- Academic transcript/record(s) + certified translation if not in English (plus conversions if available).
- Proof of English proficiency (valid certificate; language certificates considered valid for two years).
- Identity document or passport copy (black and white copy is specified).
- Motivation letter in English (maximum 750 words; handwritten letters not accepted).
- One reference letter in English (with typed contact details, handwritten signature, and dated within the last 12 months).
Erasmus Mundus EMOTION Scholarship application process (step-by-step guide)
EMOTION uses a two-round system, and scholarship seekers should apply in the first round (November–January). The application is organized by Università del Piemonte Orientale and must be submitted online through moduli.uniupo.it.
Step-by-step application guide:
- Check your eligibility (biology + chemistry background, finalized bachelor’s degree, English certificate).
- Decide your likely mobility preference for the third semester (Spain/Belgium) and be ready to explain why in your motivation letter.
- Prepare all documents in the correct format, including translations where needed.
- Apply through the online platform (moduli.uniupo.it) during the correct round.
- Complete the application in one session because the system does not allow saving and continuing later (as stated in the application instructions).
- Upload every required document before submitting, because missing items can make the application ineligible and no integration is requested.
- Submit before January 31, 2026 (23:59 CET) for scholarship consideration, and keep the confirmation email you receive after submission.
Tips for a successful application
EMOTION is niche and competitive, so strong candidates show both academic readiness and a genuine understanding of the program’s R&D-to-market focus. The official guidance also implies that careful document management matters because incomplete applications are rejected and changes aren’t allowed after submission.
High-impact tips:
- Write a motivation letter that connects your background to EMOTION’s goal: translational science in skin health & care and R&D for cosmetics/dermatological drugs/devices.
- Clearly justify your mobility track choice for the third semester (Spain vs Belgium) as required in the motivation letter prompt.
- Confirm your English certificate will still be valid when you later apply for a visa, because EMOTION notes certificates are considered valid for two years and visa requirements may demand valid proof later.
- Choose a referee who can discuss your lab skills, research discipline, and reliability (and ensure the letter has a handwritten signature and is dated within 12 months).
- Assemble documents early and submit ahead of the deadline because platform issues near 23:59 CET can cause late submission, making you ineligible.
Monthly living expenses (USD)
Because EMOTION includes mobility across countries (Italy, Spain, Belgium) and a final internship/thesis semester, monthly expenses vary by city and your housing choice. A practical way to budget is to estimate a monthly range for each location and plan for “mobility months” when you may pay deposits or travel costs.
Estimated monthly student living costs (USD, including rent) using city cost benchmarks:
- Novara, Italy: around $1,200–$1,500/month depending on rent type and lifestyle.
- Elche, Spain: around $1,000–$1,400/month depending on rent and personal spending.
- Namur, Belgium: around $1,400–$1,900/month depending on rent and lifestyle choices.
Why choose EMOTION Scholarship? (at least 5 reasons)
EMOTION is ideal for students who want a specialized, career-linked Master’s rather than a broad life-science degree. It’s also a strong choice for applicants who want industry interaction and a built-in internship semester to gain real R&D experience.
Top reasons to choose EMOTION:
- Strong specialization in skin health & care with a translational focus that connects science to real products and patient outcomes.
- Multi-country European education (Italy + Spain/Belgium + internship mobility), which strengthens global career options.
- Erasmus+ scholarship support up to €1,400/month for up to 24 months, plus waived participation costs for scholarship holders.
- Curriculum includes practical tutored work, thematic workshops, and professional coaching for CV writing, interviews, and communication.
- A six-month final internship/thesis project in academia or industry, making your graduation outcome highly employable.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1) What is the Erasmus Mundus EMOTION Scholarship 2026?
It is an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarship opportunity for the EMOTION program, a 2-year English-taught Master’s focused on translational science in skin health & care.
2) What is the EMOTION scholarship monthly stipend?
For Erasmus+ scholarship holders, EMOTION states that the scholarship is up to €1,400 per month for a maximum of 24 months.
3) What is the application deadline for EMOTION 2026?
For the scholarship-selecting first round, EMOTION states the application link is accessible from November 1 to January 31 (23:59 CET).
4) Do I have to pay tuition (participation costs) if I get the scholarship?
No—EMOTION states scholarship holders do not have to pay participation costs, and their health insurance, university registration, and student services are covered.
5) Does EMOTION provide extra travel and installation grants?
No—EMOTION explicitly says there are no additional payments for travel and installation, and scholarship holders must cover mobility costs (travel/visa/residence permits) from the monthly scholarship.
6) What degree background is required?
You need a completed bachelor’s degree (or higher) in a field related to the program, and EMOTION requires a background in both biology and chemistry based on your academic record.
7) What English test score is needed for EMOTION?
For non-native speakers, EMOTION requires proof of English proficiency at least B2; accepted tests include IELTS (minimum 6.5 overall) and TOEFL iBT (minimum 88), among others.
8) Can I apply if I haven’t graduated yet?
EMOTION states you must provide documentation of a finalized first degree by the application deadline, and applicants without a first degree are not evaluated.
Application Rounds
- Round 1 (Scholarship & Non-fee paying)
- November 1 – January 31 (2026)
- Round 2 (Fee-paying only)
- May 1 – May 31 (2026)
- Deadline: 23:59 CET
- Apply online via moduli. uniupo.it
