The Erasmus Mundus MAPP Scholarship 2026-27 is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship that offers outstanding students worldwide a unique opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree in Public Policy at four renowned European universities. This two-year program not only offers an excellent academic curriculum but also promotes mobility between universities and international exposure. This blog provides a comprehensive guide covering everything from eligibility and benefits to application tips and FAQs for this coveted scholarship.
Basic Information About the Erasmus Mundus MAPP Scholarship 2026/27
The Erasmus Mundus Master’s Program in Public Policy, known as Mundus MAPP, opens applications for the 2026–2028 cohort. The scholarship is funded by Erasmus+ of the European Union and offers full tuition waivers, a monthly stipend of €1,400 for 24 months, and financial aid toward travel, visa, installation, and subsistence costs. The program is designed to build future policy leaders through multidisciplinary curricula and study mobility.
Application Deadlines
- December 10, 2025: Deadline for applicants seeking financial aid or early self-funded applicants
- April 15, 2026: Deadline for non-EU/EEA applicants not applying for financial aid
- July 1, 2026: Deadline for EU/EEA applicants not applying for financial aid
Applicants are encouraged to apply early due to the competitive nature of the scholarship and limited availability.
University/Institution Details
The Mundus MAPP program is delivered jointly by a consortium of four prestigious universities with four specialized study tracks:
- CEU PU – IBEI Track: Global Public Policy specialization
- CEU PU – York Track: European Public Policy specialization
- ISS – IBEI Track: Political Economy and Development specialization
- ISS – York Track: Governance and Development specialization
Affiliated Universities
The two-year master’s degree program will be completed at these four universities:
- Central European University (CEU), Austria
- Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals (IBEI), Spain
- International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam (ISS), the Netherlands
- University of York, UK
Study Areas (Available Program Names)
The Erasmus Mundus MAPP program offers four distinct public policy areas for specialization:
- Global Public Policy (CEU-IBEI Track)
- European Public Policy (CEU-York Track)
- Political Economy and Development (ISS-IBEI Track)
- Governance and Development (ISS-York Track)
- Check Erasmus Mundus MAPP program Courses.
This multidisciplinary curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical policy training, including internships, field visits, and policy labs.
Program Structure
- Year 1:
- Semester 1: Austria
- Semester 2: Netherlands
- Year 2:
- Semester 1: UK
- Semester 2: Spain
Erasmus Mundus MAPP Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition fee waiver for the entire two-year program
- Monthly stipend of €1,400 (approx. USD 1,540) for 24 months (€33,600 total)
- Coverage of travel, visa, installation, and subsistence contributions
- Full Insurance Coverage
- Health insurance for the entire period, plus 2 weeks before start and 2 months after completion
- Additional financial support available for students with disabilities or special needs
The scholarship covers mandatory program fees and living costs comprehensively, enabling a stress-free academic experience.
Benefits Not Included
While the scholarship covers many expenses, some costs are not included and must be borne by the students:
- Study visit expenses in Year 1: approx. €600–€1,000 depending on destination
- Winter School expenses in Year 2: approx. €600–€1,000 depending on destination
- Personal travel and visa costs for relocating between consortium universities or from the home country
- Additional living costs beyond the stipend amount (depending on lifestyle and location)
Students should plan their finances to cover these extra costs.
Eligibility Criteria for the Erasmus Mundus MAPP Scholarship
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Eligibility: Open to both European and non-European students.
- Mobility:
- Must study in 2 different countries (min. 30 ECTS each).
- Neither country can be the student’s country of residence at application/enrollment.
- Proof of residence required (e.g., residency certificate, rental contract, utility bills).
- Virtual mobility not allowed.
- Academic requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (min. 3 years) from a recognized university.
- Minimum grade: Upper Second/2.1, GPA ≥ 3.17/4.0 (B+).
- GPA conversion to 4.0 scale required (via Scholaro or WES iGPA).
- Preference for social sciences degrees.
- Natural Sciences/Engineering degrees not eligible.
- If holding a Master’s, must also meet GPA/grade requirements.
- Priority for scholarships given to those without prior postgraduate study.
- Special rule for IBEI tracks (Spain): Undergraduate degree must grant access to Master’s studies in the country where it was earned.
- Motivation: Strong interest in European/international public policy required (assessed via Statement of Purpose).
- English language requirements:
- Exempt: Applicants from listed English-speaking countries OR those with a full English-taught degree in eligible countries (must show proof).
- Others: Must submit test scores:
- TOEFL iBT ≥ 95
- IELTS Academic ≥ 7
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (within 5 years)
- Duolingo English Test ≥ 130
- Work experience: Not mandatory, but preferred.
- Spanish: Not required, but electives in Spanish available in Year 2 at IBEI.
- AI policy: Motivation statement should be authentic and personal (avoid over-reliance on AI-generated text).
Applicants are also expected to prepare and upload all required documents by the application deadline.
Required Documents for the Application
The application package should include:
- Completed online application form via the CEU application portal
- Certified copies of Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
- A statement of purpose demonstrating motivation and interest in public policy
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letters of recommendation (usually two)
- Passport or ID copy
- Other documents as specified on the admission portal
Applicants should start collecting these documents ahead of the application launch to ensure timely submission.
Erasmus Mundus MAPP Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Choose the preferred mobility track based on specialization and universities involved
- Prepare all required documents including transcripts, CV, statement of purpose, and language certificates
- Register and complete the online application on the CEU PU Mundus MAPP portal
- Indicate scholarship interest during the application process to be considered for EMJM funding
- Submit the application before deadlines (preferably by December 10, 2025, if applying for financial aid)
- Application reviews are conducted by the consortium jointly
- Successful candidates receive an offer including scholarship details
- Confirm acceptance and prepare for enrollment and visa procedures
Contact Mundus MAPP admissions at mundusmapp@ceu.edu for support.
Tips for a Successful Erasmus Mundus MAPP Application
- Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute complications
- Make your statement of purpose compelling by linking past experiences with your future policy goals
- Obtain strong letters of recommendation from academic or professional references familiar with your work
- Demonstrate English proficiency clearly and provide authentic test scores or waivers
- Research each mobility track thoroughly to ensure it aligns with your academic and career aspirations
- Double-check and organize all documents for completeness and clarity before submission
- Engage with the Erasmus Mundus Association and past scholarship recipients for valuable insights and tips.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)
While the scholarship provides a monthly stipend of approximately €1,400 (~USD 1,540), typical monthly living expenses for international students in European cities vary:
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
| Accommodation | 600 – 900 |
| Food and Groceries | 250 – 400 |
| Local Transportation | 50 – 100 |
| Health Insurance | Covered by scholarship |
| Miscellaneous (clothes, entertainment) | 150 – 250 |
Given the scholarship stipend, students should be able to comfortably cover basic living costs, but budgeting for extra activities or unexpected expenses is advisable.
Why Choose This Scholarship? 5 Key Reasons
- Fully Funded Support: Covers tuition, living expenses, travel, visas, and insurance, minimizing financial barriers
- High Academic Prestige: Collaboration among four elite European universities offering rich international exposure
- Diverse Study Tracks: Options to specialize in global, European, political economy, or governance areas of public policy
- Multidisciplinary Curriculum & Mobility: Unique structure combining theory, practical training, internships, and multi-country study
- Career Opportunities: Connections with top international organizations, NGOs, government agencies enhance employment prospects post-study
This scholarship is ideal for ambitious students seeking an immersive international public policy education with strong financial backing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Erasmus Mundus MAPP Scholarship
Q1: Can I apply if I am still in my final year of Bachelor studies?
A: Yes, you can apply if you can prove you will graduate before the master’s program starts.
Q2: Is there an age limit for applicants?
A: No, there is no age limit as long as eligibility criteria are met.
Q3: Are scholarships limited to European Union students?
A: No, scholarships are available for both EU and non-EU international students.
Q4: Can I apply to more than one mobility track?
A: No, you must apply to only one mobility track.
Q5: Is work experience required?
A: No mandatory work experience is required, but relevant practical experience may strengthen the application.
Q6: What if my degree is not taught in English?
A: You need to provide language proficiency test scores unless you qualify for a waiver based on nationality or English-taught degree.
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The Erasmus Mundus MAPP Scholarship 2026/27 is a unique gateway to build a powerful career in public policy through global learning and full financial support. Early preparation and attention to detail are key to maximizing the chances of success.