The Erasmus Mundus MARIHE Scholarship 2026–28 offers a unique, fully funded opportunity for students interested in higher education research, innovation, and global policy. Applications are now open, with the program offering world-class academic mobility across multiple European and Asian universities, as well as comprehensive scholarship benefits to talented applicants worldwide.
Basic Information and Application Deadline
The Erasmus Mundus Master in Research and Innovation in Higher Education (MARIHE) is a two-year, full-time international master’s programme. The program’s next intake will begin in October 2026, and the application deadline is 23 November 2025, 11:00 p.m. CET.
- Promote European values: democracy, rule of law, human rights, public responsibility in higher education
- Strengthen Europe’s higher education & innovation ecosystem
- Support strategic, responsible leadership in universities
- Promote inclusion, equity, diversity
- Enhance green & digital transformation
- Build skilled professionals for higher education, research & innovation
University and Institution Details
MARIHE Consortium Partners (2025–2028)
- University for Continuing Education Krems – Austria (Coordinator)
- Tampere University – Finland
- Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences – Germany
- Eötvös Loránd University – Hungary
- University of Aveiro – Portugal
- Beijing Normal University – China
- Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology – India
Mobility Structure
1st Semester: Austria (UWK)
2nd Semester: Finland (TAU)
3rd Semester:
- Part 1 – Asia: Choose China (BNU) or India (TIET)
- Part 2 – Europe: Choose one of:
- Finland (TAU)
- Germany (UASO)
- Austria (UWK)
- Hungary (ELTE)
- Portugal (UA)
Internship: Anywhere worldwide (field of research & innovation in higher education)
4th Semester: Master’s Thesis at any partner institution
Degree Types
- Joint Degrees
- TAU + UWK → Master of Administrative Sciences
- UASO + UWK → Master of Science
- ELTE + UWK → Master of Science
- Double Degrees
- TIET + UWK → MA + MSc (Continuing Education)
- BNU + UWK → MA + MSc (Continuing Education)
- UA + UWK → Master in Admin & Public Policies + MSc (Continuing Education)
Study Areas and Program Names
The focus areas of the Erasmus Mundus MARIHE Scholarship Master are:
- Higher education systems, governance, and policy
- Research and innovation management
- Institutional leadership and change management
- Organizational development and learning processes
- Curriculum:
Participants experience cross-national academic training, internships, and exposure to diverse higher education environments.
Specializations (Short Overview)
| University | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| BNU (China) | Educational Planning & Higher Education Reforms |
| TIET (India) | Sustainability + Social & Commercial Entrepreneurship |
| TAU (Finland) | Research Management & Digital Transformation |
| UASO (Germany) | Leadership & Change Management |
| UWK (Austria) | Institutional Research & Data for Decision-Making |
| ELTE (Hungary) | Learning & Teaching Design (F2F, online, blended) |
| UA (Portugal) | Policy Analysis & Science/Technology Systems |
Erasmus Mundus MARIHE Scholarship Benefits
Erasmus Mundus MARIHE Scholarship recipients enjoy:
- Full coverage of tuition fees for the two-year master’s program
- Paid as €1,400 per month for the full study duration (up to 24 months)
- Maximum total for MARIHE: €33,600
- Travel and installation allowances based on distance and residence
- All students (scholarship or self-funded) get health & accident insurance
- Visa Fees
- Study in Europe and Asia
- Access to expert faculty & diverse higher education systems
- Strong internship opportunities
- Cultural exposure and language learning
- Skills for leadership, policy, planning, research & innovation
Benefits Not Included
- Some personal expenses might not be covered (like certain aspects of social life or luxury purchases)
- Dependent or family member support is not provided
- The stipend may not fully cover all optional travel, recreation, or high-cost lifestyle choices.
Eligibility Criteria for Erasmus Mundus MARIHE Scholarship
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Awarded only to full-time students
- Covers the entire 2-year Master’s duration
- Open to applicants from any country
- Must complete compulsory physical mobility:
- Minimum two study periods in two different countries
- At least one must be in an EU or associated country
- Each period = at least 1 semester (30 ECTS)
- Important for MARIHE: Students living in Austria or Finland at application cannot choose specialisation at UWK (Austria) or TAU (Finland)
Restrictions
- Students who already received an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) scholarship cannot apply again
- False statements → full repayment + €18,000 participation fee
- Students may apply to multiple EMJM programmes (no official limit)
Required Documents for Application
Common documents required include:
- Completed online application form
- CV (preferably Europass format, without a photo)
- Passport or national identification card
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
- Motivation letter
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Scholarship essay or video (if applicable).
Erasmus Mundus MARIHE Scholarship Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
- Register and create an account on the online MARIHE application portal.
- Complete the application form; select your desired specialization.
- Upload all required documents in the portal.
- Submit and await acknowledgment of receipt.
- Your application will be checked for eligibility.
- If shortlisted, you may be asked for an additional short motivation video.
- Await final decision: main list (scholarship or self-funded), reserve list, or rejection.
- If offered a place, submit any additional documents needed for admission (possibly including legalized academic records).
- Successful applicants will receive full instructions for next steps.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Craft a compelling motivation letter tailored to MARIHE’s focus on higher education innovation.
- Ensure all documents are complete, accurate, and professionally presented.
- Prepare for and take a recognized English proficiency test well ahead of the deadline.
- Secure recommendation letters from individuals familiar with your academic or professional strengths.
- Review the program’s guidelines and FAQ thoroughly before submission.
- Submit your application well in advance of the deadline to avoid technical issues.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)
While Erasmus Mundus scholarships are generous, here’s an estimate of monthly living expenses for international students in Europe:
- Accommodation: $400–$800/month (varies by city)
- Food: $200–$400/month
- Transportation: $40–$110/month
- Health insurance (if not fully covered): $40–$60/month
- Books and study materials: $50–$100/month
- Miscellaneous: $70–$120/month
Total: $800–$1,500 per month, with most costs covered by the stipend for modest student living.
Why Choose This Scholarship? (5 Reasons)
- Receive a fully funded scholarship and study at prestigious institutions across Europe and Asia.
- Gain exposure to innovation in higher education policy and management.
- Acquire essential leadership, research, and organizational skills for global careers.
- Join an elite, multicultural alumni network and boost career prospects worldwide.
- Develop personally and professionally through mobility, internships, and academic challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can students from any country apply?
Yes, MARIHE accepts outstanding applicants from all over the world.
Q: Is prior work experience required?
No, but relevant professional experience, especially in education, is considered advantageous.
Q: Which English tests are accepted?
IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency—meeting the minimum score requirements.
Q: Can I apply if I haven’t graduated yet?
Yes, as long as you will have obtained your degree before the program starts and can provide proof.
Q: Are family/dependents supported?
No, the scholarship is for the selected student only.
Deadline
Deadline for 1st application step: 23 November 2025, 11:00 p.m. CET
This comprehensive blog covers all essential aspects of the Erasmus Mundus MARIHE Scholarship 2026–28, optimized for clear guidance for aspiring international applicants.
