Erasmus Mundus MAPP Scholarship

The Erasmus Mundus Master of Arts in Public Policy (Mundus MAPP) is a two-year international joint master's programme designed to prepare graduates for careers in public policy, international development, governance and public administration.

The programme is delivered by a consortium of four European institutions: Central European University Private University in Austria, the International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands, Institut Barcelona d'Estudis Internacionals in Spain, and the University of York in the United Kingdom.

Students complete their studies at two different institutions in two countries, gaining exposure to different academic systems, policy environments and approaches to governance.

Available Study Tracks

• Global Public Policy: Central European University (Vienna) and IBEI (Barcelona).
• European Public Policy: Central European University (Vienna) and University of York (UK).
• Political Economy and Development: ISS (The Hague) and IBEI (Barcelona).
• Governance and Development: ISS (The Hague) and University of York (UK).

The curriculum combines public policy theory, research methods, policy analysis and applied learning. Students also undertake practical components, including an internship and study-related activities.

For the 2027–2029 intake, the consortium offers competitive Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's (EMJM) scholarships to outstanding applicants from within and outside the European Union.

Successful scholarship recipients receive a full tuition-fee waiver and a monthly contribution of €1,400 for up to 24 months.

Applicants must meet the following official requirements:

• Nationality: Applications are open to European and non-European applicants.
• Academic qualification: A bachelor's degree involving at least three years of study at a recognised higher education institution is required.
• Minimum academic performance: Applicants must meet the equivalent of an Upper Second-Class (2:1) degree, where applicable, and have a GPA of at least 3.17/4.0 or equivalent.
• Academic background: Applicants with degrees in Social Sciences or equivalent fields receive preference.
• Excluded qualifications: Applicants holding a bachelor's degree in Natural Sciences or Engineering are not eligible.
• Existing Master's qualifications: Applicants who already hold a master's degree must also meet the stated minimum academic performance requirements for that degree.
• Final-year students: Students completing their first degree may apply, provided they graduate in time to enrol by August 2027.
• English proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate the required level of English through an accepted examination or qualify for an official exemption.
• Motivation: Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in European and international public policy through their statement of purpose.
• Mobility requirement: Students must complete compulsory physical study periods in two different countries, each carrying at least 30 ECTS.
• Residence requirement: Both study countries must differ from the applicant's country of residence at the application/enrolment stage.
• Work experience: Not mandatory, but applicants with relevant professional experience receive preference.

Accepted English-Language Tests

Applicants who do not qualify for an exemption may submit one of the following:

• IELTS Academic: Minimum 7.0
• TOEFL iBT: Minimum 95 on the 0–120 scale, or 5 on the newer 1–6 scale
• Duolingo English Test: Minimum 130
• Pearson PTE Academic: Minimum 76
• Cambridge C1 Advanced: C1 or above
• Cambridge C2 Proficiency: C2 or above

TOEFL, IELTS, PTE and Duolingo results must satisfy the programme's two-year validity requirement. Cambridge results must meet its five-year requirement.

Successful Erasmus Mundus scholarship recipients receive:

• Monthly scholarship: €1,400 per month for up to 24 months.
• Total scholarship contribution: Up to €33,600 over the programme.
• Tuition-fee waiver: Full tuition fees waived for EMJM scholarship holders.
• Living expenses: The monthly contribution helps students meet living and subsistence costs.
• Travel and visa expenses: The monthly contribution is intended to assist with these costs; separate reimbursement is not guaranteed.
• Health insurance: The consortium purchases insurance meeting relevant Erasmus Mundus minimum requirements for enrolled students.
• International education: Academic study at two European institutions.
• Professional experience: Internship, applied policy work and research training.
• Academic qualification: A jointly awarded Master of Arts in Public Policy.

Alternative Institutional Scholarships

The consortium also offers one institutional scholarship per study track. These scholarships provide a 50% tuition-fee waiver at the first- and second-year institutions but do not include a living stipend.

Applicants should prepare the following documents for the online application:

• Completed online Mundus MAPP application form.
• Bachelor's degree transcript and official English translation, where applicable.
• Bachelor's degree certificate/diploma and official English translation, where applicable.
• Updated CV or résumé, including publications if applicable.
• Statement of purpose of no more than 500 words.
• Contact details for two official referees.
• Accepted English-language test results or relevant exemption documentation.
• Master's degree transcript and certificate, if applicable.

For Final-Year Undergraduate Applicants

Students who have not yet graduated should provide an interim transcript and official documentation confirming their current enrolment and expected graduation.

Recommendation Letters

Two confidential recommendation letters are required. At least one academic reference is preferred. Referees submit their letters electronically through the application system within seven days of the candidate's submission.

After Admission

Selected applicants must provide officially certified academic records, including original-language documents, and proof of residence for the compulsory mobility requirement.

Applications are assessed by the Mundus MAPP consortium, with scholarship selection based on academic merit.

Relevant considerations include:

• Academic achievement and compliance with minimum GPA requirements.
• Relevance of previous academic studies to Public Policy.
• Motivation and interest in European and international policy.
• Quality and relevance of the statement of purpose.
• Relevant professional experience, where applicable.
• Academic and professional potential reflected in recommendations.
• Overall quality and completeness of the application.

Applications meeting the formal requirements are reviewed by at least two evaluators.

• International academic experience: Study at two established European institutions.
• Public policy specialisation: Choose a track aligned with governance, development or global policy.
• Career preparation: Develop policy-analysis and research skills relevant to international organisations.
• Practical learning: Apply classroom knowledge through internships and study-related activities.
• Professional connections: Engage with students, researchers and policy professionals from diverse backgrounds.
• Joint qualification: Earn a recognised master's degree awarded by the relevant partner institutions.