Erasmus Mundus Global Minds Scholarship 2026; The Erasmus Mundus Global Minds Scholarship (GM) is one of the highly competitive academic opportunities offered under the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) programs. It is aimed at developing global professionals with advanced academic, leadership, and problem-solving skills in fields affecting global development.
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Erasmus Mundus Global Minds Scholarship 2026; Although Erasmus Mundus itself funds several degree programs, the Global Minds scheme is a special scholarship initiative designed to support talented international students—especially from developing countries—who want to enroll in the Global Minds Joint Master’s Programme coordinated by KU Leuven (Belgium) alongside partner universities in Europe and worldwide.
1. What the Erasmus Mundus Global Minds Scholarship Covers (2026)
This is a fully funded scholarship. All key costs are covered:
✅ Full Tuition Fees
The scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees for the entire duration (1–2 years depending on the master’s program).
✅ Monthly Stipend
A monthly allowance of €1,400 – €1,600 for living expenses such as food, transportation, and accommodation.
✅ Travel Costs
Annual travel grant that typically covers:
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International flight tickets
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In-program mobility travel between partner universities
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Visa fees and related costs
✅ Installation Allowance
A one-time €1,000 – €3,000 setup grant for students coming from outside Europe.
✅ Comprehensive Insurance
Covers:
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Health insurance
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Accident coverage
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Liability insurance
Total scholarship value: Between €30,000 and €49,000 depending on program length and mobility path.
2. Study Format (Mobility Track)
Erasmus Mundus requires students to study in at least two countries. For the Global Minds track, students typically rotate among:
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KU Leuven (Belgium) – Coordinating institution
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Partner universities in:
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Spain
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Czech Republic
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Sweden
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Italy
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Netherlands
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Portugal
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Poland
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Finland
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France
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Germany
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Students may also spend a semester outside Europe depending on the program specialization.
3. Who Can Apply (Eligibility 2026)
Academic Eligibility
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Must hold a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3–4 years of study).
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Minimum Second Class Upper or equivalent.
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Strong academic performance in a field relevant to the program.
Nationality
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Open to all nationalities.
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However, 70% of scholarships go to developing countries (Africa, Asia, Latin America, Pacific, Middle East).
Language Requirements
Depending on program:
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English proficiency:
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IELTS 6.5 or 7.0
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TOEFL iBT 90+
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or an approved proficiency certificate
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Some tracks require basic French or Spanish, but not all.
Other Requirements
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Strong motivation and leadership potential
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Relevant work, volunteer, or project experience
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A clear commitment to global development issues
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Ability to live and study in multiple countries
4. Eligible Erasmus Mundus Programs Under Global Minds 2026
Erasmus Mundus Global Minds Scholarship 2026; The Global Minds scholarship is mainly attached to the following Erasmus Mundus master’s programs (updated list for 2026):
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Master of Cultures of Globalisation (CGloW) – KU Leuven
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Master of Sustainable Development (SUSDEV)
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Master of International Politics and Global Governance
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Master of Global Health (GLOH)
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Master of Global Environmental Studies
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Master of Global Society, Politics & Change
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Master of International Cooperation & Development
Programs are updated yearly, but KU Leuven remains the anchor institution.
5. Required Documents (2026 Checklist)
Mandatory:
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Bachelor’s degree and transcript
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Curriculum Vitae (Europass format recommended)
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Motivation letter or Statement of Purpose
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Two or three academic or professional recommendation letters
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English language test result
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Passport biodata page
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Research proposal (for some programs)
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Proof of relevant work/voluntary experience
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Writing sample (for humanities/social science tracks)
Optional but highly advantageous:
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Published research papers
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Certificates of excellence
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Evidence of leadership (NGOs, clubs, conferences)
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Portfolio (if required by your field)
Interested Applicant Should Apply: HERE
6. Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Choose a Global Minds Erasmus Mundus program
Check the official Erasmus Mundus Catalogue and KU Leuven Global Minds page.
Step 2: Prepare all documents
Follow precise instructions for formats, page limits, and academic standards.
Step 3: Apply online through KU Leuven or partner university portal
Select “Erasmus Mundus Scholarship – Global Minds Track.”
Step 4: Submit before the deadline
Most Global Minds applications close between November 2025 and January 2026.
Step 5: Attend interview (if shortlisted)
Interviews test:
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Motivation
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Leadership
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Cultural adaptability
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Knowledge of global development
Step 6: Scholarship selection
Results typically released March – April 2026.
Step 7: Visa processing & arrival
Students arrive in Europe around August/September 2026.
7. Selection Criteria
You will be evaluated based on:
⭐ 1. Academic excellence (40%)
Grades, class position, relevant coursework.
⭐ 2. Motivation & alignment with global development themes (30%)
Clear vision, community or global engagement.
⭐ 3. Experience & leadership (20%)
Work, research, volunteering, projects, NGO involvement.
⭐ 4. Diversity & background (10%)
Priority is given to:
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Underrepresented regions
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Low-income countries
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Gender balance
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Students who have not studied in Europe previously
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8. Application Timeline (2025–2026 Cycle)
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | September – October 2025 |
| Deadline | December 2025 – January 2026 |
| Evaluation | January – March 2026 |
| Interviews | February – March 2026 |
| Final Results | March – April 2026 |
| Visa Processing | May – August 2026 |
| Program Starts | August – September 2026 |
9. Why You Should Apply
The Erasmus Mundus Global Minds Scholarship is one of the most prestigious global scholarships. Benefits include:
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Fully funded European master’s degree
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Global mobility in 2–3 countries
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Strong international network
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Higher employability worldwide
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Pathway to PhD funding in Europe
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Exposure to international development organizations
10. Tips to Increase Your Chances (2026)
✔ Write a powerful motivation letter
Show:
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Global leadership potential
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Clear career goals
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Commitment to solving international development challenges
✔ Highlight impact
Focus on community or national problems you want to help solve.
✔ Strengthen your CV
Add:
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Research
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Conferences
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Volunteer work
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Relevant internships
✔ Apply early
Avoid last-minute document errors.
✔ Get strong recommendation letters
Choose referees who know your abilities well.
Final Note
Erasmus Mundus Global Minds Scholarship 2026; Erasmus Mundus Global Minds Scholarship 2026 is extremely competitive—with only about 15–25 students selected per program worldwide—but applicants with excellent academic records, strong motivation, and leadership backgrounds have a high chance of success.