Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in International Humanitarian Action 2027 to 2029

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Programme in International Humanitarian Action is a two year international master’s programme designed for students who want to build professional and academic expertise in humanitarian action. The programme is offered through the Network on Humanitarian Action, known as NOHA, and brings together universities and humanitarian organisations to provide interdisciplinary education for people working or intending to work in the humanitarian sector.

The programme combines academic study with practical and professional training. Students explore humanitarian emergencies from different perspectives while developing skills relevant to humanitarian relief, international cooperation, research, policy and sustainable humanitarian action. The programme has been running since 1993 and has trained more than 3,500 graduates working in humanitarian relief and international cooperation around the world.

For the 2027 to 2029 intake, Erasmus Mundus scholarships are available for selected students from Programme Countries, Partner Countries and specific targeted regions. The scholarship is highly competitive and is intended for full time students who meet the programme requirements and demonstrate strong academic and professional potential.

About the Programme

The NOHA Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in International Humanitarian Action is a 120 ECTS programme completed over four semesters. It is delivered through a consortium of universities and gives students the opportunity to study in different countries during the programme.

The programme is multidisciplinary and draws on fields including social sciences, humanities, law, economics, management, engineering, medical sciences and other disciplines relevant to humanitarian action.

Students undertake compulsory physical mobility between different countries. At least two study periods must take place in two different countries, with at least one being an EU Member State or an associated country. Each mandatory mobility period must represent at least one academic semester.

The programme can be studied in English, while certain university pathways may require Spanish or French. Students should carefully review the language and national admission requirements of their preferred universities before applying.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful Erasmus Mundus scholarship holders receive financial support for the full duration of the master’s programme.

• €1,400 per month for up to 24 months

• Contribution toward travel costs

• Contribution toward visa related costs

• Contribution toward installation costs

• Contribution toward subsistence costs

• Scholarship support for the full time duration of the master’s programme

• Participation in an international multidisciplinary learning environment

• Study periods at different NOHA universities

• Access to academic and professional networks in humanitarian action

Programme Structure

The master’s programme consists of four semesters and 120 ECTS credits.

First Semester

Students begin their studies at their selected home university. This period establishes the academic foundations required for understanding international humanitarian action.

Second Semester

Students undertake a compulsory mobility period at another NOHA university. Students can indicate their preferred universities and should consider the academic specialisations and language requirements of each institution when making their choices.

Third Semester

The third semester focuses on professional development and practical experience. It includes career development training and a placement in a home university, partner university or humanitarian organisation.

Fourth Semester

The final semester is dedicated to research and the master’s thesis. Students develop research skills, analyse humanitarian issues and complete their thesis under academic supervision.

Areas of Study

The programme is particularly relevant to students interested in:

• International humanitarian action

• Humanitarian relief

• Humanitarian emergencies

• International cooperation

• Humanitarian policy

• Development and sustainable action

• Humanitarian research

• Social sciences and humanities

• Law and human rights

• Economics and management

• Medical and health related fields

• Engineering and technical approaches to humanitarian challenges

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the common admission requirements established by the NOHA consortium.

• Hold a completed Bachelor’s degree equivalent to at least 180 ECTS

• Have a degree in a discipline relevant to humanitarian action

• Have appropriate academic preparation for postgraduate study

• Demonstrate interest in and concern for humanitarian issues

• Demonstrate multicultural sensitivity

• Meet the required language requirements of the selected study pathway

• Provide the required academic and professional documentation

• Be prepared to undertake compulsory physical mobility in different countries

For the Erasmus Mundus scholarship specifically:

• Complete the Bachelor’s degree by 15 December 2026

• Submit the complete scholarship application by the scholarship deadline

• Provide proof of nationality

• Provide acceptable proof of residence

• Be eligible under the Erasmus Mundus scholarship rules

• Be available for full time study

Applicants who have previously received an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarship or an Erasmus Mundus Master Course or Joint Doctorate scholarship are not eligible to receive another Erasmus Mundus scholarship.

Selection Criteria

NOHA assesses applicants using several academic and professional factors.

• Quality and level of academic qualifications

• Research experience

• Professional experience

• Practical experience in humanitarian action

• Motivation and concern for humanitarian issues

• Linguistic abilities

• Academic and professional recommendations

• Interview performance where applicable

• Nationality and gender balance

Applicants with strong academic records and meaningful experience or demonstrated commitment to humanitarian action are particularly competitive.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should prepare the following materials for the online application.

• Completed online application form

• Copy of passport

• Certified copy of degree certificate

• Certified academic transcripts

• CV in English

• Two signed and dated reference letters in English

• Proof of language proficiency

• Proof of residence for Erasmus Mundus scholarship applicants

• Proof of nationality

• Publications if applicable

• Other documents required by the selected universities

Reference letters may be academic or professional. Applicants are encouraged to provide a combination of academic and professional references where possible. Family members cannot serve as referees.

Applicants should also review the specific admission requirements of individual NOHA universities because some institutions have additional national requirements.

How to Apply

1. Review the NOHA Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programme and participating universities.
2. Confirm that your Bachelor’s degree and academic background meet the admission requirements.
3. Review the language requirements and any additional national requirements of your preferred universities.
4. Prepare your CV, academic records, degree certificates, reference letters and other supporting documents.
5. Prepare acceptable proof of nationality and residence if applying for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship.
6. Complete the NOHA online application form.
7. Select your preferred home and host universities carefully.
8. Submit the complete application for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship by 15 December 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
9. Monitor your email for updates concerning eligibility, selection, interviews or additional information.
10. If you are not selected for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship, consider the self funded admission route if you remain eligible.