The Erasmus Mundus MAPP Scholarship offers outstanding students an opportunity to complete a two-year international Master’s degree in Public Policy while studying at leading European universities.
Mundus MAPP stands for Erasmus Mundus Master’s Program in Public Policy. The programme combines academic study, international mobility, policy analysis, research, and practical experience.
For the 2027–2029 cohort, Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) scholarships are available to highly ranked applicants from both within and outside the European Union. Scholarship recipients receive a full tuition-fee waiver and a monthly contribution of €1,400 for up to 24 months.
Applications for the current cohort are open. Candidates who want to be considered for financial aid must apply by 1 December 2026 at 23:59 Central European Time (CET).
Students comparing funding opportunities in different countries can also explore our latest international scholarships for more fully funded and partially funded study programs worldwide.
Erasmus Mundus MAPP Scholarship Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Erasmus Mundus Master’s Program in Public Policy |
| Common Name | Mundus MAPP |
| Study Level | Master’s |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Study Mode | Full-time, in person |
| Credits | 120 ECTS |
| Scholarship | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarship |
| Scholarship Amount | €1,400 per month |
| Maximum Scholarship | €33,600 over 24 months |
| Tuition for EMJM Scholars | Full tuition-fee waiver |
| Eligible Applicants | EU and non-EU applicants |
| Number of Study Tracks | 4 |
| Countries Involved | Austria, Spain, Netherlands and UK |
| Financial Aid Deadline | 1 December 2026, 23:59 CET |
| Scholarship Results | 14 April 2027 |
| Programme Cohort | 2027–2029 |
Applicants should read the official Mundus MAPP programme information before preparing their application.
What Is Mundus MAPP?
Mundus MAPP is an international joint Master’s programme focused on public policy.
Instead of spending the entire degree at one university, students follow a mobility track that takes them through two institutions in two different countries.
The programme combines theoretical study with practical policy training. Students study areas such as policy analysis, economics, governance, development, research methods, international relations, and public policy.
Practical components can include internships, study visits, case studies, research work, and interaction with policy professionals.
Students therefore gain experience with more than one academic system and policy environment during the degree.
Universities Participating in Mundus MAPP
Four European institutions jointly offer the programme:
Central European University Private University (CEU PU) – Vienna, Austria
International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam (ISS) – The Hague, Netherlands
Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals (IBEI) – Barcelona, Spain
University of York – York, United Kingdom
Students do not study at all four universities.
Instead, each applicant chooses one mobility track, which determines the two institutions where they will study.
Four Mundus MAPP Study Tracks
Applicants can choose from four study tracks.
CEU PU – IBEI: Global Public Policy
Students spend the first year at Central European University in Vienna and the second year at IBEI in Barcelona.
This track focuses on Global Public Policy.
It can appeal to students interested in international organizations, global governance, international civil service, voluntary organizations, policy analysis, and international industries.
CEU PU – York: European Public Policy
Students begin at CEU PU in Vienna and continue at the University of York in the United Kingdom.
The specialization is European Public Policy.
It focuses particularly on policy analysis, policymaking, the European Union, member states, neighboring countries, and policy problem-solving.
ISS – IBEI: Political Economy and Development
Students study at ISS in The Hague during the first year and at IBEI in Barcelona during the second.
The specialization is Political Economy and Development.
This route is especially relevant to students interested in development, political economy, institutions, and the relationship between public policy and wider economic and social systems.
ISS – York: Governance and Development
Students combine study at ISS in The Hague with a second year at the University of York.
This track specializes in Governance and Development.
Applicants should compare all four options carefully before selecting one.
You can review the curriculum and institutional combinations on the official Mundus MAPP study tracks page.
Can You Apply to More Than One Track?
No.
Applicants may apply to only one mobility track.
Therefore, do not select a route simply because its university or city appears attractive.
Compare the academic focus of each track with your previous education, research interests, career plans, and preferred area of public policy.
Your choice should also make sense in your statement of purpose.
Is the Erasmus Mundus MAPP Scholarship Fully Funded?
Yes, the EMJM scholarship itself provides substantial full funding, but there is an important detail to understand.
Successful EMJM scholarship recipients receive:
- A full tuition-fee waiver
- €1,400 per month
- Funding for up to 24 months
- A maximum scholarship contribution of €33,600
The €1,400 monthly contribution is intended to help students meet costs including living expenses, travel, visa, installation, and other expenses.
Health insurance meeting the relevant EACEA requirements is also purchased by the Mundus MAPP Consortium for enrolled students.
However, the programme identifies some expenses that the scholarship does not separately cover, including the programme’s study visit and winter school costs. Students also manage relevant travel and visa expenses from the monthly scholarship contribution rather than receiving an unlimited separate travel budget.
For the exact current funding conditions, read the official Mundus MAPP financial aid information.
How Much Is the Scholarship Worth?
The EMJM scholarship is calculated at:
€1,400 per month
For a maximum period of:
24 months
That produces a maximum scholarship contribution of:
€33,600
In addition, EMJM scholarship recipients receive a full tuition-fee waiver.
This is particularly significant because the regular Mundus MAPP tuition fee for the 2027–2029 programme is €13,000 per academic year, or €26,000 for the complete two-year programme.
Scholarship recipients therefore receive both the tuition waiver and monthly financial support.
Does the Scholarship Cover Tuition Fees?
Yes.
Students awarded an EMJM scholarship receive a full tuition-fee waiver.
Self-funded students, by contrast, face the standard programme tuition fee.
The published fee for the 2027–2029 cohort is:
€13,000 per academic year
or
€26,000 for the full programme.
Payment schedules vary according to the selected mobility track and the student’s circumstances.
Other Financial Aid
Not every admitted student will receive an Erasmus Mundus scholarship.
Only a limited number of EMJM awards are available, and they go to the highest-ranked applicants.
However, Mundus MAPP also offers one Institutional Scholarship per study track.
These awards provide a:
50% tuition-fee waiver
at the Year 1 and Year 2 institutions.
The Institutional Scholarship does not provide a stipend.
Therefore, applicants should understand the difference between an EMJM scholarship and an institutional tuition waiver.
Who Can Apply?
Mundus MAPP accepts applications from both European and third-country nationals.
International applicants from around the world can therefore apply if they meet the programme requirements.
Eligibility depends primarily on academic background, grades, English proficiency, mobility requirements, and the quality of the application.
Academic Requirements
Applicants need a Bachelor’s degree consisting of at least three years of university study from a recognized institution.
Candidates must normally have achieved at least:
UK Upper Second / 2:1 equivalent
and
GPA 3.17/4.0 or equivalent.
Applicants whose transcripts do not use a 4.0 GPA scale need to provide an appropriate conversion when applying.
The programme generally gives preference to candidates with backgrounds in the social sciences or equivalent disciplines.
One important restriction deserves attention:
Applicants with Bachelor’s degrees in Natural Sciences or Engineering are not eligible for Mundus MAPP.
Candidates from less directly related disciplines may still be eligible if they satisfy the formal academic requirements, but their academic background and motivation should make sense for graduate study in public policy.
Applicants should check their exact academic situation against the official Mundus MAPP admission requirements.
Can Final-Year Bachelor’s Students Apply?
Yes.
Students who are still completing their first degree can submit an application.
Instead of a final diploma, they should provide an interim transcript and appropriate university documentation confirming their current enrollment and expected completion.
Successful applicants must complete their Bachelor’s degree before they can enroll in Mundus MAPP.
For the 2027–2029 cohort, admitted applicants must have successfully graduated by August 2027.
What If You Already Have a Master’s Degree?
Applicants who already hold a Master’s degree can apply, provided they meet the academic requirements.
However, Mundus MAPP states that scholarship priority is given to students who have not previously had the opportunity to study in a Master’s programme.
Candidates who already hold a Master’s should therefore keep this point in mind when considering their scholarship prospects.
Is Work Experience Required?
No.
Professional experience is not a formal eligibility requirement.
However, candidates with relevant work experience may receive preference.
Useful experience can come from government, NGOs, research, development organizations, international organizations, public administration, policy work, civil society, or other fields connected with public policy.
Applicants without substantial employment history can still build a strong application through academic achievement, research, internships, volunteering, leadership, or other relevant experience.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency.
Depending on nationality and previous education, some candidates can qualify for an exemption.
Other applicants must submit an accepted English-language test.
Current accepted minimum scores include:
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 95 |
| IELTS Academic | 7.0 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 76 |
| Duolingo English Test | 130 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | C1 |
| Cambridge C2 Proficiency | C2 |
Different validity periods apply to individual tests.
Applicants who need a test score for admission must include it with the application. Late submission is generally not accepted.
Read the official English-language requirements carefully because exemptions depend on both nationality and where previous English-medium study was completed.
Important Rule for ISS Tracks
Candidates considering either:
ISS–IBEI, or
ISS–York
should pay particular attention to Dutch immigration requirements.
Some students who need a Netherlands student visa may have to provide additional proof of English proficiency after admission.
These visa requirements are separate from the normal Mundus MAPP admission requirements.
For example, the Duolingo English Test may satisfy the programme’s admission requirement in applicable cases but is not accepted for the additional Dutch visa language requirement affecting certain ISS-track students.
Applicants considering these tracks should therefore read the official ISS-track visa update before choosing their route.
Mobility Requirement
International mobility is a fundamental part of Mundus MAPP.
Every student must complete study periods in two different countries, with at least 30 ECTS in each.
There is another important restriction.
The countries included in the selected mobility track must be different from the applicant’s country of residence at the time of application and enrollment.
For example, someone choosing the ISS–IBEI track must satisfy the residence rules relating to both the Netherlands and Spain.
Applicants will need to provide proof of residence before enrollment.
Virtual study cannot replace the compulsory physical mobility periods.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare their documents early.
The application normally requires:
- Completed online application form
- Bachelor’s transcript
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or appropriate enrollment/completion document
- Master’s records if applicable
- CV or résumé
- Statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency when required
- Other information requested through the application system
Academic documents that are not in English must meet the programme’s translation requirements.
Applicants should use the official Mundus MAPP admissions checklist while preparing their documents.
Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose is an important part of the application.
It must be no more than 500 words.
Applicants should explain:
- Why they want to join Mundus MAPP
- Their academic interests
- Relevant academic experience
- Relevant professional experience
- Research interests
- Future career plans
- Why they selected their particular mobility track
Do not turn the statement into a generic essay about wanting to study in Europe.
A stronger statement connects your past experience, public-policy interests, chosen track, and future goals.
The programme also advises applicants to provide an authentic and personal account in their motivation statement, particularly given the widespread use of AI-generated text.
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants need two official recommendation letters.
At least one academic reference is strongly recommended.
You provide your referees’ details in the online application.
After you submit the application, the system sends each referee a link for uploading the recommendation directly.
Referees normally have seven days after your application submission to upload their letters.
This is an important reason not to submit your own application at the last minute.
References sent separately by ordinary email, post, or fax are not accepted.
Is There a Separate Scholarship Application?
No.
This makes the process relatively straightforward.
Applicants do not submit a second application for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship.
When completing the admission application, you indicate in the Funding section that you want to be considered for financial aid.
To be considered for the EMJM scholarship or other Mundus MAPP financial aid, you must submit your application by the earliest deadline.
Application Deadline for Financial Aid
The key deadline is:
1 December 2026 at 23:59 CET
This deadline applies to candidates who want to be considered for financial aid.
It is also the early application deadline for self-funded applicants.
Scholarship and first-round admission decisions are scheduled to become available through the Applicant Portal on:
14 April 2027
Applicants should confirm the complete timetable on the official Mundus MAPP admissions calendar.
Other Application Deadlines
Candidates who do not want financial aid have later deadlines.
For non-EU/EEA residents applying without financial aid:
15 April 2027 at 23:59 CET
For EU/EEA residents applying without financial aid:
1 July 2027 at 23:59 CET
These later deadlines should not be used by anyone seeking an Erasmus Mundus or institutional scholarship.
For scholarship consideration, 1 December 2026 is the important deadline.
How to Apply
Applications are administered centrally through Central European University Private University.
You cannot apply to Mundus MAPP separately through York, IBEI, or ISS.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Confirm that your degree, GPA, English proficiency, and residence meet the requirements.
Pay particular attention to the restriction affecting Natural Sciences and Engineering Bachelor’s degrees.
Step 2: Compare the Four Study Tracks
Choose between:
CEU PU–IBEI: Global Public Policy
CEU PU–York: European Public Policy
ISS–IBEI: Political Economy and Development
ISS–York: Governance and Development
You may apply to only one.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Collect your academic records, CV, English-language evidence, statement of purpose, and referee information.
Ask your referees early rather than waiting until December.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Complete the relevant application form for your chosen mobility track.
Candidates seeking a scholarship must indicate their interest in financial aid within the application.
There is no separate scholarship form.
When your documents are ready, use the official Mundus MAPP application instructions and application portal.
Step 5: Submit Before the Financial Aid Deadline
Scholarship applicants must submit by:
1 December 2026 at 23:59 CET
Submitting early also gives referees more time to respond to the recommendation request.
Step 6: Monitor the Applicant Portal and Email
Mundus MAPP communicates with applicants through the email address used during registration and through the Applicant Portal.
Check your spam folder as well because automated messages can sometimes be filtered.
Is There an Application Fee?
Applicants to Mundus MAPP do not need to pay the CEU application fee unless they are also applying to other CEU programmes.
That removes one common upfront application expense.
How Are Scholarships Awarded?
EMJM scholarships are competitive.
Only a limited number are available, and Mundus MAPP awards them to the highest-ranked applicants.
Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit.
Therefore, meeting the minimum GPA and language requirements does not guarantee funding.
Your complete application matters.
Academic achievement, relevant background, motivation, track choice, references, and overall suitability can all contribute to the strength of the application.
Can International Students Apply?
Yes.
The programme is open to both European and third-country applicants.
This makes Mundus MAPP a genuinely international programme rather than a scholarship restricted to EU citizens.
Applicants must still satisfy the academic, language, residence, and mobility requirements.
What Will You Study?
The exact curriculum depends on the mobility track.
However, students can encounter subjects such as:
- Public policy analysis
- Microeconomics for public policy
- Macroeconomics
- Quantitative methods
- Qualitative methods
- Comparative public policy
- Governance
- Development economics
- International political economy
- European integration
- Research methods
- Academic and policy writing
The programme also contains practical and research components.
This combination can prepare graduates for careers that require both analytical knowledge and an understanding of how policy works in practice.
Career Opportunities After Mundus MAPP
Graduates can pursue careers across public, international, nonprofit, research, and private-sector organizations.
Potential areas include:
- Government
- Public administration
- International organizations
- European institutions
- NGOs
- Development agencies
- Think tanks
- Research institutes
- Policy consulting
- International civil service
- Advocacy organizations
- Public affairs
The most suitable career path will depend on the student’s specialization, professional experience, and mobility track.
Erasmus Mundus MAPP vs Commonwealth Scholarship
Both can provide substantial support for international Master’s study, but they follow very different structures.
The Commonwealth Scholarship supports eligible candidates from selected Commonwealth countries pursuing Master’s study at UK universities.
Mundus MAPP, by contrast, is a specific two-year joint public-policy programme involving mobility between European institutions.
Students eligible for both should compare the subject area, country requirements, mobility structure, funding conditions, and long-term career goals rather than considering funding alone.
Important Points Before Applying
There are several details applicants can easily overlook.
First, choose your mobility track carefully because you can submit only one track application.
Second, make sure your Bachelor’s discipline is eligible.
Third, check the residence and mobility requirements before investing time in the application.
Applicants seeking funding should also remember that the scholarship deadline comes much earlier than the final self-funded deadlines.
Finally, arrange your recommendation letters and English-language test well in advance.
Common Application Mistakes
Avoid:
- Missing the 1 December financial aid deadline
- Applying to an unsuitable mobility track
- Assuming every academic discipline is eligible
- Ignoring the 3.17/4.0 equivalent GPA requirement
- Submitting an English test below the required score
- Assuming a Master’s degree automatically improves scholarship chances
- Writing a generic statement of purpose
- Exceeding the 500-word statement limit
- Forgetting the physical mobility requirement
- Ignoring the special visa-related rules for ISS tracks
- Contacting referees too late
- Assuming admission automatically means an EMJM scholarship
Careful preparation can prevent avoidable rejection.
Other International Scholarships to Explore
Students comparing fully funded postgraduate opportunities can also read our guide to the Commonwealth Scholarship, which supports eligible students from selected Commonwealth countries pursuing Master’s study in the United Kingdom.
Those considering postgraduate study at Cambridge can explore the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, which provides full-cost support for eligible international students.
Applicants interested in European research opportunities can also review our guide to the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.
Furthermore, applicants interested in higher education policy, research management and institutional development can also explore the MARIHE Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, a multi-country joint Master’s with Erasmus Mundus funding available to selected students.
These options have different eligibility rules and academic purposes, so applicants should compare them according to their own study plans.
Final Thoughts
The Erasmus Mundus MAPP programme is particularly suitable for students who want to build careers around public policy, governance, international development, political economy, or international organizations.
Its mobility structure gives students experience in two European countries, while the four study tracks allow applicants to choose a specialization that fits their goals.
For scholarship recipients, the financial package is substantial. It includes a full tuition-fee waiver and a contribution of €1,400 per month for up to 24 months.
Competition for these awards is strong, however. Applicants should focus on academic quality, a convincing statement of purpose, appropriate track selection, and strong recommendations.
For the 2027–2029 cohort, candidates seeking financial aid must apply by 1 December 2026 at 23:59 CET.
Before submitting, make a final check against the official Mundus MAPP application guidance.
Last verified: September 2026
Pathfinderly provides scholarship information for educational purposes. Scholarship amounts, deadlines, admission requirements, mobility rules, tuition fees, and application procedures can change. Always verify current information through the official Mundus MAPP website before applying.