Applications are open for Mundus MAPP, a two-year public policy master’s taught across two European countries by four partner universities. For funding applicants, the key date is 1 December, the deadline for applicants who wish to be considered for financial aid and the early deadline for self-funded applications.
The consortium is Central European University in Vienna, the International Institute of Social Studies in The Hague, IBEI in Barcelona, and the University of York. Admissions are handled centrally by Central European University, so you cannot apply through any other partner university.
A degree shaped by your track choice
Mundus MAPP is a joint degree, which means your two years are split between two partner institutions rather than spent at one university. Each pairing is called a mobility track, and each track has its own specialisation. You may apply to only one track, so compare them against the work you want to do afterwards.
At a glance
| Detail | What the official pages state |
|---|---|
| Programme | Two-year master’s in public policy (Mundus MAPP) |
| Partners | Central European University (Vienna), International Institute of Social Studies (The Hague), IBEI (Barcelona), University of York |
| Financial-aid deadline | 1 December |
| EMJM scholarship | €1,400 per month for 24 months, up to €33,600, plus a full tuition-fee waiver |
| Institutional Scholarship | One per track; 50% tuition-fee waiver, no stipend |
| Who can apply | Applicants from within and outside the EU |
| Application fee | None for this programme alone |
The four mobility tracks
The four tracks are:
- CEU–IBEI track: Global Public Policy
- CEU–York track: European Public Policy
- ISS–IBEI track: Political Economy and Development
- ISS–York track: Governance and Development
What the funding covers, and what it does not
The Erasmus Mundus scholarship, known as the EMJM scholarship, goes to a limited number of the highest-ranked applicants for the full 24 months. It pays €1,400 per month, up to €33,600, toward travel, visa, installation and living costs, plus a full tuition-fee waiver.
The consortium also offers one Institutional Scholarship per track: a 50% tuition-fee waiver at both institutions, with no stipend. Only a small number of top candidates receive any scholarship, so applicants are strongly encouraged to seek external funding too. An EMJM holder cannot hold another EU-funded scholarship for the same or another EMJM master’s during enrolment, and anyone who has already held an EMJM scholarship cannot apply for another one.
Just as important is what the EMJM scholarship does not pay for: a study visit in the first year costing roughly €600 to €1,000, a winter school in the second year at a similar cost, and travel and visa costs to the consortium countries or your second-year university. Budget for these from the start.
Check yourself before you apply
You are a strong fit if you hold a bachelor’s degree, or are finishing one, with English ability at the required level. The official checklist asks for an English translation of your transcript and diploma, or, if you are still studying, an official document confirming you are expected to finish by 15 August before the programme starts. Two recommendation letters are required, preferably at least one from an academic referee.
The English rules are detailed, so check them against your own situation. Citizens of listed countries with a degree taught exclusively in English need no language certificate, and some other applicants may request a waiver on similar grounds. Everyone else must provide a test score, such as IELTS Academic 7 or above, TOEFL iBT 95 or above, or Duolingo 130 or above.
Do not apply in this round if you cannot meet the 1 December deadline with complete documents; late test scores are not permitted. Think twice too if you need full funding but have no backup plan, or cannot cover the costs the scholarship excludes.
How to build a competitive application
There is no separate scholarship form: you indicate your interest in a scholarship inside the main application form, so every part of that form carries weight. Your statement of purpose is limited to 500 words and must cover your reasons for applying, your research interests, relevant experience and future career plans, while naming your chosen track. References deserve early attention: your two referees receive upload links shortly after you submit, their letters are due within seven days, and portal messages can land in spam folders.
How to apply
Follow these steps in order, and double-check your track before submitting, since you may apply to only one.
- Choose one mobility track that matches your specialisation interests.
- Prepare your translated transcript and diploma, CV, 500-word statement, and English evidence if required.
- Contact your two referees early and confirm availability within seven days of submission.
- Complete the online form through Central European University, indicating your scholarship interest.
- Submit before 1 December, then track your referees’ letters in the applicant portal.
What happens after you apply
Applications are assessed jointly by the four consortium universities, and results are published in the applicant portal. You may appeal by the stated deadline, but restating information from your original application is not accepted as grounds, and rejections are overturned only on procedural grounds. The consortium also generally offers no deferrals for applicants who cannot arrive at the start of term for visa or financial reasons. Students comparing funded master’s options may also want to read about the Erasmus Mundus NOHA scholarship in humanitarian action and Commonwealth Shared Scholarships in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Who can apply for Mundus MAPP?
A: The EMJM scholarship is offered to outstanding applicants from within and outside the EU, and applicants need a bachelor’s degree or to be finishing one.
Q: How much is the EMJM scholarship worth?
A: €1,400 per month for 24 months, up to €33,600, plus a full tuition-fee waiver.
Q: What costs does the scholarship not cover?
A: The study visit, the winter school, and travel and visa costs to the consortium countries or your second-year university.
Q: What is the deadline for financial-aid applicants?
A: 1 December, which is also the early deadline for self-funded applications.
Who can apply for Mundus MAPP?
The EMJM scholarship is offered to outstanding applicants from within and outside the EU, and applicants need a bachelor’s degree or to be finishing one.
How much is the EMJM scholarship worth?
€1,400 per month for 24 months, up to €33,600, plus a full tuition-fee waiver.
What costs does the scholarship not cover?
The study visit, the winter school, and travel and visa costs to the consortium countries or your second-year university.
What is the deadline for financial-aid applicants?
1 December, which is also the early deadline for self-funded applications.
