EU Offers South Africans R28k Monthly Scholarship to Study in Europe in 2027

• The European Union funds the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship, covering tuition and offering a monthly living allowance
• South Africans are eligible to apply, with the application window opening in October and closing in January each year
• Applicants can apply to up to three programmes per year, with studies taking place across multiple European universities

The European Union is offering students from around the world, including South Africa, the chance to study at top European universities through the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship. It comes with a monthly allowance of up to €1,400 (roughly R28,700) for the 2027 intake.

The scholarship is funded through the EU's Erasmus+ programme and covers a fully funded master's degree. Successful applicants receive full tuition coverage, travel costs, visa assistance, and a monthly living allowance for up to 24 months.

The programme, formerly known as the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM), runs for one to two academic years, with graduates earning between 60 and 120 ECTS credits. Studies are spread across at least three universities in at least three different countries, with students receiving an internationally recognised joint or multiple degree upon completion.

Read also

Gauteng Debt Relief Scheme lets motorists pay vehicle licence arrears in instalments

Programmes typically include periods of study, research, traineeship, and thesis preparation. Nearly 50,000 students have participated in the programme since it launched in 2004. There is no central application portal. Students apply directly to whichever programme suits their field of study. A course catalogue is available through the official Erasmus+ website, listing all eligible programmes and their individual requirements.

How to qualify for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship

To qualify, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or be in their final year of undergraduate studies at the time of applying. Those who can demonstrate an equivalent level of learning, officially recognised in their country, may also be considered.

The application window for most programmes runs from October to January, with courses set to begin in September 2027. Each applicant may apply to a maximum of three programmes per year. For South Africans looking to study abroad without the financial burden, this scholarship removes most of the cost barriers. The Erasmus Mundus Association also offers additional support resources, including contact details for programme coordinators and stories from past recipients to guide prospective applicants through the process.

Other Briefly News stories about academic plugs

• TikTok creator Mpendulo Sibiya (@mpendulo_sibiya) went viral after sharing a detailed breakdown of the 2026 merSETA Internship Programme, alerting unemployed South African graduates aged 18 to 35 to 48 paid 24-month placements across its Parktown head office and regional branches.
• An internet café owner and education content creator (@g_i_c2024) garnered over 132,000 views on TikTok after alerting matric graduates struggling with university rejections that the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape was still open for late applications without a late fee.
• TikTok creator Mpendulo Sibiya went viral after breaking down the 2026 merSETA Internship Programme, alerting unemployed South African graduates aged 18 to 35 to 48 paid 24-month placements across engineering, ICT, finance, HR, marketing, supply chain, and legal departments.

Source: Briefly News