The European Master in Migration and Intercultural Relations (EMMIR) is a two-year Erasmus Mundus master’s programme jointly run by eight partner universities across Europe, Africa, and Asia. The programme provides a unique opportunity to study migration in diverse cultural, social, and political contexts through an interdisciplinary and intercultural approach. Students spend each semester at a different partner institution and graduate with a joint degree.

Erasmus Mundus is a co-operation and mobility programme in the field of higher education that started in 2004. It aims at enhancing the quality of European higher education and promoting dialogue and understanding between people and cultures through cooperation with third countries. In addition, the programme contributes to the development of human resources and the international cooperation capacity of higher education institutions in third countries by increasing mobility between the European Union and these countries. Students and alumni of Erasmus Mundus programmes are invited to join the Erasmus Mundus Association as members.

Yes. We are currently accepting applicants for Edition 13 (2025-2027). Please visit our Applications page to learn more about deadlines for specific types of applications based on funding.

EMMIR is a four semester (two year) MA programme. Students study together for the first two semesters (semester 1 in Oldenburg, Germany, semester 2 in Stavanger, Norway) and may split up in semester three and four when choosing specialization and topic of master thesis. Learn more here. EMMIR does not offer a PhD programme.

EMMIR is divided into four semesters: Semester 1: University of Oldenburg, Germany Semester 2: University of Stavanger, Norway Semester 3: Focus module and internship at one of the partner institutions in Africa, Asia, or Europe. Semester 4: Thesis research and writing, supervised by faculty from one or more partner universities. Students follow a set mobility path for the first two semesters (Oldenburg, Germany, and Stavanger, Norway). In the third semester, students select a focus module and internship at one of the partner universities, based on their research interests.

Yes, EMMIR is committed to creating an inclusive environment and strives to provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. The partner universities in the consortium have accessibility policies in place, and the EMMIR team works closely with students to ensure their needs are met throughout the programme. The mobility structure of EMMIR, where students study in different countries each semester, may present unique challenges for students with disabilities. However, the EMMIR coordination team is dedicated to supporting students in navigating these transitions. We encourage open communication to proactively address any potential barriers at each institution. If you have specific concerns or questions about accessibility at any partner university, please contact the EMMIR team for more details. If you require accommodations, we encourage you to inform the EMMIR team as soon as possible after admission to the programme. This will allow us to coordinate with partner universities to address your specific needs. Please include details about the type of support or accommodations you may require during the application process or reach out directly to the admissions team. Accommodations may vary depending on your needs and the resources available at each university. Examples include: Accessible housing and classrooms Assistive technologies or software Extended deadlines or alternative formats for assignments Sign language interpretation or note-taking services Adjustments to mobility-based fieldwork or internships

EMMIR combines academic coursework, fieldwork, and practical internships across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Each semester, you study at a different partner institution, immersing yourself in diverse cultural and academic contexts. The program encourages collaboration with peers from around the world, fostering critical thinking, intercultural sensitivity, and hands-on experience in migration studies. The EMMIR program is intensive and requires strong time management. Students are expected to balance academic coursework, group projects, individual research, and extracurricular activities. The program also encourages students to immerse themselves in their host communities and participate in internships and volunteer work. Student life in EMMIR is dynamic and varies depending on your location. Students form a close-knit cohort, creating strong support networks as they navigate new environments together. Each partner university offers unique cultural, academic, and social experiences. You’ll have opportunities to participate in local events, student activities, and community projects, providing a rich, immersive experience beyond the classroom.

EMMIR equips students with theoretical, methodological, and practical skills through coursework, fieldwork, and internships. Graduates leave with a joint master’s degree and a global professional network. Alumni work in diverse fields, including migration policy, humanitarian aid, academia, and international organizations like UNHCR, IOM, and Plan International. You can learn more about our graduates' achievements in the 2024 Alumni Tracer Survey results here: https://www.emmir.org/post/2024-alumni-tracer-study-results.

All applicants need to have a degree in a field related to migration studies with a final grade of at least C+ (or equivalent), have knowledge of or professional experience in migration studies and proficiency in two languages including English. You can convert your grades in this webpage of the university: https://uol.de/en/students/recognition/conversion-foreign-grades Once you have converted your final grade average into the German Grading System, the Final Grade Result would correspond to the following: 1 to 1,22 is A 1,23- 1,45 is A- 1,46 to 1,68 is B+ 1,69 to 1,91 is B 1,92 to 2,14 is B 2,15 to 2,37 is C+. EMMIR requires an average of at least C+

EMMIR usually holds an application call every year. If you have not been accepted, we encourage you to apply again next time. In the meantime, work on building your CV, editing your Statement of Purpose, and increasing your chances of acceptance for next time.

Applications are submitted via the eMundus platform. You will need to create an account, complete the online application form, and upload required documents, including your CV, transcripts, degree certificates, personal statement, and reference letters. Please follow instructions as outlined in the applications section.

Since 2011, EMMIR admits students. The first semester starts on the first of September.

Yes, EMMIR scholarships are competitive, as all applicants are ranked using the same criteria. If you are not awarded a scholarship, we encourage you to consider applying for a self-funded, non-fee-paying study place.

Please find the link to the online application form in the applications section. You can apply for a study place and a scholarship at the same time; after that deadline you can only apply as a fee paying self funded candidate for EMMIR.

No. We are unable to accept any documents send to us by email.

Please see the applications section.

Please submit your application via the EMundus system as soon as you complete all the necessary documents and have been able to double-check the information you provided. Avoid waiting for the last minute of the deadline date as the platform might experience technical issues that would delay your submission. The EMMIR Team only recognises the time stamp of your submission in the database i.e. if the system registers the time stamp after the 11:59 CET/CEST of the scholarship deadline, you will not be qualified for the scholarship study places. Please also be aware of the time differences between your location and CET/CEST. Submitting earlier than the deadline also gives the EMMIR team enough time to check the application i.e., are all documents uploaded properly in the system, are there any technical issues in the application, which facilitates a more convenient application process.

The application requires the following: CV (Europass format recommended) Bachelor’s degree certificate (or equivalent) Academic transcripts Personal statement Two reference letters (academic and/or professional) Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) If you apply, you should send in all the requested documents via EMundus. Once admitted, please make sure not to send originals but certified true copies. Your application is not valid if a document is missing. Only admitted students will need to send hard copies of their documents, 10 days after they receive an admission notification from the EMMIR Team. Please note: we won't consider any media devices such as CD's, memory sticks, etc.

To strengthen your application: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Emphasize professional, volunteer, or academic experiences related to migration, intercultural relations, or similar fields. Be specific about your contributions and what you learned. Write a compelling personal statement which explains your motivation for applying to EMMIR, your interest in migration studies, and how the programme aligns with your academic and career goals. Include examples of how you’ve engaged with migration-related topics, whether through coursework, independent research, or practical experience. Follow application guidelines! Ensure all documents are complete, formatted as requested, and submitted well before the deadline to allow time for corrections if necessary.

EMMIR requires you to hold a Bachelor's degree. If you are pursuing or you already hold a Master's degree, please explain in the online application form what an EMMIR degree would add to your professional/academic profile. The degree you base your application on needs to be in a field related to migration studies: i.e. Social sciences, History, Cultural studies, Educational sciences, Law, Economics, Development Studies and Journalism. You need to send a document to prove your graduation.

Yes, you can apply as long as you will receive your final grades before the deadline for applications. If you miss the deadline for scholarship or non-fee paying study places, you can still apply for the fee-paying self-funded study place which has a longer deadline. We need to have your final grades before the deadline in order to properly evaluate your application.

It is recommended that your last degree is not older than 5 years. However if your degree is older than five years, you will have to provide convincing reasons in your Statement of Purpose on why you want to go back in academia and the university.

EMMIR is taught in English and all applicants have to prove language proficiency. This may in certain cases be done by requesting an English language proficiency waiver. If you apply for a waiver, please elaborate on your language proficiency and be aware that the consortium might request further prove of language skills. For documentation of language proficiency, please include a copy of your TOEFL (or other) certificate in your application. Besides, all applicants are asked to document knowledge of a second language relevant for migration studies.

Yes, please use the TOEFL Designated Institution Code 3556 (University of Oldenburg) to provide us with your TOEFL results, if applicable.

You can submit your Test Report Form number. We can then use this to verify your score via the IELTS website. A copy of your test report form via application form is required.

Please elaborate on your knowledge in the field of migration studies in the respective section of the online application form. You can demonstrate your knowledge in migration studies by, for example: Providing documentation of any coursework related to migration, intercultural relations, or social sciences. Describing relevant roles in your CV, such as internships or work in NGOs, government agencies, or community organizations dealing with migration or intercultural topics. We consider volunteer, extra-curricular, and activist experiences as relevant. Detailing your familiarity with migration studies, including any independent research, projects, or volunteering efforts in your statement of purpose. Highlighting seminars, workshops, or additional certifications related to migration studies. If you lack formal academic exposure to migration studies, use your personal statement to demonstrate your passion and understanding, supported by extracurricular or professional experiences.

Please send your relevant documents as CERTIFIED TRUE COPIES. Documents which MUST be certified true are your diploma and transcript. What is a certified true copy? A certified true copy is a copy of a document which is certified to be a true copy of the original, thus not edited or forged in any way. Certified true copies are necessary for your application so that we can be sure your documents are real copies. Certification of copies can be done by embassies, the police, a notary public or (state or municipal) administation agency. Documents can be certified as true copies only by someone who has the legal authority to do so. Peolpe who cannot certify your documents as true copies include family members, those living at the same address as you, or those in a relationship with you. For specific details about certified true copies in your country (which we are unable to provide in every instance), please contact: local embassies, police stations, notary publics, your university institutions, or local banks. Applications without certified true copy stamps or signatures (or in instances where these have been falsified) will not be considered for a position within EMMIR. Please note: all the certified documents must be sent by ordinary mail to University of Oldenburg.

EMMIR builds on previous knowledge from a first degree in a related field, such as Social sciences, History, Cultural studies, Educational sciences, Law, Economics, Development Studies and Journalism. Migration studies is an interdisciplinary field and thus we appreciate if our students bring many different skills and knowledge to the table. We welcome all forms of diversity. Thus, if you have studied a seemingly unrelated field you are still welcome to apply to EMMIR as long as you appropriately and convincingly justify why you are changing fields and want to pursue a degree in Migration and Intercultural Relations. It would benefit your application to display knowledge of migration or intercultural relations through other experiences, such as volunteering, internships, or work experience. For those who do not have access to migration studies as a discipline in their higher education institutions, and thus have not been exposed to various social scientific theories that EMMIR builds on, please visit our "Migration 101" page.

Our aim as well as our obligation is to treat all applicants fairly and equally. Due to the high number of applicants, the EMMIR team is unable to discuss individual applications or to do individual consultations with applicants. All queries have to be sent online resp. can only be discussed in our online office hours (technical issues only) and webinars. Both exclusively take place during the application period and will be announced on the website. We do not reply to individual queries but you are welcome to send us questions so that we can prepare and answer the questions during the Webinars. A summary of the Webinar Q&A will published after the session. There will be no recordings due to data and privacy protection laws.

Please wait until you receive your rejection letter. It contains details about appeal procedures and you will need this file for the appeal. According to NHZG §5 (Niedersächsisches Hochschulzulassungsgesetz/Law of Admission to Institutions of Higher Education in Lower Saxony) you may file a lawsuit regarding the decision within four (4) weeks upon receiving the rejection letter. The claim must be made in writing and signed or recorded by the clerk of court (Urkundsbeamte/in), Verwaltungsgericht Oldenburg, Schlossplatz 10, 26122 Oldenburg, Germany. The claim is to be directed against: Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, represented by The President, Ammerländer Heerstraße 114–116, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany.

In previous years, there has been a limit of three applications. However, we have recently (in early 2022) received word from the European Commission that there is currently no limit. However, we strongly request that students serious about studying an Erasmus Mundus programme do not apply for more than three, for the following reasons: Erasmus Mundus study places are highly competitive and your application has to convincingly justify why you want to study that specific programme. If someone applies for many different programmes, it may seem that they are not as serious about studying each individual one. Many applications crowd the online application system, causing delays. Programmes may face issues if they admit multiple highly qualified candidates who all decline the study place because they were accepted into other Erasmus Mundus programmes. Thus, we still recommend that prospective students are very intentional about the programmes they apply to and only apply if they are very motivated to study with that programme.

We will not disclose any rank to the candidates. Our communication is exclusively about study places. If you are initially awarded a fee-paying or a non-fee paying study place that you accept, you would still be notified if a scholarship or a non-fee paying study place becomes available for you. In other words: to accept a non-fee or fee paying study place does not come with the risk that you loose your other option.

Please note: at no stage of the application process any member of the EMMIR team is able to provide you with info on the prospective result of your application. The selection process involves various actors. The final ranking of each applicant is done by the Selection Board (all partner universities are involved plus a student representative) based on all the formal checks plus independent evaluations by two academics from two partner universities. Usuall, already on the next working day after the Selection Board Meeting successful candidates will receive notifications. This is also announced on the website.

EMMIR accepts applications from around the globe; there are no exclusions with regard to nationality or citizenship.

EMMIR does not have special requirements for Chinese students.

Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply to EMMIR. If you require accommodations, we recommend informing the EMMIR team during the application or admission process so we can plan appropriate support. Erasmus Mundus scholarships may include additional funding for accessibility-related needs, such as assistive devices or travel support. When preparing your application, focus on demonstrating your passion for migration studies and how your unique perspective and experiences contribute to the programme. If you foresee accessibility needs during the mobility phases, rest assured that we will work with you to assess and address them at each partner institution. For more information about accessibility support, feel free to contact the EMMIR team or the disability services offices of the partner universities. We are here to ensure that the programme is accessible to everyone who wishes to join.

The participation costs cover all obligatory programme activities and health insurance; they do also include the respective hosting university's obligatory registration and student service fees. They do not include room and board as well as other living expenses and travel.

Yes! EMMIR is able to offer scholarships through the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarship funding scheme (EMJM). You can learn more about participation costs and scholarships here. Erasmus Mundus scholarships are available for highly qualified applicants. These scholarships cover tuition fees, travel costs, and a monthly living allowance. Additional funding opportunities, such as Erasmus+ and Promos, may also be available after enrolment. The EMMIR team will support you with scholarship applications, e.g. for national scholarship schemes of your home country or other programmes you are aware of. But the EMMIR team cannot provide you with access to other scholarship schemes. If you need a student visa to enter Germany, non-fee paying (NF) and fee paying (FP) students will have to pay 11,208€ in a blocked bank account (Sperrkonto) for their first year living expenses. Please do not apply as NF or FP student if you do not have access to this amount. Once you have started EMMIR, several scholarship schemes might be available but none of these covers your full monthly expenses.

No, you can receive an Erasmus Mundus scholarship only once. If you have conducted another Erasmus Mundus programme as a self-funded student, you can apply to receive the scholarship in a different programme.

The cost of studying in EMMIR depends on your funding status: Scholarship holders: If awarded an Erasmus Mundus scholarship, your tuition fees are fully covered, and you receive a monthly stipend of €1,400 to cover living expenses. Scholarships also include travel allowances, insurance coverage, and a contribution to installation costs. This financial support is designed to make the programme accessible to students from diverse backgrounds. Non-Fee-Paying Self-Funded Students: If you are admitted as a non-fee-paying self-funded student, you do not pay tuition fees but are responsible for covering your living expenses, travel costs, insurance, and any other related expenses during the programme. Fee-Paying Self-Funded Students: If you are admitted as a fee-paying self-funded student, you must cover the tuition fees of €4,500 per semester in addition to your living expenses and other costs. If you are not awarded a scholarship, there are still funding opportunities available: You may apply for other external scholarships or funding sources in your home country or internationally. Students studying in Germany may qualify for Erasmus+ or PROMOS funding to support mobility within the programme. Some students secure part-time jobs to supplement their income during the programme (see FAQ about working while studying). Please keep in mind the following budgeting considerations: Living costs vary by country and city. On average, students need around €800–€1,200 per month, depending on the location and their lifestyle. Note that visa regulations in countries like Germany may require you to have proof of sufficient financial resources, such as a blocked account with €11,000 deposited, to meet residency requirements. For further guidance on costs and funding, including detailed information on Erasmus Mundus scholarships, visit the Costs and Funding section on the EMMIR website.

Health insurance is covered for ALL students, scholarship holders as well as self-funded students.

Please check with the respective German Embassy where you will have to apply for a German National Visa for Students and inform yourself about the visa process, i.e. the waiting time, documentation needed, and other related verification processes. Very important: check with the Embassy the length of the waiting time to get a visa appointment, and the length of the visa process. In some cases, like for applicants who are citizens of Afghanistan, it takes around 12 months or more for the German Embassy in Islamabad/Pakistan to give a visa appointment plus several more months to process the visa. We recommend that you apply for a visa appointment as soon as possible, i.e. at application stage and before you know the result of your EMMIR application. Once you receive a notification letter from us, please share with us the info on your visa application process. We will try to back you up, although our possibilities to do so are increasingly limited. The EMMIR team aims to monitor visa requirements but can not do so comprehensively. But we would like to alert you that non-fee paying and fee-paying applicants from India (https://aps-india.de/) and Vietnam (https://vietnam.diplo.de/vn-de/willkommen/aktuelles/aps/1236800) with degrees from a university in their home country will have to go through the Academic Evaluation Center (APS) Verification before they can apply for a visa. Please check with the German Embassy if you have to do this – as far as we understand the regulations this does not apply to scholarship students. In EMMIR, we do not necessarily require an English Language Certificate test if certain language waiver conditions apply to you (please find the conditions in this link). However, the APS Verification might require this from you – so please be prepared.

Yes, it is possible to work while studying in the EMMIR programme, but there are important factors to consider. EMMIR is a full-time, rigorous master's programme with demanding academic requirements and mobility across partner universities in different countries. Balancing work and study can be challenging, especially during the intensive first semester, so many students choose to work in later semesters when their schedules are more flexible. If you are studying on a student visa, there are often legal restrictions on how many hours you can work per week. For example, in Germany, student visa holders can usually work up to 20 hours per week during the semester. These rules vary by country, and it is your responsibility to comply with the local visa and work regulations in each country where you will study. Students in EMMIR have found jobs in areas such as research assistance, administrative support, tutoring, or remote freelance work. However, the availability of jobs often depends on your language skills and the local job market. Scholarship holders are not prohibited from working, but the Erasmus Mundus scholarship is designed to cover living expenses, so additional income may not be necessary. While EMMIR does not directly assist in finding employment, partner universities’ career services and local job centers can provide support. If you’re planning to work while studying, we recommend carefully planning your schedule to ensure your job does not interfere with your academic performance or mobility requirements. Balancing work and studies can be rewarding but requires thoughtful consideration. Hear directly from EMMIR students who have worked during the EMMIR programme here: https://www.emmir.org/post/working-while-studying-stories-from-students.