University of Groningen - Erasmus Mundus / University of Groningen - Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarship (Religious Diversity in a Globalised World)

What the scholarship gives you

You get a full tuition waiver (no course fees) plus 1,400 EUR per month for up to 24 months. This money covers your living costs, travel, visa, insurance and settling in. The award funds a two-year international research master's (120 ECTS) called Religious Diversity in a Globalised World (ReD Global). The University of Groningen in the Netherlands leads it, and the European Union pays for it through Erasmus+. You study in several countries: your first semester in Groningen, your second in Córdoba (Spain) or Coimbra (Portugal), your third at a partner university in Europe or Latin America, and your final semester writing your thesis. Teaching is in English. You graduate with a double degree in Theology and Religious Studies.

Important: for the current round (studies starting 1 September 2027) there are no Erasmus Mundus scholarships, only self-funded places. The programme is working to secure funding for later groups of students, with updates expected in summer 2027. The details below describe how the scholarship works when a group of students has it.

Who can apply

• Degree: You hold a bachelor's in theology, religious studies, another humanities subject (such as philosophy or Middle Eastern studies) or a social science (such as sociology, anthropology, psychology or political science). From another field, you need at least 30 ECTS in theology, religious studies or a related area.
• Grades: You have an average of at least 7.5 on a 1 to 10 scale in your second- and third-year bachelor courses.
• English: You prove your English, for example with IELTS Academic 7.0 (at least 6.5 in each part) or TOEFL iBT 95.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply. Some scholarships are reserved for applicants from specific countries on the Erasmus+ list.
• No double funding: You cannot take this scholarship if you already hold an Erasmus Mundus master's or doctoral scholarship, or another EU grant at the same time.

How to apply

You apply through the online form on the programme's website and tick the box to be considered for a scholarship. A committee reviews your documents, and shortlisted applicants are invited to a compulsory interview. When scholarships are available, the deadline is 15 January, and results are sent from mid-April. If two applicants rank equally, priority goes to those who can show they need the money financially.

How realistic are your chances?

When offered, these scholarships are fully EU-funded and cover both fees and living costs, so they are attractive and contested across all nationalities. The specific subject background and the 7.5 grade average narrow the field. A well-matched applicant with a strong religious-studies profile and a clear motivation has genuine prospects. Note that no scholarships are on offer for the 2027 start, so watch for the update in summer 2027 before counting on funding.