MARIHE Erasmus Mundus Master 2027: A Fully Funded Master's Across Europe and Asia

If you are a student in the Middle East and North Africa dreaming of a fully funded master's degree that carries you across two continents, the MARIHE Erasmus Mundus Master 2027 deserves a place at the top of your list. Officially titled the Master in Research and Innovation in Higher Education, MARIHE is a two-year Erasmus Mundus Joint Master funded by the European Union. It combines full tuition coverage with a generous living scholarship, and it moves students through universities in Austria, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Portugal, China, and India. For MENA applicants who want an international academic profile without the burden of tuition debt, this is one of the strongest opportunities open right now, with applications for the September 2027 intake closing on 21 September 2026 at 10:00 a.m. CEST.

What Is the MARIHE Erasmus Mundus Master?

MARIHE trains a new generation of professionals who understand how universities, research systems, public policy, funding models, and innovation ecosystems actually work. Rather than a narrow technical subject, the programme takes higher education itself as its field of study: governance, leadership, internationalisation, and reform. The degree spans 120 ECTS over four semesters. In the first year, all students study together — the first semester at the University for Continuing Education Krems in Austria, and the second at Tampere University in Finland. In the second year, students follow a specialisation track that includes partners in both Europe and Asia, giving graduates a genuinely comparative view of how education systems differ across regions.

Who Is Eligible — Including MENA and International Applicants

MARIHE is explicitly open to students from all over the world, which means applicants from Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Lebanon, Iraq, Algeria, and across the wider MENA region are welcome to apply on equal footing. You need a first university degree of at least three years of full-time study, equivalent to 180 ECTS — a standard bachelor's degree. The degree can be in any subject; MARIHE accepts applicants from all academic fields. You must also demonstrate English proficiency, for example an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall (no band below 5.5) or an equivalent accepted test. Work experience is not required, though relevant experience in education, research, or policy can strengthen your file. Note that MARIHE does not accept Duolingo or certain other tests, so check the official page for the exact list.

What the Scholarship Funds

The financial package is substantial. Participation costs and tuition fees of €18,000 are covered for every admitted student. On top of that, the Erasmus Mundus scholarship provides €1,400 per month for up to 24 months, a maximum of €33,600, intended to support travel, visa, installation, and living costs throughout your studies. All scholarship holders also receive health and accident insurance meeting the Erasmus Mundus minimum standards. The consortium additionally offers up to two special scholarships per intake (up to €6,000 each) for students from deprived backgrounds or those who are first-in-family to attend university, and Erasmus+ mobility top-ups may be available to self-funded students. One practical caution: the first scholarship payment arrives only after you reach Austria, so you should plan for early visa, travel, and housing costs yourself.

Deadline, Degree Level, and Field

MARIHE is a master's-level programme in the field of higher education research, management, and innovation. The Round 1 application deadline is 21 September 2026 at 10:00 a.m. CEST. Shortlisted candidates are asked to submit a mandatory video in Round 2, with a deadline in December 2026 (check the official page for the exact time). The programme begins in September 2027.

How to Apply, Step by Step

Start by reading the official MARIHE Guidelines for Applicants, which set out document requirements and eligibility rules. Next, review the process and timeline and the admission requirements so you understand every checkpoint. Then prepare your application documents — typically your degree certificate and transcripts, proof of English, a CV, and a motivation statement — and make sure they pass the formal eligibility check, because incomplete applications are rejected. Finally, submit your application online through the MARIHE portal on Evalato before the deadline, and keep an eye on your email (including spam) for shortlisting news. Contact the MARIHE Secretariat rather than individual universities if you have questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Apply?

MARIHE offers a rare Europe-Asia pathway, a fully funded degree, and a career in the fast-growing field of higher education leadership. If that matches your ambitions, begin your application now and give yourself enough time to prepare a strong file before 21 September 2026. Start your MARIHE application here.

Source: MARIHE official programme website — marihe.eu. Verify all figures and dates on the official page before applying.