```html Fully Funded Erasmus MARIHE Scholarship 2026/28 Opens Applications

Applications are now being accepted for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Scholarship in Research and Innovation in Higher Education (MARIHE) for the 2026/28 academic years. This fully funded program, backed by the European Union, offers a unique opportunity for students worldwide to pursue a Master's degree across seven partner universities located in Austria, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Portugal, China, and India. The deadline for applications is November 23, 2025.

A Pan-Continental Educational Experience

The Erasmus MARIHE program distinguishes itself through its immersive, multi-national structure. Selected candidates will spend each semester at a different partner university, gaining exposure to diverse academic environments and cultural perspectives. The program also incorporates an internship component, providing practical experience in the field. The academic year commences in October 2026 in Austria.

Financial Support and Coverage

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to selected students, covering:

Full Tuition Fees A monthly stipend of EUR 1400 for living expenses Accommodation costs Visa expenses Travel costs Study and research activities

Participating Universities

The MARIHE program is a collaborative effort between the following institutions:

University for Continuing Education Krems /Austria (coordinating institution) – UWK Tampere University /Finland – TAU Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück /Germany – UASOE Eötvös Loránd University /Hungary – ELTE University of Aveiro /Portugal – UA Beijing Normal University /China – BNU Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology /India – TIET

Program Structure

The program's structure is as follows:

1st Semester: UWK (Austria) 2nd Semester: TAU (Finland) Internship and 3rd Semester 4th Semester: At TAU (Finland), UASO (Germany), UWK (Austria), ELTE (Hungary), UA (Portugal), BNU (China), or TIET (India)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Hold a first university degree (e.g., Bachelor’s). Demonstrate a strong motivation and interest in research and innovation in higher education. Possess sufficient English language proficiency, evidenced by an accepted test certificate.

Accepted English Language Tests and Minimum Scores:

TOEFL iBT: 92 IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall (with no band below 5.5) PTE Academic: 62 Cambridge English C1 Advanced (CAE): Grade C Cambridge English C2 Proficiency (CPE): Grade C1

Exemption from the English language test is granted to applicants who have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, or full secondary education in English in specific countries (EU/EEA, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, or the US).

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

Application Form Copy of passport / personal identification card Curriculum Vitae (CV) (Europass format) Letter of Motivation (LoM) University diplomas/degree certificates Transcripts of records Proof of proficiency in the English language (Certificate or Exemption Proof) Two letters of recommendation Essay

Application Process

Interested candidates must apply online through the official website.

Historical Context and the Importance of International Education

The Erasmus Mundus program, established in 2004 and now part of the broader Erasmus+ program, represents a significant investment in international education and academic mobility. Dr. Anya Sharma, an education policy analyst at the Institute for Global Education, notes, "Programs like Erasmus Mundus play a crucial role in fostering cross-cultural understanding and developing a globally competent workforce. By providing opportunities for students to study and collaborate across borders, these initiatives contribute to innovation and address pressing global challenges." Historically, scholarship programs have been instrumental in democratizing access to higher education and promoting social mobility, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds. The Erasmus program builds on this legacy by specifically targeting international collaboration and fostering a sense of European identity.

Expert Perspective on the MARIHE Program

Professor Klaus Schmidt, a specialist in Higher Education Management at the University of Heidelberg, emphasizes the unique value of the MARIHE program. “The focus on research and innovation within the higher education sector is particularly timely. Universities are facing increasing pressure to adapt to changing societal needs and technological advancements. The MARIHE program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead and manage these transformations effectively.” Professor Schmidt also highlights the importance of the program's international structure. “Experiencing different educational systems and cultural contexts is invaluable for developing a global perspective and fostering innovative thinking.”

For further details and to access the online application portal, visit the official Erasmus Mundus MARIHE program website. ```