In this Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page you can find answers to some of the most asked questions in relation to the MERGED programme.
APPLICATION
Question: When will the next Call for Applications be open?
Answer: Non-EU applicants can submit their applications from 15 November.
Deadline for citizens from any country not mentioned below: 15 January
Deadline for citizens from EU, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland: 1 March
Question: How do I apply for the programme?
Answer: You apply for admission via the online application portal, DANS. A link to the application portal is available when the call for application opens.
Please follow the instructions carefully and submit all required documents.
Question: How do I submit the recommendation letters?
Answer: You upload the recommendation letters to the application portal when you fill out your application.
Question: What are the requirements for recommendation letters?
Answer: Please upload two letters of recommendation. At least one of the letters must be from an academic contact (teacher, supervisor). The recommendation letters must be written on office stationery paper with a letterhead. The recommendation must show the referee’s full contact information, i.e. Name, address, e-mail address, telephone or skype number.
Question: What are the requirements for the motivation letter?
Answer: Upload a short explanation of approximately 500 words as to why you have chosen to apply for admission to the EMJM in Global Environment and Development and why you have prioritized the selected mobility track(s). You may also elaborate on your planned career path upon completing the Master’s.
Question: Is it possible to apply to more than one Erasmus Mundus programme?
Answer: Yes, however you have be aware of the specific academic requirements and profiles of each programme.
Information on Erasmus Mundus programmes: https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-catalogue_en
Question: Being from within the European Union and granted a programme country scholarship, can I be enrolled at a university in my home country for the first or second academic year?
Answer: Scholarship holders are obliged to spend at least two semesters (half a year) in at least two different countries, not being the country of residence at the time of enrolment.
This implies that if you, for example, are a scholarship holder residing in Italy at the time of enrolment, you must choose the following study track: Copenhagen – Warsaw
This also implies that if you are residing in Denmark at the time of enrolment, you cannot be granted a scholarship since you will not be able to fulfil the mobility requirement.
Question: Is it possible to apply as a part-time student?
Answer: No, all Erasmus Mundus students must study full-time.
Question: Can I apply if I already hold an Erasmus Mundus degree?
Answer: It is only possible to obtain an Erasmus Mundus scholarship once, but you are welcome to apply as a self-financed student.
Question: Can I apply to an Erasmus Mundus programme if I already hold an MSc degree?
Answer: Yes, it is possible to apply. However, to meet the application requirements, you will have to upload your BSc/BA transcript and certificate. Your MSc is not taken into consideration in the assessment for admission.
Question: Is it necessary to submit a Language Proficiency Test if English was the language/medium of instruction during my undergraduate studies?
Answer: English as a Medium of Instruction is not acceptable proof of English proficiency. Please read about the language requirements for Global Environment and Development: https://merged.info/index.php/admission/
Question: I have previously taken an English test; can I use this as part of my application?
Answer: The IELTS and TOEFL results are only valid if they are not older than two years counted from the application deadline. There is no limitation for validity for the Cambridge tests. Other language tests are not accepted.
Please read about the language requirements for Global Environment and Development: https://merged.info/index.php/admission/
Question: Can I send the language test results after the submission deadline?
Answer: No, the language test result must be submitted by the application deadline.
Question: I will not receive my BSc diploma before the deadline for submission expires; can I send my diploma after graduation?
Answer: Yes, in this case, you must document that you have completed your bachelor’s degree as soon as possible and no later than 20 September.
Question: What kind of certification is required?
Answer: Your documents must have an original stamp and a signature verifying the True Copy. Typically, your university can assist you in certifying your documents. Otherwise, we also accept signatures by embassies and official representatives or public offices, e.g. police stations. The document must carry an official stamp and a signature, or we must be able to verify the documentation online.
Question: When will I get the result of my application?
Answer:
Non-EU applicants: From late February to mid-March.
EU/EAA applicants: From late April to primo May.
You will be informed of the result of your application regarding admission as well as the Erasmus Mundus scholarship through the application portal. If you receive an offer of admission (and scholarship), you will have one week to accept the offer through the application portal.
Question: What is the assessment procedure with regard to Erasmus Mundus scholarships?
Answer: Each assessment category (i.e. academic excellence, recommendations, relevant work experience, and personal motivation) is allocated a grade between 0 and 5. A final application grade is obtained using a weighting system whereby 60% of the final grade is allocated to academic potential, 10% to each of the categories recommendations and relevant work experience, and finally 20% to personal motivation.
Question: Can I file a complaint?
Answer: If you believe that standard MERGED assessment procedures have not been adhered to in relation to your application, you must notify the MERGED Secretariat no later than two weeks after receiving your letter of rejection.
Question: Will the submitted material be returned to me?
Answer: No, the submitted material is never returned. It is shredded or filed (for accepted students).
Question: Will I receive academic feedback on my application?
Answer: Due to the high number of applications, we cannot provide academic feedback on your application.
ECONOMY
Question: How much money does an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship include?
Answer: The Erasmus Mundus scholarship amounts to 33,600 EUR. 1400 EUR per month for up to 24 months. Please see the scholarship section.
Question: When do I receive the first instalment?
Answer: You will receive the first instalment only upon arrival at the University of Copenhagen. Instalments are not transferred prior to departure.
Question: Are there any other sources of funding available?
Answer: On the MERGED website, you will, at some point, be able to find a compiled list of relevant alternative sources of funding.
Question: Can I get accepted as a self-financed student?
Answer: If the MERGED Commission assesses your application positively, you can pay the tuition fee and join the programme without a scholarship.
The tuition fee depends on your nationality.
For Non-EU students, the tuition fee amounts to € 18,000 for the two-year master’s programme.
For students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland, it is free to join the two-year master’s programme.
Question: As a Non-EU student, when do I have to pay the tuition fee?
Answer: The payment deadlines are:
-1st semester: 15 April
-2nd semester: 15 January
-3rd semester: 15 August
-4th semester: 15 January
Please note that tuition fees are not refunded after 1 August. After this date, only a failed visa application will result in a refund of your tuition fee.
Question: What will be the estimated costs of living in Europe?
Answer: Monthly living expenses include rent and utilities, internet and phone subscriptions, food and household supplies, local transportation, books, and other study material, as well as sports and leisure activities. Living expenses will vary individually depending on the cost of housing and your personal lifestyle choices. Living in Europa is estimated at EUR 1,280-1,800 per month.
Question: I am an American national who has been granted a US Loans. Can I pay the tuition fee with money from the US loan?
Answer: Due to a number of factors, US Loans cannot be used to cover the tuition fee.
PRACTICALITIES
Question: How do I find accommodation?
Answer: Your host institution will assist you in finding accommodation. You will receive information on accommodation along with your letter of admission.
Question: How can non-EU students and scholars obtain a visa to study/conduct academic activities in Europe on an Erasmus Mundus programme?
Answer: Once non-EU students have received a letter of admission from the University of Copenhagen and information on how to apply for a visa, they must apply for a visa.
Instructions on the visa application procedure are available on the websites of the respective host countries. You will receive adequate information from your host universities in due time.
Please note that it is your own responsibility to pay the processing fee for your visa. We cannot make any payments of your scholarship in advance to cover travel, visa fees etc.
Visiting scholars will receive a confirmation letter and, if needed, an invitation letter from their host university.
Question: When can I expect to receive my visa?
Answer: It generally takes 10-12 weeks to process a complete application to Europe. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you start the application process as soon as you receive your admission letter and relevant information on the visa application process. A delay in handing in the complete visa application could add approximately eight weeks to the process.
Question: Who arranges and pays for my travel?
Answer: You have to organize the booking and the cost of travel yourself.