Fully funded master's in Europe: 37 new programmes open doors for Bangladeshi students too

A new opportunity has opened up for Bangladeshi students to pursue a fully funded master's degree in Europe. Thirty-seven new joint master's programmes have been selected under the European Union's Erasmus Mundus programme, offering merit-based full scholarships.

The European Commission announced the selection of the new programmes on 16 July. Applications for the courses starting in September 2027 are to be accepted from autumn 2026, though each course has its own application deadline.

The new courses cover subjects including artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor technology, medical image analysis, animation, water and environmental management, nano-engineering and infectious diseases.

Meanwhile, applications have already opened for the 2027–29 academic year of the existing Erasmus Mundus ‘Euroculture Joint Master’ programme. Full scholarship applications for this course can be submitted until 15 January 2027.

The Erasmus Mundus scholarship covers tuition as well as financial support for travel, visas and living costs. Selected students generally receive a monthly allowance of 1,400 euros, which amounts to 33,600 euros over a two-year course.

The Euroculture scholarship provides a full tuition fee waiver, health insurance and a monthly allowance of 1,400 euros for 24 months.

However, not all courses offer the same kind of scholarship or deadline, and admission to a university does not guarantee a scholarship.

Bangladeshi students who have completed a bachelor's degree from a recognised university can apply. Some regular Erasmus Mundus courses also allow final-year undergraduate students to apply.

For the Euroculture scholarship, however, applicants must show proof of having completed their bachelor's degree by 15 January 2027.

Euroculture is mainly suited to students who have studied international relations, political science, sociology, history, culture, mass communication, media and related subjects.

Euroculture requires a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.5, with at least 6.5 in each component, although approved alternative English tests are accepted.

Students who completed their bachelor's or master's degree entirely in English may be exempted from the language test by providing the required proof.

There is no single application portal for Erasmus Mundus. Students must apply directly on the website of their chosen course.

For Euroculture, applicants need academic certificates, transcripts, a CV, proof of English proficiency and a sample of academic writing of at least 2,000 words, along with contact details for two referees. There is no application fee.

The results of the Euroculture scholarship are expected to be announced by the end of March 2027.