Erasmus Mundus EMABG Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Master’s in Europe

Applications are now open for the Erasmus Mundus EMABG Scholarship 2027, a fully funded opportunity for international students interested in animal biodiversity, genetics, genomics, animal breeding and related fields.

The European Master in Animal Biodiversity and Genomics (EMABG) is a two-year Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programme delivered by a consortium of six European universities. Students study at two participating universities, giving them the opportunity to gain academic and research experience in more than one European country.

For the 2027 intake, selected Erasmus Mundus scholarship recipients can receive €1,400 per month for 24 months. In addition, the programme also covers tuition fees and insurance. The scholarship is intended to contribute toward living expenses, accommodation, travel and visa-related costs.

Approximately 15 Erasmus Mundus scholarships are available per intake, making the programme highly competitive.

Applications for the third intake opened on 15 September 2026, while candidates seeking the Erasmus Mundus scholarship must submit their complete applications by 15 January 2027.

Importantly, applicants from all nationalities can apply. Therefore, qualified students from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and other African countries are eligible alongside applicants from other regions.

This guide explains the scholarship benefits, participating universities, study tracks, academic requirements, English-language conditions, required documents, selection criteria and application process.

Erasmus Mundus EMABG Scholarship 2027 at a Glance

What Is the Erasmus Mundus EMABG Programme?

EMABG stands for the European Master in Animal Biodiversity and Genomics.

It is an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master designed for students interested in understanding and applying modern approaches to animal breeding, biodiversity, genetics and genomics.

The programme responds to major developments in animal genetics and breeding. Advances in genomic technologies, bioinformatics, high-throughput biological data and automated animal-recording systems have transformed how researchers understand genetic variation and how breeding programmes operate.

Consequently, modern animal science increasingly requires professionals who can combine biological knowledge with genetics, statistics, genomics and data analysis.

EMABG aims to provide this interdisciplinary training.

Students complete the programme at two European consortium universities, combining international mobility with specialised academic and research training.

Which Universities Participate in EMABG?

The current EMABG consortium consists of six European universities.

Therefore, depending on the selected study track, students can study in countries including Norway, Austria, the Netherlands, Germany, France and Sweden.

This international structure is one of the major features of an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master.

How Does the EMABG Mobility Programme Work?

EMABG is not a programme where students remain at one university throughout the entire Master’s degree.

Instead, students follow a structured mobility track involving participating institutions.

The programme begins at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) in Norway, where students receive foundational training relevant to animal breeding, genetics and genomics.

Afterwards, their academic pathway is determined by the chosen specialisation.

Students can indicate their preferred study tracks during the application process.

EMABG Study Tracks and Specialisations

Applicants can specialise in different areas based on their academic and professional interests.

These pathways allow students to develop specialised knowledge while also maintaining the programme’s broader interdisciplinary focus.

For example, an applicant interested in computational analysis of genomic data may consider the bioinformatics pathway particularly relevant.

Meanwhile, someone interested in preserving genetic diversity among endangered or rare animal populations may prefer the conservation genomics track.

Applicants are required to indicate their three preferred study tracks as part of the application.

What Will You Study?

The exact curriculum depends on the selected mobility track. However, students can encounter areas such as:

• Animal breeding
• Genetics
• Genomics
• Biodiversity
• Quantitative genetics
• Population genetics
• Bioinformatics
• Biostatistics
• Data analysis
• Computational biology
• Conservation genetics
• Animal production
• Animal health and welfare
• Breeding programme design
• Sustainable animal production
• Scientific communication

Some pathways also involve programming and statistical tools.

For example, parts of the curriculum include applications of R programming, statistics, computational biology and analysis of large biological datasets.

Therefore, EMABG combines biological sciences with increasingly important quantitative and computational skills.

Erasmus Mundus EMABG Scholarship Benefits

The Erasmus Mundus scholarship provides substantial financial support throughout the two-year programme.

At €1,400 per month for 24 months, a scholarship recipient can potentially receive:

€1,400 × 24 = €33,600

This monthly support is intended to help cover expenses during the programme.

In addition, the programme covers tuition fees and insurance for Erasmus Mundus scholarship recipients.

Is the EMABG Scholarship Fully Funded?

Yes, EMABG can reasonably be described as a fully funded Erasmus Mundus scholarship because selected scholarship recipients receive the €1,400 monthly scholarship while tuition fees and insurance are covered.

However, understanding how the funding works is important.

The programme states that the scholarship is intended to cover or contribute toward:

• Food
• Accommodation
• Travel
• Visa expenses
• Other living costs

This does not mean that the programme directly books and pays for every individual expense.

Instead, students generally manage many of these expenses using their scholarship funds.

Important Financial Information Before Travelling

International applicants should pay particular attention to the programme’s payment arrangements.

Students may need to pre-finance their travel expenses to the first-year university or the location of the Welcome Course.

Furthermore, scholarship payments are made to the student’s European bank account after arrival.

Therefore, successful applicants should not travel to Europe, assuming that the first scholarship payment will already be available before departure.

Having some initial personal funds can be important for:

• Flight tickets
• Initial transportation
• Temporary accommodation
• Food
• Deposits
• Other expenses before scholarship payments begin

In addition, students are responsible for their own accommodation costs during programme activities such as the Welcome Course, Summer School or Graduation Event.

Who Can Apply for the Erasmus Mundus EMABG Scholarship 2027?

EMABG welcomes qualified applicants regardless of nationality, economic background or social background.

Therefore, applicants from Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, South America and other regions can apply.

However, candidates must satisfy the academic and English-language requirements.

The programme is particularly suitable for students with backgrounds in:

• Animal Science
• Animal Production
• Biology
• Genetics
• Genomics
• Agricultural Sciences
• Veterinary-related biological sciences
• Biotechnology
• Biodiversity
• Bioinformatics
• Related life-science disciplines

Applicants from related fields should ensure that their previous studies contain sufficient relevant coursework.

Academic Requirements

The main academic route is a Bachelor of Science degree equivalent to at least 180 ECTS in Animal Science.

However, graduates from other relevant Bachelor’s programmes may also be eligible.

In that case, applicants should demonstrate appropriate knowledge and skills in relevant areas.

Therefore, having a degree with a different title does not automatically make an applicant ineligible.

What matters is whether the academic content provides adequate preparation for the EMABG curriculum.

Can Biology Graduates Apply?

Yes.

The programme specifically welcomes motivated candidates with backgrounds in animal sciences, biology or related fields, provided they satisfy the academic requirements.

However, biology graduates should examine their transcripts carefully.

A candidate whose Bachelor’s programme includes genetics, genomics, statistics, biodiversity, zoology and related subjects may have stronger alignment than someone whose previous degree contains little relevant preparation.

Can Agriculture Graduates Apply?

Potentially, yes.

Applicants from agricultural programmes can qualify when their previous studies provide the necessary foundation in animal production, genetics, breeding, statistics and related areas.

Therefore, agriculture graduates should not focus only on the name of their degree.

Instead, they should examine the individual courses on their academic transcript and compare them with the EMABG requirements.

Can Veterinary Science Graduates Apply?

Potentially, yes, provided their academic background meets the programme requirements.

Veterinary and animal-health programmes can contain relevant subjects such as anatomy, physiology, genetics, animal production and other biological sciences.

However, eligibility ultimately depends on the applicant’s academic preparation and how well it matches the EMABG admission requirements.

Can African Students Apply?

Yes.

Applicants from African countries can apply for the Erasmus Mundus EMABG Scholarship 2027.

Eligible candidates can therefore come from countries such as:

• Cameroon
• Nigeria
• Ghana
• Kenya
• Uganda
• Rwanda
• Ethiopia
• Tanzania
• South Africa
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
• Malawi
• Botswana
• Senegal
• Sierra Leone
• The Gambia
• Namibia

and other African countries.

However, African applicants should pay particular attention to the programme’s English-language rules, as the exemption system is more specific than simply proving that a previous university degree was taught in English.

Can Cameroonian Students Apply?

Yes.

Qualified applicants from Cameroon can apply for the EMABG programme and the Erasmus Mundus scholarship.

Cameroonian applicants should carefully compare their Bachelor’s coursework with the programme’s academic requirements.

In particular, relevant preparation in areas such as genetics, animal production, biology, statistics, biodiversity or related fields can be important.

Applicants should also verify the specific English-language conditions that apply to their country and intended study track.

English Language Requirements

EMABG is taught in English. Consequently, applicants must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency.

The programme currently accepts a number of recognised tests.

English-language certificates should generally have been taken no more than two years before the application deadline.

Applicants should therefore verify the date of their test before submitting it.

Is IELTS compulsory?

No, IELTS itself is not compulsory because EMABG accepts other approved English-language qualifications.

For example, applicants can potentially use TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency where they meet the required scores.

However, applicants should not describe EMABG as a general “No IELTS/No English Test” scholarship.

The programme has specific English-language requirements.

Who Can Receive an English-Test Exemption?

Applicants who completed their bachelor’s or master’s degree in certain countries may not need to submit a separate English-language test.

The countries currently listed include:

• Australia
• Ireland
• Canada, except applicants educated at universities in Quebec
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• United States of America

Additional conditions apply. For example, the programme must have been conducted completely in English, completed on campus and must not have been part of a double-degree arrangement where part of the programme was conducted in another country.

Furthermore, the consortium retains the right to request an English test from an applicant.

Important English Requirement for African Applicants

African applicants should read the programme’s country-specific guidance carefully.

EMABG directs African applicants to additional information showing which study tracks they can apply for based on the relevant English requirements.

Depending on the country and track, a high school certificate or bachelor’s diploma may count as language evidence under the applicable rules.

However, the programme explicitly states that it cannot generally accept a simple proof that education was conducted in English in countries outside its specified exemption arrangements.

Therefore, African applicants should not assume that an ordinary medium of instruction letter automatically replaces IELTS or TOEFL.

This is especially important because English requirements can affect which mobility track an applicant can follow.

Who Is Not Eligible for an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

Applicants who have already received an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarship are not eligible to receive another EMJM scholarship under the programme’s stated conditions.

Therefore, previous Erasmus Mundus scholarship recipients should examine the rules carefully before applying for funding.

Admission and scholarship eligibility are also separate issues. A person may potentially satisfy academic admission requirements without necessarily receiving an Erasmus Mundus scholarship.

Documents Required for the EMABG Application

The application requires several supporting documents.

Application documents must generally be submitted through the EMABG application database in the required format.

Documents that are not in English should include the required English translation.

Degree Certificate Requirements

Applicants should provide their bachelor’s degree certificate.

Where applicable, candidates may also provide relevant master’s documentation.

The certificate must be issued by the institution that awarded the degree and must meet the programme’s authentication requirements.

If the original document is not in English, applicants should include an English translation as required.

Academic Transcript Requirements

The transcript is particularly important because academic performance and relevant coursework account for a major part of the selection score.

Applicants should provide transcripts covering all years of their programme.

The transcript should show:

• Courses completed
• Grades obtained
• Grading scale
• Average grade where applicable

Therefore, applicants should review their transcript carefully before uploading it.

Certificate of Current Residence

Applicants must also provide evidence of their current residence.

The programme accepts specified forms of evidence, which may include:

• A residence certificate issued according to local registration rules
• A national ID showing the current address
• An ID combined with another qualifying address document
• A certificate from the applicant’s place of employment, study or training

The residence document must satisfy the programme’s date and language requirements.

Curriculum Vitae

EMABG recommends a Europass-style CV.

Applicants should place particular emphasis on relevant academic and professional experiences.

These may include:

• Education
• Internships
• Employment
• Additional training
• Publications
• Research projects
• Bachelor’s thesis
• Master’s thesis where applicable
• Laboratory experience
• Data-analysis skills
• Animal-production experience
• Genetics or genomics experience

A focused CV is more useful than one filled with unrelated information.

Letter of Preferred Study Tracks

Applicants must indicate their three preferred study tracks.

Importantly, this document is not simply another general motivation letter.

Instead, applicants should explain why they are interested in the particular tracks they have selected.

For example, someone interested in conservation genetics could explain why the NMBU–WUR pathway fits their previous training and future goals.

Similarly, an applicant interested in computational genomics could explain the relevance of the NMBU–SLU pathway.

Two Recommendation Letters

Applicants need two recommendation letters from two different people.

Recommenders may include previous professors or employers.

Ideally, choose people who can provide concrete evidence about your academic ability, research potential, professional performance or preparation for EMABG.

A detailed recommendation based on direct experience is usually more useful than a generic letter from someone with an impressive title who barely knows the applicant.

The EMABG Motivation Video

One particularly important feature of the EMABG application is the mandatory motivation video.

Applicants must prepare a video lasting approximately one to two minutes explaining why they are keen to join the programme.

The video must meet the programme’s technical requirements, including the MP4 format and the specified file-size limit.

More importantly, the video is a major administrative requirement.

It accounts for 20% of the selection assessment.

Therefore, applicants should take it seriously.

What Should You Say in the Motivation Video?

The programme specifically wants to understand the applicant’s personal motivation and experience.

Avoid simply repeating general information copied from the EMABG website.

Instead, explain:

• What sparked your interest in the field
• Relevant academic experiences
• Research or professional experiences
• The problem or area you want to work on
• Why EMABG fits your goals
• How your chosen specialisation connects with your background
• What you hope to do after graduation

The video should sound personal, not as if it has been memorised from a generic scholarship template.

Importantly, the programme’s selection guidance explicitly emphasises personal motivation over generic website information or AI-generated material.

How Are EMABG Applicants Selected?

EMABG publishes a particularly useful breakdown of its selection criteria.

The academic component itself considers both academic excellence and the relevance of previous studies.

Therefore, applicants should understand that EMABG does not select candidates solely based on GPA.

How the 50% Academic Score Works

The academic component is divided into:

20% – Academic excellence, including grades and GPA.

30% – Academic relevance, meaning how closely the applicant’s previous coursework matches EMABG.

Relevant courses can include:

• Genetics
• Genomics
• Biostatistics
• Bioinformatics
• Mathematics
• Biodiversity
• Animal breeding

This is important for applicants with related degrees.

A degree title alone does not tell the entire story. The actual courses on your transcript matter substantially.

Why the Motivation Video Matters

The motivation video contributes 20% of the final assessment.

That is a significant proportion.

Consequently, a candidate with excellent grades should not treat the video casually.

The selection committee wants to see personal interest, relevant experience and genuine motivation.

Therefore, your video should connect your past experiences with the specific skills and knowledge you hope to develop through EMABG.

Why Your CV Matters

The CV also contributes 20% of the selection score.

For applicants coming directly from a Bachelor’s degree, the programme recognises that they may not have extensive full-time employment.

Instead, useful experiences may include:

• Internships
• Research projects
• Volunteering related to the field
• Laboratory work
• Farm or animal-production experience
• Academic projects
• Student research
• Relevant training

For candidates with a master’s degree or professional experience, relevant employment and research can also strengthen the application.

Geographic Diversity in Selection

EMABG aims to maintain geographic and cultural diversity within its cohorts.

According to the programme’s selection information, it can select a maximum of two candidates from one country in most cases.

Therefore, applicants are not only competing globally. They may also face strong competition from other applicants from their country.

The selection process also aims to maintain geographical and gender balance while applying equal-opportunity principles.

Does EMABG Conduct Interviews?

No.

The programme currently states that it does not conduct selection interviews.

Consequently, your submitted documents and motivation video are particularly important, as you may not receive an interview later to clarify any weaknesses or unclear points in your application.

Make every part of the initial application count.

How to Apply for the Erasmus Mundus EMABG Scholarship 2027

The application is completed through the official EMABG application system.

Step 1: Check Your Academic Eligibility

First, compare your bachelor’s degree and coursework with the admission requirements.

Pay particular attention to subjects such as genetics, genomics, animal science, biodiversity, statistics, mathematics and bioinformatics.

Step 2: Check the English Requirements

Next, determine which English-language requirement applies to you.

Do this early because obtaining an IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge result can take time.

Step 3: Research the Five Study Tracks

Read about the available mobility pathways and determine which ones best match your interests.

You will eventually need to indicate three preferred tracks.

Step 4: Prepare Your Academic Documents

Gather your degree certificate and complete academic transcripts.

If necessary, arrange the required English translations.

Step 5: Prepare Your CV

Create a focused academic CV that highlights relevant education, research, internships, training and professional experience.

Step 6: Request Recommendation Letters

Contact two appropriate recommenders early.

Allow them enough time to prepare meaningful letters before the deadline.

Step 7: Prepare Your Study Track Letter

Explain why your three selected tracks fit your background and future objectives.

Avoid turning this document into a generic motivation essay.

Step 8: Record Your Motivation Video

Prepare a personal one-to-two-minute video.

Focus on your experiences, motivation and goals rather than repeating information from the programme website.

Step 9: Complete the Online Application

Enter all required information in the official EMABG application database.

Step 10: Upload the Required Documents

The programme only considers complete applications that are submitted through the official application database.

Therefore, please review every uploaded file carefully.

Step 11: Submit by 15 January 2027.

Applicants seeking the Erasmus Mundus scholarship must complete their applications by 15 January 2027.

Do not wait until the final day to upload important documents.

EMABG Application Timeline for 2027

This gives successful international students several months to prepare for visas, travel and relocation after the selection process.

What Happens After You Apply?

The EMABG selection committee assesses complete and eligible applications.

The committee evaluates candidates using the published selection criteria and produces a ranking.

Applicants are expected to receive results around the beginning of March.

Afterwards, selected and reserved-list candidates can begin preparing for visa procedures.

Additional verification by the relevant Erasmus Mundus authorities takes place before final scholarship documentation is issued.

Can Rejected Applicants Appeal?

Yes.

Applicants who believe their application was not treated fairly can use the programme’s formal appeal procedure.

An appeal must be properly justified and submitted using the required form within the specified period after notification.

However, an appeal is intended to address potential procedural or assessment problems. It should not simply be used because an applicant is disappointed with the outcome.

How Competitive Is the EMABG Scholarship?

Competition should be expected to be forceful.

The programme states that it receives a high number of applications for Erasmus Mundus scholarships, but only around 15 scholarships are available per intake.

Furthermore, geographic diversity considerations can limit the number of candidates selected from an individual country.

Therefore, meeting the minimum admission requirements is only the starting point.

Applicants should aim to demonstrate strong academic preparation, relevant coursework, genuine motivation and a clear connection between their background and the programme.

How to Strengthen Your EMABG Application

A competitive application should tell a consistent academic story.

For example:

Animal Science/Biology background → genetics or biodiversity interest → relevant research/internship → EMABG specialisation → future career or research goal

Your transcript, CV, recommendation letters, preferred-track letter and motivation video should reinforce this story.

Moreover, applicants should pay particular attention to the published scoring system.

Since 50% of the assessment relates to academic performance and academic relevance, your application should make your relevant training easy to identify.

Meanwhile, the motivation video and CV together account for another 40%.

Therefore, these components deserve serious preparation.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

1. Assuming Any Science Degree Automatically Qualifies

Applicants from related fields need appropriate preparation in areas relevant to EMABG.

2. Ignoring the English Requirements

Do not wait until December or January before discovering that you need an accepted language test.

3. Assuming an MOI Letter Is Automatically Accepted

The programme has specific rules regarding the English language. A generic medium of instruction letter from any country is not automatically sufficient.

4. Treating the Motivation Video as Unimportant

The video represents 20% of the selection score.

5. Copying the Programme Website Into Your Video

The selection committee specifically wants personal motivation and experience.

6. Using a Generic CV

Highlight experiences related to animal science, biology, genetics, genomics, biodiversity, quantitative methods and other relevant areas.

7. Choosing Study Tracks Randomly

Your preferred tracks should connect logically with your background and goals.

8. Requesting Recommendation Letters at the Last Minute

Strong recommendation letters require time.

9. Assuming the Scholarship Pays Before You Travel

Students may need to pre-finance their initial travel expenses before receiving scholarship payments after arrival.

10. Submitting an Incomplete Application

Only complete applications submitted through the official system are considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Erasmus Mundus EMABG Scholarship 2027?

It is an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarship for the European Master in Animal Biodiversity and Genomics, a two-year international Master’s programme delivered by six European universities.

When did applications open?

Applications for the third intake opened on 15 September 2026.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline to apply for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship is 15 January 2027.

How much is the EMABG scholarship?

Selected scholarship recipients receive €1,400 per month for 24 months.

How much could that amount to over two years?

At €1,400 per month for 24 months, the monthly scholarship payments can total €33,600.

Does the scholarship cover tuition?

Yes. The programme covers tuition fees for scholarship recipients.

Is insurance covered?

Yes. Insurance is covered by the programme.

Does the scholarship cover travel?

The scholarship is intended to contribute toward travel expenses. However, students may need to pre-finance their initial travel before receiving scholarship payments after arrival.

Does it cover accommodation?

The monthly scholarship is intended to support expenses, including accommodation. However, students arrange and pay for their accommodation rather than receiving free housing from the programme.

How many scholarships are available?

The programme indicates that there are around 15 Erasmus Mundus scholarships available per intake.

Can African students apply?

Yes. Qualified applicants from African countries can apply.

Can Cameroonian students apply?

Yes. Eligible Cameroonian candidates can apply.

Can Nigerian students apply?

Yes. Eligible Nigerian candidates can apply.

Can Ghanaian students apply?

Yes. Eligible Ghanaian candidates can apply.

Is IELTS required?

IELTS is one accepted method of demonstrating English proficiency, but it is not the only one. TOEFL and specified Cambridge qualifications are also accepted.

What IELTS score is required?

The current requirement is IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in speaking.

What TOEFL score is required?

The current requirement is a TOEFL iBT score of 92 overall, with at least 23 in speaking.

Can I use a medium of instruction letter instead?

Do not assume that a general MOI letter will be accepted. EMABG has specific country and programme rules regarding English test exemptions.

Can biology graduates apply?

Yes, provided they meet the programme’s relevant academic requirements.

Can agriculture graduates apply?

Potentially, yes, particularly where their coursework provides sufficient preparation in animal science, genetics, breeding, statistics and related subjects.

Can veterinary graduates apply?

Potentially, yes, provided their academic preparation meets the programme requirements.

Do I need recommendation letters?

Yes. Two recommendation letters from two different people are required.

Is there an interview?

The programme currently states that it does not conduct selection interviews.

Is a motivation video required?

Yes. Applicants must submit a one-to-two-minute motivation video, and it contributes 20% of the selection assessment.

Where will I study?

Depending on your mobility track, you can study at participating universities in Norway and another consortium country such as Austria, the Netherlands, Germany, France or Sweden.

Final Advice for Applicants

The Erasmus Mundus EMABG Scholarship 2027 is an excellent opportunity for students interested in the intersection of animal science, biodiversity, genetics, genomics, breeding and quantitative biological research.

With €1,400 per month for 24 months, tuition-fee coverage and insurance, the Erasmus Mundus scholarship provides substantial financial support for successful candidates.

However, funding alone should not be the only reason for applying.

EMABG is a specialised Master’s programme. Therefore, applicants should first determine whether their academic background genuinely fits animal biodiversity, breeding and genomics.

If it does, the published selection criteria provide a valuable roadmap for preparing a competitive application.

Academic performance and relevant coursework account for 50% of the assessment. The motivation video contributes 20%, the CV another 20%, and recommendation letters 10%.

Consequently, every major part of the application matters.

Start early, verify your English-language eligibility, study the five mobility tracks, prepare your recommenders and make your motivation video genuinely personal.

Above all, submit the complete application before 15 January 2027.

Official Links

EMABG Official Programme Website:
https://www.emabg.eu/

EMABG Application Page:
https://www.emabg.eu/application/