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

Applications are now open for the Erasmus Mundus ILSPSD Scholarship 2027. Through this opportunity, international students can pursue a two-year Master’s programme and study across several European countries.

The International Law of Security, Peace and Sustainable Development (ILSPSD) brings together international law, politics, peace, security and sustainability. As a result, students explore major global challenges from several academic perspectives.

Moreover, successful Erasmus Mundus scholarship recipients receive €1,400 per month for up to 24 months. The total scholarship payments can therefore reach €33,600 over two years. In addition, scholarship recipients are exempt from tuition fees.

International mobility is also an important part of the programme. In fact, students study in at least three countries during the 24-month master’s.

Most importantly, applications for the 2027–2029 intake are currently open. Candidates seeking Erasmus Mundus funding must apply by 4 January 2027 at 23:59 CET.

Erasmus Mundus ILSPSD Scholarship 2027 Overview

What Is the ILSPSD Erasmus Mundus Master?

ILSPSD stands for the International Law of Security, Peace and Sustainable Development.

Today, the world faces several connected challenges. For example, armed conflicts, terrorism, forced migration, climate change, biodiversity loss and democratic instability can affect both peace and sustainable development.

Therefore, ILSPSD uses a multidisciplinary approach to examine these challenges. Rather than concentrating on one subject, the curriculum combines international law, politics, security and sustainability.

Furthermore, six European degree-awarding institutions are involved in the programme. A wider network of 30 associate partners also supports the initiative.

Depending on their academic background, students follow either an LL.M. or M.A. study track. Consequently, understanding the requirements of both routes is important before applying.

Erasmus Mundus ILSPSD Scholarship Amount

Successful Erasmus Mundus scholarship recipients receive €1,400 per month.

Therefore, the maximum scholarship payments over 24 months can be calculated as follows:

€1,400 × 24 months = €33,600

Besides the monthly scholarship, recipients are exempt from tuition fees. In addition, the Erasmus Mundus contribution is intended to support costs related to travel, visas, installation and subsistence.

However, applicants should understand the funding structure correctly. Travel, accommodation and visa expenses should not be treated as separate unlimited payments. Instead, the €1,400 monthly contribution helps students meet these and other eligible living expenses.

How Many ILSPSD Erasmus Mundus Scholarships Are Available?

The official ILSPSD website lists 70 Erasmus Mundus scholarships for the programme.

However, the website presents this as a programme-level figure. It does not clearly state that all 70 scholarships will be awarded exclusively to the 2027–2029 intake.

For this reason, candidates should not assume that 70 funded places are available for this particular cohort. Competition should still be expected.

Where Will ILSPSD Students Study?

International mobility is central to ILSPSD. During the programme, students will study in three or more countries.

Six European institutions participate as degree-awarding partners.

As a result, participants experience different universities, countries and academic systems. At the same time, this mobility can help students develop an international academic and professional network.

ILSPSD Programme Structure

The master’s programme lasts for 24 months. During this period, students move between several partner institutions.

Semester 1: Germany

First, students begin at Leuphana University of Lüneburg in Germany.

At Leuphana, participants follow either the LL.M. or M.A. study track in International Law of Security, Peace and Sustainable Development. In particular, this semester provides an academic foundation for the later stages of the programme.

Semester 2: Spain

Next, students move to the Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals (IBEI) in Spain.

International security becomes an important focus during this stage. In addition, participants can explore related subjects through a multidisciplinary approach.

Semester 3: Specialisation

Afterwards, students can choose one of four specialisation routes.

Each option has a different academic focus. Therefore, candidates should research their preferred pathway carefully.

Moreover, some partner institutions have additional academic or language requirements. Checking these conditions before submitting an application is essential.

Semester 4: Dissertation

Finally, students complete their master’s dissertation.

Independent research is the main academic activity in this semester. Depending on available opportunities, participants may also undertake a work placement.

The programme goes beyond regular classroom teaching. For instance, students can benefit from summer schools, legal clinics, guest lectures and interaction with practitioners.

Who Can Apply for the Erasmus Mundus ILSPSD Scholarship 2027?

Candidates need a recognised undergraduate qualification that provides access to Master’s-level education.

Generally, the previous qualification should correspond to at least 180 ECTS or an equivalent undergraduate degree.

However, holding a bachelor’s degree does not automatically establish eligibility. Previous coursework must also satisfy the academic requirements of the selected pathway.

In particular, candidates need to understand the difference between the LL.M. and M.A. routes.

Academic Requirements for the LL.M. and M.A. Tracks

The academic requirements differ according to the selected study route.

For the M.A. route, relevant subjects can include:

• Law
• Political Science
• International Relations
• European Studies
• War and Security Studies
• Sociology
• Political Economics
• Human Geography
• Other closely related social sciences

Therefore, a bachelor’s degree in law is not necessary for every candidate. Students from several relevant social science disciplines can potentially qualify for the M.A. pathway.

Nevertheless, sufficient relevant coursework is required. For this reason, applicants should examine their academic transcripts carefully before applying.

Additional Requirements for Semester 3

Some Semester 3 pathways have additional entry conditions.

Consequently, candidates should check the requirements for their preferred specialisation before making a final choice.

In other words, choosing a pathway should not depend solely on the country or university a student prefers. Academic compatibility is equally important.

Can Final-Year Bachelor’s Students Apply?

Final-year students should pay particular attention to the graduation requirement.

For Erasmus Mundus scholarship consideration, candidates must have completed their undergraduate studies by the scholarship application deadline.

Meanwhile, different conditions can apply to self-funded applicants who are still completing their degrees. These candidates should review the rules for conditional admission and final degree documents.

Therefore, anyone currently completing a bachelor’s degree should verify whether their graduation date falls before the relevant deadline.

English Language Requirements

English proficiency is required for ILSPSD.

For example, IELTS Academic is one recognised way to demonstrate the required level. Candidates using IELTS must meet the programme’s stated score requirements.

Other approved examinations may also be accepted. Furthermore, some candidates may qualify for an exemption under the programme’s language rules.

Applicants interested in the Brussels specialisation should be particularly careful. Depending on the pathway, French-language evidence may also be required.

Is IELTS Required for the ILSPSD Scholarship?

IELTS is not compulsory for every candidate.

Instead, it is one of the accepted ways to demonstrate English proficiency. Other recognised English tests can also meet the requirement.

Moreover, some candidates can receive an exemption if they meet the official exemption conditions.

Therefore, applicants should verify the language rules before paying for an IELTS examination. Describing ILSPSD simply as a “No IELTS scholarship” would be misleading.

Documents Required for the ILSPSD Application

Candidates should start preparing their documents early.

Depending on individual circumstances, the application can require:

• University entrance qualification or school-leaving certificate
• Bachelor’s degree certificate
• Academic transcripts
• Personal statement
• CV or résumé
• Reference letters
• Proof of English proficiency, where applicable
• French-language evidence, where applicable
• Additional documents required for the selected pathway

In addition, some academic documents may require translation. Preparing early can therefore reduce the risk of missing the deadline.

ILSPSD Personal Statement

The personal statement is an important part of the application.

Above all, candidates should explain why their academic background and future plans fit ILSPSD. A strong statement should also connect previous experiences to the programme’s multidisciplinary focus.

Applicants can address areas such as:

• Motivation for joining ILSPSD
• Relevant academic background
• Research interests
• Career objectives
• Professional interests
• Preferred Semester 3 specialisation
• Reasons for selecting that pathway

Rather than submitting a generic scholarship essay, candidates should explain their individual connection to law, security, peace and sustainable development.

Furthermore, career goals should be clear. Showing how ILSPSD contributes to those goals can strengthen the overall application.

Reference Letters

References also form part of the application.

Ideally, candidates should contact potential referees well before the deadline. This approach allows each referee enough time to prepare a meaningful recommendation.

In addition, applicants should follow the official instructions for submitting references. Waiting until the final days can create avoidable problems.

How to Apply for the Erasmus Mundus ILSPSD Scholarship 2027

The application process is completed online.

First, review the official entry requirements.

Next, determine whether the LL.M. or M.A. route matches your academic background.

After that, check the requirements for your preferred Semester 3 specialisation.

Then, prepare your academic certificates, transcripts and language evidence.

Meanwhile, contact your referees and begin preparing your personal statement.

Once the documents are ready, complete the online application and select the relevant study pathways.

Importantly, indicate that you want to be considered for Erasmus Mundus funding.

Finally, please upload the required documents, review the information carefully, and submit the application before 4 January 2027 at 23:59 CET.

Whenever possible, apply several days before the deadline. That way, there is still time to resolve technical or document-related problems.

Is a Separate Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Application Required?

No separate scholarship application is required.

Instead, candidates apply to ILSPSD and indicate that they want to be considered for Erasmus Mundus funding.

Consequently, candidates seeking funding must submit the programme application by the scholarship deadline.

ILSPSD Application and Selection Timeline

Clearly, 4 January 2027 is the key deadline for scholarship candidates.

Self-funded applicants have more time. In contrast, their application deadline is 31 March 2027 at 23:59 CEST.

ILSPSD Selection Criteria

Admission and scholarship selection are competitive.

Although meeting the minimum requirements is necessary, eligibility alone does not guarantee selection. The overall quality of the application also matters.

Selection can consider factors such as:

• Academic performance
• Relevance of previous studies
• Preparation for the chosen pathway
• Quality of the personal statement
• Research interests
• Career objectives
• Language preparation
• References
• Overall fit with ILSPSD

Furthermore, shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview.

For this reason, applicants should present a coherent profile across all parts of the application.

Can Applicants From Any Country Apply?

Yes. Applicants of all nationalities can apply, provided they meet the programme requirements.

For example, qualified candidates from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America and the Middle East can apply.

However, nationality does not replace academic eligibility. Every candidate must still meet the relevant degree, subject and language conditions.

Do You Need a Law Degree?

Not necessarily.

The LL.M. route requires substantial previous study in law. On the other hand, the M.A. pathway accepts relevant preparation in political science, international relations and other specified social sciences.

Therefore, candidates should examine their transcripts rather than relying solely on the title of their bachelor’s degree.

Can Someone With a Master’s Degree Apply?

Yes. A previous master’s degree does not automatically prevent someone from applying.

Nevertheless, the candidate must still meet the other admission and scholarship requirements.

In addition, someone who already holds a master’s degree should clearly explain why ILSPSD represents a logical next step.

Is There an Age Limit?

The official programme information does not specify a general age limit for ILSPSD.

Instead, eligibility focuses mainly on academic qualifications, relevant previous studies, language proficiency and other programme requirements.

Therefore, prospective candidates should focus on ensuring that their academic profiles meet the admission criteria.

Career Opportunities After ILSPSD

ILSPSD prepares graduates for careers connected to international law, security, peace, public policy and sustainable development.

For example, graduates may pursue opportunities in:

• United Nations agencies
• European Union institutions
• International organisations
• Government ministries
• International courts
• NGOs
• Think tanks
• Policy organisations
• Research institutions
• International development organisations

Alternatively, graduates interested in research can continue to doctoral studies.

Why Consider the Erasmus Mundus ILSPSD Scholarship?

Several features make ILSPSD attractive to international students.

First, successful candidates receive €1,400 per month for up to 24 months.

Second, scholarship recipients are exempt from tuition fees.

Third, students gain experience in several European countries.

Moreover, the programme combines law, security, politics, peace and sustainability.

Finally, participants become part of an international network of universities, academics, practitioners and fellow students.

For these reasons, the Erasmus Mundus ILSPSD Scholarship 2027 is worth considering for candidates whose backgrounds match the programme.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Erasmus Mundus ILSPSD Scholarship open for 2027?

Yes. Applications for the 2027–2029 intake are currently open. However, candidates seeking Erasmus Mundus funding must submit their applications by 4 January 2027 at 23:59 CET.

How much is the ILSPSD scholarship?

Successful recipients receive €1,400 per month for up to 24 months. Therefore, the total scholarship payments can reach €33,600.

Does the scholarship cover tuition fees?

Yes. In addition to receiving the monthly contribution, Erasmus Mundus scholarship recipients are exempt from tuition fees.

What is the ILSPSD Scholarship 2027 deadline?

The Erasmus Mundus scholarship deadline is 4 January 2027 at 23:59 CET. Meanwhile, self-funded candidates can apply until 31 March 2027 at 23:59 CEST.

Can international students apply?

Yes. Candidates of all nationalities can apply. Nevertheless, everyone must meet the relevant academic and language requirements.

Is IELTS compulsory?

Not for every candidate. Although IELTS Academic is accepted, other recognised evidence can also meet the English requirement. Moreover, exemptions may apply in specific circumstances.

Can I apply without a law degree?

Potentially, yes. While the LL.M. route requires substantial law coursework, the M.A. pathway accepts several relevant social science backgrounds.

Is there an age limit?

No general age limit is stated in the programme information. Instead, eligibility is based on academic, language and programme-specific requirements.

Do I need a separate scholarship application?

No. Rather than submitting two separate applications, candidates indicate their interest in Erasmus Mundus funding during the ILSPSD application process.

Where will students study?

Participants study in at least three countries. Depending on the selected pathway, study locations can include Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Portugal and Estonia.

Final Advice for Applicants

Before applying, check your academic eligibility carefully.

First, determine whether your previous coursework fits the LL.M. or M.A. pathway. Next, check the additional requirements for your preferred Semester 3 specialisation.

Afterwards, prepare your academic certificates, transcripts, CV, personal statement, references and language evidence.

Most importantly, avoid waiting until the final day. Submitting early provides extra time to correct missing documents or resolve technical problems.

The Erasmus Mundus scholarship deadline is 4 January 2027 at 23:59 CET.

Official Links

Official ILSPSD Programme:
https://master-international-law-erasmusmundus.eu/

Official ILSPSD Application Guide:
https://master-international-law-erasmusmundus.eu/step-by-step-application-guide/