Applications for the 2026 Erasmus Mundus GEM Scholarship are now open for all international students. The GEM MSc program is a two-year (120 ECTS) international master’s degree delivered by a consortium of European universities.
It aims to produce “top-class graduates from the EU and around the world, with the skills and networks to better manage socio-ecological systems for sustainable and equitable growth.”
The degree focuses on geospatial science (Geographic Information Systems, Earth Observation), spatial modeling, and data analytics applied to environmental, urban, and socio-ecological challenges.
Because it is an EMJM, students typically study in at least two different countries/universities within the consortium.
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Erasmus Mundus GEM Scholarship Summary
| Host Countries | Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, and Estonia |
| Program Name | Global Environment and Sustainability (GEM) Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s |
| Funded By | European Union |
| Eligible Nationalities | All |
| Degree Level | Master’s |
| Scholarship Duration | 2 Years |
| Deadline | 15 January 2026 |
Participating Universities in the Erasmus GEM MSc Scholarship
The programme is delivered jointly by four degree-awarding partner universities:
- University of Twente Faculty of ITC, Netherlands (coordinating partner), Natural resources management.
- Lund University, Sweden: Ecosystems and the environment.
- UCLouvain (University of Louvain), Belgium, Agriculture & land use planning.
- University of Tartu, Estonia, Socio-ecological systems and urban planning.
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Benefits of the Erasmus Mundus GEM Scholarship
Some of the key benefits of choosing GEM include:
- Monthly allowance of €1,400 for up to 24 months
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Full Insurance
- Travel and visa costs
- Laptop
- Other personal expenses
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Available Tracks in the GEM MSc Scholarship
There are four tracks you can elect, each tailored to a specific professional orientation:
- Track 1: Geospatial Planner, first year at University of Tartu (Estonia) & University of Twente (Netherlands). Focuses on geospatial technologies for urban & environmental planning: spatial data analysis, EO, 3D modeling, participatory planning, ecosystem service analysis.
- Track 2: Geospatial Analyst, University of Tartu & UCLouvain (Belgium). Focus: using geospatial data for environmental monitoring and spatial planning.
- Track 3: Geospatial Developer, Lund University (Sweden) & University of Twente (Netherlands). Focuses on developing custom geospatial solutions through programming, geospatial AI, and Earth Observation.
- Track 4: Geospatial Modeler, Lund University (Sweden) & UCLouvain (Belgium). Emphasis on spatial modeling & simulations for complex environmental challenges: GIS programming, geospatial AI, bioscience modeling.
Also Check: Swedish Institute Global Scholarships 2026 in Sweden
Mobility & Study Plan
In year 1, you will be at one partner university; in year 2, you will move to another partner university based on your track selection. Each track includes thematic modules, electives, and internships or fieldwork. The thesis project may be connected to industry or associate partners and real-world challenges.
Eligibility Requirements of the GEM MSc Scholarship
- You must hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognised university; typically a “first or upper second class (2.1) BSc honors degree, or equivalent”.
- You must satisfy English-language proficiency requirements (unless exempt).
- You choose only one track when applying (you cannot apply for multiple).
- For the scholarship applicants, you must not have previously received an EMJMD (Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree) scholarship for the same programme level.
- The programme is open to both EU and non-EU students.
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Required Documents for GEM Scholarship
- Bachelor’s degree certificate (or equivalent)
- Official academic transcripts of records (courses, grades) for your bachelor’s degree
- Proof of English language proficiency (unless exempt), e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) / résumé
- Motivation letter/statement of purpose explaining why you wish to join the GEM program and the chosen track
- A reference to your chosen track (you must specify which track you are applying to; you may need a brief supporting statement of suitability)
- Letters of recommendation
- If applicable: proof of work experience (some preference given) or relevant background
- Upload of scanned copies of all above, and later, if selected, certified hard copies as required
- For scholarship applicants: make sure you have applied before the deadline and meet all scholarship-specific conditions.
Also Check: Erasmus Mundus MAGMa Scholarship 2026 in Europe
How to Apply for the Erasmus Mundus GEM Scholarship
Here are the application steps for GEM:
- Check that you are eligible (see eligibility section above) and choose which track you want. Note: You may only apply to one track.
- Open the online application portal. For example, for the next intake, the portal opens on 1 October 2025 and the deadline is 15 January 2026 (23:59 CET).
- Upload all required documents before the deadline. Late submissions or missing documentation may result in rejection.
- Automatic scholarship consideration: If you apply before the deadline, you are automatically considered for the Erasmus+ EMJMD scholarship.
- After application closing:
- The consortium first checks completeness and eligibility.
- The Joint Program Board selects students based on academic performance, motivation, and track-specific fit, among other factors.
- Once accepted:
- If you receive the scholarship, you accept the offer and send certified documents.
- If self-funding, you pay tuition/fees accordingly.
- Prepare for visa, enrolment, travel, and insurance (especially for non-EU students). The coordinating university (Twente/ITC) handles support for scholarship holders.
Important Dates of the GEM MSc Program
- Application portal opens: 1 October 2025 (00:00 CET)
- Application deadline: 15 January 2026 (23:59 CET)
- Payment deadline:
- Non-EU applicants: 1 June 2026
- EU applicants: 1 July 2026
