Erasmus Mundus IMAPP Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)
Europe remains the global benchmark for advanced research in particle physics, thanks to institutions like CERN, DESY, and major accelerators across the continent. The International Master of Advanced Methods in Particle Physics (IMAPP) ie Erasmus Mundus IMAPP Scholarships stands as one of the most prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) currently available. This fully funded program, two-year program is delivered by a consortium of three leading universities:
- University of Clermont Auvergne (France) – first semester
- TU Dortmund University (Germany) – second semester
- University of Bologna (Italy) – third semester
The fourth semester is reserved for the master’s thesis, which can be carried out at any of the partner institutions, associated research labs, or collaborating organizations (often linked to CERN, LHC experiments, or other high-energy physics facilities).
For the 2026–2028 intake, 18 full Erasmus Mundus scholarships are expected to be awarded (the exact number is confirmed each autumn by the European Commission).
This guide reflects the most recent publicly available information as of January 2026. The official call for applications typically opens in October–November, with the main deadline around mid-March and final results published by the end of March / early April.
Program at a Glance
- Degree awarded: Joint Master’s Degree in Advanced Methods in Particle Physics
- Duration: 24 months (120 ECTS)
- Language of instruction: English
- Mobility path: France → Germany → Italy (+ thesis location flexible)
- Focus: Experimental and theoretical particle physics, data analysis, detector technologies, machine learning in HEP, accelerator physics
- Career paths: PhD programs, research positions at CERN / national labs, data science roles in industry, quantitative finance, tech companies
Scholarship Coverage – Fully Funded Package
The Erasmus Mundus scholarship for Partner Country students (almost everyone outside EU/EEA + UK + few others) includes:
- Full tuition & registration fees (≈ €9,000/year)
- Monthly stipend: €1,400 per month for 24 months = €33,600 total
- One-time installation/travel contribution: €1,000–7,000 (depending on distance from home country)
- Comprehensive health, accident, and repatriation insurance
- No contribution required from the student
Programme Country students (EU/EEA + associated countries) receive a smaller contribution (€1,000/month stipend + tuition coverage).
The stipend is more than sufficient in Clermont-Ferrand, Dortmund, and Bologna (realistic monthly cost of living €800–1,200).
Also apply for:
Eligibility Criteria
Basic requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in physics, mathematics, engineering, or closely related field (180 ECTS or 3–4 years)
- Final-year bachelor students may apply provided they graduate before the program starts (September 2026)
- Strong background in quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical physics, and ideally some particle/nuclear physics
- Very good command of English (no strict cut-off score published, but IELTS 6.5–7.0 / TOEFL iBT 90+ / Duolingo 110+ are common expectations)
- No IELTS required if previous degree was taught and assessed in English (MOI certificate accepted by most consortia)
- No age limit
- No nationality restriction (both Programme and Partner Country students eligible, but Partner Country scholarships are more numerous and generous)
Selection Criteria (What Really Matters)
The consortium ranks candidates mainly on:
- Academic excellence / quality of previous degree and grades (especially in core physics and math modules)
- Quality & relevance of motivation letter (why particle physics? why this program? career vision?)
- Research potential & any prior research experience / publications / projects
- Strength of recommendation letters (especially from physics professors who know your work)
- Consistency between previous studies and the IMAPP curriculum
Required Documents
Standard Erasmus Mundus EMJMD application package:
- Passport (valid beyond program end)
- Bachelor’s degree certificate (or expected graduation certificate if final year)
- Official transcripts / diploma supplement
- CV (Europass format recommended)
- Motivation letter (usually 1–2 pages – very important)
- Two or three academic recommendation letters
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo / MOI certificate / previous degree in English)
- Optional: GRE Physics (not required but strengthens application)
Living Costs in the Three Host Cities
| City | Monthly Cost (single student) | Rent (shared) | Food | Transport | Total estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clermont-Ferrand | €750–1,000 | €300–500 | €250 | €30–50 | €800–1,100 |
| Dortmund | €850–1,200 | €350–600 | €280 | €50–80 | €900–1,300 |
| Bologna | €900–1,300 | €400–700 | €300 | €30–50 | €950–1,400 |
Stipend €1,400/month → comfortable living in all three cities.
Why Choose IMAPP?
- Study at three excellent European universities
- Full funding (no tuition debt)
- Exposure to different academic cultures and research infrastructures
- Strong links to CERN, LHC experiments, DESY, and other major facilities
- Joint degree recognized across Europe
- Excellent preparation for PhD positions or industry roles in data science, AI, detectors, accelerators
Contrarian view: Intense mobility (three countries in two years) can be exhausting. But most fellows consider it one of the best parts of the experience.
Quick Application Timeline (expected 2026 cycle)
- 15 March 2026: Main application deadline
- End March / early April 2026: Final results & scholarship offers
- September 2026: Program starts in Clermont-Ferrand (France)
Application Checklist
- Confirm bachelor’s degree (or expected graduation before Sep 2026)
- Prepare strong motivation letter (tailored to particle physics & IMAPP)
- Secure 2–3 strong recommendation letters
- Collect transcripts & degree certificate (or expected graduation proof)
- English certificate (IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo / MOI)
- Passport valid beyond 2028
- Submit before mid-March 2026 deadline
How to Apply for Erasmus Mundus IMAPP Scholarships?
- Wait for the website
- Visit the IMAPP program website (link updated each autumn)
- Read the detailed application guidelines carefully
- Create an account in the consortium’s online application system
- Fill in personal data, education history, language certificates
- Upload all required documents (PDF format)
- Write and upload a strong motivation letter
- Arrange for recommenders to submit letters (usually via upload or direct email)
- Submit before the deadline (mid-March 2026 – exact date announced in call)
- Wait for results (final decisions usually end of March / early April 2026)
Tip: The motivation letter is often the deciding factor after grades. Explain clearly why particle physics, why IMAPP, and what you plan to do after graduation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic motivation letter (no specific interest in particle physics / IMAPP)
- Late submission (portal often closes exactly at deadline)
- Weak recommendation letters (choose professors who really know your work)
- Not checking English requirements early
- Applying without realistic graduation timeline
