ERASMUS+: ERASMUS MUNDUS

JOINT MASTER DEGREE (EMJMD)

GUIDE

Prepared By:
Muhammad Sohaib Niazi

ERASMUS MUNDUS JOINT MASTER DEGREES

Overview
An Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD), is a prestigious, integrated, international study
programme, jointly delivered by an international group of higher education institutions.
EMJMDs award EU-funded scholarships to the best student candidates applying under annual
selection rounds.
Study must take place in at least two of the Programme countries (European Countries). Part of the
studies can also take place in a Partner countries (generally all other countries other than Europe from
which students can apply to this program) if there is a partner-country institution involved.

Duration
An EMJMD is a study programme of 60 (roughly equals to 1 year Master), 90 or 120 ECTS (Roughly 2
years) credits. This means that it lasts from a minimum of 12 months, to a maximum of 24 months.

Conditions
Students at Master's level worldwide can apply.
You must have obtained a first higher education degree or demonstrate a recognized equivalent level
of learning, according to national legislation and practices, in the degree awarding countries. (All
students with 16 years of Education in Pakistan are eligible to apply).
If you have already received an EMJMD or an Erasmus Mundus Master Course (old name of
EMJMD)/Joint Doctorate scholarship (Erasmus special name for PhD scholarships), you are not
eligible for an additional EMJMD scholarship. You cannot benefit from another EU-funded
scholarship scheme while you are receiving an EMJMD scholarship.
Academic outcome
The successful completion of the study programme will lead to the award of either a joint degree (i.e.
one single degree certificate issued on behalf of at least two higher education institutions of the
EMJMD consortium) or multiple degrees (i.e. at least two degree certificates issued by two higher
education institutions of the consortium).

Financial support
To receive Erasmus+ financial support, you must first be admitted onto the course by the organizing
consortium and then be selected for an EMJMD scholarship. In EMJMD not all selected students get
Erasmus+ scholarship. Such students who are not awarded a grant can study if they can bear expense
of the program. Those who are selected to one or more (max 3, as in one year you can apply to max 3
Master programs) Master courses can get admission in anyone with scholarship (if received) or
without scholarship.

The EMJMD scholarship covers your participation costs (including the tuition fees, library and
laboratory costs, full insurance coverage and any other mandatory costs related to your participation
in the Master); it represents a contribution to your travel and installation costs and includes a
monthly subsistence allowance for the entire duration of the study programme.

The total amount of the scholarship varies according to the duration of your course and your
nationality (non-EU students receive larger scholarships). The exact amounts may vary for the
upcoming batches that is 2018-2020 and onwards so I am not mentioning any such detail here.
However, the stipend is sufficient enough to study in any countries of Europe and live a normal life.
The stipend and scholarship is received once you reach your first university for first semester in the
“Home country” (where you study mainly, generally at least 2 semesters of your Master course).
Before leaving Pakistan, you have to arrange your air ticket and some related Visa expenses, however
you can easily cover those costs with substantial stipend that you will receive when you will reach
there. Host University is name given to the university amongst the group of universities for any
particular MS program where you generally go to another program country and study in that
university. Some programs have non-European partner universities as well, where you can study/do
internship/undertake research for some months in 3rd or 4th semester depending upon approval of
your program heads.
A minimum of 75% of the scholarships are awarded to candidates from Partner countries.
 HOW TO APPLY

1st STEP
Students should consult the online EMJMD Catalogue (https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-
plus/library/emjmd-catalogue_en) and contact the consortium (coordinators’ contacts are given on
website of each program) offering the Master Course for more information on courses and application
procedures
Above link lists all the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMDs) that will be offering EU-
funded scholarships for courses taking place in the academic year 2019. Most Master programs will
open applications around late October and require applications to be submitted at maximum between
Dec and January or sometimes may be until February/March (Opening and closing dates vary from
program to program), for courses starting the following academic year.

Some new MS programs are added to the list of offered MS programs each summer and some may be
removed as well. So while checking the link above keep in mind it is for applicants of 2018-19. Those
who are reading for coming call in October 2019 for 2020 starting degrees should bookmark/save
above link and check back later. Some new MS degrees have been included in the existing catalogue
recently for this batch that is 2018-2019. Some project details’ websites of programs given in above
link will have website links in them and some will include soon as some programs are offered for first
time. Contact coordinators of each program for specific queries.
Most consortia require applications to be submitted between October and January, for
courses starting the following academic year.

Students can apply to a maximum of three different programs. Students should contact
directly the relevant master degree coordinators for more information on courses and application
procedures.
Clicking on the acronyms (on the link given above) will open the websites of the respective master
courses. Clicking on the title of the master courses will bring you to the Erasmus+ Project Results
Platform. The platform describes the EMJMDs in detail and is constantly updated by the universities.
GENERAL ELIGIBILITY
1. 16 Years of Education (Last semester/year students can apply to many programs if they expect
their undergraduate degrees to be completed around June/July, 2019, though you need to check
websites of specific programs and email the coordinators to confirm this)
2. Proficiency in English Language is a compulsory requirement (Some programs will accept
English Proficiency Letter from your University but most want IELTS/TOEFL as compulsory to
apply). To be on the safer side, take IELTS/TOEFL latest by October/November. Most programs
require 6.5 and some need 7 score in IELTS or equivalent in TOEFL. Some programs also require
that no individual score within IELTS is below 6 (or equivalent for TOEFL).
3. You need Passport as an Identity Document to apply, so apply for it and keep it ready around
September/October. Most programs’ applications open in October and end variably around
January, February or even March (rarely). Opening of applications and deadlines to apply vary
from program to program.
2nd STEP
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
 All programs have different requirements. All programs mostly provide a grid of
weightages or general idea of the components of application that they will
consider in determining your merit.
For example, ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION 20%, Experience in the same field 15%,
Subject Knowledge 10% etc.
1. DEGREE and TRANSCRIPT (Available or should be available around June, July, 2018)
2. 2 Letters of Recommendation (Generally, again you need to check program requirements). The
formats vary from program to program, your online application will contain guidelines.
3. Motivation Letter (Word lengths will vary a lot from program to program). Some don’t give any
limit, others may give only one paragraph.
4. IELTS/TOEFL (6.5 is safe for most on IELTS or TOEFL Equivalent/English Proficiency Letter
if they take it), however 7.0 is needed for some more competitive programs so try to get a 7.0.
Make sure you take standard test early as slots are sometimes booked around deadlines of
Erasmus. The results availability of such tests also take time.
5. CV in Europass Format (https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/editors/en/cv/compose)
6. Passport
7. Certificate of Residence that you have not been living in Europe for 1 or more years within last
5 years (if you want to apply as partner country student). Otherwise, even being Pakistani you
will be considered program country applicant. It can be taken as a letter from
university/workplace/municipal office etc. and get it attested ideally from notary public lawyer.
Note: Ideally include your passport number as well in the above residence certificate and it should be
on letter head if possible with sign/stamp from the authorized person and attested by notary public (a
special kind of lawyer stamp in Katcheri etc), also change the details as per your own scenario. For
instance if you have never been abroad, you can write as, “Sohaib has been living in Rawalpindi,
Punjab, Pakistan since birth…”
The only thing they are checking through this letter is that you shouldn’t have lived for 12 months or
more in Europe in the last 5 years. Otherwise you are considered program country students (like
European nationals) and not partner country students (like Pak/India and all non-Europeans etc.
with higher scholarships because we are not from Europe so our cost of attendance would be high)
8. Any other documents you deem as important for your selection like experience certificates,
projects, GRE scores may be if they are high, certificates, seminars/conferences/workshops
attended, honors and awards etc.

3RD STEP (AFTER APPLICATION SUBMISSION)

In case you are shortlisted after initial screening of applications (complete/valid information plus
merit based selection on the basis of your documents, qualification etc.), you will be informed about
your online interview through email (some programs don’t have an interview so don’t
worry if there isn’t one for your program). Skype interviews are the last step if you are
shortlisted for it and if there is an interview for your program, after that you either get selected
with/without scholarship and are informed via mail to confirm your admission by completing their
required formalities. The dates of acceptance/rejection too vary according to deadlines. Programs
with early deadlines announce results a bit earlier than others. But after selection all the
students fly to Europe generally around SEPTEMBER. If you apply in September call of
2018 and get selected, you will go to your Home Country University in September, 2019.
Key points for increasing your chances of selection

In 2017 Pakistan’s selection ratio was quite low i.e. 1.62% out of all applicants of Pakistan from all
programs. Brazil, India etc. topped the list. In 2018, we worked hard to get approx. 74 students with
Erasmus award (4th in the world). Though in 2017 maximum number of applications were sent from
Pakistan so make sure you are up to the task. This is highly competitive and therefore highly
prestigious scholarship.

Some key areas I have identified that impact a lot on your selection chances (Note: It is not a rule that
these points work as I am writing or you can’t get selected if you don’t fulfill any of these criteria), it is
merely for guidance purpose.

1. CGPA matters a lot in Erasmus scholarships (GRE is not required so CGPA sometimes is the
most important factor that can win you the race or compensate for your other below average
areas)
2. English Proficiency (95% Master programs are taught in English so no take it easy job here),
however few programs require proficiency in some European languages too as one or some
semesters are offered in local languages so check individual websites before applying to any
specific program.
3. Relevance of the field in which you are applying and your past academic and professional
background
4. Knowledge of the field in which you are applying (interviews are sometimes technical and
lengthy, a kind of test too)
They asked me to interpret statistical results of a publication as well along with many tougher
questions.
5. Experience in the same field demonstrated through internships/job experience etc.
6. Your intent and ability to study/work in highly diverse and cross-cultural contexts
(demonstrate it in your interview too if you have taken any trips/projects/job etc. with some
foreigners)
7. Your Motivation Letter MATTERS A LOT more than you may dedicate time for it, it can make
or break the deal irrespective of your CGPA etc. (My sample is attached at the end of
document). Google as well how to write effective SOP/Motivation letter.
8. Letters of Recommendation (My samples are attached at the end of document)
9. Your co-curricular and extra-curricular activities
10. Your passion and intent to study in the field you applied to, demonstrated through motivation
letter and interview plus by taking relevant courses/internships etc.)
MY MOTIVATION LETTER (TAKE IT AS A
SAMPLE)
(Just sharing in case you want to read one!)
The length allowed for your program(s) may vary.

MOTIVATION LETTER
In my college time, I read a book named “The road to success” by Mr. Faiez Hasan Seyal. It mentioned
one key point that service and pursuit of excellence is the key to happiness and fulfilment. This served
as a premise for me to unconsciously love an innate desire to serve people around me. Since then, I used
to counsel my peers and juniors in academic and personal issues. When I chose the field of accountancy
afterwards, I read a lot of other books on success and discovered that I was quite good but not much
interested in finance. In the words of Gardner, interpersonal intelligence was my key strength.
Developing on this and on the perception of greater good, I further researched and found out that
Psychology and specifically Business Psychology is what I am meant to study in my educational career.
It seemed as the voice of my heart moved me to pursue this field. My passion in Work, Organizational
and Personnel Psychology has developed further when I actually savoured the flavour of my favourite
topics. The work of Maslow on fear of Success, Daniel Goleman’s work on EQ and even the
understanding of my own deviated tendencies fascinated me a lot. All this love for the very field
continued and has practically moved me again to apply for this WOP-P Master program.

The foremost reason I want to pursue this programme is it specialized focus on scientist/practitioner
model. As it is obvious from my profile that I persisted with my field in both education and practice, I
will be pleased to join this highly tailored program because of its unique and balanced approach.
Specifically the breadth across all the three realms indicate that it is a thorough program to facilitate
me become a complete WOP-P Professional.

I am also strongly interested in pursuing this program so as to become a specialist practitioner in the
field of workplace and personnel management. Another important significance for me is my interest in
exploring strategies by which we can work out solution for the common global issues faced by
management in cross-cultural organizations. For instance, how can we best motivate blue collar
employees? What is the impact of overtime on labour performance across developing nations? How can
we create an organizational policy so that most competent employees can surpass the normal
promotion path? How can we maintain objectivity in unstructured modes of recruitment? How can
companies retain unique talent? And many other key areas.

The interventions related courses fascinated me as they on one hand will impart key practical skills
such has how to implement intelligent practices and on the other hand will inculcate decision making
competency. These focused interventions complemented by research work mean that no side is kept
unpolished. As modern scientific practitioners focus on research to create the best and optimal
intervention strategies, so the WOP-P program exactly addresses these contemporary demands of the
employment world.

Real world has complex and ever changing problems, the winter school therefore will help me in
learning how these open ended real time cases are solved creating new and contemporary interventions.
Apart from this, cross cultural teams give an invaluable experience that will impart a one of its kind
advantage.

I expect this program to enhance my present research and practical skills and to build those
competences in me that are vital for success in the international business environment. In my home
country Pakistan, there is a serious lack of WOP-P professionals, even then I believed in my abilities
and skills to outshine in this domain. I have progressed gradually but I made sure I am well-versed with
the research and practical competences necessary to excel in HR and Management. I would also love to
continue the legacy by taking back all the knowledge and exposure back to my home country and set a
trend for this emerging field of psychology. My long term goals include setting up a WOP-P consultancy
in Pakistan that will not only provide practical solutions but also will be a research centre for the
development of Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Similarly, up until now I have shown my
commitment to stick to my circle of competence. For I believe, four elements are vital for success in this
field – natural and innate strengths, motivation, interest and actual nurturing via learning and practice.
I am pretty sure that I carry all the desired ingredients to give the best output.

I have worked upon a research project in my 7th semester course – Human Resources Management on
“Impact of Motivation on Employees’ Performance.” Also being a student of last semester, I will be
initiating my Thesis/Final Year Research Project in few weeks. Similarly, during my last internship I
worked in a leading telecom company (Ufone – PTML) and completed a project on “Why Money is not
always a motivator at work and its alternatives.” Similarly my proposal on performance management
modelling got accepted with highest recommendation. In this project, I pointed out that calibration
system had many flaws so the model of Welch from General Electric needed an alternative especially in
our local Pakistani culture, where money is a major motivator due to low average income level. I found
out that, comparative calibration and thus disbursing respective bonus is not a fair deal. Alternatively,
absolute calibration is more effective that not only promotes cooperation but also enhances the overall
output and effectiveness of organization.

I am all motivated to research further on talent acquisition methods as referral based hiring was a
popular practice in previous internships. However, this created a culture of favouritism and biasness
and therefore in many cases brought about a downfall in the output for organizations. I am also
interested to find out the best methods to train and develop employees at different levels. Starting with
a cognitive dissonant statement won’t help forever. I am quite sure that working with Miss Chiesa at
Bologna University can also further my volunteer interests in career and academic counselling. Up until
now I have counselled hundreds of students in their educational and career areas. I am holding a
workshop as well to cater the needs of intermediate students in transition phase to university study. My
main research interests since my time at International Islamic University included talent acquisition,
recruitment and selection and training and development. I believe this program will be a major
extension as well as addition to my existing work in WOP-P just as I believe I have all what it takes to
get selected for this highly competitive and meritorious program. Additionally, my overall objective is
to become a well-rounded WOP-P professional.

Up until now, it has been a good start but this is just a beginning which I want to convert into something
substantial. I want to achieve much more in my field through this distinctive opportunity. Success is
incomplete without legacy therefore I want to give back to global community, WOP-P profession and
to serve humanity in general. I chose the path of excellence and in the pursuit of it, I thus far have
achieved whatever best was possible for me in my limited available resources and challenging
circumstances. With this highly international and relevant degree, I strongly believe I can thrive
forward to a more fulfilling career in my chosen field of study. To conclude, this WOP-P master program
is a building block for my passion to serve this under addressed yet very vital field, paving the way to
serve and lead with impact and excellence. I look forward to a thrilling experience.

Thank you for reading.

Muhammad Sohaib Niazi

My Erasmus+ LORs
I don't have soft copies available but you can get an idea by reading these two.
Those who are writing themselves can take a look.
Passionately

Muhammad Sohaib Niazi (Erasmus+ MS Scholar)

Muhammad Sohaib Niazi

Erasmus+ Scholar – MS Work, Organizational and Personnel Psychology
HR Professional | Industrial and Organizational Psychologist | Coach | Counselor | Mentor | Writer |
Trainer | Consultant

 sohaibniazi01@gmail.com – same ID for E-mail and Facebook

 +92-333-5266782 | for WhatsApp guidance.