Erasmus Mundus NOHA Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded Master’s in Humanitarian Action

Imagine studying in France, Ireland, and Sweden all on a single fully-funded scholarship. The Erasmus Mundus NOHA Scholarship 2026 makes this possible. It funds a 2-year Erasmus Mundus joint Master’s in International Humanitarian Action, with a monthly stipend, waived tuition, travel, and insurance. This isn’t just a Master’s degree, but a “life-changing expedition” across Europe, where students build cross-cultural expertise in crisis response.

Designed for future aid leaders, the NOHA program combines study and field placements (e.g. in Jordan or India) to prepare graduates for work with the UN, Red Cross or global NGOs. As one recent overview notes, “graduates go on to serve in UN agencies… leading humanitarian responses”. In short, the NOHA Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is a golden ticket for students worldwide to earn a Master’s in Humanitarian Action with zero tuition and ample living support.

Overview

The Erasmus Mundus NOHA Scholarship is tied to the NOHA Joint Master’s Programme in International Humanitarian Action. This is an Erasmus Mundus (EU-funded) Master’s run by a consortium of leading universities. The 2-year (120 ECTS) programme was founded in 1993 and has trained 3,500+ humanitarian professionals globally. In 2025 the European Commission re-approved NOHA as an Erasmus Mundus program, meaning it will again offer generous scholarships for 2026–28.

Students in NOHA rotate among eight European universities: Aix-Marseille Université (France), University of Malta (Malta), University of Groningen (Netherlands), Ruhr-Universität Bochum (Germany), Universidad de Deusto (Spain), University College Dublin (Ireland), University of Warsaw (Poland), and Uppsala University (Sweden). Each host adds unique strengths (e.g. Aix-Marseille’s international law, UCD’s disaster management), enriching the curriculum. All courses are multicultural and trilingual (English/French/Spanish) to mirror global aid work. Graduates earn a Joint Master’s Degree recognized by all partner institutions.

Degree Level: Master’s (Erasmus Mundus Joint MA)
Program Duration: 24 months (4 semesters)
Funding Type: Fully-funded EU Erasmus Mundus Scholarship (grant covers tuition, stipend, travel, insurance)
Award Country: Across Europe (France, Malta, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Ireland, Poland, Sweden)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, strong English (IELTS/TOEFL).

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet all of the following to apply:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Completed first-cycle university degree (EQF level 6, 180+ ECTS) in a relevant discipline (social sciences, law, health, engineering, etc.).
• Academic Merit: Strong transcripts (high grades) and interest in humanitarian issues. Selection is competitive and based on education quality, experience, motivation, multicultural sensitivity, and language skills.
• Language Proficiency: English fluency (minimum IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 93). (Note: If choosing Aix-Marseille, French C1 is needed for year 1; if choosing Deusto, Spanish B2 is needed for the first semester.)
• Global Applicants: Open to all nationalities worldwide. The program seeks diversity (nationality and gender balance), so applicants from any country are encouraged.
• Motivation & Background: A clear motivation letter and (if available) humanitarian experience help. Volunteer or work experience in NGOs or related fields is a plus but not strictly required.

Coverage & Benefits

Erasmus Mundus NOHA Scholars enjoy full financial support throughout the 2-year program:

• Tuition & Fees: 100% waiver of tuition/participation costs (normally €4,000 per semester). You pay no tuition at any host university.
• Living Stipend: A generous monthly allowance of €1,400 for up to 24 months. This covers personal expenses and living costs in Europe.
• Travel Grant: Covered travel and installation allowance. The scholarship pays for one round-trip per year and initial relocation expenses.
• Insurance: Health/accident insurance for the entire study period is included.
• Visa Support: For non-EU students, visa fees or residence permit costs are reimbursed under the grant.
• Full-Time Study: The scholarship is full-time (no simultaneous employment) and requires physical mobility among host countries. You will train at a minimum of two different universities (in at least two different countries) during the program.

Together, these benefits make NOHA a truly fully-funded scholarship. Scholars face no tuition debt and receive living expenses to focus entirely on their studies and internships.

Host Countries & Universities

The NOHA program spans eight European countries, each with a strong university partner:

• France – Aix-Marseille Université (AMU): Located in Marseille, AMU is one of France’s largest universities with notable international law and humanitarian expertise. Students experience the Mediterranean region’s unique crisis contexts.
• Malta – University of Malta: Malta’s flagship university offers a multicultural campus and proximity to North African and Mediterranean case studies. It emphasizes field-based learning and small-class support.
• Netherlands – University of Groningen (RUG): A top Dutch research university in the north of the Netherlands. Groningen has strong programs in social sciences and global development, providing a rigorous academic environment.
• Germany – Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB): A major German public university in North Rhine-Westphalia, RUB brings expertise in development policy and humanitarian logistics. It also hosts NOHA’s administrative coordination.
• Spain – Universidad de Deusto (UD): A Jesuit university in Bilbao, known for social justice and development studies. Deusto’s Urban Campus (Bilbao) offers a dynamic setting and strong ties to NGOs.
• Ireland – University College Dublin (UCD): Based in Dublin, UCD is Ireland’s largest university with global links. It provides urban and policy perspectives, often connecting students with EU institutions and agencies.
• Poland – University of Warsaw (UW): Poland’s premier university in the capital city. UW brings Eastern European insights to humanitarian studies and has a robust international student community.
• Sweden – Uppsala University (UU): The oldest university in Sweden (est. 1477), Uppsala is renowned for peace and conflict research. It offers a Scandinavian perspective on humanitarian issues.

(For each semester, you select a “home” university (1st sem), a “host” for specialization (2nd sem), and a partner/internship in semester 3.) All these institutions collaborate within the NOHA network, ensuring a cohesive curriculum across borders.

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Check Requirements: Ensure you meet the entry criteria (Bachelor’s degree, language scores, etc.). Review country-specific requirements on the NOHA site (e.g. Warsaw, Deusto, UCD have extra docs).
2. Apply Online: Create an account and complete the joint application form on the NOHA portal (apply.nohanet.org). Do not send paper forms unless specifically asked.
3. Prepare Documents: Gather transcripts, degree certificates, passport scan, CV, motivation letter, and two reference letters. All documents must be in English (with official translations if needed).
4. Select Universities: In your application, rank up to 8 NOHA universities for 1st and 2nd semester choices. (Choose based on specializations and language.)
5. Submit Before Deadline: Upload all documents and submit the completed form. For Erasmus Mundus (scholarship) applicants, the deadline is 15 Dec 2025. Self-funded applications are accepted until 1 April 2026.
6. Await Selection: The joint admissions committee reviews all applications. Scholarship results (selected or reserve) will be emailed by March 2026. If offered a scholarship, you will be guided through visa and enrollment steps.

Each step is critical. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare high-quality essays and secure strong recommendation letters. Double-check that all fields of the online form are filled and all uploads are legible.

Important Deadlines

• Oct 1, 2025: Call opens for 2026-2028 cohort applications.
• Dec 15, 2025 (23:59 GMT): Deadline for Erasmus Mundus scholarship applications. Complete applications must be submitted by this date.
• Apr 1, 2026: Final deadline for self-funded applicants (no scholarship).
• Jul 1, 2026: Deadline for applicants without EU/EEA residency permits.
• Selection results: Scholarship candidates notified in March 2026; self-funded admits by summer 2026.

Always verify deadlines on the NOHA website, as they may shift slightly each year. Missing the scholarship deadline means losing the fully-funded grant opportunity.

Tips for Applicants

• Start Early: Gather transcripts and arrange reference letters well before deadlines. Visa processing can take time for non-EU students.
• Strong Statement: Craft a compelling motivation letter. Highlight any volunteer or work experience in humanitarian projects, your international outlook, and how NOHA fits your career goals.
• Demonstrate Fit: Show your understanding of humanitarian issues. Refer to specific NOHA courses or country contexts that interest you. Strong knowledge of current global crises can set you apart.
• Show Mobility Readiness: Emphasize flexibility and language skills. Mention if you already speak French or Spanish at the required level (C1/C1), as it strengthens your application for those tracks.
• Academic Excellence: Highlight your GPA, publications, or relevant research. Even if your field is not strictly humanitarian, stress any transferable skills (e.g. public health, engineering in disaster zones).
• Follow Instructions: The NOHA consortium is very organized. Read all application instructions carefully (e.g. required file formats). Submit a complete, error-free application. Attention to detail reflects professionalism.
• Network & Questions: Join NOHA alumni groups or info sessions if available. They can offer insights on choosing universities and living abroad. Do not hesitate to contact NOHA coordinators with polite, specific questions.

Apply now for the Erasmus Mundus NOHA Scholarship 2026 via NOHA’s official application portal and take a giant leap toward a career in international humanitarian action!

Conclusion

The Erasmus Mundus NOHA Scholarship 2026 is a rare opportunity to earn a top-tier Master’s degree while being fully funded. By studying in multiple countries and learning from leading experts, you will gain the skills to tackle global crises head-on. We encourage all eligible students to apply and share this opportunity. The deadline is approaching – prepare your application and step forward as the next generation of humanitarian leaders!

FAQ

Q: What is the NOHA Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?
A: It’s a fully-funded 2-year Master’s in International Humanitarian Action offered by a European university consortium. Scholars receive €1,400/month, tuition waiver, travel and insurance.

Q: Who can apply for the NOHA Scholarship?
A: Any national can apply. You need a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and strong English (IELTS ≥6.5/TOEFL ≥93). Humanitarian experience is a plus but not required.

Q: What expenses does the scholarship cover?
A: The scholarship covers full tuition, a €1,400 monthly stipend for living costs, travel/installation allowances, visa fees, and health insurance for the 2-year program.

Q: Which universities are part of NOHA and which countries?
A: NOHA includes eight partner universities: Aix-Marseille (France), University of Malta, Groningen (Netherlands), Bochum (Germany), Deusto (Spain), UCD Dublin (Ireland), Warsaw (Poland), and Uppsala (Sweden).

Q: What is the program duration and degree?
A: The NOHA Erasmus Mundus program lasts 24 months (4 semesters). Graduates earn a Joint Master’s Degree in International Humanitarian Action, recognized by all partner universities.

Q: When is the application deadline?
A: For Erasmus Mundus scholarship funding, the deadline is 15 December 2025. The final deadline for all applicants (self-funded) is 1 April 2026.

(Apply early and good luck!)