MARIHE Erasmus Mundus Master’s Scholarship

MARIHE is a two-year Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s program in Research and Innovation in Higher Education. It is designed for future professionals who want to work in higher education management, research and innovation policy, institutional development, international education, consulting or related fields.

The full-time, on-site program consists of 120 ECTS completed over four semesters. Students study in several countries and universities within an international consortium of institutions from Austria, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Portugal, China and India.

Program structure

• First semester at the University for Continuing Education Krems in Austria

• Second semester at Tampere University in Finland

• Third and fourth semesters at partner universities in Europe and Asia

• Mandatory internship of at least 10 ECTS, which can be completed worldwide

• Master’s thesis during the final semester

• Specializations in areas such as higher education policy, institutional research, research management, digital transformation, leadership, teaching and educational planning

Students follow a common mobility pathway during the first year and choose a specialization for the second year. Final placement at a specialization university is determined by the MARIHE consortium.

Funding

All selected students receive a tuition fee waiver covering the full €18,000 participation cost.

A limited number of Erasmus Mundus scholarships are also available. The scholarship provides €1,400 per month for up to 24 months, with a maximum total amount of €33,600. It is intended to contribute to living expenses, travel, visa, installation and other costs connected with participation in the program.

All enrolled students also receive health and accident insurance. Additional funding opportunities may be available for students without an Erasmus Mundus scholarship.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a completed first university degree equivalent to at least three years of full-time study or 180 ECTS

• Demonstrate sufficient English proficiency

• Show strong motivation and interest in higher education, research and innovation

• Explain how the program relates to their previous education, professional experience and career plans

The previous degree can be in any academic discipline. Professional experience is not mandatory, although relevant experience in education or higher education may strengthen the application.

English language requirements

Accepted qualifications include:

• IELTS Academic: overall score of at least 6.5, with no section below 5.5

• TOEFL iBT: required score depends on the date the test was taken

• PTE Academic: minimum score of 62

• Cambridge C1 Advanced: minimum grade C

• Cambridge C2 Proficiency: minimum grade C1

Applicants may be exempt from submitting a language certificate only if their previous education meets the specific country and language requirements established by the consortium.

Application process

The application process consists of two rounds. During the first round, candidates submit nine mandatory application documents. Shortlisted applicants are then invited to submit a video. Final candidates may be placed on the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship list, the Tuition Fee Scholarship list or the corresponding reserve lists.

The next intake begins in September 2027. Applications for the first round close on September 21, 2026, at 10:00 CEST.