YBB – Applications are opening soon for the Erasmus Mundus MARIHE Scholarship 2027. The MARIHE (Master in Research and Innovation in Higher Education) program offers a unique study experience across several universities in Europe and Asia. Over two years, students will explore higher education management, university governance, education policy, research management, innovation, quality assurance, leadership, and internationalization.
Unlike a traditional master’s degree where students remain at one university, MARIHE allows students to study in different countries through its international mobility structure. Depending on their specialization, students can study in Austria, Finland, Germany, Portugal, Hungary, China, or India. The program also includes a mandatory internship, giving students an opportunity to gain practical experience with organizations and international partners.
Quick Overview
Scholarship: Erasmus Mundus MARIHE Scholarship 2027
Program: Master in Research and Innovation in Higher Education (MARIHE)
Degree Level: Master’s Degree
Study Duration: 2 years
Study Locations: Europe and Asia
Eligible Applicants: International students
Scholarship Coverage: Fully funded
Monthly Living Allowance: €1,400
Application Deadline: 21 September 2026, 10:00 CEST
Program Starts: 2027
About the MARIHE Program
The Master in Research and Innovation in Higher Education (MARIHE) is an international Erasmus Mundus Joint Master program focused specifically on the higher education sector.
The program prepares students to understand and address challenges facing universities and higher education systems around the world.
Students will explore topics such as:
- Higher education management
- University governance
- Higher education policy
- Research management
- Innovation management
- Quality assurance
- Leadership
- Internationalization of higher education
The program is suitable for students who want to build careers in universities, research institutions, government ministries, international organizations, education agencies, and policy development.
Also read: Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Graduate Study in the USA
Scholarship Benefits
Successful Erasmus Mundus scholarship recipients will receive:
- Full tuition fee coverage.
- Monthly living allowance of €1,400.
- Health insurance.
- Financial support throughout the scholarship period.
Applicants do not need to submit a separate university admission application for the program.
Study Locations and Mobility Track
Semester 1 – Austria
All students begin their studies at University for Continuing Education Krems (UWK) in Austria.
The first semester introduces students to the fundamentals of higher education systems around the world.
Semester 2 – Finland
Students then move to Tampere University (TAU) in Finland.
The second semester focuses on areas such as organizational management and institutional governance.
Mandatory Internship
Students complete a mandatory internship during the semester break.
The internship can take place with different organizations or partner institutions around the world, providing an opportunity to gain practical experience related to higher education, research, management, or policy.
Specialization Options in Semester 3 and 4
During the second year, students can select a specialization track at one of the partner universities.
There are seven specialization options across Europe and Asia.
Europe
Germany – Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences
Focuses on leadership and operational management in higher education.
Finland – Tampere University
Focuses on advanced higher education policy research.
Austria – University for Continuing Education Krems
Focuses on innovation management.
Portugal – University of Aveiro
Offers a specialization leading to a Master in Administration and Public Policy.
Hungary – Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)
Provides another specialization option within the MARIHE consortium.
Asia
China – Beijing Normal University (BNU)
Students can earn a Master of Arts in Education.
India – Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology
Students can earn a Master of Arts in Sustainability Education.
Degree Awarded
After completing the two-year program, graduates receive a double degree or joint degree, depending on their selected specialization track.
The degree is awarded by the coordinating university in Austria together with the partner university where students complete their specialization.
This international degree structure allows graduates to gain academic credentials from universities in different countries.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
- Have completed at least three years of undergraduate study (180 ECTS).
- Be a graduate from any academic discipline.
- Demonstrate English language proficiency.
- Have strong motivation to pursue a career in higher education, research, or innovation.
- Meet the academic requirements of the MARIHE program.
Previous work experience is not mandatory, although relevant professional experience can strengthen an application.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the accepted qualifications:
- IELTS Academic: Minimum overall score of 6.5, with at least 5.5 in each band.
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 92, subject to the applicable test-date requirements.
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 62.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced: Minimum grade C.
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency: Minimum grade C1.
Applicants should check the latest official requirements before submitting their application.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Completed and signed MARIHE application form.
- Valid passport or national identity document.
- Europass CV without a photograph.
- Motivation letter using the required template.
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or equivalent qualification.
- Academic transcripts from previous higher education.
- English language certificate.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Required essay.
- Video submission if selected for the second stage.
How to Apply
Applicants can follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents
Prepare your academic certificates, transcripts, English language certificate, Europass CV, motivation letter, recommendation letters, passport, and other required documents.
All documents should be in English or accompanied by an official English translation where required.
Step 2: Register on the MARIHE Application Portal
Create an account through the official MARIHE application portal when registration opens.
Complete your personal, academic, and professional information carefully.
Step 3: Upload Documents and Select the Scholarship Option
Upload all required documents in the appropriate sections of the application portal.
When completing the scholarship section, select “Apply for an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship” to be considered for Erasmus Mundus funding.
Review all information carefully before submitting your application.
Step 4: Selection and Interview
The MARIHE Selection Committee will review applications during the initial selection stage.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online interview in English with a panel of professors from partner universities.
Step 5: Final Results
Successful applicants will receive the final admission and scholarship results.
Selected scholars can then prepare for their international study experience, including visa arrangements and relocation before the program begins.
Partner Universities
The MARIHE consortium includes seven partner universities:
- University for Continuing Education Krems – Austria
- Tampere University – Finland
- Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences – Germany
- Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) – Hungary
- University of Aveiro – Portugal
- Beijing Normal University (BNU) – China
- Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology – India
Also read: UQ Graduate Research School Scholarships (UQGRSS) 2027 for Master’s and PhD Study in Australia
Important Dates
Application Deadline – Stage 1:
21 September 2026, 10:00 CEST
Video Submission – Stage 2:
11 December 2026, 10:00 CET
Program Begins:
2027
Career Opportunities
MARIHE graduates can pursue careers in a wide range of organizations connected to higher education, research, and innovation.
Potential career paths include:
- University management
- Higher education policy
- Research management
- Education consulting
- Government and public policy
- International organizations
- Research institutions
- Quality assurance
- Innovation management
- Education development
The program is particularly suitable for students who want to contribute to the development of higher education systems and research institutions internationally.
Conclusion
The Erasmus Mundus MARIHE Scholarship 2027 offers a unique opportunity to pursue a master’s degree while studying across different countries in Europe and Asia.
If you are interested in higher education management, research, policy, or innovation, MARIHE could be an excellent opportunity to develop your expertise and build an international career.
Make sure to prepare your documents early and submit your application before the 21 September 2026 deadline.
For more information:
https://www.marihe.eu/
