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A major update has been released for aspiring AI specialists worldwide as the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Artificial Intelligence (EMAI) confirms its full application timeline for the 2026–2028 cohort. This two-year, fully international master’s program remains one of Europe’s most competitive AI degrees, combining strong theoretical foundations with advanced applied training across four globally recognized universities.
EMAI is jointly delivered by:
* Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona
* Sapienza University of Rome
* Radboud University, Nijmegen
* University of Ljubljana
The program includes mobility across campuses, allowing students to experience multiple AI ecosystems. The 2026 intake is expected to be highly competitive, with updated timelines and clarified eligibility criteria.
2026 Application Periods
The EMAI consortium has confirmed four official application windows:
Application Category 2026 Application Window
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (EMS) 15 Nov 2025 – 20 Dec 2025 (23:59 CET)
Tuition Fee Waiver Candidates 21 Dec 2025 – 18 Mar 2026 (23:59 CET)
Worldwide Self-Funded Candidates 19 Mar 2026 – 5 Jun 2026 (23:59 CET)
EU Self-Funded Candidates 6 Jun 2026 – 6 Jul 2026 (23:59 CET)
These stages ensure fair access to scholarships, fee-waiver opportunities, and self-funded admission paths for both EU and non-EU applicants.
What the EMAI Program Offers
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in AI provides:
1. A fully integrated two-year curriculum delivered across four top European universities
2. Advanced coursework in:
- Machine learning
- Deep learning
- Natural language processing
- Computer vision
- Robotics
- AI ethics
- Mobility between different countries and institutions
3. Highly competitive Erasmus Mundus Scholarships covering:
- Full tuition
- Travel costs
- Installation grants
- Monthly stipend
- Tuition fee waiver opportunities and self-funded seats
- Direct exposure to European research and industry through internships, labs, and thesis placements
This program is ideal for students seeking expert-level competence in advanced AI fields while gaining multicultural academic experience.
Eligibility Criteria for the 2026 EMAI Cohort
1. Applicants must hold a strong academic background in computing, mathematics, or engineering. Accepted fields include:
Computer Science, Software Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Physics, or related areas.
2. Minimum Coursework Requirements:
Mathematics – Minimum 12 ECTS
Examples: Calculus, linear algebra, discrete mathematics, logic, probability, statistics, information theory, graph theory, number theory.
Programming – Minimum 12 ECTS
Examples: Programming paradigms, algorithms, data structures.
Computer Science/Engineering – Minimum 12 ECTS
Examples: Cryptography, networks, hardware systems, security, theoretical CS, related topics.
Application Requirements
All applicants must submit the following documents:
* Identity Document: Valid passport or national ID
* Academic Credentials: Bachelor’s or master’s degree + full transcripts
* Curriculum Vitae: Maximum 2 pages (English)
* Motivation Letter: 600–800 words outlining your goals and interest in AI
* Introduction Video: 1-minute self-introduction
* Two Recommendation Letters: Preferably academic
* English Proficiency:
- TOEFL iBT
- IELTS Academic
- Cambridge English
- Possible exemption for English-taught degree holders