Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
Who sets the requirement
The Erasmus+ page says each master's website lists the participating universities, the entry requirements and the application steps, with and without scholarship, and that in most cases you apply between October and January. The EACEA catalogue lists the programmes and is updated every year.
Examples from programme pages
Read on each programme's own admission page on 31 October 2026. Each guide has the details.
| Programme | IELTS Academic minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Europubhealth+ | 6.5 (6.0 each) to 5.5 (5.0 each) | Depends on the year 1 and year 2 pathway |
| Mundus Journalism | 7.0 with 6.5 or 6.0 each | Depends on the year 2 specialisation |
| EDISS | 6.5, no score below 6 | IELTS Online not accepted |
| Copernicus Master in Digital Earth | No score stated | C1 or B2 equivalent, or English-medium study |
Free test: are you at Erasmus Mundus's score yet?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
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What to check before you book
Check four things on the programme page: the score for your track, whether IELTS Online or One Skill Retake is accepted, how old the test can be, and whether the result must be in by the application deadline. Several programmes reject applications that do not meet the language rule when submitted.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Erasmus Mundus publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
Is IELTS compulsory for Erasmus Mundus?+
It depends on the programme. Many accept other tests or exempt some applicants.
Is IELTS 6.5 enough for Erasmus Mundus?+
For several programmes yes, but Mundus Journalism asks 7.0 and some tracks have band minimums.
When do I apply?+
The Commission says in most cases between October and January for courses starting the next academic year.
Where is the list of programmes?+
The Erasmus Mundus Catalogue on the EACEA website, updated annually.
Keep reading
Related
Guide updated on 31 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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