MER2030 is a 24-month, 120-ECTS joint master’s programme run by the MER Consortium. Students follow a tailored mobility pathway through three partner universities in Europe.
The curriculum combines 90 ECTS of advanced coursework with a 30-ECTS master’s thesis, including five to six months of research in semester four. It prepares graduates for further research and for marine-environment work in government or commercial laboratories and consultancies. The latest 2026–2028 call admitted only self-funded students and offered no Erasmus Mundus student scholarships.
Benefits & funding
- Annual registration fees are €4,500 for Programme Country students and €9,000 for Partner Country students.
- The fee covers tuition, required excursions, practical and field courses, insurance, and access to partner libraries, laboratories, and internet services.
- Students remain responsible for travel and accommodation required by the mobility pathway.
- Selected self-funded students may receive MER Consortium fee waivers or mobility grants, but these are not guaranteed.
Eligibility
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in biosciences, chemical sciences, geosciences, physical sciences, or engineering.
- Proof of English proficiency is required; French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Basque are optional.
- No nationality or residency restriction is published; applicants from Programme and Partner Country universities may apply.
- The second-round assessment also considers the suitability of the revised study plan and the reliability of the applicant’s self-funding plan.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Education required
Bachelor
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Application process
- 1Register in the online application system when the call opens.
- 2Upload proof of nationality, proof of English proficiency, a bachelor’s transcript covering at least four semesters, a Europass CV, and the online eligibility form.
- 3Submit the bachelor’s diploma, secondary-school credential, a motivation letter of no more than 6,000 characters, at least two reference forms, a passport-style photograph, and a proposed study plan.
- 4After consortium feedback, accept the revised study plan and Student Agreement Draft.
- 5If selected, sign the self-funded student declaration, provide proof of payment, and present original degree documents at enrolment.
Program timeline
November 2025
2026–2028 call announced
Online application opened
Jan 15, 2026
First-round priority deadline
Mar 27, 2026
First-round selection scheduled
Apr 24, 2026
Second and final application deadline
May 15, 2026
Latest second-round eligibility decision
May 29, 2026
Enrolment deadline
Jun 24, 2026
Programme starts
Sep 1, 2026
By December 2026
Application system scheduled to open for the 2027–2029 intake