BIOPHAM Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded Master’s Program in Bio and Pharmaceutical Materials Science
- Omran Aburayya
- Oct 19
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 20
If you are passionate about cutting-edge materials science, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical innovation, the applications for the BIOPHAM Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJM) 2026 are now open!
This prestigious two-year Master’s program offers a unique international learning experience across four top European universities — providing advanced education in bio-based and pharmaceutical materials science, along with generous Erasmus Mundus scholarships that fully fund tuition, living costs, and travel. Here's everything you need to know.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Host Institutions: University of Lille (France), University of Pisa (Italy), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (Spain), and University of Silesia in Katowice (Poland)
Location: France, Italy, Spain, and Poland (mobility between partner universities)
Study Level: Master’s Degree (2 years, full-time)
Program Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJM)
Target Group: Outstanding students from all over the world (EU and non-EU countries)
Field of Study: Bio and Pharmaceutical Materials Science
Scholarship Value: €33,600 total (€1,400/month for 24 months) + tuition fee waiver + health insurance + mobility and installation support
Duration: 2 years (2026–2028 cohort)
Number of Scholarships: 50 full scholarships (12 for EU/Associated Countries, 38 for Partner Countries)
Additional Support: 30 partial funding packages available
Applications open: 1 November 2025
Application Deadline: February 2026
Eligible To: Students from all countries worldwide (subject to Erasmus Mundus eligibility and residency rules)
🌐 Program Overview
The BIOPHAM EMJM is a multidisciplinary European Master’s program focusing on the design, processing, characterization, and application of bio-based and pharmaceutical materials.
It is jointly delivered by a consortium of four leading European universities, each offering specialized courses and research environments. Students rotate between partner institutions, gaining exposure to diverse scientific methods, cultures, and research settings.
📚 Curriculum and Structure
First Year: Core courses in materials science, chemistry, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals at one or two consortium universities.
Second Year: Specialization modules, internship, and Master’s thesis at a chosen host institution or partner research center.
Key Events: Joint winter courses, international seminars, workshops, and award ceremonies.
Final Component: Master’s thesis preparation and defense, integrating research from multiple European sites.
🌍 Mobility Information
The BIOPHAM Erasmus Mundus Master’s spans two years (120 ECTS), with mobility across partner universities to ensure international exposure and multidisciplinary training.
Language of Instruction: 100% English
Total Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Integration Week: Held in Pisa (Italy) or Lille (France) at the start of the program
Mobility Pathway:
Semester 1: Core courses at University of Pisa, Italy – foundational training in chemistry, materials science, and physics.
Semester 2: Advanced and elective modules at Polytechnic University of Catalunya, Spain.
Semester 3: Specialization courses at either
University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland (Soft-Matter & Biopharmaceuticals track), or
University of Lille, France (Condensed-Matter & Pharmaceuticals track).
Semester 4: Master’s thesis and internship at one of the partner universities or an associated research/industry institution in Europe.
Each student studies in at least two different countries, enhancing cultural, academic, and research diversity.
🧭 Specialization Tracks
Students choose one of three professional specialization tracks, each combining advanced coursework, practical training, and research:
Track 1 – Pharmaceutical Materials Science
Focuses on the solid-state physics and chemistry of drug materials, including crystal structures, nanocrystals, amorphous states, and formulation design.
Track 2 – Biomaterials for Pharmaceutical Applications
Covers bio-interactive materials, implants, drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, and 3D/4D printing technologies for healthcare innovations.
Track 3 – Molecular Biophysics of Pharmaceuticals
Explores molecular-level behavior of biomolecules and pharmaceuticals, emphasizing protein stability, nanomedicine, and biophysical characterization.
Each track offers two study options:
Option A: Modeling and Simulation of Materials
Option B: Advanced Experimental Characterization Techniques
Students select a path aligning with their research interests and career goals.
🎁 BIOPHAM Scholarship and Financial Benefits
All students accepted into the BIOPHAM EMJM — whether scholarship or self-funded — benefit from a wide range of support:
Full Tuition and Registration Fee Waiver at all host universities.
Comprehensive Health Insurance covering the full study period.
Financial Support for Mobility and Events including joint winter courses and award ceremonies.
Special Needs Support available for students with disabilities.
Monthly Erasmus Mundus Stipend: €1,400/month × 24 months = €33,600 total. Covers living, travel, visa, research, internship, and thesis costs.
First Payment: Issued at the end of the first study month (September).
💲 Distribution of Awards (2026–2031)
50 full scholarships:
12 for EU and associated countries (e.g., Norway, Turkey, Iceland, Serbia)
38 for third countries worldwide
30 partial support packages:
20 for EU/Associated countries
10 for non-EU countries
Each intake expects approximately 12–13 full scholarship holders and 7–8 self-funded students supported through partial aid.
ℹ️ Other Funding Opportunities
In addition to the Erasmus Mundus scholarships, BIOPHAM students can access institution-specific grants and regional funding schemes across the consortium:
University of Lille (France)
Graduate Programme Scholarship: €3,500/year (renewable).
Relocation Grant for first-time international students: €3,500.
Internship Grant: ~€700/month for Master’s thesis in France.
Affordable on-campus accommodation: under €250/month.
MOB-LIL-EX Mobility Grant: €300/month (3–10 months).
MERMOZ Mobility Scheme: up to €400/month (for 6 months).
University of Pisa (Italy)
Departmental funding for outgoing mobility (~€400/month).
Internship grants for placements in research centres, universities, or high-tech companies abroad.
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (Spain)
Generalitat de Catalunya “Beques MOBINT-MIF” mobility grant (~€200/month, up to 6 months).
Supports international academic mobility during the degree course.
University of Silesia in Katowice (Poland)
NAWA-funded summer schools with grants around PLN 5,000.
NCN-funded research projects: up to PLN 5,000/month.
Transform4Europe (T4I) mobility and international collaboration opportunities.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Open to students from all countries worldwide.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, biotechnology, physics, or related fields.
Strong academic record and proficiency in English (proof via IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent).
Applicants must not have received another Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarship previously.
Geographical balance rule: No more than five students of the same nationality may be awarded scholarships during the project’s duration.
Residency Rule: Applicants with partner-country citizenship who have resided or studied/worked in a program country for over 12 months in the last five years are considered program-country applicants.
Residence verification required (certificate of residence or work/study proof issued within 12 months of the application deadline).
📝 Application Procedure
Online Application: Submit via the official BIOPHAM application portal (link available on biopham.eu).
Create your personal account on the eMundus Application, then follow the instructions that are given by the Application.
Collect and upload all the documents required for your application on that website.
Prepare Required Documents:
Copy of passport or ID
Official academic transcripts and degree certificates
Proof of English proficiency
Curriculum Vitae (Europass format recommended)
Motivation letter (max. 1 page)
Two recommendation letters
Proof of residence (issued within 12 months)
Selection Process: Based on academic excellence, motivation, and international experience.
Interview (if required): Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an online interview.
Notification: Results announced by April 2026 (estimated).
Program Start: September 2026.
📞 Contact and Partner Universities
Project Coordinator: University of Lille, France
Partner Universities:
University of Pisa (Italy)
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (Spain)
University of Silesia in Katowice (Poland)
Contact Email: master-biopham@univ-lille.fr
Official Website: https://biopham.eu
🗂️ Resources
🚀 Conclusion
The BIOPHAM Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree is an exceptional opportunity for students passionate about materials science and pharmaceutical technology to pursue a world-class education across Europe — fully funded, research-oriented, and internationally recognized.
With generous scholarships, academic excellence, and exposure to leading research environments, this program stands as one of Europe’s most competitive Master’s opportunities for 2026.
