Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree Programme in International Humanitarian Action (NOHA) 2026-2028 | Fully Funded
- Omran Aburayya
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
If you are ready to advance your career in humanitarian action, now is the time to apply: NOHA Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Programme in International Humanitarian Action (2026-2028 cohort) is officially open for applications. This globally-oriented, multidisciplinary postgraduate programme brings together top universities across Europe (and beyond) to equip you with rigorous academic knowledge and professional competencies to work effectively in humanitarian relief and cooperation. Here's everything you need to know.
🎓NOHA Programme Summary
Host institutions: A consortium of European universities: Aix‑Marseille Université (France), University of Malta (Malta), Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (Netherlands), Ruhr‑Universität Bochum (Germany), Universidad de Deusto (Spain), University College Dublin (Ireland), Uniwersytet Warszawski (Poland), Uppsala universitet (Sweden).
Study level: Master’s (Joint Master’s) – 120 ECTS over 2 years / 4 semesters.
Target group: Individuals who are working or intending to work in humanitarian action, regardless of race, religion, age or geographic origin.
Fields of study: Covers humanitarian action broadly — including conflict, disaster response, vulnerable populations, coordination of humanitarian operations, ethics, global/regional perspectives, research in humanitarian action.
Scholarship Value: The programme offers fully-funded scholarships under the Erasmus Mundus framework (for successful applicants) covering tuition, travel, installation, living expenses.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters).
Application deadline: Key deadlines for the 2026-2028 cohort:
15 December 2025: for Erasmus Mundus Grant (scholarship) applications.
1 April 2026: for self-funded applicants.
Start date: Autumn 2026 (programme begins).
🧭 Programme Overview
The NOHA Joint Master’s in International Humanitarian Action is one of the longest-established humanitarian-action master’s programmes in Europe, first created in 1993 with support from the European Commission’s DG for Humanitarian Aid and DG for Education & Culture.
Mobility is central: students study at different universities within the consortium (and globally in partner institutions) to gain rich intercultural and multilingual experience.
🧩 The structure of study:
Introduction / Intensive Programme: an initial intensive period to orient students.
1st Semester – Foundation Period: Core courses covering key dimensions of humanitarian action (e.g., anthropology, legal dimensions, management, public health, world politics) at one of the universities (e.g., Uppsala).
2nd Semester – Specialisation Period: Students move to another consortium university for their chosen specialisation, plus methodology courses and advanced management.
3rd Semester – Contextualisation Period: Either a mobility exchange outside Europe (partner university), or a placement/internship plus a career development training.
4th Semester – Research Period / Master’s Thesis: The final semester is dedicated to independent research and a master’s thesis supervised jointly by institutions.
📚 The learning outcomes are framed around three competence areas:
Vision – Global and comprehensive vision of the humanitarian world (analysing complex humanitarian contexts)
Strategic Management – capacity to manage high-impact organisations and complex humanitarian responses
Personal Integrity – self-management and humanitarian leadership (ethical decision-making, cultural sensitivity, stress/adaptation management)
🌍 Comparison of NOHA Partner Universities (Home Institutions)
Below is a summary of the eight main NOHA partner universities, their teaching languages, areas of focus, and unique strengths:
1. Universidad de Deusto (UD), Spain
Language of Instruction: English & Spanish
Focus: Coordination and Management in Humanitarian Action
Unique Features:
Acts as the NOHA coordination centre
Bilingual learning environment
Strong partnerships with NGOs and humanitarian agencies
2. Aix-Marseille Université (AMU), France
Language of Instruction: French & English
Focus: Humanitarian Project Management, Political and Legal Aspects
Unique Features:
Strong emphasis on international law and geopolitics
Access to humanitarian organisations in the Mediterranean region
Excellent for students interested in legal and political frameworks
3. University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland
Language of Instruction: English
Focus: Policy and Practice in Humanitarian Action
Unique Features:
Research-led teaching and practical policy focus
Strong links with Irish Aid and international NGOs
Vibrant academic environment and global alumni network
4. Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB), Germany
Language of Instruction: English
Focus: Disaster Response, Conflict Studies, and Protection
Unique Features:
Home to the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV)
Known for academic rigor and legal research
Excellent preparation for humanitarian law and field operations
5. Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (RUG), Netherlands
Language of Instruction: English
Focus: Governance, Human Rights, and Crisis Response
Unique Features:
Strong foundation in law, political science, and governance
Multicultural student body and interdisciplinary research environment
Suitable for those aiming at policy or international governance roles
6. Uniwersytet Warszawski (UW), Poland
Language of Instruction: English
Focus: Humanitarian Logistics and Disaster Management
Unique Features:
Emphasis on logistics, planning, and post-conflict recovery
Affordable living costs compared to Western Europe
Dynamic research environment with regional humanitarian projects
7. Uppsala Universitet (UU), Sweden
Language of Instruction: English
Focus: Public Health, Anthropology, and Development Studies
Unique Features:
Strong focus on fieldwork and community-based humanitarian practice
Incorporates Nordic perspectives on humanitarian governance
Ideal for students interested in human rights and global health
8. University of Malta (UoM), Malta
Language of Instruction: English
Focus: Migration and Mediterranean Humanitarian Studies
Unique Features:
Specialises in migration and refugee protection
Close proximity to real-life humanitarian operations in the Mediterranean
Offers a unique intersection between policy, practice, and research
🌐 Global Partner Universities (Optional Third-Semester Mobility)
Students may also complete mobility semesters at one of NOHA’s global partners:
Chiang Mai University (Thailand)
Fordham University (USA)
Deakin University (Australia)
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (India)
Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia)
Universidad Javeriana (Colombia)
Université Saint-Joseph (Lebanon)
Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (Qatar)
University of Makeni (Sierra Leone)
These institutions allow students to gain first-hand exposure to humanitarian realities across diverse regions and strengthen their professional and research networks worldwide.
💲 Benefits & What’s Covered
Fees / Covered costs:
For scholarship holders under Erasmus Mundus, tuition and many costs are covered: scholarship covers tuition, travel, installation and living allowance (e.g., monthly allowance of ~€1,400).
For self-funded students: participation costs (tuition/fees) ~ €4,000 per semester (i.e., €16,000 for full programme).
Note: The participation costs do not cover accommodation, subsistence, extra travel beyond standard mobility, visa/passport costs.
💫 Programme Benefits
Study across multiple countries/universities, gaining international exposure and a powerful network.
Multilingual instruction (English plus French or Spanish at certain universities) enabling graduates to operate in multilingual humanitarian environments.
Access to a global alumni network of over 3,500 graduates working in humanitarian relief and cooperation for organisations and institutions worldwide.
High profile: The programme has been ranked first in its category by a major Spanish newspaper.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
A first-cycle university degree (Bachelor) or equivalent (minimum workload equivalent to 180 ECTS) in a relevant discipline (social sciences, humanities, law, economics, medical sciences, engineering, etc.).
Demonstrated proficiency in English; knowledge of other languages (French/Spanish) is a plus, especially if mobility to universities with those languages is chosen.
Professional experience (or intention to work) in humanitarian contexts, multicultural sensitivity, motivation and commitment to humanitarian values.
📝 Application Checklist for the NOHA Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s 2026–2028
Here’s a step-by-step guide to completing your NOHA Erasmus Mundus application:
Step 1 – Confirm Your Eligibility
Hold a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 180 ECTS) in a relevant field (social sciences, law, humanities, public health, international relations, engineering, etc.).
Demonstrate English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent).
Be motivated to pursue a career in humanitarian action or international cooperation.
Step 2 – Choose Your Home University
Select your preferred home university among the eight European partners.
Research its teaching language, specialisation options, and mobility pathways.
Step 3 – Prepare Application Documents
Gather and prepare clear, certified, and properly formatted copies of the following:
Academic degree certificate(s) and transcripts.
Curriculum Vitae (preferably in Europass format).
Motivation letter (explain your interest in humanitarian action and NOHA).
Proof of English language proficiency.
Two reference letters (academic/professional).
Copy of passport or national ID.
Proof of residence (if required for scholarship eligibility).
Additional language certificates (if relevant to your mobility path).
Step 4 – Submit Your Online Application
Apply via the official NOHA application portal (accessible on the NOHA website).
Upload all documents in the required format before submission.
You can apply for both the Erasmus Mundus scholarship and a self-funded spot (if you wish to be considered for both).
Step 5 – Respect the Deadlines
December 15, 2025: for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship applicants.
April 1, 2026: for self-funded applicants.
Step 6 – Await Selection Results
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for clarification or interview.
Scholarship results are generally released around March 2026.
Successful applicants will receive admission and scholarship details via email.
Step 7 – Prepare for Mobility
Confirm acceptance and register with your home university.
Begin visa applications and housing arrangements early.
Participate in the pre-departure orientation and initial Intensive Programme.
ℹ️ Additional Useful Information
Physical mobility: Students are required to complete at least two physical mobility periods in different countries (one must be an EU Member State or associated country). Virtual mobility cannot replace this requirement.
Accreditation: The programme is accredited under the European Approach for Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes until at least 2031.
Programme reputation: The NOHA network has decades of experience (since 1993) and has produced thousands of humanitarian professionals globally.
Specialisation choice: During the second semester the student selects a specialisation at one of the partner universities. It is therefore wise to evaluate each university’s strengths, language of instruction, living costs, and support services when selecting your path.
Self-funded students should carefully budget for accommodations, living expenses, visa/travel costs, insurance, and potential differences in cost of living across host cities.
🚀 Final Thoughts
If you are passionate about humanitarian action, crisis response, relief operations, international cooperation and want to build a globally-connected career, the NOHA Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in International Humanitarian Action is a strong opportunity. The combination of mobility, multilingual instruction, networked partner institutions and scholarship possibilities makes it particularly attractive.
Since the competition is high and scholarship slots limited, it would be wise to start your preparation early: refine your motivation letters, gather solid reference letters, reflect on your humanitarian engagement (volunteer, internship or work experience), and ensure you meet language requirements. Also pay attention to deadlines (especially for the scholarship by 15 December 2025).
