Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management (MESPOM) 2026-2028 | Fully Funded

If you are passionate about tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, sustainable development, and environmental justice, the Erasmus Mundus MESPOM programme represents a unique gateway. The applications are now open for the 2026–2028 cycle, offering full funding under the Erasmus Mundus scheme. Delivered by a consortium of European universities, MESPOM combines rigorous interdisciplinary coursework, real-world internships, and mobility across institutions. It equips graduates to lead in environmental policy, management, science and governance — in NGOs, government, academia, or the private sector. Here's everything you need to know.

🎓 MESPOM Key Facts

• Consortium Universities: Central European University (Austria), Lund University (Sweden), University of Manchester (UK), University of the Aegean (Greece)

• Duration: 24 months (120 ECTS credits)

• Level: Master’s (Joint / Multiple degrees, depending on mobility)

• Fields & Focus: Environmental sciences, environmental policy, environmental management, sustainable development, climate change, biodiversity, urban sustainability, sustainable consumption & production, environmental justice & security

• Target Group: Global—students from all countries are eligible

• Funding: Erasmus Mundus scholarships (fully funded) covering tuition, travel, visa, subsistence, installation costs; alternative self-financing route available

• Application Deadline: January 7, 2026 (for scholarship applicants)

• Start Date: September / autumn term of 2026 (expected)

  
  

🧩 Programme Structure

The MESPOM programme spans four terms over two years. Students will study at multiple institutions within the consortium, giving them exposure to different geographic, cultural, academic and institutional approaches to environmental challenges.

Year 1

• Fall & Winter Terms (at Central European University, Vienna)

  • A mandatory introductory module on environmental sustainability challenges

  • Advanced elective / cross-cutting courses (policy, economics, legal, science integration)

  • Training in cross-disciplinary competencies (communication, modelling, scenario analysis)

• Spring Term (at University of the Aegean, Lesvos, Greece)

  • Courses in environmental science (land systems, ecosystems, water, biodiversity, sustainable tourism, environmental modelling)

  • Students choose among electives (e.g. applied ecology, air pollution & climate, GIS, research design)

• Summer (Internship)

  • Practical internship supervised by MESPOM faculty or associated partner organizations (NGOs, governmental agencies, research institutions)

  • Integration of theory with practice: the internship allows hands-on experience in environmental projects

Year 2

• Fall Term: Specialization / Track Term

  Students choose one of two mobility / specialization tracks:

  1. Lund University (Sweden) — track focusing on “Environment, Industry and Products”

  2. University of Manchester (UK) — track focusing on “Environment and Pollution Control”

• Spring / Term 4: Thesis / Research Term

  • Students conduct an independent master’s thesis at one of the consortium universities or in collaboration with partner institutions

  • The thesis may be combined with internship or fieldwork components, depending on the topic and hosting institution

  • This term emphasizes deep research and specialization aligned with student interests and career goals

Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to attend seminars, workshops, project collaborations, networking events, and engage with the consortium’s associated partners.

📘 Career / Specialization Tracks & Research Themes

MESPOM allows students not just to gain breadth but also depth in theme areas. Some of the core specialization topics include:

• Sustainable Energy & Climate Change

• Biodiversity and Conservation

• Urban Sustainability

• Sustainable Consumption & Production

• Environmental Security & Justice

• Pollution Control & Environmental Technologies

• Environmental Governance & Policy Integration

By aligning your thesis and elective courses along one or more of these themes, you can build a distinct specialization suited for academic, policy or industry roles.

Graduates have very diverse career trajectories, such as:

• Environmental analyst / consultant in governmental institutions

• Policy advisor at intergovernmental or international organizations (UN, EU, NGOs)

• Researcher or lecturer at universities and think tanks

• Sustainability officer or project manager in private sector or industry

• Specialist roles in climate adaptation, conservation, urban planning, environmental justice

Many alumni also proceed to PhD studies or leadership positions in their home countries or abroad.

🏛️ Host Universities & Consortium Partners

• Central European University (CEU), Austria (Vienna) — Program coordinator, hosts first semester and handles admissions.

• University of the Aegean (Greece, Lesvos) — Hosts the Spring term of Year 1, especially environmental science courses.

• Lund University (Sweden) — Hosts one of the specialization tracks (Environment, Industry & Products).

• University of Manchester (UK) — Hosts the specialization track in environment & pollution control.

Beyond the core four, associated partners expand the network. For instance, University of Saskatchewan (Canada) and Middlebury Institute of International Studies (USA) serve as partners where students may have opportunities for projects or exchanges.

This structure ensures exposure to Nordic, Mediterranean, British, and international perspectives in environmental science and governance.

🎁 What the Scholarship Covers

As an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) programme, MESPOM offers robust benefits for scholarship recipients:

• Full tuition coverage (for Erasmus Mundus scholars)

• Living allowance / subsistence support during the study period

• Travel costs between host institutions and home country

• Visa & installation costs support 

• Health insurance / insurance support (often included under the scholarship)

• No application fee for MESPOM (unless applying to other CEU programmes)

Students who are unable to secure a scholarship may also be admitted under a self-financing scheme, paying tuition and personal costs.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, candidates should satisfy:

1. Academic Qualification

   • A Bachelor’s degree (3 years minimum, or equivalent) from a recognized institution

   • Preferably in environmental science, natural/social sciences, engineering, economics, law, policy, or related fields

   • Candidates from different academic backgrounds may be considered if they show a strong commitment to environmental challenges via relevant work or voluntary experience

2. Academic Performance

   • A minimum GPA (often ~3.5 / 4.0, or equivalent) in the undergraduate degree.

3. English Language Proficiency (if required)

   • Non-native English speakers must submit recognized test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson, Cambridge, etc.)

   • In some cases, exemptions apply if the prior degree was taught fully in English (subject to review)

   • Note: For the Manchester track, stricter English requirements may apply (no subtest below 20 in TOEFL, etc.).

4. Motivation, Experience & Fit

   • Strong statement of purpose articulating interest in environmental topics, rationale for applying to MESPOM, and future goals

   • Prior relevant professional or voluntary experience (e.g. environmental projects, NGOs, research, internships)

   • Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)

   • Academic transcripts, diploma, CV / résumé

   • For those still completing their bachelor’s degree, proof of expected graduation before enrollment date

Admission is competitive; selection considers academic excellence, motivation, fit with the programme, and potential to contribute to environmental solutions.

✍🏻 Application Procedure

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying:

1. Online Application

   • Applications are handled by CEU via their online portal (for MESPOM)

   • No application fee is required if you only apply to MESPOM (not for additional CEU programmes)

2. Required Documents

   • Two letters of recommendation (in English) from academic or professional referees

   • Official transcripts and diploma (in English or with certified translation)

   • Bachelor’s degree certificate or proof of graduation

   • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé, highlighting relevant experience

   • A personal essay / statement of motivation (often limited to ~350 words)

   • Proof of English proficiency (or a request for exemption, if applicable)

   • Other documents may include proof of residency (if requested), identity documents, etc.

3. Selection & Interview

   • Applications are first screened for eligibility

   • Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews (to clarify application details)

   • Final decisions are taken by the MESPOM Academic Board

4. Notification & Acceptance

   • Scholarship applicants will be informed of results (dates vary)

   • Admitted students must accept formally, submit confirmation, and provide required original documents for enrolment

   • Self-financing applicants have separate deadlines (especially for non-EU students requiring visas)

5. Enrollment / Mobility Planning

   • Once accepted, students plan their mobility path (which university to attend for each term, specialization track, housing, visa, etc.)

   • Predeparture orientation, administrative support, and integration services are often part of the programme’s support system

ℹ️ Recent Updates / Additional Notes

• MESPOM is continuously adapting and currently partners with six institutions (beyond the four European core) including University of Saskatchewan (Canada) and Middlebury Institute (USA) as project partners. Thus, students may have extended options or collaborations beyond Europe.

• In the Aegean term, the programme offers a set of mandatory and elective courses, for example “Assessment, Modelling and Scenarios for Ecosystems Management (ECOSYS)” as a core 6 ECTS, and electives such as Applied Ecology, GIS, Air Pollution & Climate, Wastewater Management, Resilient Cities, etc.

• Always verify deadlines, requirements, and changes on the official MESPOM site (mespom.eu) or contact the consortium coordinator (coordinator@mespom.eu) for up-to-date clarifications.

🔗 Application Link

🔗 Official Website

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