MemBioMed Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarship 2026–2028 (Fully Funded) – Study in France, Italy & Germany
- Omran Aburayya
- Dec 14
- 4 min read
If you are a passionate life-science student fascinated by the inner workings of cells, the MemBioMed Erasmus Mundus Joint Master offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: the 2026–2028 cohort applications are now open. This cutting-edge program trains future leaders in biomembrane research and therapeutics, blending rigorous academic training with hands-on experience across three major European universities. Here's everything you need to know.
🎓MemBioMed Summary
Location: France, Italy, Germany
Host Institutions: Université Côte d’Azur (France), University of Genoa (Italy), University of Osnabrück (Germany)
Study Level: Master’s (Erasmus Mundus Joint Master)
Areas of Focus: Biomembranes, cell biology, biophysics, neurophysiology, biochemistry, structural biology, pharmacology, bioinformatics
Awarded Degree(s):
Master’s in Life Sciences — Université Côte d’Azur
Master’s in Medicine, Pharmacy & Biotechnology — University of Genoa
Master’s in Biology (From Molecules to Organisms) — University of Osnabrück
Target Group: Graduates (or soon-to-graduate) with a Bachelor of Science in Biology or equivalent STEM fields
Funding: €1,400/month for 24 months + full tuition waiver + coverage for travel, visa, installation, and subsistence costs
Programme Duration: 24 months (2 years)
Application Deadline: For the 2026–2028 cohort: 1 November 2025 – 31 January 2026 (first period) and 15 February – 15 March 2026 (second period)
Eligible To: Applicants of any nationality
📚 Scholarship Overview & Programme Structure
The MemBioMed program (short for From Membrane Biology to Neuroscience and Experimental Medicine) is a two-year, Erasmus Mundus Joint Master designed to provide deep, interdisciplinary training in biomembrane science. It draws on expertise from three leading European institutions:
Université Côte d’Azur (France) – Coordinating university
University of Genoa (Italy)
University of Osnabrück (Germany)
This master’s program emphasizes mobility, international exposure, and practical research experience. The curriculum includes lecture-based modules, lab rotations, research proposals, and a master thesis.
🌐 Mobility / Structure
Semester 1 – Université Côte d’Azur: foundational courses about membrane structure and function.
Semester 2 – University of Genoa: focus on pathologies linked to biomembranes, neurobiological functions.
Semester 3 – University of Osnabrück: methodological specialization, especially in cellular nanoanalysis to prepare for thesis.
Semester 4 – Master thesis: students complete their thesis either in one of the partner universities or with a partner research institution.
Students will receive three separate master’s degrees, one from each of the three universities, plus a joint diploma supplement detailing their competencies.
📖 Curriculum, Tracks, and Program Structure
As described above, the program is structured to maximize mobility and cross-disciplinary training. Key features:
Foundational knowledge in biomembrane biology (Semester 1)
Advanced specialized modules on disease relevance, neuroscience, pathologies (Semester 2)
Methodological specialization (Semester 3): students learn advanced experimental techniques, especially nano-scale cellular analysis in Osnabrück.
Thesis (Semester 4): carried out in one of the partner universities or with external research partners.
Lab rotations & Research Projects: the program integrates practical training, where students rotate through academic and industrial labs, propose research, and design thesis projects.
Diploma Supplement: Students will receive three degrees + a joint supplement summarizing the program’s interdisciplinary and international nature.
🎁 Scholarship Benefits
Monthly Living Allowance: €1,400 per month for the full 24 months.
Tuition: Full waiver of participation costs for scholarship recipients.
Other Costs Covered: Travel, visa, installation, and subsistence are included in the scholarship.
Full-Time Enrollment: Scholarship covers full-time enrollment including coursework, research placements, and thesis.
If students are not awarded the Erasmus Mundus scholarship, they can still enroll but will pay participation costs: for European students ~ €500 for the full program; for non-European students ~ €7,758 for the full program.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the MemBioMed Master:
Educational Background:
A Bachelor of Science degree (or equivalent) in Biology or STEM fields (with advanced coursework in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, biotechnology, bioengineering, pharmacology, statistics, etc.)
Research or laboratory experience is preferred but not strictly mandatory.
Students in their final year of a Bachelor degree may apply, provided they submit proof of graduation (by July of the application year).
Language Proficiency:
The program is taught entirely in English.
Accepted proofs include:
TOEFL iBT: minimum overall 93, each section > 22
IELTS: minimum 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in each module)
Cambridge (C2 Proficiency or C1 Advanced): minimum 180 overall, no component below 176
Or proof of at least 2 years of full-time university study in English (MOI certificate)
Note: Duolingo is not accepted.
Other:
Scholarship applicants must not have previously held an EMJM scholarship for another program.
Selection involves a three-phase process: eligibility check, pre-selection (scored evaluation), and interview.
Interview assesses communication, motivation, academic background, and interpersonal skills.
📖 Need resources to prepare for your TOEFL OR IELTS Exam? CHECK our top Picks:
ℹ️ Earns Commission
📝 Application Procedure & Timeline
Application Periods (2026–2028 cohort):
First period: November 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (main window; about 90% of cohort selected)
Second period: February 15, 2026 – March 15, 2026 (about 10% of places)
How to Apply:
Use the online application form on the MemBioMed / Université Côte d’Azur platform.
Both scholarship and self-funded applicants use the same form.
Selection Process:
Eligibility check on submitted applications.
Preselection: Applications are scored (academic record, CV, motivation letter, recommendation) by local academic coordinators.
Interview: Video interview by a panel; candidates assessed on motivation, language, academic profile, personality.
Decision & Scholarship Award: Scholarship offers made after evaluation; follow-up for registration.
Registration:
Dual enrolment in Université Côte d’Azur (UniCA) and University of Genoa (UniGe) in the first year.
In the second year, enrolment extended to include all three partner universities (UniCA, UniGe, UOS).
Interviews Timing: For first window, interviews likely in February after first period; for second window, a further interview round at the end of March.
Enrollment Formalities: Between April and June 2026 (for 2026–2028 cohort), after admission decisions.
Visa: Admitted students should apply for visas as early as possible.



