Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our comprehensive FAQ section. Here you’ll find detailed answers to the most common questions about the MARIHE programme, from admission requirements and application procedures to funding opportunities and career prospects.

If you don’t find what you’re looking for below, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team directly.

Programme Overview

MARIHE (Master in Research and Innovation in Higher Education) is a 2-year Erasmus+ Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) offering a unique global perspective on higher education, research, and innovation. The programme is delivered across partner institutions in Europe and Asia, providing students with an international educational experience that prepares them for leadership roles in higher education systems worldwide.

The programme focuses on developing critical thinking, research skills, and innovation management capabilities within the context of higher education governance and policy.

The programme is designed to develop both core competencies and professional skills that prepare students for leadership and innovation in higher education. Among the core competencies, students will strengthen their critical thinking and analytical reasoning, enhance their leadership capacity in educational contexts, and acquire entrepreneurial and innovation management skills. They will also gain solid grounding in research design and methodology, deepen their understanding of higher education governance, and develop cross-cultural management and communication abilities. Additionally, students will learn to conduct policy analysis and development, as well as engage in strategic planning for educational institutions.

In terms of professional skills, the programme emphasizes international project management and multicultural team collaboration, enabling students to work effectively in diverse environments. It also builds expertise in educational technology integration, stakeholder engagement and communication, and equips students with tools for change management within academic settings. Together, these skills create a comprehensive foundation for professional advancement in global higher education.

Graduates of the programme are well-positioned to pursue careers across a range of sectors in education and beyond. Career opportunities exist in higher education institutions such as universities, colleges, and research institutes, as well as in government agencies and education ministries. Graduates may also find roles within international organizations like UNESCO, the World Bank, and EU institutions, or in NGOs dedicated to education, educational consulting firms, and research and policy think tanks.

Within these sectors, graduates typically pursue roles that include managerial positions in academic administration and institutional management, analytical positions in policy analysis and institutional research, and research-focused positions in educational studies and innovation. Leadership opportunities such as department head, programme director, or strategic planning roles are also common, along with consulting opportunities in higher education system reform and advisory work. Importantly, the programme prepares graduates with a special focus on leadership, innovation, and institutional management, with a strong orientation toward both European and Asian higher education contexts.

The programme comprises 120 ECTS credits spread over four full-time semesters (2 years). All students must study full-time, part-time study is not permitted for Erasmus Mundus programmes. Read our Curriculum page for more detailed information on courses and content.

The academic year follows the European higher education calendar, with each semester consisting of approximately 30 ECTS credits of coursework, research, and practical activities.

Semesters 1-2: Krems (Austria) and Tampere (Finland) for core modules.

Internship: Internship location depends on the host.

Semester 3: Choose an Asian specialization (China or India) and a European specialization (Austria, Finland, Germany, Hungary or Portugal). For more details read our Specialization Descriptions.

Semester 4: Any partner university for thesis completion.

Please note: While student preferences are considered, the final allocation to specific universities and mobility tracks is determined by the MARIHE Consortium based on specialization choices, organizational factors (including visa requirements), and balanced student distribution among partner institutions.

Graduates receive either a joint, double or multiple degree, depending on their specialization track. Possible degree types include Master of Administrative Sciences, Master of Science, or Master of Arts. The degree structure ensures that the qualification is awarded collaboratively by the participating universities within your mobility track, providing strong international recognition and academic credibility across multiple higher education systems. More information here.

Yes, absolutely. Students can apply for an EMJMD scholarship to any of the Erasmus+ Erasmus Mundus courses of their choice. As of January 2022, there is no longer an official limit for the number of EMJMD programmes that students can apply for.

You can find the complete catalogue of available programmes at: EMJMD Catalogue

Eligibility Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission to the programme are a Bachelor’s degree of at least three years (180 ECTS) from a recognized university, as well as proof of English proficiency at an academic level.

No Subject Restrictions: You do not need a degree in any specific field or subject. MARIHE welcomes applicants from diverse academic backgrounds. What matters most is your motivation for choosing the MARIHE programme in relation to your previous education, work experience (if applicable), and future career plans.

Work Experience: While not required, work experience can be a strong advantage for your application, especially if acquired in higher education institutions. If you have relevant work experience, clearly state it in your CV and include a letter of confirmation from your employer describing your role, responsibilities, and skills developed.

Previous Master’s Degree: You can apply even if you already hold a Master’s degree. However, students who have previously received an EMJM scholarship are not eligible to apply for an additional scholarship under the Erasmus Mundus programme.

For more detailed information read our detailed Admission Requirements page.

No. All Erasmus Mundus students must study full-time. The intensive, internationally mobile nature of the programme requires full-time commitment throughout the two-year duration.

Application Process & Documents

All applications to the MARIHE programme must be submitted electronically through the official MARIHE online application database. Paper or email applications are not accepted. To begin your application, please visit the MARIHE Application Portal.

Be sure to carefully review the How to Apply page for application guidelines and required documents before starting your submission.

Phase 1

  1. Application form
  2. Copy of passport or national ID
  3. Curriculum Vitae (CV, Europass format, no photo)
  4. Motivation letter
  5. University diploma(s) / degree certificate(s)
  6. Official transcript(s) of records
  7. Proof of English language proficiency
  8. Two letters of recommendation
  9. Essay

Phase 2 (Only if Short Listed)

  1. Short video (max. 2 minutes)

For full details on format, translations, and exemptions, please visit the Application Documents page.

The programme has a new intake every October, with the application window opening in the autumn of the previous year. After the first review, applicants are notified whether they are shortlisted as scholarship candidates, self-funded candidates, or not selected. A second review determines final placement on the main list, reserve list, or rejection. Final results are typically published in February or March of the intake year. For exact dates, please refer to the current call for applications on the Process and Timeline page.

MARIHE uses a two-stage review process to ensure a fair and thorough assessment of every application. Each submission is evaluated by two independent reviewers who consider academic quality, motivation and programme fit, personal skills, and English language proficiency. Both stages are carried out by the same reviewers to maintain consistency, and their scores contribute to a comprehensive ranking of all eligible applicants. The final selection decisions are made by the MARIHE Admission Board, based on these rankings. For detailed criteria and weighting, please see the Assessment Criteria page.

Costs, Funding and Accomodation

Yes. MARIHE offers Erasmus Mundus full scholarships worth €1,400 per month for the full 24 months, plus coverage of participation costs and travel allowances. More details are available here.

You can still join MARIHE as a self-funded student, and currently participation fees are waived. In addition, self-funded students may be eligible for other opportunities such as Erasmus+, MARIHE scholarship (up to €6,000), or other sources. See the Costs & Funding page for full details, including estimated living costs and available support.

Living costs vary depending on the city and your lifestyle. We provide detailed guides with accommodation, meals, transport, and other estimates in the Student Participation Costs of the Costs & Funding page.

In general, students are responsible for finding their own accommodation during the programme. However, the MARIHE consortium partners provide valuable support to make this process easier. This support may include special arrangements with student dormitories (where available), providing useful information and contacts for local accommodation providers, and offering guidance on navigating the housing market in each location.

During the internship or project period, the host institution may provide additional support to help students secure accommodation. It is important to note that students remain fully responsible for accommodation costs, and rental agreements are made directly between students and housing providers. The MARIHE Consortium itself is not contractually involved in any housing arrangements.

Because housing markets and availability differ across consortium locations, students are advised to begin their accommodation search early for each city on their mobility track. Early planning will help ensure better access to suitable housing options and smoother transitions between study locations.

Need More Information?

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need clarification on any requirements or procedures. The MARIHE team is here to guide you through the application process. Email us at …