Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027-2028 for Joint Master's in International Law of Security, Peace and Sustainable Development

Application is open for the 2027-2028 Erasmus Mundus Scholarships for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in International Law of Security, Peace and Sustainable Development (ILSPSD). ILSPSD offers a unique, multidisciplinary approach to international law, politics, security, and sustainability. This two-year programme prepares the next generation of global leaders to address pressing challenges, including armed conflicts, climate change, forced migration, and hybrid threats. Students gain hands-on experience through international mobility, studying at three leading European universities, and enriching their education with summer schools, legal clinics, guest lectures, work placements, practitioner interaction, and language training.

ILSPSD is offered by a consortium of nine European universities, supported by 30 global associate partners. Students begin their studies at Leuphana University of Lüneburg, continue at Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals, and specialize in one of four tracks:

• International Law and International Security (University of Glasgow)
• Security and Conflict (Université libre de Bruxelles)
• Globalization, Law and Security (Universidade NOVA de Lisboa)
• Or International Law and Human Rights (University of Tartu)

The final semester includes a research dissertation and an optional work placement, providing a comprehensive foundation for careers in international law, policy-making, NGOs, international organizations, and beyond.

The programme offers Erasmus Mundus scholarships co-funded by the European Union (EU), covering full tuition, travel, visa, installation, and a monthly allowance of €1,400 for the full 24-month duration. Scholarships are available to students worldwide, with 70 awards distributed across different regions and categories. Eligible applicants must hold an undergraduate degree and meet track-specific requirements. English proficiency is required, and French is needed for the Brussels track. Candidates can apply for a study place and a scholarship, or as self-funded students. Applications are submitted online through Leuphana University’s portal.

What is New in ILSPSD?

Following renewed European Commission funding, ILSPSD introduces exciting changes for 2026. Universidade Nova de Lisboa joins as a Year 2 partner on the new “Globalization, Law and Security” pathway. In contrast, the “International Law and International Security” pathway allows students to study at the University of Glasgow. The programme’s new title reflects its updated structure and expertise, and four additional summer school opportunities are available in the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, and Portugal.

ILSPSD Study Tracks

Students start with foundational courses at Leuphana University, then specialize in one of four tracks while studying at a partner university in Europe, gaining international experience and expertise in their chosen field. For better understanding, the study track details are as follows:

Semester 1 (Leuphana University of Lüneburg):

• M. Track: Focused on law. Requires 60 ECTS in relevant subjects, including 30 ECTS in law.
• A. Track: Focused on law, political science, international relations, or related fields. Requires 60 ECTS in relevant subjects.

Semester 2 & 3 (Specialization at Partner Universities):

• International Law and International Security – University of Glasgow
• Security and Conflict – Université libre de Bruxelles
• Globalization, Law and Security – Universidade NOVA de Lisboa
• International Law and Human Rights – University of Tartu

Learning Experience and Career Opportunities

ILSPSD provides a comprehensive education enriched by summer schools, legal clinics, guest lectures, and interaction with practitioners. Graduates gain multidisciplinary expertise, practical experience, and an international network, preparing them for careers in international courts and organizations, the EU, governmental agencies, NGOs, think tanks, and beyond.

Applicants must prepare the following documents in advance and upload them while filling out their application form:

University Entrance Qualification: High school diploma or equivalent (e.g., Abitur, Baccalauréat).

Undergraduate Diploma or Transcript

If completed: degree certificate.

If still studying: up-to-date transcript.

Additional Diplomas/Transcripts: Any other completed or ongoing studies beyond your first degree (if applicable).

Personal Statement (max 1,000 words)

Motivation for applying to ILSPSD.

Choice of study track and partner university.

Research interests and career goals.

Relevant academic or professional experience.

Reference Letters: Two letters on official letterhead (one academic, one professional if possible), dated within 2 years.

Proof of English Proficiency

IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, PTE, or declaration if native English speaker.

Certificate/transcript from an English-language undergraduate degree accepted.

Proof of French Proficiency (if applying to Brussels track)

Degree from a French-speaking institution or B2 level certificate according to CEFR.

Applicants willing to apply for ILSPSD must meet the following entry requirements

Undergraduate Degree

Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree with at least 180 ECTS or equivalent.

A degree should allow you to enter master’s studies in your country.

Students finishing their degree in the intake year can apply conditionally.

Track-Specific Requirements (Semester 1)

LL.M. Track (Leuphana): Applicants must provide at least 60 ECTS in relevant subjects, including 30 ECTS in law.

M.A. Track (Leuphana): Applicants must provide at least 60 ECTS in relevant subjects like law, political science, international relations, or related fields.

Partner Universities (Semester 3) Requirements

University of Glasgow: 2.1 Honours in law or related fields (international relations, politics, social sciences).

Université libre de Bruxelles: LLB or master’s in law (minimum 240 ECTS).

University of Tartu: Bachelor’s or Master’s with at least 60 ECTS in law or law-related subjects.

Universidade NOVA de Lisboa: No additional requirements.

Language Requirements

English: IELTS 6.5 (7.0 for Glasgow track), TOEFL iBT 79, Cambridge CAE/CPE 176, or PTE 59.

French: Required only for Brussels track (B2 level).

Certificates must be issued within the last 2 years.

Verification

Native English speakers provide a signed declaration.

Degrees completed in English-speaking countries must be verified with a transcript or certificate.

You must first secure a place in the ILSPSD programme (conditional or unconditional) and submit your scholarship application on time.

The Scholarship Selection Committee evaluates applications based on

Academic merit – 50%

Personal Statement – 30%

References – 10%

Other experience/achievements – 10%

If a main-list student withdraws, the first eligible candidate on the reserve list may take their place, subject to nationality rules, with a maximum of three students per country.

Candidates who do not receive a scholarship can appeal in writing within 14 days of notification. Appeals are only considered for procedural errors.

The ILSPSD provides fully funded scholarships, including the following benefits

A full Erasmus Mundus scholarship covers tuition, travel, visa, installation, and a monthly allowance (€1,400/month).

Tuition fee exemption for scholarship holders (€12,000/year for self-funded).

Access to an international network of universities, experts, and professional practitioners.

Summer schools, guest lectures, legal clinics, and work placements.

Step 1: Check the Entry Requirements mentioned above

Step 2: Note Application & Scholarship Deadlines as listed above

Step 3: Choose Your Study Track

Select your preferred study track(s) for Semester 3.

Check specific track entry requirements.

Rank your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd preferences.

Step 4: Gather Required Documents

Step 5: Submit Application by uploading all documents via the online portal.

Apply for Scholarship

Further details are available on the official ILSPSD website.