The EIMAS Erasmus Mundus program officially the European Interdisciplinary Master African Studies takes an avant-garde swing at African studies by adopting the “Global Africa” framework. Instead of viewing Africa as an isolated subject, it treats the continent as a proactive global player. The curriculum weaves together themes of identity, territory, and sustainability, empowering students to challenge traditional narratives and embrace multi-dimensional perspectives.
This M.A. journey spans four semesters, each at a different European university, culminating in a fieldwork or internship in Africa and the completion of a thesis. It’s highly interdisciplinary, equipping students with analytical agility and hands-on skills through collaboration with academic institutions, NGOs, diplomats, and businesses across Europe and Africa.
Project Status
- Status: Ongoing
- Start date 01-09-2020
- End date 31-08-2026
- Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
- Universities Involved
- Countries Involved
The EIMAS Erasmus Mundus program is a Master’s in African Studies offered jointly by leading European universities in Germany, France, Portugal, and Italy.
| Germany |
| France |
| Portugal |
This cross-border collaboration allows students to gain an international perspective while studying and researching in the heart of Europe’s academic and industrial hubs.
Description of the EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program
EIMAS Erasmus Mundus is a dynamic and deeply interdisciplinary Master’s program that reframes African studies through the powerful “Global Africa” approach. It brings together European and African dimensions in a transnational educational journey. Upon completion, graduates receive an EMJMD diploma reflecting their multinational academic experience.
Key Features of the EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program
- Mobility-rich structure: Four-semester progression across Porto (1st), Bayreuth (2nd), Bordeaux (3rd), and a field-based finishing phase in Africa (4th).
- Interdisciplinary: Integrates fields like development, geography, politics, environment, urban planning, demography, security, and agriculture
- Applied learning: Modules like “Managing Projects in Development Cooperation”, “Mapping Urban Dynamics”, “Agriculture and Sustainable Development”, and “Political & Security Challenges”.
- Holistic outcomes: Builds analytical, communication, independence skills with strong ties to employers across sectors.
Mobility Tracks of the EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program
- Semester 1 – Universidade do Porto: foundation in interdisciplinary African studies.
- Semester 2 – Universität Bayreuth: deep dive into cultural, development dimensions.
- Semester 3 – Université Bordeaux Montaigne: focus on analytic and spatial tools (e.g., GIS, heritage, political ecology)
- Semester 4 – Fieldwork/internship in Africa + thesis at one of the universities (including University of Pavia’s involvement possible during this stage).
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or humanities (e.g., African Studies, Anthropology, History, Political Science, Sociology, Geography, etc.), or a strong interdisciplinary background.
- Strong academic performance (very good to excellent grade).
- English proficiency (CEFR C1)—IELTS 7.0, TOEFL iBT 95, or Cambridge C2 Proficiency (unless exempt).
- Required documents: bachelor’s certificate, transcripts, CV (Europass), motivation letter, two recommendation letters, ID/passport, proof of residence. (Some countries like China/Vietnam may require APS certificate.)
How to Apply for the EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program
- Prepare above-mentioned documents in English (some may also be in French, German, or Portuguese as accepted).
- Check eligibility and scholarship opportunities in the Erasmus+ Programme Guide and on the EIMAS official site.
- Submit through the application portal specified in the EIMAS site (usually via CAMPUSonline or uni-assist for Bayreuth).
- Undergo selection stages: academic evaluation, motivation letter, extracurriculars, and recommendations (~30%, 30%, 30%, 10%), followed by written application and interview.
Tips to Win the EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program
- Craft a powerful motivation letter—explicitly link your academic interests and goals to the “Global Africa” theme and EIMAS’s mobility model.
- Showcase interdisciplinary strengths—highlight any projects, research, or activities across humanities, social sciences, environment, urban studies, etc.
- Strong references—secure two academic recommenders who know your potential and field passion.
- Prepare thoroughly for interviews—be ready to discuss your motivations, mobility flexibility, and fieldwork interest. Reddit insights say these applications are incredibly competitive: “Erasmus Mundus is extremely, extremely competitive but that only makes your prep more meaningful.
Application Timeline
- Study starts: September
- Application opening: March.
- Deadline: July 15
Curriculum Structure of the EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program
- Semester 1 (Porto): Foundational interdisciplinary African Studies.
- Semester 2 (Bayreuth): Cultural and development-oriented studies.
- Semester 3 (Bordeaux): Applied analytical modules including urban mapping, sustainable agriculture, political security, demography.
- Semester 4: Fieldwork/internship in Africa, thesis writing across partner universities (including optional stay at University of Pavia).
Coordinator Contact
- Mirjam Straßer, M.A., EIMAS Coordinator
- Universität Bayreuth, Institute of African Studies
- Phone: +49 921 / 55-4504
- E-mail: EIMAS@uni-bayreuth.de
Alumni Feedback
I am so grateful for the training I received, the friends and professors I met who consistently helped expand the frontiers of my knowledge. I have no regrets for choosing EIMAS. Significantly, studying in an interdisciplinary master’s program enriched — rather than impinged on — my appreciation of literature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program?
The EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program is a European Interdisciplinary Master in African Studies that approaches Africa through a “Global Africa” perspective. It spans four semesters, includes mobility across European universities, and ends with fieldwork in Africa.
Who can apply for the EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program?
Applicants for the EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program must hold a Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or humanities, have strong academic performance, and meet English language proficiency requirements (CEFR C1).
How long is the EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program?
The EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program lasts two years (four semesters). Students spend three semesters at European partner universities and complete the final semester through fieldwork or an internship in Africa.
What are the benefits of the EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program?
The EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program offers mobility across multiple universities, interdisciplinary training, practical skills, and an internationally recognized joint degree. Scholarships are available to cover tuition, travel, and living expenses.
How can I apply for the EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program?
To apply for the EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program, candidates must submit their application through the official portal, including transcripts, CV, motivation letter, recommendation letters, and proof of English proficiency.
What is the application timeline for the EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program?
Applications for the EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program generally open in spring and close in mid-July, with studies beginning in September. Candidates should always check the official website for updated deadlines.
Which universities are part of the EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program?
The EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program is coordinated by Universität Bayreuth in Germany, with full partners including Universidade do Porto in Portugal and Université Bordeaux Montaigne in France. The University of Pavia in Italy is an associate partner.
Does the EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program include fieldwork?
Yes, the EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program includes a fourth-semester fieldwork or internship in Africa, allowing students to gain hands-on research and professional experience.
What career opportunities are available after completing the EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program?
Graduates of the EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program can pursue careers in academia, international organizations, NGOs, diplomacy, development agencies, and private sector roles related to African and global studies.
Is funding available for the EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program?
Yes, selected applicants to the EIMAS Erasmus Mundus Program can receive Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) scholarships, which cover tuition fees, travel, installation, and subsistence costs.
