I'm considering both, so I've spent more time than I'd like comparing them. They're both excellent and both fully funded. But they reward different applicants and lead to different lives for a year or two.
Side by side
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Chevening | |
|---|---|---|
| Funder | European Union | UK government (FCDO and partners) |
| Where | Two or more European countries | United Kingdom |
| Length | Usually 1–2 years (often 2) | Usually 1-year master's |
| Applying | To each programme's consortium | Central Chevening application, plus separate university applications |
| Selection | Academic, programme-specific | Leadership and networking potential, plus academics |
| Work experience | Not always required | Required (minimum set each cycle) |
| After graduation | No return requirement from the scholarship | Must return home for a set period |
| Degree | Joint or multiple degree | UK degree |
Who each one rewards
Erasmus Mundus tends to reward:
- Strong academic fit with a specific programme
- Applicants who can make a clear case for that particular curriculum
- People ready to move countries every semester or year
Chevening tends to reward:
- Demonstrated leadership and influence
- Strong networking and a clear plan to use it
- A career plan rooted in your home country
Questions to decide
- Do you want to return home soon after? If not, Chevening's return requirement is a problem.
- One year or two? Two years gives more depth. One year gets you back to work sooner.
- One country or many? Many countries broadens your network but adds logistics.
- What does your profile say louder? Academics and research fit point to Erasmus Mundus. Leadership and career impact point to Chevening.
Applying to both
Timelines overlap, but not perfectly. Chevening historically opens in late summer and closes in autumn. Many Erasmus Mundus programmes have deadlines between autumn and early the following year.
Practical tips:
- Reuse research, not essays. Questions differ, and tailoring matters.
- Line up referees early. Both need references.
- Track everything in one spreadsheet. See Planning a Scholarship Calendar.