To be admitted to the Erasmus Mundus Journalism programme, you must meet the formal admission requirements outlined below.
Each year, we receive between 400 and 500 applications from around the world but can only offer places to approximately 80–90 students. This means that admission is highly competitive. In addition to meeting the formal requirements, all applications are carefully assessed according to specific selection criteria to ensure that candidates are a strong fit for the programme’s academic profile and international learning environment.
When commencing the Mundus Journalism programme by the 1st of September, students must have completed a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject. The bachelor's degree must be a degree approved by both Aarhus University and by the university chosen for the second-year studies*. Applicants who have not yet graduated from their bachelor's degree at the time of application, can, however, still apply.
All applicants need to include a transcript of records of all the courses completed within the application package. Applicants who have received their bachelor's certificate must include this as well. Applicants who are yet to graduate, must forward documentation of a bachelor's degree to Aarhus University no later than the 1st of August to complete the enrolment process prior to course start.
Subjects within bachelor's programmes in Arts/Humanities and Social Sciences are by default considered to be relevant. Applicants who have completed other programmes, but whose qualifications are deemed by the Consortium to be relevant and adequate, may also be offered admission.
To ensure that the best candidates are admitted, the Consortium has decided to give priority to academic merit; candidates will only be admitted if they have an above-average bachelor’s degree (a minimum of an above-average class mark/GPA is expected).
*Students holding a Bachelor degree from China, India and Vietnam need to present an APS Certificate for admission to LMU Munich. APS Certificates are issued by the Cultural Departments of the German Embassy in Beijing and Shanghai and the Academic Evaluation Centers in Hanoi and New Delhi.
The Erasmus Mundus Journalism programme is taught in English, so students need to be able to read and understand academic texts, participate in classroom discussions and lectures, and complete written assignments and exams in English. Therefore, we require a high level of proficiency in English.
Hence, we require an English test if you are not from one of the following countries: Antigua and Barbuda; Australia; The Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Canada; Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Ireland; Jamaica; New Zealand; St Kitts and Nevis; St Lucia; St Vincent and the Grenadines; Trinidad and Tobago; United Kingdom; or United States of America.
We only accept the tests listed below, as they reflect some of the essential features of academic language and thereby assesses whether you are ready to study in an English language environment. Due to visa regulations the test cannot be older than 2 years when the visa is issued.
In recent years, we have, unfortunately, encountered instances of applicants submitting falsified English test results. Therefore, we now require all applicants to provide their unique language test code within the Online Registration, allowing us to verify the test’s authenticity directly with the Test Centre where it was taken.
We accept these language tests which must be included in the application package:
Please note: It is not possible to apply for a language test exemption if you are applying for the Crisis and Conflict specialisation at City St George’s, University of London, as an English language test is required to obtain a UK visa.
If you are not a national of one of the English-speaking countries listed above but consider yourself a native English speaker, you may apply for an exemption from the English language test as part of your application package. Please note that an exemption is not guaranteed.
Applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in English language and/or English literature from a non-English-speaking country are still required to submit an English language test.
Important: Applicants for the Politics and Communication specialisation at the University of Amsterdam must follow the specific requirements set by the University of Amsterdam to obtain a language waiver.
If you wish to apply for an exemption, please include the following documents in your application package:
A letter explaining your reasons for requesting a waiver of the English language test. The letter should clearly explain why you should be considered a native English speaker.
You must provide documentation supporting your English language level, such as:
Formal statement from your university (if you studied in an English-taught bachelor’s programme in an English-speaking country):
The statement must confirm that the entire bachelor’s programme was taught in English. It must be signed by the educational administration office, dean, or examinations board.
Other relevant documentation demonstrating your English language proficiency.
Because the Mundus Journalism programme is grounded in the field of media and journalism studies rather than basic skills training, applicants must already possess foundational journalistic experience before joining the programme. We therefore require documentation of at least three months of full-time journalism work—ensuring that all students enter with a practical understanding of the profession, which they can then build on through the programme’s academic and analytical focus.
There is no formal restriction on the type of journalistic experience that can be accepted. However, as the admission process is highly competitive, applicants with more (conventional) journalistic experience may have an advantage. At the same time, we recognise that journalistic experience can take many forms. “Traditional” experience – such as writing or producing content for a published media outlet – is not the only accepted path.
Since the consortium evaluates each application as a whole, we are unable to assess the sufficiency of individual applicants’ experience in advance. We recommend that you apply and clearly describe how your experience has equipped you with the equivalent of at least three months of journalistic practice, giving you the background needed to engage fully with the programme.
Experience gained through an internship, or through unpaid work, can also be considered, provided that it involved journalistic work. However, as noted above, applicants with more extensive or conventional experience may be prioritised.
You must include documentation of your journalism experience. This can take many forms, such as a contract, payslips, a reference letter from a former or current editor, or any other formal confirmation that verifies that your experience corresponds to at least three months of full-time journalistic work.
Photo credits: Abhushan Gautam