The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master TERRA offers scholarships worth up to €25,800 each for its 2027/2028 edition, combining full coverage of the €9,000 tuition fee with €1,400 per month. EU scholarships are available only in the First Call, which closes on 15 January 2027 and is open to students of all nationalities. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the programme, application and scholarship pages and set out every rule below.
TERRA at a Glance
🎓 Degree: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM), co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union
🌍 Countries: Portugal, Spain, France and Italy
📅 Academic year: 2027/2028, starting in September and running until July of the following year
🗣️ Language: English
💶 Tuition fee: €9,000
🏅 Erasmus Mundus Scholarship: up to €25,800, available only in the First Call
🗓️ First Call deadline: 15 January 2027
What the TERRA Master Teaches
The European Master in Earthen Architecture and Construction is a unique programme dedicated to advancing knowledge and professional practice in earthen architecture and construction. As an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master, it provides advanced training in sustainable earthen building and heritage conservation.
TERRA has been funded by the European Union, five EMJM editions are planned, and the academic year 2027/2028 is its second edition. If you are new to this type of degree, our guide on how Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters work explains the model.
Three Compulsory Mobility Periods
The programme includes three compulsory physical student mobility periods:
📚 Coursework mobility
🤝 Integration week mobility, financially supported by the Consortium
✍️ Dissertation mobility
Types of Scholarships Available
TERRA offers two types of student scholarships, and all First Call applicants may select which ones they wish to apply for:
🇪🇺 Erasmus Mundus Scholarships, funded by the Erasmus+ programme
🏛️ Consortium Scholarships, funded by the Consortium and its Associated Partners
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: Places and Value
These scholarships are available for students who apply within the First Call and support costs of up to €25,800 each:
3️⃣ Up to three scholarships per academic year for students from Programme Countries (roughly "Europe/EU")
7️⃣ Up to seven scholarships per academic year for students from Partner Countries (roughly "rest of the world")
What the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Covers
🧾 Participation costs: fully covered by the scholarship (€9,000). Scholarship holders are not charged any tuition fee.
✈️ Travel, visa, installation and subsistence: €1,400 per month for the entire duration of the Master programme.
The monthly amount is calculated on a unit cost basis for the duration required to complete the study programme, up to a maximum of 12 months. This period covers study, research, placement activities, dissertation preparation and defence, in line with the requirements of the joint Master degree.
Conditions Attached to the Monthly Support
🕐 The scholarship is awarded in full and only to full-time students.
🏠 No contribution to subsistence costs is granted for study, research, placement or dissertation preparation periods spent in the student's country of residence.
🪪 Applicants holding double nationality must indicate the nationality under which they are applying.
📍 Applicants must declare whether they have resided in a Programme Country for more than 12 months within the last 5 years prior to the application deadline.
Consortium Scholarships for Any Nationality
Consortium Scholarships are available to students of any geographical origin who apply mainly within the First Call:
🥇 Up to two scholarships per academic year of €9,000, fully covering tuition fees
🥈 Up to four scholarships per academic year of €6,000, partially covering tuition fees
🥉 Up to six scholarships per academic year of €3,000, partially covering tuition fees
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How to Qualify for a Scholarship
To be considered, you must submit a complete application during the First Call period. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis according to the selection criteria set out by the programme, and only students who apply to and are accepted by the TERRA Consortium are eligible.
First Call: Key Dates for Scholarship Applicants
The First Call is open to students of all nationalities, who can apply for Erasmus Mundus and/or Consortium Scholarships. The programme page states that applications for the first call of 2027/2028 will open soon, and it carries the application form for the 1st Call.
📮 Application deadline: 15 January 2027
📣 Top 60 candidates notified for interview: by 15 February 2027
🎥 Interviews: 22-26 February 2027
📬 Admission notification: by 5 March 2027
Second Call and Optional Third Call
The Second Call is open to students of all nationalities, and a limited number of Consortium Scholarships will be awarded to the top-ranked candidates:
📮 Application deadline: 15 April 2027
📣 Top 30 candidates notified for interview: by 30 April 2027
🎥 Interviews: 3-7 May 2027
📬 Admission notification: by 15 May 2027
The Third Call is optional. If opened, it is also available to students of all nationalities, and eligible applications can be considered for a Consortium Scholarship if available:
📮 Application deadline: 15 June 2027
📣 Candidates notified for interview: 18 June 2027
🎥 Interviews: 21-25 June 2027
📬 Admission notification: by 25 June 2027
Academic Admission Requirements
Applicants need a degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture or equivalent qualifications, and a higher education degree with a minimum of one of the following:
🏗️ A Bachelor's degree with 240 ECTS credit points (typically equivalent to 4 years of study)
🏛️ A Bachelor's and/or Master's degree(s) with 300 ECTS credit points (typically equivalent to 5 years of study). This is mandatory for all students whose mobility track includes UNIFI.
Students who have not yet completed their qualifying degree but expect to graduate before 31 July 2027 can apply and be considered for a grant. If selected, admission will be conditional upon submitting the official degree certificate to the TERRA Secretariat by 31 July 2027.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. Applicants from non-English speaking countries must provide one of the following certificates:
📝 TOEFL (paper-based): minimum score 525
💻 TOEFL (internet-based): minimum score 72
🎧 IELTS (academic version): minimum score 6.5
📜 Other recognised certificates of English language proficiency
All courses (including course material), examinations and academic counselling are provided exclusively in English. Students are also encouraged to attend national language courses in Portuguese, Spanish, French or Italian offered by their host institutions or by accredited external entities.
Documents Required With Your Application
Applications are submitted through the online application form, and only complete applications are considered:
✉️ Letter of motivation, between 1500 and 3500 characters including spaces (see our guide on writing a scholarship motivation letter)
📄 Detailed Curriculum Vitae in European format
🎓 Certificates and diplomas from previous university studies
📊 Transcripts of records, including grades and course syllabi from previous university studies
🔤 English language proficiency certificates
💼 Certificates of relevant work experience or other professional qualifications, if applicable
✍️ Two recommendation letters, submitted directly by the applicant through the application portal
🏠 Proof of residence, issued within 12 months before the submission deadline, required only for the First Call
🩺 Documentation of special educational needs, supported by a report from a specialist doctor and/or a statement describing the type of need and its implications for participation in activities across TERRA partner institutions
How Applicants Are Selected and Ranked
The selection is carried out by the Consortium Management Board at UMINHO (Academic Committee). All applications are pre-screened for formal requirements, and those that meet them are evaluated by the EMJM Academic Committee. Admission is subject to the approval of the TERRA Managing Board and is based on academic ability, motivation, recommendation letters and language proficiency.
The procedure has two stages:
🔍 Academic evaluation of each candidate's curriculum, based on the information provided through the online Application System
🎙️ Interview with the highest-ranked preselected candidates, carried out via videoconference, with a maximum of 5-7 applicants per country invited
Criteria Used in the Academic Evaluation
🏫 Previous higher education studies
🎯 Content and relevance of prior studies and quality of the awarding institution
🔧 Relevant professional experience
📨 Recommendation letters
💬 Motivation letter
🏆 Additional information, such as publications and awards
Applicants are ranked by total evaluation score in the list of admitted candidates, which goes to the Consortium partners for approval. After their review, the Consortium finalises the list of admitted students and identifies those proposed for Erasmus Mundus Scholarships or other available funding. Once feedback is incorporated, the final ranking list is approved and candidates are notified.
Fairness, Gender Balance and Special Educational Needs
Applications are assessed solely on academic merit, ability and potential, regardless of gender, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation or any other irrelevant distinction.
⚖️ Admissions are based on merit, and gender balance serves as a deciding criterion only for equally ranked candidates.
🚺 The Consortium is committed to a minimum of 35% female participation across the five planned EMJM editions.
♿ 5% of all EMJM and Consortium grants are reserved for students with special educational needs.
🤲 The Consortium will take measures to increase the participation of women and of underrepresented groups, ensuring that their merits are adequately assessed.
The €250 Refundable Deposit
Confirming acceptance automatically prevents other interested candidates from joining, as the number of applications greatly exceeds the available places, so selected applicants must pay a deposit of €250 to confirm their enrolment. It is refunded upon registration at the first host university, and its sole purpose is to ensure that places are reserved only for students who genuinely intend to participate.
What the €9,000 Tuition Fee Includes
The fee covers the administrative and academic costs of the programme:
🗂️ Registration, enrolment and administrative support
🏢 Access to university facilities and services
🧭 Organisation of case studies
🎤 Dissertation defence and other expenses directly related to course delivery
🏥 Health insurance
Participation costs do not include living, housing or travel expenses.
Estimated Living Costs in the Host Cities
Based on Numbeo information cited by the programme, average minimum monthly expenses excluding accommodation are approximately:
🇵🇹 Guimarães, Portugal: €650
🇪🇸 Valencia, Spain: €700
🇫🇷 Lyon, France: €1,000
🇮🇹 Florence, Italy: €950
Accommodation costs vary significantly but typically range between €300 and €600 per month on average. Students are strongly advised to carry out a careful financial assessment of all related expenses before deciding to enrol.
Other Funding Options to Explore
Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to look at additional funding, including government loans and grants, which typically cover living expenses and tuition fees either fully or partially. These applications should be planned well in advance, taking into account each applicant's individual study schedule. The Consortium recommends starting the process at least 18 months before the beginning of the Master's programme. Among others, the following countries offer such opportunities:
🇨🇦 Canada: Student Aid Alberta
🇨🇴 Colombia: Colfuturo
🇩🇰 Denmark: The Danish State Educational Support
🇫🇷 France: Campus France
🇩🇪 Germany: AuslandsBAföG
🇮🇹 Italy: Study in Italy
🇲🇽 Mexico: Secihti
🇳🇴 Norway: Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund
Student Support and Programme Resources
🤗 The Erasmus Mundus Students and Alumni Association supports prospective and current Erasmus Mundus students throughout their participation in the programme.
📘 Student Guides are currently being prepared and will be made available soon.
🗃️ The TERRA Repositorium provides downloadable materials, official documents and useful resources for applicants, students and partners.
📑 A TERRA leaflet in PDF format and a FAQ section are available on the programme website.
You can browse more master's scholarships and study funding on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the TERRA Erasmus Mundus Scholarship worth?
Each Erasmus Mundus Scholarship supports costs of up to €25,800. It fully covers the €9,000 participation costs and adds €1,400 per month for travel, visa, installation and subsistence, for a maximum of 12 months.
Which call should I apply in if I need EU funding?
Apply in the First Call, which closes on 15 January 2027. EU scholarships are available only during this call, and most Consortium Scholarships are also awarded in it.
Can I apply from outside Europe?
Yes. All three calls are open to students of all nationalities. Up to seven Erasmus Mundus Scholarships per academic year are for students from Partner Countries, roughly the rest of the world.
Can I apply before finishing my degree?
Yes, if you expect to graduate before 31 July 2027. If you are selected, your admission is conditional on submitting the official degree certificate to the TERRA Secretariat by 31 July 2027.
Which degree do I need for the TERRA Master?
You need a degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture or equivalent qualifications, with at least 240 ECTS credit points. A total of 300 ECTS credit points is mandatory for all students whose mobility track includes UNIFI.
What English level is required?
Applicants from non-English speaking countries must provide a certificate such as TOEFL paper-based 525, TOEFL internet-based 72 or IELTS academic 6.5. Other recognised English proficiency certificates are also accepted.
How long should the motivation letter be?
The letter of motivation must be between 1500 and 3500 characters, including spaces. It is one of the criteria used in the academic evaluation of each candidate.
Will I be interviewed?
The highest-ranked preselected candidates are interviewed by videoconference. In the First Call, the top 60 candidates are notified by 15 February 2027 and interviews take place on 22-26 February 2027.
Do I have to pay anything to confirm my place?
Selected applicants pay a €250 deposit to confirm enrolment. The deposit is refunded upon registration at the first host university, according to Youth Works Hub's review of the programme's application page.
Does the tuition fee include health insurance?
Yes. The €9,000 tuition fee includes health insurance, but it does not cover living, housing or travel costs.
Do I get the monthly amount while studying in my home country?
No contribution to subsistence costs is granted for study, research, placement or dissertation preparation periods spent in your country of residence. The scholarship is awarded in full and only to full-time students.
Deadline
⏳ 15 January 2027
Links
🔗 Application form (1st Call, 2027/2028): https://msc-terra.org/applications/#form
📋 Applications, calls, requirements and key dates: https://msc-terra.org/applications/
🏅 Scholarships: https://msc-terra.org/scholarships/
🌐 TERRA official website: https://msc-terra.org/
📄 Europass CV: https://europass.europa.eu/en
🎒 Erasmus Mundus Students and Alumni Association: https://www.em-a.eu
