The HumanResponse Erasmus Mundus Joint Master on Coordinated Humanitarian Response, Health and Displacement is a multidisciplinary two-year master’s programme designed to prepare future leaders in humanitarian action, public health, and displacement studies within volatile global contexts. The HumanResponse Erasmus Mundus programme brings together European and African universities to empower students with theoretical knowledge, field-oriented practice, and research skills essential for effective crisis response and healthcare coordination. The curriculum’s structure emphasises South-North collaboration and provides students with exposure to diverse regional realities of humanitarian work, with study periods in Portugal, Norway, Uganda, and other locations.
Launched to address the critical gap in humanitarian training especially for professionals from regions most affected by crises, HumanResponse Erasmus Mundus combines academic excellence with mobility opportunities, internships, and summer schools. Students graduate with a joint degree recognised by consortium partners, backed by an extensive network of associated institutions active in humanitarian settings around the world
Key Details of the HumanResponse Erasmus Mundus
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master on Coordinated Humanitarian Response, Health and Displacement |
| Duration | 2 academic years (120 ECTS) |
| Degree Type | Joint Master’s Degree |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Study Model | Year 1 at Iscte – University Institute of Lisbon and Norwegian University of Science and Technology; Year 2 at Makerere University and/or other partner universities for specialisation & dissertation |
| Scholarship Type | Erasmus+ Joint Master Funding (15 scholarships per edition) |
| Academic Focus | Humanitarian action, public health, displacement studies, management, research methodology |
Project Status and Erasmus+ Funding Information
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree |
| Start Date | 01 November 2024 |
| End Date | 31 December 2030 |
| Action Type | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJM) |
Universities and Countries Involved in HumanResponse Erasmus Mundus
The HumanResponse Erasmus Mundus programme is delivered by a consortium of European and African universities:
| University | Country |
|---|---|
| Iscte – University Institute of Lisbon | Portugal |
| Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) | Norway |
| Makerere University | Uganda |
| University of Cape Verde (UniCV) | Cape Verde |
| University of Santiago (USant) | Cape Verde |
| National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) | Greece |
| Rovuma University | Mozambique |
Programme Structure
| Year | Location | Academic Components |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 – Semester 1 | Portugal (Iscte – University Institute of Lisbon) | Core modules in humanitarian action, public health, management, research design |
| Year 1 – Semester 2 | Norway (NTNU) | Specialisation in public health, innovation, humanitarian design, research methodology |
| Summer School | Rotating locations (e.g., Cape Verde, Greece, Uganda, Mozambique) | Field workshops, research methodology, presentations |
| Year 2 – Semester 3 | Uganda (Makerere University) | Social support, conflict & development, advanced counselling, internship |
| Year 2 – Semester 4 | Partner universities or associated partners | Dissertation and fieldwork in humanitarian contexts |
Research and Industry Links
The HumanResponse Erasmus Mundus programme is anchored in both academic learning and practical engagement with the humanitarian sector. Students gain hands-on experience through mandatory summer schools and internships coordinated with associated partners active in crisis settings, helping to bridge theoretical insights with real-world interventions. These networks strengthen professional opportunities in international NGOs, UN agencies, and public health organisations focused on disaster response and displacement.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the HumanResponse Erasmus Mundus must meet the following criteria (according to official programme requirements):
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum 180 ECTS) in a related field
- Strong academic record and motivation for humanitarian studies
- English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent where required)
- Demonstrated readiness for international mobility and interdisciplinary research
Required Documents
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and official transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of Purpose
- Two signed and dated Recommendation Letters
- Valid passport and photograph
How to Apply – Step-By-Step
- Visit the official HumanResponse Erasmus Mundus website and open the application portal
- Complete personal, academic, and professional information
- Upload required documents in English
- Review and submit before the application deadline
- If shortlisted, candidates may be interviewed
Application Timeline 2025 and 2026 Intake
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | October |
| Application Deadline | March |
| Selection and Review | April |
| Final Results Notification | May – June |
| Programme Start | September |
Scholarship Benefits for HumanResponse Erasmus Mundus Applicants
- Erasmus+ funding with monthly stipend (€1,400 per month for scholarship holders)
- Insurance coverage for the full 24-month duration
- Consortium scholarships covering participation costs
- Opportunities for global fieldwork and practical research
- Immersive exposure to multiple humanitarian contexts
Guidance for a Strong Application
- Clearly articulate motivation for humanitarian studies
- Emphasise relevant health, social work, or field experience
- Provide professional references that reflect leadership potential
- Demonstrate adaptability to diverse cultural environments
- Ensure all documents are error-free and professionally presented
Alumni Experience
Graduates of the HumanResponse Erasmus Mundus programme report transformative academic and professional growth, citing the programme’s strong integration of theory and field practice across continents. Alumni frequently enter roles in international organisations, NGOs, public health agencies, and crisis coordination teams, bolstered by the programme’s multidisciplinary training and global network of partners.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
What is the HumanResponse Erasmus Mundus program?
The HumanResponse Erasmus Mundus program is a two-year joint master’s degree focusing on coordinated humanitarian response, health, and displacement, delivered by a consortium of European and African universities.
Who can apply for the HumanResponse Erasmus Mundus program?
Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to sociology, public policy, management, health, design, development, and social work and who meet the program’s admission requirements are eligible to apply.
What scholarships are available for the HumanResponse Erasmus Mundus program?
The program offers Erasmus Mundus scholarships to selected students, covering tuition fees, travel costs, and providing a monthly stipend.
What is the application deadline for the HumanResponse Erasmus Mundus program?
The scholarship application deadline falls around February every year, with an extended deadline till May for self-funded students.
What degrees will I receive upon completing the HumanResponse Erasmus Mundus program?
Graduates will receive joint or multiple master’s degrees awarded by the participating universities, recognized across Europe and Africa.
