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TROPIMUNDO Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarship 2027–2028 | Tropical Biodiversity & Ecosystems

TROPIMUNDO is an EC-funded Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems, offering full scholarships for a 2-year programme combining study in Europe with a full semester in tropical regions including Africa. The programme awards a joint degree from multiple European universities.

November 13, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Apr 30, 2027

Quick Overview

Host CountryBelgium, France, Italy, plus tropical field locations
University/OrgMultiple: ULB, VUB, Sorbonne, MNHN, UNIFI, plus tropical partners
Degree LevelMasters
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyCons Biology, Ecology, Ecosystems, Environmental Sciences, Tropical Biodiversity
DeadlineApril 30, 2027

Scholarship Overview

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Overview

TROPIMUNDO is an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (Degree) in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems, funded by the European Commission and excellence-labelled for its academic quality. The programme addresses the global crisis of species extinction and ecosystem degradation through a unique curriculum combining theory, field practice, and independent research.

Students spend two years studying across multiple universities, including a full semester in the tropics conducting field courses and research. The programme leads to a joint master’s degree awarded by the European institutes visited.

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Why This Matters for African Applicants

For applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, TROPIMUNDO offers exceptional value. The programme includes established partnerships with African universities: Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (Senegal), Université d’Abomey-Calavi (Benin), Université de Dschang (Cameroon), and Technical University of Mombasa (Kenya). These partnerships enable African students to conduct tropical fieldwork on their own continent while building international research networks.

The VLIRUOS scholarship component specifically prioritises students from certain developing countries, which may include SADC nations. This creates a pathway for fully funded study that recognises and builds upon regional expertise in tropical ecology.

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Programme Structure

The 4-semester trajectory follows a consistent pattern:

  • Semester 1: Brussels (Belgium) — foundational competences at ULB or VUB
  • Semester 2: Tropical field semester — choose from Caribbean, Amazonian, African, Asian, or Oceanian partner universities
  • Semester 3: European specialisation — different university from Semester 1
  • Semester 4: MSc thesis research — return to starting institution

Specialisations include: tropical flora and vegetation evolution; faunistic assemblages; biodiversity informatics and database management; tropical ecosystem dynamics; conservation and restoration ecology; and tropical ethnobotany with traditional ecological knowledge.

Participating Institutions

European partners: Université Libre de Bruxelles (Belgium), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Belgium), Sorbonne Université (France), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (France), Università degli Studi di Firenze (Italy), Université de la Guyane Française (French Guiana), Université de La Réunion (France), Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie (France).

Non-European partners: Universidad de Antioquia (Colombia), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (Brazil), Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (Senegal), Université d’Abomey-Calavi (Benin), Université de Dschang (Cameroon), Technical University of Mombasa (Kenya), University of Ruhuna (Sri Lanka), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (Malaysia), University of The Philippines Diliman (Philippines).

Tuition and Fees

Self-funded students pay:

  • €9,000 per year — students from Third Countries not associated to Erasmus+ (most non-European countries)
  • €4,500 per year — students from EU Member States and associated Third Countries

Self-funded students receive a €500 restitution for each €4,500 paid. Tuition includes consortium enrolment fees and insurance, but excludes visa costs, accommodation, living expenses, and travel.

Scholarship Opportunities

Two funding streams exist:

  • Erasmus Mundus scholarships: Full scholarships covering tuition, living allowance, travel, and installation costs. Open to all nationalities, pending EC approval.
  • VLIRUOS scholarships: Available to students from priority countries, with specific funding for trajectories through Kenya and the Philippines.

Both scholarships are awarded on excellence criteria evaluated by a Selection Committee comprising all Local Coordinators.

Application Timeline

For 2027–2028 intake:

  • First call (scholarship seekers): Currently open — deadline November 2027
  • Second call (self-funded only): Expected February 2027

For 2028–2029 intake:

  • Scholarship call expected to open: September 2027

Applications are evaluated as a batch after the first call deadline. If places remain, second call applications are treated first-come-first-served.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Bachelor of Science degree (180 ECTS equivalent) in Biology, Natural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or closely related field from an accredited university
  • English proficiency required; French and/or Spanish beneficial depending on trajectory
  • Language courses offered in Semesters 1 and 3 to support trajectory needs

Admissions may be conditional on obtaining final degree certificate or language proof before programme start.

Application Process

  1. Create personal account through the online Application, Information and Management (AIM) tool
  2. Complete application form with academic and personal details
  3. Upload required documents (transcripts, degree certificate or enrolment proof, language certification, CV, motivation letter)
  4. Submit before relevant deadline
  5. Await evaluation by Selection Committee

Detailed procedural guidance is available within the AIM tool after registration.

Awards and Recognition

TROPIMUNDO maintains two annual prizes: the Best Student Award (highest course average) and the Lorenzo Borella Memorial Award (highest thesis mark). Recent laureates include students from the Philippines, Colombia, Belgium, and the Netherlands, demonstrating the programme’s global reach and competitive standards.

Career Outcomes

Graduates enter careers in conservation NGOs, government environmental agencies, international organisations (IUCN, UNEP, UNESCO), research institutions, and environmental consultancy. The joint degree and Europass Certificate, signed by all participating institutions, carry significant recognition across Europe and tropical regions.

Contact and Resources

General inquiries: info@tropimundo.eu
GDPR/privacy inquiries: GDPR@tropimundo.eu

Related scholarships

Official scholarship page: https://tropimundo.eu/

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

Erasmus Mundus: full tuition waiver, monthly living allowance, travel and installation costs. VLIRUOS: full funding for priority country applicants on Kenya/Philippines trajectories. Self-funded: €9,000/year (non-EU) or €4,500/year (EU/associated), with €500 restitution per €4,500 paid.

Eligibility Criteria

BSc in Biology, Natural Sciences, Environmental Sciences or equivalent (180 ECTS). English proficiency required; French/Spanish beneficial. All nationalities eligible for Erasmus Mundus scholarships; VLIRUOS scholarships prioritise specific developing countries.

Required Documents

Bachelor degree certificate or proof of enrolment, academic transcripts, English language certification, CV, motivation letter. Additional documents may be specified in AIM tool.

Application Process

1) Register for personal AIM tool account, 2) Complete online application form, 3) Upload required documents, 4) Submit before deadline, 5) Await Selection Committee evaluation. Scholarship and self-funded applications evaluated in batches after first call deadline.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Admissions may be conditional upon obtaining your Bachelor diploma before the start of the academic year. You can apply with proof of current enrolment and transcripts, but must provide final documentation before programme commencement.
African applicants are well-represented and specifically supported through VLIRUOS priority country funding and established partnerships with Senegalese, Beninese, Cameroonian, and Kenyan universities. Selection is competitive and based on excellence criteria, but the programme actively recruits from tropical regions where field expertise is most relevant.
English proficiency is mandatory. French and/or Spanish are beneficial depending on your chosen trajectory, but not required for admission. Free language courses are offered in Semesters 1 and 3 to prepare you for fieldwork in your specific tropical location.
Self-funded students from Zimbabwe and most non-European countries pay €9,000 per year (€18,000 total). However, you receive €500 back for each €4,500 paid, effectively reducing costs by approximately 11%. This covers tuition and insurance only—you must budget separately for visas, accommodation, living expenses, and travel.
The first call for scholarship seekers intending to start in 2027-2028 closes in November 2027. The exact date is not specified in published materials—applicants should monitor the AIM tool after registration. The next scholarship call for 2028-2029 opens September 2027.
You choose from partner universities in the Caribbean (French Guiana), Amazonia (Colombia, Brazil), Africa (Senegal, Benin, Cameroon, Kenya), Asia (Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Philippines), or Oceania (New Caledonia, Reunion Island). African students often select African partners to build regional expertise, though mobility to other regions is encouraged.

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