1. Introduction
Are you interested in humanitarian work, international development, disaster response or refugee assistance? The NOHA Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree in International Humanitarian Action offers an opportunity to study at several European universities while developing the skills needed to work in humanitarian organisations around the world.
The programme brings together universities across Europe to provide multidisciplinary postgraduate training in humanitarian action.
Students explore issues such as humanitarian emergencies, international law, conflict, public health, disaster management, migration and humanitarian policy.
The programme also offers Erasmus Mundus scholarships to outstanding international applicants, including eligible candidates from African countries.
The application period for the 2027–2029 intake opened on 1 October 2026.
The deadline for Erasmus Mundus scholarship applications is 15 December 2026.
This guide explains the programme, scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements and application process. It also provides practical guidance for applicants interested in building careers in humanitarian assistance and international development.
2. Scholarship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | NOHA Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s |
| Full name | International Humanitarian Action |
| Academic intake | 2027–2029 |
| Host region | Europe and international partner locations |
| Level | Master’s |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Study structure | Four semesters |
| Total credits | 120 ECTS |
| Funding | Erasmus Mundus scholarship |
| Eligible applicants | International graduates, subject to programme and scholarship rules |
| Scholarship deadline | 15 December 2026 |
| Application opening | 1 October 2026 |
| Official website | NOHA Network |
3. What Is the NOHA Programme?
NOHA stands for Network on Humanitarian Action.
It is an international academic network established to provide specialised postgraduate education in humanitarian action.
The programme was developed to respond to the growing need for professionals who understand humanitarian emergencies and can coordinate effective responses.
Today, the NOHA network brings together universities and partner institutions from different parts of the world.
The programme combines academic learning with practical and professional development.
Students study humanitarian issues from several perspectives, including:
- International relations.
- Humanitarian law.
- Public health.
- Disaster response.
- Conflict and peacebuilding.
- Migration and forced displacement.
- Humanitarian management.
- Development cooperation.
The programme is particularly relevant to graduates who want to work with humanitarian NGOs, international organisations, government agencies and development institutions.
4. What the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Covers
Successful Erasmus Mundus scholarship recipients receive financial support towards the cost of participating in the programme.
Monthly scholarship allowance
The Erasmus Mundus scholarship is calculated at €1,400 per month for the maximum 24-month programme duration.
This provides a total contribution of up to €33,600 over two years.
Travel support
The scholarship contributes towards eligible travel expenses associated with participation in the programme.
Installation support
Financial support is provided towards the costs of relocating and establishing yourself in the countries where you will study.
Visa expenses
The scholarship includes a contribution towards eligible visa-related expenses.
Subsistence support
The monthly scholarship is intended to help cover living costs during the programme.
Tuition and participation costs
The Erasmus Mundus scholarship covers the programme participation costs under the scholarship arrangements.
These include tuition, library and laboratory costs and other mandatory programme participation charges.
Important: The scholarship is awarded as a fixed monthly contribution rather than a separate reimbursement of every expense. Applicants should budget carefully for accommodation, travel and personal expenses.
5. Participating Universities
The NOHA programme is delivered through a network of European universities.
The main universities include:
| University | Country |
|---|---|
| Aix-Marseille Université | France |
| University College Dublin | Ireland |
| Ruhr University Bochum | Germany |
| Uppsala University | Sweden |
| University of Groningen | Netherlands |
| University of Warsaw | Poland |
| University of Malta | Malta |
| University of Deusto | Spain |
Students undertake different stages of the programme at participating institutions.
This international structure gives students the opportunity to experience different academic environments and approaches to humanitarian action.
The programme also works with partner universities and institutions in other parts of the world, including Africa.
6. Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the academic and other requirements of the NOHA programme and Erasmus Mundus scholarship.
Academic qualifications
Applicants must hold a completed Bachelor’s degree in a discipline relevant to humanitarian action.
Relevant academic backgrounds may include:
- Social sciences.
- Political science.
- International relations.
- Development studies.
- Sociology.
- Law.
- Public health.
- Medicine.
- Engineering.
- Humanities.
The programme considers applications from graduates of different disciplines because humanitarian work requires knowledge from several academic fields.
Professional and voluntary experience
The selection committee considers applicants’ professional backgrounds and experience in humanitarian issues.
Relevant experience may include:
- Working with NGOs.
- Community development.
- Humanitarian assistance.
- Refugee support.
- Public health initiatives.
- Disaster response.
- Development programmes.
- Voluntary work.
Applicants should explain how their experiences have influenced their interest in humanitarian action.
Motivation and commitment
The programme looks for applicants who demonstrate a genuine interest in humanitarian issues.
Your application should explain why you want to work in this field and how the programme fits your career objectives.
Language requirements
The programme is delivered in different languages depending on the participating university.
English, French and Spanish are used across the network.
For applicants choosing an English-taught pathway, proof of English proficiency is required.
The programme generally expects a level equivalent to C1 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
The exact certificate requirements should be confirmed with the coordinating university.
Applicants seeking an Erasmus Mundus scholarship must provide the complete required documentation by the scholarship deadline.
IELTS, TOEFL and Other English Language Requirements for Fully Funded Scholarships in 2027
International eligibility
The programme is open to applicants from different geographical backgrounds.
African applicants can apply for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship, subject to the programme’s nationality and regional allocation rules.
The 2027–2029 intake includes eight scholarships targeted at students from Partner Countries, as well as additional regional allocations.
The scholarship is highly competitive, and nationality distribution restrictions apply.
7. How the Programme Is Structured
The NOHA Master’s programme lasts two years and consists of four semesters.
Semester 1: Foundation period
Students receive foundational training in humanitarian action.
Subjects include:
- World politics.
- Legal dimensions of humanitarian action.
- People and culture.
- Humanitarian management.
- Public health.
- Research methods.
This stage develops the academic foundation needed for advanced humanitarian studies.
Semester 2: Specialisation period
Students move to another participating university for specialised study.
Available specialisation areas include:
- Legal and geopolitical approaches to humanitarian action.
- Localising humanitarian assistance.
- Forced migration and human security.
- Humanitarian analysis and intervention design.
- Humanitarian policy and practice.
- Armed conflict and humanitarian action.
- Protection in humanitarian action.
- Conflict, peacebuilding and religion.
Semester 3: Contextualisation period
Students gain a deeper understanding of humanitarian action in different regional settings.
Regional training opportunities are available through partner institutions in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and other regions.
African applicants may find the regional training opportunities particularly relevant to understanding humanitarian challenges on the continent.
Semester 4: Master’s thesis
Students complete their Master’s thesis under academic supervision.
The research provides an opportunity to investigate a specific humanitarian issue in greater depth.
8. How to Apply
The application is completed online through the NOHA application system.
Step 1: Visit the official programme website
Start by reviewing the programme structure, participating universities and admission requirements.
Official website:
https://www.nohanet.org/masters
Step 2: Check the academic requirements
Confirm that your Bachelor’s degree is relevant to humanitarian action.
Review the language requirements of the university where you intend to begin your studies.
Step 3: Prepare your application documents
Applicants should prepare the required documents, which may include:
- Academic certificates.
- Full academic transcripts.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Motivation statement.
- Evidence of language proficiency.
- Identification document.
- Information about professional or voluntary experience.
- Other documents specified by the programme.
How to Write a Winning Statement of Purpose for Graduate Scholarships
Check the application instructions carefully to avoid submitting an incomplete application.
Step 4: Complete the online application
Use the official NOHA application form.
All applications must be submitted through the online application system.
Step 5: Apply for Erasmus Mundus funding
Indicate that you wish to be considered for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship.
There is no separate additional document specifically required for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship beyond the complete programme application and its required supporting documents.
Step 6: Submit before the deadline
The deadline for Erasmus Mundus scholarship applications is:
15 December 2026.
Ensure that all required documents have been submitted before the deadline.
9. Practical Advice for Applicants
Demonstrate your understanding of humanitarian challenges
Your motivation statement should show that you understand the challenges humanitarian organisations face.
You could discuss issues such as:
- Displacement and refugee protection.
- Food insecurity.
- Conflict and insecurity.
- Climate-related disasters.
- Public health emergencies.
- Gender-based violence.
- Access to education during emergencies.
- Humanitarian assistance for vulnerable communities.
Connect your academic background to humanitarian action
Even if your degree is not specifically in humanitarian studies, explain how your academic background can contribute to the field.
For example, an engineering graduate could discuss water and sanitation infrastructure in emergency settings.
A medical graduate could explain an interest in public health responses during humanitarian crises.
A law graduate could focus on refugee protection and international humanitarian law.
Highlight relevant practical experience
Humanitarian experience does not always come from working for a large international organisation.
Community projects, volunteering, local NGOs, social initiatives and development activities can help demonstrate your commitment.
Be specific about your responsibilities and contributions.
Research the participating universities
Understand how the different universities contribute to the programme.
Identify the specialisation that best matches your career plans.
Your application should demonstrate that you understand the value of studying across several institutions.
10. Videos and Experiences from Previous NOHA and Erasmus Mundus Scholars
Learning from previous scholars can help you understand what studying through an Erasmus Mundus programme involves.
1. Tushita – NOHA Erasmus Mundus Scholarship recipient
Tushita, from India, received an Erasmus Mundus scholarship for the NOHA International Humanitarian Action Master’s programme.
Her experience provides insight into the academic and international nature of the programme.
Read her experience through the Erasmus Mundus Association
2. Roger Gutiérrez – NOHA graduate interview
Roger Gutiérrez Salgado is a former NOHA student who later worked as a humanitarian aid project manager.
His interview provides an opportunity to understand how the programme can connect postgraduate education with a career in humanitarian assistance.
Read the interview published by the University of Deusto
3. NOHA Erasmus Mundus student experiences
Watch videos and interviews from students who have studied International Humanitarian Action through the NOHA network.
Watch NOHA student experiences on YouTube
4. Understanding Erasmus Mundus applications
Applicants who have never applied for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship should learn about the application process, motivation statements and selection procedures.
Kenyan born Laurine Owino, Master’s recipient of the fully funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship who pursued a Master’s degree in Cyber Security shares her journey on The Management Diary YouTube channel
11. Official Application Link and Last Verified Date
Official programme website:
https://www.nohanet.org/masters
Erasmus Mundus scholarship deadline: 15 December 2026.
Application opening: 1 October 2026.
Last verified: 13 November 2026.
Applicants should check the official NOHA website for the latest application instructions, scholarship allocations and eligibility requirements.