Erasmus Mundus IMRD Scholarship 2026 | Master in Rural Development

The Erasmus Mundus IMRD Scholarship 2026 is a two-year joint master’s program for students who want to solve real problems in rural areas like poverty, food security, and sustainable farming. You learn about agricultural economics, rural policies, and how to make villages stronger. The program mixes technical and social sciences with lots of mobility. You study in Europe and often outside Europe at top universities. The Erasmus Mundus IMRD program starts in September 2026 and offers full scholarships to the best students from any country. You should also see the Erasmus Mundus MAiSI Scholarship 2026.

Details About the Erasmus Mundus IMRD Scholarship

Feature	Details
Program Name	IMRD – International Master in Rural Development
Duration	2 years full-time (120 ECTS)
Degree Type	Joint or double master’s degree
Host Countries	Belgium, Spain, France, Italy, Slovakia, Germany, and global partners
Funded By	Erasmus+ Programme – European Union
Total Scholarships	Around 20–25 full scholarships each year
Start Date	September 2026
Application Opens	October 2025
Scholarship Deadline	March 2026
Self-funded Deadline	June 2026
Contact	imrd@ugent.be
Official Website	https://www.imrd.ugent.be

Host Universities

• Ghent University (Belgium) – coordinator, strong in development
• University of Córdoba (Spain) – expert in Mediterranean agriculture
• AgroParisTech (France) – leader in rural economics
• University of Pisa (Italy) – good in agri-food systems
• Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (Slovakia) – focus on Eastern Europe
• Humboldt University of Berlin (Germany) – top in sustainability

What Students Learn

• Rural economics and policies
• Sustainable farming and food security
• Rural sociology and community development
• Research methods and case studies
• How to work with farmers and governments
• Field trips to real rural areas

See Also: WE‑TEAM Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2026.

Why Choose the IMRD Program

• One of the best Erasmus Mundus programs for rural development
• Study in at least two European countries + possible non-EU
• Full scholarship covers everything
• Real case study in summer with team work
• Optional internships worldwide
• Joint or double degree good for jobs
• Strong alumni network in NGOs and agencies

Study Path and Mobility

1. Semester 1 – Ghent University, Belgium General entrance module.
2. Semester 2 – Choose one university Advanced module I.
3. Summer – Case Study (10 ECTS) Group project in Europe or outside.
4. Semester 3 – Choose one university Advanced module II.
5. Semester 4 – Any partner Master’s thesis (30 ECTS).

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor degree in agriculture, economics, social sciences, or related
• English Proficiency is required like IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 90, or similar
• Good grades
• Interest in rural issues

Documents Required

• University transcripts and degree certificate
• Motivation letter
• CV
• Two recommendation letters
• Passport copy
• English test result

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fee paid
• Travel money
• Stipend every month for 24 months = €33,600 total
• Installation allowance
• Health insurance

Application Tips

• Write why you care about rural development
• Show any farm, development, or research project
• Get strong letters from teachers
• Apply in October 2025
• Keep motivation letter clear and passionate
• Mention mobility readiness

How to Apply For Erasmus Mundus IMRD Scholarship

1. Go to https://www.imrd.ugent.be and Click Apply.
2. Fill online form.
3. Upload all documents.
4. Submit by March 2026 for scholarship.
5. Results in spring 2026.

Career Opportunities

• Rural development officer
• Policy advisor in agriculture
• Work at FAO or EU
• Consultant for sustainable farming
• Researcher in rural studies
• NGO leader in food security
• PhD with funding

Average starting salary: €35,000–€55,000 per year in Europe.

FAQs

Official Sources

• Erasmus Mundus Catalogue.