Applications are now available for the Erasmus Mundus IMQP Scholarship 2026. It is a two-year joint masters program for students who want to become experts in studying human prehistory, ancient environments and cultural heritage using modern science. You learn how early humans lived, how climates changed over millions of years, and how to preserve archaeological sites and artifacts. The program mixes archaeology, paleoanthropology, Quaternary geology, and heritage science with real excavations, lab work and museum training. You study in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and the Philippines at five leading universities. The Erasmus Mundus IMQP program starts in September 2026 and offers full scholarships to the best students from any country. You may also like Erasmus Mundus EPH+ Scholarship 2026 | Europubhealth+.
Details About the Erasmus Mundus IMQP Scholarship
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | IMQP – Quaternary and Prehistory |
| Duration | 2 years full-time (120 ECTS) |
| Degree Type | Joint master’s degree from multiple universities |
| Host Countries | Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Philippines |
| Funded By | Erasmus+ Programme – European Union |
| Total Scholarships | Around 15–20 full scholarships each year |
| Monthly Money | €1,400 for 24 months |
| Start Date | September 2026 |
| Application Opens | Expected November 2025 |
| Scholarship Deadline | February 2026 |
| Contact | Via partner university portals |
| Official Website | Check partner universities (coordinated by Università degli Studi di Ferrara) |
Host Universities
- Università degli Studi di Ferrara (Italy) – coordinator, strong in prehistory, paleoanthropology and Italian archaeological sites with rich research tradition
- Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (France) – expert in human evolution, paleontology and museum-based studies with Paris world-class collections
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili (Spain) – leader in prehistoric archaeology, archaeometry and Mediterranean heritage with Catalan excavation focus
- Instituto Politécnico de Tomar (Portugal) – focus on heritage preservation, cultural resource management and Iberian prehistory
- University of the Philippines Diliman (Philippines) – partner for Asian prehistory, Southeast Asian archaeology and additional diploma option
What Students Learn from Erasmus IMQP
- Prehistory and early human cultures, tools, and symbolic behavior.
- Human evolution and paleoanthropology of biological and cultural changes.
- Quaternary geology and environmental changes over the last 2.6 million years.
- Chronology and dating techniques for ancient sites and artifacts.
- Paleontology and faunal evolution in prehistoric ecosystems.
- Archaeometry and scientific analysis of materials like isotopes and geochemistry.
- Heritage preservation and cultural resource management strategies.
- Field excavation methods and laboratory analysis of prehistoric finds.
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Why Choose the IMQP Program
- Unique blend of prehistory, Quaternary science, and heritage management.
- Study in five countries across Europe and Asia for global prehistory views.
- Full scholarship covers tuition, living, and travel costs.
- Hands-on excavations and lab work at real prehistoric sites.
- Small international class for personal mentoring and collaboration.
- Joint degree from top universities valued by museums and research.
- Preparation for urgent work in cultural heritage and human evolution.
- Strong network with museums, UNESCO, and international researchers.
Study Path and Mobility
- Semester 1 – One partner university Foundational courses in prehistory, archaeology, and Quaternary basics.
- Semester 2 – Second partner university Advanced scientific methods, dating, and paleontology.
- Semester 3 – Third partner university Specialization in archaeometry, conservation, or regional prehistory.
- Semester 4 – Any partner institution or affiliated lab Master’s thesis with original research or fieldwork.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor degree in archaeology, prehistory, anthropology, paleontology, Quaternary geology, natural sciences, or related.
- Strong academic record.
- English proficiency – IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90.
- Motivation for prehistoric research and heritage.
Documents Required
- Bachelor diploma and transcripts
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Two recommendation letters
- English test result
- Passport copy
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Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition fee paid
- Travel money €2,000–€3,000 per year
- €1,400 every month for 24 months = €33,600 total
- Health insurance
- Installation allowance €1,000
Application Tips
- Write motivation showing passion for prehistory and scientific archaeology.
- Highlight any excavation, lab, or heritage experience.
- Get strong letters from archaeology or science teachers.
- Apply early when portal opens.
- Show interest in international mobility and fieldwork.
- Be clear on why you want interdisciplinary training.
How to Apply for Erasmus Mundus IMQP Scholarship
- Go to official IMQP website or partner university portal and Check application section.
- Fill online form.
- Upload all documents.
- Submit by expected February 2026 for scholarship.
- Results in spring 2026.
Career Opportunities
- Prehistoric archaeologist in research institutes
- Museum curator or heritage manager
- Paleoanthropology researcher
- Work in UNESCO or national heritage agencies
- Lab specialist in archaeometry
- Field excavation leader
- PhD in Quaternary sciences or prehistory
FAQs
Q1. What is IMQP?
A. Master program on Quaternary and prehistory in five countries.
Q2. Who can apply?
A. Archaeology, anthropology, geology students with good English.
Q3. Do I get fieldwork experience?
A. Yes – excavations and lab work included.