Applications for the Erasmus Mundus IMSISS Scholarship 2027 are open now. The IMSISS Master in Security Intelligence and Strategic Studies is a two year joint master program supported by the European Union. It teaches students about global and regional security challenges. The program covers topics like terrorism, cyber security, energy security, migration and organized crime. It also trains students in intelligence and policy making.
Students study in four European countries during the program. They learn from top professors, researchers and security experts. The universities in this program are located in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy and Czech Republic. The program helps students build skills that are useful for careers in research, defense intelligence and international relations. Also See: Erasmus Mundus FOOD4S Scholarship 2026 – Master in Sustainable Food System.
Key Details About Erasmus Mundus IMSISS Scholarship
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program | International Master in Security Intelligence and Strategic Studies IMSISS |
| Lead University | University of Glasgow UK |
| Duration | 24 months full-time |
| Degree | Joint International Master |
| Scholarship | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master EMJM |
| Scholarship covers | Tuition + deposit + insurance + €1400 per month subsistence |
| Total subsistence | €33600 over 2 years |
| Who can apply | Applicants worldwide previous EMJM recipients excluded |
| English requirement | IELTS Academic 6.5 overall min 6.0 per component |
| Scholarship deadline | 7 January 2027 13:00 UK time |
| Self-funded deadline international | 8 July 2027 |
| Teaching begins | September 2027 |
Host Universities
- University of Glasgow (UK)
- Dublin City University (Ireland)
- University of Trento (Italy)
- Charles University (Czech Republic)
What Students Learn
The IMSISS program focuses on global security issues and international relations. Students learn both theory and real world applications.
Main study areas include:
- Terrorism and counter terrorism
- Cyber security and digital threats
- Migration and border policy
- Energy and resource security
- Transnational organized crime
- Intelligence and strategic policy making
By the end of the program students understand how security policies are made and how intelligence is used to protect nations.
Why Choose IMSISS
- Study in four countries and gain international experience.
- Learn from top experts in global security and intelligence.
- Attend seminars and workshops with real professionals.
- Work on research projects and internships.
- Get access to modern tools for analysis and data work.
- Graduate with a joint degree recognized across Europe.
Study Path and Mobility
Students move to a new country each semester to study different areas of security.
- First Semester – University of Glasgow United Kingdom
You study the basic subjects of security strategy and intelligence analysis. - Second Semester – Dublin City University in Ireland or University of Trento in Italy
You can choose your track. Dublin focuses on terrorism, peace building and intelligence. Trento focuses on the causes of conflict and political risk. - Third Semester – Charles University in Czech Republic
You study advanced themes like strategic studies war and peace technology and society or regional security. - Fourth Semester – Any Partner University or Institution
You write your thesis or complete an internship or research project. This helps you gain real experience in security and policy.
This movement gives students wide experience and cultural knowledge which is very helpful for their career.
Three Pathways | Choose Before You Apply
Your first decision is not the scholarship form. It is which pathway fits your academic background and interests. Allocation is not guaranteed so choosing wisely matters.
| Pathway | Universities | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| A | Glasgow → Dublin City → Charles University Prague | Broad eligibility conflict security and technology focus |
| B | Glasgow → Trento → Charles University Prague | Requires B2 language evidence not English or Italian. Computer Science, Engineering and Philosophy backgrounds excluded |
| C | Glasgow → Dublin City → Belgrade | Balkan conflict and peacebuilding focus final accreditation caveat remains in the FAQ |
Pathway B requires additional language evidence. Accepted proof includes specified language certificates a qualifying university language examination or proof that an entire secondary or university program was taught in another language. Italian is not required before arrival.
If your background is in Computer Science Engineering or Philosophy Pathway B is closed to you. Apply to A or C.
Admission Requirements
To apply for the IMSISS Erasmus Mundus program students must:
- Have a Bachelor degree in international relations, political science, security studies or a similar subject.
- Have good grades in their previous studies.
- Prove English language skills with IELTS or TOEFL.
- Submit all required documents before the deadline.
If you choose the Trento study path you might also need Italian language level A2.
The English Requirement
Glasgow’s current requirements accept IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0. Alternatives including PTE Academic, Cambridge and Duolingo are also accepted.
There are degree-based alternatives but one important clarification: a medium of instruction letter from any university is not a blanket exemption. The program specifies defined alternatives. Check the official requirements for your specific qualification.
More importantly a conditional admission offer does not extend the deadline for your English evidence. If your scholarship application requires English proof by 7 January, that date applies regardless of any later offer condition. Missing it means missing scholarship consideration.
Documents Required
- Academic transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Degree certificate or proof of graduation
- Two or three recommendation letters
- Motivation or statement of purpose
- Proof of English language test
- Passport copy
The Erasmus IMSISS Scholarship
The Erasmus Mundus scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fees
- The £2000 place deposit waived for scholars
- Health and accident insurance
- Monthly subsistence support
The subsistence component totals €33600 over two years. How that is paid depends on which arrangement you choose.
Monthly option: €1400 every month for 24 months.
Advance-payment option: Three payments of €1000 at the start for travel and relocation costs then €1275 monthly for 24 months.
Both options pay the same total. The €3000 in advances is not extra money. It comes out of the same €33600 award. Choose based on when your relocation costs fall due, not based on which monthly figure looks larger.
Scholarship applicants should not pay the £2000 deposit before their award outcome is confirmed. Wait for the result. Self-funded students proceeding with an offer must meet their own deposit deadline separately.
For Self-Funded Students
For students not applying for the scholarship published 2027–2029 tuition fees are:
- Home UK EU and EEA category: £9750 per year
- International students: £20260 per year
Glasgow also places EEA nationals and students from Erasmus-associated program countries in the lower fee group. Accommodation, travel and living costs require a separate budget on top of tuition.
Application Deadlines
| Deadline | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Erasmus Mundus Scholarship | 7 January 2027 | Includes English evidence |
| Scholarship Outcomes | April 2027 | Estimated |
| International Self-Funded | 8 July 2027 | |
| Home RUK Self-Funded | 24 August 2027 | See note below |
| Teaching Begins | September 2027 | Induction beforehand |
Application Tips
- Apply early to avoid missing the deadline.
- Write a clear motivation letter showing your passion for security studies.
- Mention any work or internship related to defense or research.
- Connect with past students on LinkedIn to get real tips.
- If not selected once apply again with a stronger profile.
How to Apply For Erasmus Mundus IMSISS Scholarship
- Choose your pathway A, B or C based on your background and interests
- Download the scholarship or self-funder form from the official IMSISS application page
- Gather required documents mentioned above
- Write your personal statement (600 words) built around one security question
- Submit through the University of Glasgow portal: postgraduate taught academic year 2027/8 full-time search “Security”
- Upload the completed IMSISS form under “Scholarship Form”
- Ensure all scholarship evidence including English proof, is submitted by 7 January 2027 at 13:00 UK time
There is no need to send papers by post. All applications are done online.
How the Scholarship Is Scored
This is the detail that changes how you should prepare.
The personal statement carries 40 percent of scholarship scoring. Academic merit accounts for 30 percent. Relevant research experience and other activities make up the remaining 30 percent.
The personal statement is not a formality. It is the heaviest single element in the selection process. The word limit is 600 words.
Use those 600 words to build around one specific security question that genuinely interests you show how your academic background prepares you to investigate it and connect it to a clear career direction. A statement that tries to cover everything will almost certainly cover nothing well enough.
Career Opportunities
After finishing the IMSISS Erasmus Mundus program students can work in:
- Government ministries and intelligence agencies
- International organizations like UN or EU
- Security and defense companies
- Think tanks and policy research centers
- Universities and research groups
Graduates of IMSISS work in areas like counter terrorism cyber security foreign policy and intelligence analysis.
